As the year winds down, grant-seeking organizations are in full planning mode for 2026. For nonprofits, museums, researchers, and individual artists in the arts and humanities sector, this is a critical time to identify major funding opportunities.
Sifting through endless databases to find legitimate, high-value grants with future deadlines can be a monumental task.
We've done the hard work for you.
This list features four significant grants from federal agencies and prestigious foundations that are accepting applications for their upcoming cycles.
Each one has been verified from an official source, with key details to help you determine your eligibility and prepare a winning proposal.
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS): Museums for America
The Museums for America (MFA) program is one of the flagship grants from the IMLS, supporting projects that strengthen the ability of individual museums to serve their communities.
This is a highly competitive and prestigious grant perfect for institutions looking to fund high-impact learning experiences, community anchor projects, and collections stewardship.
- Funding Amount: $25,000 to $250,000
- Anticipated Deadline: November 15, 2025 (This is just weeks away!)
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility is specific to museum-type institutions.
You can apply if you are:
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A unit of state, local, or tribal government.
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A private, nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status.
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Located in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S.
Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
- An eligible museum type, which includes aquariums, arboretums, botanical gardens, art museums, children's museums, general museums, historic houses, history museums, natural history museums, planetariums, science centers, specialized museums, and zoos.
What You Need to Know
The MFA program funds projects in three categories: Lifelong Learning, Community Anchors & Catalysts, and Collections Stewardship & Access.
Your proposal must clearly align with one of these areas.
Successful applications demonstrate a deep understanding of community needs and present a well-defined project with measurable outcomes.
The IMLS places a strong emphasis on projects that address inclusion and accessibility for all audiences.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov.
You will need to have an active SAM.gov registration, which can take several weeks to process, so start now if you don't have one.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) contains all the detailed instructions and required forms.
View the Official Grant Page and Application Details
The Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant
For individual artists, the Pollock-Krasner Foundation grant is a lifeline.
Established to support the legacies of Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner, this grant provides financial resources for professional visual artists.
Unlike project-based grants, this funding can be used for personal and professional expenses, including studio space, supplies, and medical costs.
- Funding Amount: Awards range from $5,000 to $30,000 based on need and circumstance.
- Deadline: Rolling (Applications accepted year-round)
Who Can Apply?
This grant is for individual artists only.
The foundation has specific criteria:
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You must be a mid-career, professional artist with a substantial body of work.
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Applicants must demonstrate recognizable artistic merit and financial need.
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The grant is open to painters, sculptors, and artists who work on paper, including printmakers.
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It does not fund photography, video, performance art, or commercial artists.
What You Need to Know
The rolling deadline is a major advantage, allowing artists to apply when they need it most.
The application requires a cover letter, a current CV, and high-quality images of your recent work.
The foundation's review process is rigorous and focuses on the quality of your portfolio and your demonstrated commitment to your craft.
This isn't for emerging artists; it's designed to give established professionals stability.
How to Apply
The entire application process is handled through the foundation's online portal.
Be prepared to upload digital images of 10 works from the last 10 years and provide detailed financial information.
Start Your Application on the PKF Website
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): Grants for Arts Projects
The NEA's Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) is one of the most significant sources of federal funding for arts organizations across the country.
It supports public engagement with, and access to, various forms of art, including dance, music, theater, visual arts, and literature.
Funding is available across 15 different artistic disciplines.
- Funding Amount: $10,000 to $100,000
- Anticipated Deadline: February 13, 2026 (for the first 2026 cycle)
Who Can Apply?
This grant is primarily for organizations, not individuals.
Key eligibility requirements include:
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501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
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Units of state or local government.
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Federally recognized tribal communities.
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Applicants must have a three-year history of arts programming prior to the application deadline.
What You Need to Know
NEA applications are reviewed based on two core criteria: artistic excellence and artistic merit.
This includes the quality of the artists and work involved, as well as the project's potential to reach and engage the public.
The NEA is particularly interested in projects that serve historically underserved communities. A 1:1 non-federal cost share is required, meaning you must match the funds you request.
How to Apply
This is a two-part application process.
Part 1 is submitted via Grants.gov, and Part 2 is completed in the NEA's Applicant Portal.
The deadlines are firm, so it's crucial to register and get familiar with both systems well in advance.
Find Guidelines and Application Links on the NEA Website
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH): Fellowships
For scholars, researchers, and educators in the humanities, the NEH Fellowship is a premier award.
It provides significant funding for individuals to pursue advanced research projects that are of value to humanities scholars, general audiences, or both.
These fellowships support continuous full-time work for a period of six to twelve months.
- Funding Amount: $60,000 for a 12-month period ($5,000 per month).
- Anticipated Deadline: April 12, 2026
Who Can Apply?
This fellowship is for individuals.
Applicants can be:
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U.S. citizens.
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Foreign nationals who have been living in the U.S. for at least three years.
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Independent scholars or individuals affiliated with an institution.
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Applicants must have completed their formal training and not be currently enrolled in a degree program.
What You Need to Know
The NEH Fellowship is highly competitive. A successful application hinges on the intellectual significance of the proposed project.
You must be able to articulate how your research will advance scholarship in your field.
The proposal should include a detailed work plan, a compelling narrative, and a bibliography.
Reviewers are looking for projects that are well-conceived, clearly explained, and promise a major contribution to the humanities.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted directly through the NEH's eGMS (eGMS Reach) portal.
The application requires several components, including a detailed project narrative, a work plan, a CV, and letters of recommendation.
Starting early to secure strong references is essential.