Michigan Humanities Opens Applications for New MI Museums Grant Program

FLINT, Michigan — Michigan Humanities is now accepting applications for a new initiative, MI Museums, through August 13. The three-year grant and training program is designed for Michigan museums with an annual operating budget of $250,000 or less, aiming to build capacity through three phases: stabilize, grow, and thrive.

Ten sites will be selected to work together as a cohort. Each will receive up to $57,000 over three years, along with expert-led training in areas such as strategic planning, accessibility, board development, and fundraising, tailored to needs identified by participating organizations.

Michigan Humanities President and CEO Jennifer Rupp said, “We are looking forward to bringing together a cohort of museums to work and grow together over the next three years,” adding that the program could help shape a national model for capacity building among public humanities organizations.

The program is intended to address common challenges facing smaller Michigan museums, including funding gaps, staff shortages, and inadequate infrastructure, through workshops and convenings focused on long-term sustainability.

Award notifications will go out by October 2026, with the program beginning shortly after.

Visit Michigan Humanities’ website or call Director of Grants James Nelson at jnelson@mihumanities.org or (517) 372-7770 for more information.