In 2001, the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services
will award approximately $22.6 million in grants to museums, professional
museum service organizations, and museum-library partnerships. Currently,
IMLS is accepting applications for the following grants and encourages all
types of museums, museum service organizations, and libraries to apply.
National Leadership Grants for Museums applicants should develop projects
that encourage creativity in providing public service, meet documented
community needs, and use technology innovatively. Projects that can be
replicated throughout the field, provide broader public access to
collections, and that extend the impact of federal funds through
collaborations are also encouraged:
MUSEUMS ONLINE
This is the first federal grant program designed
specifically to encourage innovative uses of technology by museums.
Applicants are encouraged to develop projects of national significance,
which demonstrate how digital technologies can be used to increase knowledge
and extend valuable services and opportunities to all Americans. Museums
may apply for up to $500,000.
Applications due March 1, 2001.
MUSEUMS IN THE COMMUNITY
This grant program supports museum-community
partnerships that improve the quality of community life. Priority will be
given to applicants that will develop long-term partnerships and address
documented community needs. Museums may apply for up to $500,000.
Applications due March 1, 2001.
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
These grants support programs that address the
professional issues at the core of museum practice such as strategic
planning, professional training, and leadership development. Priority will
be given to applicants that develop programs and materials for small
museums, the largest segment of museums in the country. Museums may apply
for up to $500,000.
Applications due March 1, 2001.
LIBRARY-MUSEUM COLLABORATIONS
These grants support innovative projects
that demonstrate how museums and libraries can work together to expand their
services to the public. Emphasis should be given to serving the community,
using technology, and/or enhancing education. Either the museum or the
library may be the lead applicant and may apply for up to $500,000.
Applications are due April 1, 2001.
Detailed information about each grant category, including application forms
and sample narratives of successful grants can be accessed at:
http://www.imls.gov/grants/museum/mus_nlgm.asp
The Museum Assessment Program is funded by IMLS and is administered by the
American Association of Museums. It is designed to help museums assess
their strengths and weakness and to plan for the future. The grants are
awarded on a first come, first served basis after being approved by the
director of IMLS. The amount of the grant varies and requires modest cost
sharing.
Applications are due March 15, 2001.
http://www.imls.gov/grants/museum/mus_map.asp
Eligibility
All types of museums and libraries, large and small, are eligible for
funding. Eligible museums include aquariums, arboretums and botanical
gardens, art museums, youth museums, general museums, historic houses and
sites, history museums, nature centers, natural history and anthropology
museums, planetariums, science and technology centers, specialized museums,
and zoological parks. (Federally operated and for-profit museums and
libraries may not apply for IMLS funds.)
About the Institute of Museum and Library Service (IMLS) - IMLS is an
independent Federal agency that fosters leadership, innovation, and a
lifetime of learning by supporting the nation's 15,000 museums and 122,000
libraries. Created by the Museum and Library Services Act of 1996, P.L.
104-208, IMLS has an annual budget of $230 million. The Institute receives
policy advice from two Presidentially appointed, Senate confirmed entities:
the National Commission for Libraries and Information Science and the
National Museum Services Board. For more information, including grant
applications, contact IMLS at 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.
202-606-8536, www.imls.gov.
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