Funding for museums, museum organizations, and museum-library partnership

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: <URL: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. <URL: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.)  For additional eligibility information,
please click on: http:

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,
<URL:http://www.imls.gov>.

Eileen Maxwell
Public Affairs Specialist
Institute of Museum and Library Services
1100 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Suite 510
Washington, DC  20506
202-606-8339
Fax: 202-606-8591



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                  Conservation DistList Instance 14:43
                 Distributed: Tuesday, February 6, 2001
                       Message Id: cdl-14-43-007
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