"IMLS Calls for 2008 Museums for America Grant Applications"
2007-09-24 until 2007-11-01
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Washington, DC, USA United States of America

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is accepting grant applications for the agency's FY 2008 Museums for America (MFA) program. Through the MFA program, the Institute provides support for essential and worthy projects that help museums further their missions, achieve their goals, and provide value to their communities. Museums for America grants benefit museums of all sizes and types, in all parts of the country. This year's guidelines have been modified to make the application process quicker and more user-friendly.

The grant categories have been clarified to underscore the goal of the program: to build the capacity of museums to serve the public. The three categories of Museums for America activities include:

1. Engaging Communities (Education, Exhibition, and Interpretation)
2. Building Institutional Capacity (Management, Policy and Training)
3. Collections Stewardship

Through these new, broad categories, the grants will provide funds for the full range of museum programs and activities, including digitization, staff training, research, exhibitions, educational programs, community partnerships and collections management.

Applicants are required to demonstrate that proposed grant activities are clearly linked to the institution's strategic plan and enhance the museum's ties and value to its community. Although we invite proposals for specific projects, we ask that applicants show that the activities are an investment in the museum's long-term capacity.

Application guidelines and instructions are available at www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/forAmerica.shtm. Please note that the Institute will only accept applications submitted through Grants.gov, the federal government's online application system. All applicants who are using Grants.gov must register with Grants.gov before submitting their application. Applicants who are not already registered should allow at least two weeks to complete this one-time process. For more information on registration, visit www.imls.gov/applicants/grantsgov/checklist.shtm. Please direct any questions about the MFA program to Sandra Narva, Senior Program Officer, 202/653-4634, snarva@imls.gov or Steve Shwartzman, Senior Program Officer, 202/653-4641, sshwartzman@imls.gov.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for the State of District of Columbia

Other Important Exhibitions in United States