WEBVTT Kind: captions Language: en 1 00:00:24.720 --> 00:00:26.360 Hi, good evening, everybody. 2 00:00:26.800 --> 00:00:30.588 My name is Jibran Villalobos and I'm here with the Institute of 3 00:00:30.588 --> 00:00:34.198 Museum and Library Services Kickoff webinar for the American 4 00:00:34.198 --> 00:00:37.572 Latino Museum Internship and Fellowship Initiative, also 5 00:00:37.572 --> 00:00:38.520 known as ALMIFI. 6 00:00:39.280 --> 00:00:42.307 During this webinar, we'll discuss the basic information 7 00:00:42.307 --> 00:00:45.760 that all applicants should know and review a sample application. 8 00:00:46.280 --> 00:00:49.211 If you have a question during the webinar, please submit it 9 00:00:49.211 --> 00:00:52.191 using the Q&A function and we'll answer questions at the 10 00:00:52.191 --> 00:00:53.120 end of the session. 11 00:00:55.120 --> 00:00:56.600 So let's go ahead and get started. 12 00:00:58.400 --> 00:01:04.190 Let's start by discussing 'What is IMLS'. IMLS is an independent 13 00:01:04.190 --> 00:01:09.713 federal grant making agency and the primary source of federal 14 00:01:09.713 --> 00:01:13.989 support for the nation's museums, libraries and 15 00:01:13.989 --> 00:01:14.880 libraries. 16 00:01:14.960 --> 00:01:18.536 The IMLS vision and mission statements were adopted as part 17 00:01:18.536 --> 00:01:20.920 of the agency's current strategic plan. 18 00:01:21.720 --> 00:01:25.968 Both emphasize that IMLS is here to support museums and libraries 19 00:01:25.968 --> 00:01:28.800 in their work of serving their communities. 20 00:01:29.600 --> 00:01:33.727 IMLS's Vision is a nation where museums and libraries work 21 00:01:33.727 --> 00:01:38.205 together to transform the lives of individuals and communities, 22 00:01:38.205 --> 00:01:42.543 and our mission is to advance, support, and empower America's 23 00:01:42.543 --> 00:01:46.741 museums, libraries, and related organizations through grant 24 00:01:46.741 --> 00:01:49.680 making, research, and policy development. 25 00:01:50.600 --> 00:01:55.098 In our last annual grant cycle, we awarded approximately $40 26 00:01:55.098 --> 00:01:59.818 million in funding to a diverse group of institutions including 27 00:01:59.818 --> 00:02:03.505 art, history, and science museums, zoos, aquaria, 28 00:02:03.505 --> 00:02:07.340 professional associations, universities, and Native 29 00:02:07.340 --> 00:02:08.520 American tribes. 30 00:02:09.120 --> 00:02:12.711 One of our funding opportunities is ALMIFI, which is what we will 31 00:02:12.711 --> 00:02:13.800 be discussing today. 32 00:02:16.320 --> 00:02:20.005 So, what is ALMIFI? That's what we're going to answer in the 33 00:02:20.005 --> 00:02:23.629 next few slides and we will be providing information on the 34 00:02:23.629 --> 00:02:27.254 purpose and intent of this grant program and for whom it is 35 00:02:27.254 --> 00:02:28.040 designed for. 36 00:02:29.320 --> 00:02:33.524 The American Latino History and Culture Program was created by 37 00:02:33.524 --> 00:02:37.596 an Act of Congress in 2020, which authorized the Smithsonian 38 00:02:37.596 --> 00:02:41.400 to create the National Museum of the American Latino and 39 00:02:41.400 --> 00:02:44.938 instructed IMLS to create a grant program to improve 40 00:02:44.938 --> 00:02:49.276 operations, care of collections, and development of professional 41 00:02:49.276 --> 00:02:51.879 management at American Latino museums. 42 00:02:52.560 --> 00:02:56.303 This is referred to as the American Latino Internship and 43 00:02:56.303 --> 00:02:58.240 Fellowship Initiative, ALMIFI. 44 00:03:00.400 --> 00:03:04.046 You can be one of the following types of organizations to be 45 00:03:04.046 --> 00:03:05.720 eligible to apply to ALMIFI. 46 00:03:06.400 --> 00:03:10.337 If you're applying as a museum, you will need to certify that 47 00:03:10.337 --> 00:03:14.401 you use a professional staff are organized on a permanent basis 48 00:03:14.401 --> 00:03:17.640 for essentially educational or aesthetic purposes. 49 00:03:18.080 --> 00:03:22.261 Own or use tangible objects, either animate or inanimate, 50 00:03:22.261 --> 00:03:23.920 care for these objects. 51 00:03:24.280 --> 00:03:28.624 Exhibit these objects to the general public on a regular 52 00:03:28.624 --> 00:03:33.579 basis; at least 120 days a year, and conduct these activities in 53 00:03:33.579 --> 00:03:36.400 facilities that you own or operate. 54 00:03:36.400 --> 00:03:39.320 As a museum, you should keep in mind that all applicants must 55 00:03:39.320 --> 00:03:42.240 meet certain requirements to be eligible for federal funding. 56 00:03:42.880 --> 00:03:46.558 Your organization must be located in one of the United 57 00:03:46.558 --> 00:03:50.236 States' 50 states, its territories, or the District of 58 00:03:50.236 --> 00:03:54.449 Columbia, and your organization must be a unit of state, local 59 00:03:54.449 --> 00:03:58.261 or tribal government or a private nonprofit organization 60 00:03:58.261 --> 00:03:59.800 with tax exempt status. 61 00:04:00.520 --> 00:04:04.520 Institutions of higher education are also eligible to apply. 62 00:04:05.520 --> 00:04:09.282 What is important here is that you must also be in partnership 63 00:04:09.282 --> 00:04:12.865 with an institution of higher education, including Hispanic 64 00:04:12.865 --> 00:04:14.120 Serving Institutions. 65 00:04:14.640 --> 00:04:18.375 The lead applicant can be the university or College in 66 00:04:18.375 --> 00:04:21.160 partnership with a museum or vice versa. 67 00:04:21.920 --> 00:04:25.960 Either is correct, as long as there's a primary partnership in 68 00:04:25.960 --> 00:04:30.000 place between an institution of higher education and a museum. 69 00:04:32.080 --> 00:04:36.310 Your museum may be a stand alone organization or they may be part 70 00:04:36.310 --> 00:04:40.412 of a larger institution such as a college or university, tribe, 71 00:04:40.412 --> 00:04:42.399 or a state or local government. 72 00:04:42.960 --> 00:04:46.918 You could also qualify as a not-for-profit museum service 73 00:04:46.918 --> 00:04:50.603 organization or association whose primary purpose, as 74 00:04:50.603 --> 00:04:54.630 reflected in its mission, is to support museums identified 75 00:04:54.630 --> 00:04:55.040 above. 76 00:04:57.720 --> 00:05:00.200 So now let's talk about 'What Can ALMIFI Fund.' 77 00:05:01.160 --> 00:05:04.679 We will answer the question providing details on the types 78 00:05:04.679 --> 00:05:08.616 of projects and associated goals within the ALMIFI grant program, 79 00:05:08.616 --> 00:05:12.375 as well as offer a summary, some summary data on the number of 80 00:05:12.375 --> 00:05:15.000 ALMIFI projects that were funded last year. 81 00:05:16.600 --> 00:05:19.604 ALMIFI grants are designed to support project based 82 00:05:19.604 --> 00:05:20.240 activities. 83 00:05:20.600 --> 00:05:23.520 So let's take time to consider just exactly what that means. 84 00:05:24.000 --> 00:05:28.605 The Project Management Institute defines a project as a temporary 85 00:05:28.605 --> 00:05:32.791 endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service or 86 00:05:32.791 --> 00:05:33.280 result. 87 00:05:33.920 --> 00:05:37.912 They go on further to explain that a project iis temporary 88 00:05:37.912 --> 00:05:41.702 because it has to define beginning and end in time, and 89 00:05:41.702 --> 00:05:44.680 therefore this defines scope and resources. 90 00:05:45.320 --> 00:05:49.437 And a project is unique in that it is not a routine operation, 91 00:05:49.437 --> 00:05:52.835 but rather a specific set of operations designed to 92 00:05:52.835 --> 00:05:54.600 accomplish a singular goal. 93 00:05:55.640 --> 00:05:58.688 We recommend that you keep the definition in mind as you 94 00:05:58.688 --> 00:06:00.400 conceptualize your IMLS project. 95 00:06:01.000 --> 00:06:05.480 Think of it as a temporary, non routine set of activities which 96 00:06:05.480 --> 00:06:09.680 collectively have a beginning and an end in time, a defined 97 00:06:09.680 --> 00:06:13.180 scope requiring specific resources, and which are 98 00:06:13.180 --> 00:06:16.680 designed to accomplish a specific, singular goal. 99 00:06:19.480 --> 00:06:22.960 Now I want to talk about two program goals for ALMIFI. 100 00:06:23.720 --> 00:06:27.053 Your project must align with one of the two program goals and a 101 00:06:27.053 --> 00:06:28.720 set of corresponding objectives. 102 00:06:29.120 --> 00:06:32.740 Goal and objective choices should be identified clearly in 103 00:06:32.740 --> 00:06:33.600 the narrative. 104 00:06:33.960 --> 00:06:37.800 For this, you'll want to see section D2C. 105 00:06:38.640 --> 00:06:42.240 Goal one is the support of museum based undergraduate 106 00:06:42.240 --> 00:06:43.040 internships. 107 00:06:43.280 --> 00:06:47.200 Its objectives correspond to the types of project AMIFI supports. 108 00:06:47.840 --> 00:06:51.492 An example of this would be developing a new curriculum for 109 00:06:51.492 --> 00:06:55.389 museum studies programs with a lens on American Latino life for 110 00:06:55.389 --> 00:06:57.520 use by museums across the country. 111 00:06:58.080 --> 00:07:01.120 This would correspond to Objective 1.1. 112 00:07:01.600 --> 00:07:06.953 If there is already an existing internship program that is being 113 00:07:06.953 --> 00:07:11.896 expanded in relation to American Latino culture, this could 114 00:07:11.896 --> 00:07:14.120 correspond to Objective 1.2 115 00:07:14.680 --> 00:07:19.284 Goal 2 is about Museums based fellowships to increase museum 116 00:07:19.284 --> 00:07:23.587 career opportunities for individuals focused on American 117 00:07:23.587 --> 00:07:24.719 Latino culture. 118 00:07:25.520 --> 00:07:29.280 The two objectives are parallel to those that we saw in Goal 1. 119 00:07:29.280 --> 00:07:33.613 They support the development or scaling up fellowship models for 120 00:07:33.613 --> 00:07:37.746 museum professionals on topics that increase their ability to 121 00:07:37.746 --> 00:07:41.279 work with museums centering American Latino culture. 122 00:07:42.000 --> 00:07:45.627 Projects in Goal Two would establish or expand advanced 123 00:07:45.627 --> 00:07:48.736 professional studies, mentorship, and practical 124 00:07:48.736 --> 00:07:49.319 research. 125 00:07:52.520 --> 00:07:57.937 All requests must be made between 100,000 and $750,000, 126 00:07:57.937 --> 00:08:02.000 including both direct and indirect costs. 127 00:08:02.640 --> 00:08:07.681 If you ask for less than $100,000 or more than $750,000, 128 00:08:07.681 --> 00:08:12.280 your application will be rejected and not reviewed. 129 00:08:12.920 --> 00:08:15.746 There is no cost share requirement for Almifi, though 130 00:08:15.746 --> 00:08:18.730 you may include one if your organization will contribute 131 00:08:18.730 --> 00:08:20.719 funds toward this particular project. 132 00:08:21.320 --> 00:08:24.863 It's important to note that if you decide to include cost share 133 00:08:24.863 --> 00:08:28.240 in your application, it must be met by the end of the award. 134 00:08:28.720 --> 00:08:31.565 We will hold you to that figure, so keep that in mind when 135 00:08:31.565 --> 00:08:32.000 applying. 136 00:08:32.840 --> 00:08:36.969 Cost share may be in the form of cash, staff, or volunteer time 137 00:08:36.969 --> 00:08:38.840 or third party contributions. 138 00:08:39.160 --> 00:08:43.440 It may not be funds from another federal resource. 139 00:08:44.480 --> 00:08:45.320 Let me repeat that. 140 00:08:45.680 --> 00:08:50.193 It may not be funds from another federal source. In terms of how 141 00:08:50.193 --> 00:08:54.291 many applications you may submit, there is no limit to the 142 00:08:54.291 --> 00:08:58.457 number of applications you can file in response to the FY24 143 00:08:58.457 --> 00:09:00.680 funding announcement for ALMIFI. 144 00:09:01.560 --> 00:09:04.656 As you consider the option to submit more than one 145 00:09:04.656 --> 00:09:08.360 application, we urge you to think about the capacity of your 146 00:09:08.360 --> 00:09:11.760 organization to manage multiple federal awards at once. 147 00:09:13.840 --> 00:09:16.988 The amount of applications received and the amount of 148 00:09:16.988 --> 00:09:19.320 awards made can vary from year to year. 149 00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:23.231 Here's a snapshot of our most recent application and award 150 00:09:23.231 --> 00:09:23.560 cycle. 151 00:09:24.200 --> 00:09:29.790 In FY23, IMLS made eight ALMIFI awards with a total of $4.1 152 00:09:29.790 --> 00:09:32.120 million in federal funds. 153 00:09:32.680 --> 00:09:36.848 We received 22 Almifi applications, resulting in 36% 154 00:09:36.848 --> 00:09:39.680 of those applications being funded. 155 00:09:40.280 --> 00:09:46.601 The average amount of federal funds for each project was 156 00:09:46.601 --> 00:09:47.600 $521,765. 157 00:09:51.720 --> 00:09:53.120 Application Components. 158 00:09:53.560 --> 00:09:56.675 In this section we will introduce the components of an 159 00:09:56.675 --> 00:10:00.017 ALMIFI grant application and provide an overview about the 160 00:10:00.017 --> 00:10:02.793 required, conditionally required, and supporting 161 00:10:02.793 --> 00:10:03.359 documents. 162 00:10:06.160 --> 00:10:08.200 This is a list of the required documents. 163 00:10:08.520 --> 00:10:12.000 All applications must include the documents listed here. 164 00:10:12.400 --> 00:10:16.145 Omission of even just one might result in your application's 165 00:10:16.145 --> 00:10:16.760 rejection. 166 00:10:17.440 --> 00:10:20.259 It is also important to note that there is a 10 page limit 167 00:10:20.259 --> 00:10:21.120 for the narrative. 168 00:10:21.680 --> 00:10:24.729 If you exceed the page limits specified in the Notice of 169 00:10:24.729 --> 00:10:27.886 Funding Opportunity, we must remove the extra pages before 170 00:10:27.886 --> 00:10:29.920 your application goes out for review. 171 00:10:30.480 --> 00:10:34.161 That means your reviewer may see a paragraph or sentence end in 172 00:10:34.161 --> 00:10:37.612 midair and will wonder about your organizational skills and 173 00:10:37.612 --> 00:10:39.280 your attentiveness to detail. 174 00:10:39.800 --> 00:10:44.040 So make sure your content your content, fits right in the page 175 00:10:44.040 --> 00:10:48.281 limits specified, and make sure the number of pages holds when 176 00:10:48.281 --> 00:10:50.840 you convert your document into a PDF. 177 00:10:53.600 --> 00:10:56.899 The second category of application components is that 178 00:10:56.899 --> 00:10:59.160 of conditionally required documents. 179 00:11:00.200 --> 00:11:03.881 Some applications must include one, two, or even all three of 180 00:11:03.881 --> 00:11:07.326 these, and it's your job to figure out which are required 181 00:11:07.326 --> 00:11:07.920 for yours. 182 00:11:08.560 --> 00:11:12.060 If you're applying as a nonprofit, then you must include 183 00:11:12.060 --> 00:11:15.868 your proof of nonprofit status issued by the Internal Revenue 184 00:11:15.868 --> 00:11:16.360 Service. 185 00:11:16.880 --> 00:11:21.258 We will not accept a letter of sales tax exemption as proof of 186 00:11:21.258 --> 00:11:22.440 nonprofit status. 187 00:11:23.080 --> 00:11:26.961 If you're using a federally negotiated indirect cost rate in 188 00:11:26.961 --> 00:11:30.525 your budget, then you must include a copy of your final 189 00:11:30.525 --> 00:11:31.480 rate agreement. 190 00:11:32.040 --> 00:11:36.325 If you will create digital products during the council of 191 00:11:36.325 --> 00:11:40.611 your project, then you must complete and submit a Digital 192 00:11:40.611 --> 00:11:41.719 Products Plan. 193 00:11:41.960 --> 00:11:43.985 Just like the required documents, omission of even one 194 00:11:43.985 --> 00:11:45.680 might result in your application's rejection. 195 00:11:46.800 --> 00:11:51.108 Please note that the term digital product includes 1 196 00:11:51.108 --> 00:11:55.985 Digitized and born digital Content, Resources or Assets and 197 00:11:55.985 --> 00:11:56.880 2 software. 198 00:11:57.440 --> 00:12:00.649 If you are creating any of these types of materials, you must 199 00:12:00.649 --> 00:12:02.720 include the form with your application. 200 00:12:05.080 --> 00:12:08.576 The third group of application components is Supporting 201 00:12:08.576 --> 00:12:11.760 documents, and here is a partial list of examples. 202 00:12:12.640 --> 00:12:14.280 Supporting documents are optional. 203 00:12:14.600 --> 00:12:16.400 You may submit some or none. 204 00:12:16.560 --> 00:12:19.875 Include only those items that will be supplement that will 205 00:12:19.875 --> 00:12:21.280 supplement your proposal. 206 00:12:21.680 --> 00:12:24.760 This is not the place to introduce brand new information. 207 00:12:25.080 --> 00:12:28.444 Rather, as the name suggests, they should lend you support to 208 00:12:28.444 --> 00:12:31.972 your project justification, work plan, and intended results that 209 00:12:31.972 --> 00:12:35.120 you've already spelled out in your application narrative. 210 00:12:35.840 --> 00:12:39.638 For example, have you identified a partner whose involvement is 211 00:12:39.638 --> 00:12:41.360 key to the project's success? 212 00:12:41.840 --> 00:12:45.615 If so, a letter of support or commitment would go a long way 213 00:12:45.615 --> 00:12:49.020 to reassuring reviewers that they are on board and the 214 00:12:49.020 --> 00:12:50.320 project will succeed. 215 00:12:50.960 --> 00:12:53.576 Pictures can help give reviewers, who may not be 216 00:12:53.576 --> 00:12:56.674 familiar with your institution, programs, collections, or 217 00:12:56.674 --> 00:12:59.985 community a better idea of what you're describing within your 218 00:12:59.985 --> 00:13:00.519 narrative. 219 00:13:01.080 --> 00:13:04.417 Vendor quotes or equipment specifications show that you've 220 00:13:04.417 --> 00:13:07.528 done some legwork in getting appropriate estimates for 221 00:13:07.528 --> 00:13:08.320 project costs. 222 00:13:08.920 --> 00:13:11.921 We recommend that you be respectful of your reviewers 223 00:13:11.921 --> 00:13:15.368 time and avoid any temptation to include hundreds of pages of 224 00:13:15.368 --> 00:13:16.480 extraneous material. 225 00:13:17.040 --> 00:13:20.688 Being judicious really does work to your benefit, as support 226 00:13:20.688 --> 00:13:23.320 documents can make or break an application. 227 00:13:23.800 --> 00:13:27.397 Include what is important, helpful, and directly relevant 228 00:13:27.397 --> 00:13:29.320 to your project and stop there. 229 00:13:31.720 --> 00:13:34.878 In the following sections of this presentation, we will focus 230 00:13:34.878 --> 00:13:37.680 on these application components, Narrative and Budget. 231 00:13:38.480 --> 00:13:41.522 Go to the Notice of Funding Opportunity for complete 232 00:13:41.522 --> 00:13:44.679 instructions on how to prepare and complete all of the 233 00:13:44.679 --> 00:13:45.999 application components. 234 00:13:48.280 --> 00:13:50.760 So let's talk about the narrative of your proposal. 235 00:13:51.120 --> 00:13:55.159 You have 10 pages to address three very important sections: 236 00:13:55.159 --> 00:13:59.400 Project Justification, Project Work Plan, and Project Results. 237 00:14:00.080 --> 00:14:03.066 The Notice of Funding Opportunity provides lengthy 238 00:14:03.066 --> 00:14:05.760 guidance on what the narratives should cover. 239 00:14:08.680 --> 00:14:10.920 1st is the project justification. 240 00:14:11.560 --> 00:14:15.498 What need, problem or challenge will your project address and 241 00:14:15.498 --> 00:14:16.960 how is that identified? 242 00:14:17.440 --> 00:14:21.378 Describe how you have used your demographic information, 243 00:14:21.378 --> 00:14:25.316 economic circumstances, condition assessments, and other 244 00:14:25.316 --> 00:14:29.185 relevant data from reliable sources to define the need, 245 00:14:29.185 --> 00:14:32.847 problem, or challenge, and develop the scope for the 246 00:14:32.847 --> 00:14:33.400 project. 247 00:14:34.240 --> 00:14:37.001 Who is the target group for your project and how have they been 248 00:14:37.001 --> 00:14:38.080 involved in the planning? 249 00:14:38.520 --> 00:14:42.202 Target group refers to those who will be most immediately and 250 00:14:42.202 --> 00:14:44.400 positively affected by your project. 251 00:14:45.160 --> 00:14:48.424 Identify the number of individuals in the target group, 252 00:14:48.424 --> 00:14:52.096 or in each target group if you identify more than one, who are 253 00:14:52.096 --> 00:14:54.719 the ultimate beneficiaries for this project. 254 00:14:55.200 --> 00:14:59.264 Beneficiaries can refer to those who are likely to be added in 255 00:14:59.264 --> 00:15:01.200 the long term by your project. 256 00:15:01.920 --> 00:15:05.160 They may or may not be the same as your target group. 257 00:15:05.760 --> 00:15:08.848 Identify the number of individuals who will benefit 258 00:15:08.848 --> 00:15:12.531 from your project in the long term if reliable and defensible 259 00:15:12.531 --> 00:15:13.720 counts are possible. 260 00:15:14.320 --> 00:15:16.921 Otherwise, describe the characteristics of the 261 00:15:16.921 --> 00:15:20.077 beneficiaries you expect to be served eventually by your 262 00:15:20.077 --> 00:15:20.519 project. 263 00:15:23.320 --> 00:15:27.614 So now let's see how an actual ALMIFI applicant addressed this 264 00:15:27.614 --> 00:15:28.160 section. 265 00:15:28.840 --> 00:15:32.950 The University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley applied for and 266 00:15:32.950 --> 00:15:35.320 received AMIFI funding last year. 267 00:15:35.800 --> 00:15:39.228 We'll use their application to discuss how an applicant may 268 00:15:39.228 --> 00:15:40.600 respond to each section. 269 00:15:41.800 --> 00:15:42.880 So here's an example. 270 00:15:43.360 --> 00:15:47.669 When explaining their program goal, UTRGV cited specific 271 00:15:47.669 --> 00:15:49.560 objectives from the NOFO. 272 00:15:51.160 --> 00:15:56.614 They plan to address objectives 1.2 and 2.1 through the creation 273 00:15:56.614 --> 00:15:59.720 of paid internships and fellowships. 274 00:16:03.880 --> 00:16:07.939 To justify the need for this program, UTRGV provides data on 275 00:16:07.939 --> 00:16:11.000 the number of students receiving Pell Grants. 276 00:16:11.560 --> 00:16:15.364 They then connect the dots by explaining that Pell Grant 277 00:16:15.364 --> 00:16:19.635 recipients have a high financial need and detailing some of the 278 00:16:19.635 --> 00:16:23.839 costs required to participate in an internship and fellowship. 279 00:16:26.560 --> 00:16:30.438 They tie this all together with the explanation that most of 280 00:16:30.438 --> 00:16:33.236 their students cannot participate in unpaid 281 00:16:33.236 --> 00:16:34.000 internships. 282 00:16:37.840 --> 00:16:40.816 Here are some additional points to keep in mind when defining 283 00:16:40.816 --> 00:16:41.440 your problem. 284 00:16:42.360 --> 00:16:46.686 The federal government wants to invest wants its investments to 285 00:16:46.686 --> 00:16:49.120 result in something getting better. 286 00:16:49.720 --> 00:16:52.636 As you define your need, problem, or challenge, 287 00:16:52.636 --> 00:16:56.463 articulate what will get better as a result of your project as 288 00:16:56.463 --> 00:16:57.800 precisely as possible. 289 00:16:58.440 --> 00:17:01.632 Will your museum be able to expand their services as a 290 00:17:01.632 --> 00:17:03.200 result of additional staff? 291 00:17:03.840 --> 00:17:07.154 Will new graduates be better prepared for the museum field 292 00:17:07.154 --> 00:17:08.840 with the requisite experience? 293 00:17:09.240 --> 00:17:11.320 Will collections be better cared for? 294 00:17:11.760 --> 00:17:13.600 Will their lifespan be extended? 295 00:17:14.120 --> 00:17:17.691 Will access to your collections and the information surrounding 296 00:17:17.691 --> 00:17:18.640 them be expanded? 297 00:17:19.280 --> 00:17:22.640 Identify why it's important that this particular change happens. 298 00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:27.282 Hone your problem definition carefully in clear, succinct 299 00:17:27.282 --> 00:17:27.680 terms. 300 00:17:28.240 --> 00:17:31.976 And lastly, gather and present data that support your problem 301 00:17:31.976 --> 00:17:32.640 definition. 302 00:17:35.080 --> 00:17:38.747 So while UTRGV lists specific areas of study that are likely 303 00:17:38.747 --> 00:17:41.873 to be interested in their internship and fellowship 304 00:17:41.873 --> 00:17:45.480 program, they're also open to students from any discipline. 305 00:17:46.400 --> 00:17:49.922 AMIFI does not set parameters for your target group, but we 306 00:17:49.922 --> 00:17:52.800 need to see that you have defined your audience. 307 00:17:53.680 --> 00:17:57.166 Also, at the bottom of the section, you can see that they 308 00:17:57.166 --> 00:18:00.413 also held a focus group of students from their target 309 00:18:00.413 --> 00:18:03.840 audience to better understand their needs and interests. 310 00:18:08.200 --> 00:18:11.320 Of course, participating students and museums will 311 00:18:11.320 --> 00:18:15.114 benefit from your internship programs, But when answering the 312 00:18:15.114 --> 00:18:18.725 question, you also want to consider the ripple effect that 313 00:18:18.725 --> 00:18:22.091 your program will have throughout the museum field, on 314 00:18:22.091 --> 00:18:24.600 a campus, or even within your community. 315 00:18:27.760 --> 00:18:31.031 In Section E of the Notice of Funding Opportunity, under 316 00:18:31.031 --> 00:18:34.820 Review Criteria, you will find a list of questions that reviewers 317 00:18:34.820 --> 00:18:37.920 are asked to consider when they review your proposal. 318 00:18:38.520 --> 00:18:41.702 It is a good idea to refer to these as you craft your 319 00:18:41.702 --> 00:18:45.532 narrative to be certain you are providing reviewers clear, solid 320 00:18:45.532 --> 00:18:46.240 information. 321 00:18:46.760 --> 00:18:49.453 You will see that they correspond fairly directly with 322 00:18:49.453 --> 00:18:52.000 the prompts you were given to write your narrative. 323 00:18:55.480 --> 00:18:57.760 So now let's talk about your Project work plan. 324 00:18:58.320 --> 00:19:02.484 If the Project Justification section was the Why the Project 325 00:19:02.484 --> 00:19:06.854 Work Plan section is where you identify The who, what, when and 326 00:19:06.854 --> 00:19:10.610 how. Who will do what activities, when, and using what 327 00:19:10.610 --> 00:19:14.911 resources? You should explain how you will track your progress 328 00:19:14.911 --> 00:19:19.076 toward achieving your intended results and what you'll do if 329 00:19:19.076 --> 00:19:20.920 you need to correct course. 330 00:19:21.520 --> 00:19:24.992 We also ask that you think about risks that are inherent in your 331 00:19:24.992 --> 00:19:28.304 particular project, and to tell us how you've taken that into 332 00:19:28.304 --> 00:19:29.640 account in your planning. 333 00:19:30.160 --> 00:19:32.600 I'll say more about that in just a few minutes. 334 00:19:34.520 --> 00:19:38.530 In addition to narrative texts, IMLS applicants are encouraged 335 00:19:38.530 --> 00:19:41.713 to use timelines and other visualization tools to 336 00:19:41.713 --> 00:19:43.560 communicate their work plans. 337 00:19:47.120 --> 00:19:50.897 Your work plan will be built on activities, so it's important to 338 00:19:50.897 --> 00:19:53.280 be clear about just what an activity is. 339 00:19:54.000 --> 00:19:56.520 An activity is something that someone does. 340 00:19:56.720 --> 00:20:00.450 It has a beginning and an end, just like projects, and you know 341 00:20:00.450 --> 00:20:04.240 when you finished it because it doesn't need to be done anymore. 342 00:20:04.840 --> 00:20:09.240 An activity is not a goal, a result or an outcome. 343 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:13.128 Rather, it is something that you do as part of striving to 344 00:20:13.128 --> 00:20:13.880 achieve this. 345 00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:18.771 Aim for a reasonable level of detail in identifying your 346 00:20:18.771 --> 00:20:19.600 activities. 347 00:20:23.080 --> 00:20:27.410 So the primary risk in UTRGV's proposal is that the students 348 00:20:27.410 --> 00:20:30.960 may not provide a high enough quality of service. 349 00:20:31.640 --> 00:20:34.626 To mitigate that risk, the program will require 350 00:20:34.626 --> 00:20:37.800 participants to enroll in a museum studies course. 351 00:20:38.520 --> 00:20:42.405 The program leads will also work closely with partner museums to 352 00:20:42.405 --> 00:20:43.960 ensure their satisfaction. 353 00:20:48.320 --> 00:20:51.640 There is no checklist of risks, but every project has them. 354 00:20:52.160 --> 00:20:54.857 The best proposals will show that you are aware of them and 355 00:20:54.857 --> 00:20:57.240 have thought through a plan for detailing with them. 356 00:20:57.840 --> 00:21:00.720 Look at your activities and think about what could go wrong. 357 00:21:01.360 --> 00:21:05.521 Focus on the ones where you experience your own or that of 358 00:21:05.521 --> 00:21:09.893 your group and yes, that could happen, and identify steps you 359 00:21:09.893 --> 00:21:12.080 would take in response to them. 360 00:21:12.720 --> 00:21:15.640 IMLS knows that things go differently than expected. 361 00:21:15.920 --> 00:21:19.322 We just want you to prepare by identifying implementable 362 00:21:19.322 --> 00:21:19.800 options. 363 00:21:20.600 --> 00:21:23.331 Here are some examples of risk that might be part of your 364 00:21:23.331 --> 00:21:25.640 project for which you might seek ALMIFI funding. 365 00:21:26.280 --> 00:21:29.562 A project may be dependent upon fundraising to generate the cost 366 00:21:29.562 --> 00:21:32.895 share, but it is not complete by the time that the application is 367 00:21:32.895 --> 00:21:33.400 submitted. 368 00:21:33.920 --> 00:21:37.288 What will the institution do if that money is not available by 369 00:21:37.288 --> 00:21:39.480 the time that the project gets underway? 370 00:21:40.240 --> 00:21:43.973 A project may be structured around university interns who 371 00:21:43.973 --> 00:21:47.836 will be selecting and trained according to well thought out 372 00:21:47.836 --> 00:21:48.480 processes. 373 00:21:49.040 --> 00:21:52.080 What will happen if one or more interns drops out? 374 00:21:52.640 --> 00:21:55.320 What's the plan for replacing them mid project? 375 00:21:56.080 --> 00:21:59.550 A project depends on your community partners to achieve 376 00:21:59.550 --> 00:22:02.960 success but one but one partner drops out mid project. 377 00:22:03.160 --> 00:22:04.160 What do you do then? 378 00:22:08.760 --> 00:22:12.551 Almost all projects will include a project director and program 379 00:22:12.551 --> 00:22:16.047 coordinator, but we encourage you to get creative with the 380 00:22:16.047 --> 00:22:19.661 rest of your team, like UTRGV did with their student, family 381 00:22:19.661 --> 00:22:21.320 and faculty advisory boards. 382 00:22:23.040 --> 00:22:26.225 When listing the required resources, it's important to 383 00:22:26.225 --> 00:22:29.815 consider the additional effort needed by staff as well as the 384 00:22:29.815 --> 00:22:30.800 funding required. 385 00:22:31.240 --> 00:22:34.149 You should also be aware that these needs will likely change 386 00:22:34.149 --> 00:22:36.200 throughout the life cycle of your project. 387 00:22:38.400 --> 00:22:43.353 Again, charts and graphs can be a great way to explain complex 388 00:22:43.353 --> 00:22:45.240 ideas in your proposals. 389 00:22:46.080 --> 00:22:49.040 Figure out how to clearly communicate this information 390 00:22:49.040 --> 00:22:50.440 using available resources. 391 00:22:53.280 --> 00:22:57.152 And once again, this is the list of questions in Section E of the 392 00:22:57.152 --> 00:23:00.554 Notice of Funding Opportunity that reviewers are asked to 393 00:23:00.554 --> 00:23:02.960 consider when they review your proposal. 394 00:23:03.400 --> 00:23:07.200 So make sure that your narrative is answering these effectively. 395 00:23:07.760 --> 00:23:11.378 The list ranges from proposed activities, key identified 396 00:23:11.378 --> 00:23:13.600 staff, and measurable information. 397 00:23:16.000 --> 00:23:17.960 So now let's talk about project results. 398 00:23:18.560 --> 00:23:21.526 The third section of your narrative should be devoted to 399 00:23:21.526 --> 00:23:23.920 articulating your project's intended results. 400 00:23:24.400 --> 00:23:27.752 This section is your chance to convince the reviewers that your 401 00:23:27.752 --> 00:23:30.320 project will result in something getting better. 402 00:23:30.880 --> 00:23:33.897 The need or problem you identified in your project 403 00:23:33.897 --> 00:23:37.210 justification will be addressed directly and it will be 404 00:23:37.210 --> 00:23:39.400 diminished or eliminated altogether. 405 00:23:40.040 --> 00:23:43.521 We ask that you tell us what data you will collect and report 406 00:23:43.521 --> 00:23:45.880 in order to measure your project success. 407 00:23:46.560 --> 00:23:50.168 If your project will generate tangible products, and most do, 408 00:23:50.168 --> 00:23:53.544 here's the opportunity to describe them and make the case 409 00:23:53.544 --> 00:23:55.000 that they will be useful. 410 00:23:55.640 --> 00:23:59.010 And last but not least, we ask that you tell us how you will 411 00:23:59.010 --> 00:24:01.000 sustain the benefit of the project. 412 00:24:01.360 --> 00:24:05.588 How will this improvement that you propose to make continue 413 00:24:05.588 --> 00:24:07.280 once your grant is over? 414 00:24:10.520 --> 00:24:14.163 Generally, the benefits of an internship or fellowship program 415 00:24:14.163 --> 00:24:17.518 for students will be the development of museum skills, as 416 00:24:17.518 --> 00:24:19.080 we see in this application. 417 00:24:19.600 --> 00:24:22.800 Those skills will then transfer to the professional world. 418 00:24:25.440 --> 00:24:28.400 But as we mentioned in the beneficiaries example, your 419 00:24:28.400 --> 00:24:31.415 internship and fellowship program will affect more than 420 00:24:31.415 --> 00:24:32.600 just the target group. 421 00:24:33.280 --> 00:24:36.874 As UTRGV writes, interns and fellows will also share what 422 00:24:36.874 --> 00:24:40.468 they learn with their families and their communities as a 423 00:24:40.468 --> 00:24:40.840 whole. 424 00:24:45.200 --> 00:24:48.555 The product section is an opportunity to show the new 425 00:24:48.555 --> 00:24:52.160 resources that will be developed as part of your project. 426 00:24:54.960 --> 00:24:59.180 IMLS always encourages awardees to continue their success beyond 427 00:24:59.180 --> 00:24:59.960 the funding. 428 00:25:00.280 --> 00:25:03.657 When thinking about the sustainability of your project, 429 00:25:03.657 --> 00:25:07.154 consider how funding needs may change to reduce financial 430 00:25:07.154 --> 00:25:10.712 barriers and additional sources of funding that may become 431 00:25:10.712 --> 00:25:12.159 available in the future. 432 00:25:13.800 --> 00:25:17.474 Including supporting documents in the section can help prove 433 00:25:17.474 --> 00:25:18.800 long-term feasibility. 434 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:25.508 Again, here's the list of review questions that reviewers are 435 00:25:25.508 --> 00:25:28.829 asked to consider when they read and score the Project Results 436 00:25:28.829 --> 00:25:30.200 section of your narrative. 437 00:25:30.760 --> 00:25:33.476 These are found in Section E of the Notice of Funding 438 00:25:33.476 --> 00:25:34.080 Opportunity. 439 00:25:34.640 --> 00:25:38.610 All of your results should be should tie back to your need, 440 00:25:38.610 --> 00:25:40.000 problem or challenge. 441 00:25:40.400 --> 00:25:43.970 You may well experience tangential benefits and/or 442 00:25:43.970 --> 00:25:48.380 positive outcomes that make sure that you identify them as 'in 443 00:25:48.380 --> 00:25:52.650 addition to' and not 'instead of' your digital your original 444 00:25:52.650 --> 00:25:53.840 intended results. 445 00:25:54.440 --> 00:25:57.200 Reviewers are likely to see that as a disconnect. 446 00:26:00.440 --> 00:26:03.811 We often hear that defining intended results and success 447 00:26:03.811 --> 00:26:07.006 measures is challenging for applicants, so it's worth 448 00:26:07.006 --> 00:26:08.840 spending a bit of time on this. 449 00:26:11.520 --> 00:26:13.869 Let's think back to the questions we referenced a couple 450 00:26:13.869 --> 00:26:16.424 of slides ago when we talked about defining the need, problem 451 00:26:16.424 --> 00:26:18.320 or challenge that your project is addressing. 452 00:26:18.960 --> 00:26:21.960 If you said someone will learn something, how will you know? 453 00:26:22.680 --> 00:26:26.244 If your problem related to segments of your community being 454 00:26:26.244 --> 00:26:29.928 better able to work together, how will you know when that has 455 00:26:29.928 --> 00:26:30.760 been achieved? 456 00:26:31.160 --> 00:26:34.664 If you're digitizing to expand accessibility, how will you know 457 00:26:34.664 --> 00:26:35.760 when you've done it? 458 00:26:36.360 --> 00:26:39.777 This focus on results and measuring success in meaningful 459 00:26:39.777 --> 00:26:40.720 ways is not new. 460 00:26:41.320 --> 00:26:44.887 There has been a tremendous amount of work done on ways to 461 00:26:44.887 --> 00:26:48.635 measure success. For you as an applicant though, we encourage 462 00:26:48.635 --> 00:26:52.082 you to consider using a logic model or an outcomes-based 463 00:26:52.082 --> 00:26:55.891 Evaluation tool to explain your intended results and your plan 464 00:26:55.891 --> 00:26:57.040 for achieving them. 465 00:26:59.800 --> 00:27:03.560 So to recap, your narrative has three sections, Project 466 00:27:03.560 --> 00:27:07.521 Justification, Project Work Plan, and Project Results, and 467 00:27:07.521 --> 00:27:09.200 you have 10 pages for it. 468 00:27:09.840 --> 00:27:12.400 The sections are all equally important, right? 469 00:27:12.400 --> 00:27:16.592 Clearly address what we ask you to address and keep an eye on 470 00:27:16.592 --> 00:27:18.080 those review criteria. 471 00:27:18.640 --> 00:27:21.760 We're telling you here exactly what the reviewers will look 472 00:27:21.760 --> 00:27:24.880 for, so make it easy for them to find it and understand it. 473 00:27:27.680 --> 00:27:31.024 Application Components In this section we will provide 474 00:27:31.024 --> 00:27:34.552 information on what to include in your project budget and 475 00:27:34.552 --> 00:27:37.653 budget justification, and provide some examples of 476 00:27:37.653 --> 00:27:39.600 allowable and unallowable costs. 477 00:27:41.200 --> 00:27:43.800 An important component of your application is the budget. 478 00:27:44.880 --> 00:27:47.549 This is the part of the application where you specify 479 00:27:47.549 --> 00:27:50.120 all the costs associated with your proposed budget. 480 00:27:50.680 --> 00:27:53.973 The budget consists of two required components, the IMLS 481 00:27:53.973 --> 00:27:56.400 budget form and the budget justification. 482 00:27:57.000 --> 00:28:00.800 The IMLS budget form is a fillable PDF that accommodates 483 00:28:00.800 --> 00:28:04.400 up to three years of project activities and expenses. 484 00:28:05.040 --> 00:28:08.675 The budget should include the project cost that will be 485 00:28:08.675 --> 00:28:12.570 charged grant funds as those that will be supported by cost 486 00:28:12.570 --> 00:28:12.960 share. 487 00:28:12.960 --> 00:28:16.558 In-kind contributions to cost share may include the value of 488 00:28:16.558 --> 00:28:20.333 services, for example, donated volunteer or consultant time, or 489 00:28:20.333 --> 00:28:24.226 equipment donated to the project between the authorized start and 490 00:28:24.226 --> 00:28:25.760 end dates of your project. 491 00:28:26.600 --> 00:28:30.612 All of the items listed, whether supported by grant funds or cost 492 00:28:30.612 --> 00:28:34.139 share, must be necessary to accomplish project objectives 493 00:28:34.139 --> 00:28:37.300 ,allowable according to the applicable federal cost 494 00:28:37.300 --> 00:28:40.888 principles, auditable and incurred during the award period 495 00:28:40.888 --> 00:28:41.800 of performance. 496 00:28:42.480 --> 00:28:45.769 The IMLS budget form can be downloaded directly from the 497 00:28:45.769 --> 00:28:46.520 IMLS website. 498 00:28:49.920 --> 00:28:52.942 As you develop your budget, keep in mind that there are certain 499 00:28:52.942 --> 00:28:55.775 costs that are either allowable or unallowable according to 500 00:28:55.775 --> 00:28:56.719 federal regulations. 501 00:28:57.280 --> 00:29:00.596 The allowability of a cost item for all federal grants are 502 00:29:00.596 --> 00:29:03.520 specified in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 503 00:29:03.760 --> 00:29:09.200 sometimes referred to as two CFR 200, but the full title is Title 504 00:29:09.200 --> 00:29:13.982 2, Subtitle A Chapter two-part 200 Uniform Administrative 505 00:29:13.982 --> 00:29:18.763 Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for 506 00:29:18.763 --> 00:29:20.000 Federal Awards. 507 00:29:20.680 --> 00:29:24.604 Using the two CFR 200 as a basis, we've developed a short 508 00:29:24.604 --> 00:29:28.800 list of allowable costs that are most common to Projects. See 509 00:29:28.800 --> 00:29:32.995 section D6 of the ALMIFI Notice of Funding Opportunity, which 510 00:29:32.995 --> 00:29:36.717 includes a partial list of the most common examples of 511 00:29:36.717 --> 00:29:37.799 allowable costs. 512 00:29:38.360 --> 00:29:42.702 This short list of allowable costs is also shown on this 513 00:29:42.702 --> 00:29:43.160 slide. 514 00:29:44.040 --> 00:29:47.604 These costs may be part of what you ask IMLS to pay for with 515 00:29:47.604 --> 00:29:51.169 federal funds, or what you will pay for as part of your cost 516 00:29:51.169 --> 00:29:51.520 share. 517 00:29:52.200 --> 00:29:56.653 The rules about allowability apply equally to grant funds as 518 00:29:56.653 --> 00:29:58.040 well as cost share. 519 00:29:58.640 --> 00:30:01.926 When completing your project budget, be sure to check that 520 00:30:01.926 --> 00:30:04.990 all the costs you include, whether grant funds or cost 521 00:30:04.990 --> 00:30:06.160 share, are allowable. 522 00:30:08.080 --> 00:30:10.769 There are also some costs that are unallowable according to the 523 00:30:10.769 --> 00:30:12.240 federal regulations in two CFR 200 524 00:30:12.240 --> 00:30:17.181 In section D6 of the ALMIFI Notice of Funding Opportunity, 525 00:30:17.181 --> 00:30:22.040 we also provide an abbreviated list of unallowable costs. 526 00:30:22.560 --> 00:30:24.200 These are also listed on the slide. 527 00:30:24.800 --> 00:30:27.467 Unallowable costs may not be part of what you ask IMLS to pay 528 00:30:27.467 --> 00:30:27.640 for. 529 00:30:27.640 --> 00:30:32.396 Nor can they be part of what you will pay for as part of your 530 00:30:32.396 --> 00:30:33.240 cost share. 531 00:30:33.560 --> 00:30:37.507 In fact, unallowable expenses cannot show up anywhere in your 532 00:30:37.507 --> 00:30:38.080 proposal. 533 00:30:38.720 --> 00:30:40.480 As you prepare your application. 534 00:30:40.480 --> 00:30:43.977 It's a good idea to compare your list of proposed expenses 535 00:30:43.977 --> 00:30:47.474 against these lists of allowable and unallowable costs and 536 00:30:47.474 --> 00:30:50.320 against the appropriate set of cost principles. 537 00:30:51.000 --> 00:30:53.971 If, after that, you have specific questions, please 538 00:30:53.971 --> 00:30:56.200 contact us and we'll be happy to help. 539 00:30:59.480 --> 00:31:02.901 In addition to the IMLS budget form, you will also prepare a 540 00:31:02.901 --> 00:31:04.080 budget justification. 541 00:31:04.520 --> 00:31:07.674 This is an opportunity to provide, in a more detailed 542 00:31:07.674 --> 00:31:11.529 narrative format, an explanation or justification for the project 543 00:31:11.529 --> 00:31:11.880 costs. 544 00:31:12.560 --> 00:31:16.440 The budget justification should be written to follow the cost 545 00:31:16.440 --> 00:31:19.320 categories in the IMLS form; the budget form. 546 00:31:19.960 --> 00:31:24.150 In the justification, you will identify each expense and show 547 00:31:24.150 --> 00:31:28.273 the method of cost computation used to determine each dollar 548 00:31:28.273 --> 00:31:32.126 amount, including any that you may have consolidated and 549 00:31:32.126 --> 00:31:34.559 summarized on the IMLS budget form. 550 00:31:34.920 --> 00:31:36.840 In other words, please show your math. 551 00:31:37.400 --> 00:31:40.905 For example, in the section Salaries and Wages, you should 552 00:31:40.905 --> 00:31:44.410 identify each person whose salary or wages will be paid by 553 00:31:44.410 --> 00:31:48.094 IMLS funds or by cost share, provide their names and describe 554 00:31:48.094 --> 00:31:49.520 the role in the project. 555 00:31:50.000 --> 00:31:53.628 Document the method of cost computation by including the 556 00:31:53.628 --> 00:31:57.383 base salary or wages for each person and the percentage of 557 00:31:57.383 --> 00:32:01.393 time each person is allocated to the project activities, which 558 00:32:01.393 --> 00:32:05.467 may be shown as a percentage of time, number of days, or number 559 00:32:05.467 --> 00:32:06.039 of hours. 560 00:32:06.640 --> 00:32:10.419 If cost share is being provided by unpaid volunteers, explain 561 00:32:10.419 --> 00:32:14.016 how you arrived at the dollar amount used to represent the 562 00:32:14.016 --> 00:32:15.480 value of their services. 563 00:32:16.440 --> 00:32:19.570 In the section of supplies, materials, and equipment, you 564 00:32:19.570 --> 00:32:23.133 should list each type of supply, material, and equipment that you 565 00:32:23.133 --> 00:32:26.480 propose to purchase or provide as cost share for the project. 566 00:32:27.080 --> 00:32:30.812 Detail the number and unit cost for each item and explain how 567 00:32:30.812 --> 00:32:32.920 you arrived at the dollar amounts. 568 00:32:33.440 --> 00:32:36.798 You may also provide vendor quotes or price list as 569 00:32:36.798 --> 00:32:39.640 supporting documents with your application. 570 00:32:42.480 --> 00:32:47.063 In summary, considering all the components of your application, 571 00:32:47.063 --> 00:32:50.859 there are four general characteristics of successful 572 00:32:50.859 --> 00:32:54.440 AMIFI applications that reviewers will look for. 573 00:32:54.440 --> 00:32:55.996 As you prepare your application, keep these characteristics in 574 00:32:55.996 --> 00:32:56.120 mind. 575 00:32:56.640 --> 00:32:58.640 First, Institutional impact. 576 00:32:58.960 --> 00:33:02.648 Your project should provide opportunities for internships 577 00:33:02.648 --> 00:33:06.210 and fellowships at American Latino museums for students 578 00:33:06.210 --> 00:33:09.772 enrolled in institutions of higher education, including 579 00:33:09.772 --> 00:33:11.680 Hispanic Serving Institutions. 580 00:33:12.360 --> 00:33:14.280 Second, in depth knowledge. 581 00:33:14.680 --> 00:33:17.960 Your proposal should reflect a thorough understanding of 582 00:33:17.960 --> 00:33:21.240 current practice and knowledge about the subject matter. 583 00:33:21.840 --> 00:33:24.880 Third, project-based design. 584 00:33:24.880 --> 00:33:29.460 Your work plan should consist of a set of logical, interrelated 585 00:33:29.460 --> 00:33:33.754 activities tied directly to addressing the key need of your 586 00:33:33.754 --> 00:33:36.760 challenge. And 4th, demonstrable results. 587 00:33:37.320 --> 00:33:40.174 Your project should generate measurable results that tie 588 00:33:40.174 --> 00:33:42.929 directly to the need or challenge that it was designed 589 00:33:42.929 --> 00:33:43.479 to address. 590 00:33:44.400 --> 00:33:47.227 Overall, an application that has all of these four 591 00:33:47.227 --> 00:33:50.665 characteristics will stand out in the review process and will 592 00:33:50.665 --> 00:33:53.160 have the best chance of success for funding. 593 00:33:56.480 --> 00:33:59.605 In this final section of our presentation, we offer some 594 00:33:59.605 --> 00:34:01.360 application tips and next steps. 595 00:34:03.320 --> 00:34:06.835 We want to share with you the places to look For more 596 00:34:06.835 --> 00:34:10.806 information, such as the IMLS website where you can find the 597 00:34:10.806 --> 00:34:14.843 awarded grant search to learn more about the projects we have 598 00:34:14.843 --> 00:34:16.080 funded in the past. 599 00:34:16.600 --> 00:34:20.984 The Awarded Grants section gives you an opportunity to explore 600 00:34:20.984 --> 00:34:25.368 our archive of grants that we have awarded in past years using 601 00:34:25.368 --> 00:34:29.683 a variety of criteria such as institution name, location, and 602 00:34:29.683 --> 00:34:30.240 keyword. 603 00:34:33.800 --> 00:34:37.261 Your search will present basic information about the award and 604 00:34:37.261 --> 00:34:39.240 a brief description of the project. 605 00:34:39.720 --> 00:34:43.112 This can be extremely helpful as you put your ideas together for 606 00:34:43.112 --> 00:34:44.000 your own project. 607 00:34:46.520 --> 00:34:50.045 We have also posted the narrative and schedule of 608 00:34:50.045 --> 00:34:54.487 completion for a cross section of successful applications from 609 00:34:54.487 --> 00:34:54.840 2023. 610 00:34:55.240 --> 00:34:58.553 To find these examples, go to the Sample Application section 611 00:34:58.553 --> 00:34:59.640 on the IMLS website. 612 00:35:01.440 --> 00:35:04.953 We can only make grants to eligible applicants that submit 613 00:35:04.953 --> 00:35:08.705 complete applications, including the attachments, on or before 614 00:35:08.705 --> 00:35:09.480 the deadline. 615 00:35:09.800 --> 00:35:12.040 So here are some tips to help you do just that. 616 00:35:12.480 --> 00:35:13.960 First, start early. 617 00:35:14.160 --> 00:35:16.920 You've already done that by participating in this webinar. 618 00:35:17.960 --> 00:35:20.480 Become familiar with grants.gov's Workspace. 619 00:35:20.800 --> 00:35:23.823 It has many good features including upfront validation 620 00:35:23.823 --> 00:35:27.121 which allows you to correct errors prior to submission, and 621 00:35:27.121 --> 00:35:30.420 the opportunity to collaborate with others in creating your 622 00:35:30.420 --> 00:35:31.079 application. 623 00:35:31.480 --> 00:35:35.274 Consider starting with the workspace overview and check out 624 00:35:35.274 --> 00:35:36.160 the tutorials. 625 00:35:36.800 --> 00:35:38.120 Do your background research. 626 00:35:38.320 --> 00:35:41.533 Make it easy for the reviewers to see that you are up to date 627 00:35:41.533 --> 00:35:43.400 and know what you're talking about. 628 00:35:44.080 --> 00:35:46.000 Be sure that your application is complete. 629 00:35:46.360 --> 00:35:49.498 Check it against the table of application components in the 630 00:35:49.498 --> 00:35:49.760 NOFO. 631 00:35:50.520 --> 00:35:53.662 Make sure all application components are in the proper 632 00:35:53.662 --> 00:35:56.520 format and follow the correct naming conventions. 633 00:35:56.920 --> 00:36:01.087 And lastly, submit to grants.gov early so you can correct any 634 00:36:01.087 --> 00:36:04.380 errors and avoid any drama created by technology 635 00:36:04.380 --> 00:36:05.120 challenges. 636 00:36:08.280 --> 00:36:11.010 It's important to get your application submitted online 637 00:36:11.010 --> 00:36:12.960 through grants.gov before the deadline. 638 00:36:13.560 --> 00:36:17.720 IMLS does not accept applications by mail or e-mail. 639 00:36:18.400 --> 00:36:22.018 In order to register with grants.gov, you must have an 640 00:36:22.018 --> 00:36:25.899 active sam.gov registration and a unique entity identifier 641 00:36:25.899 --> 00:36:26.360 number. 642 00:36:26.800 --> 00:36:30.416 So make sure your registrations for both of these sites are 643 00:36:30.416 --> 00:36:33.911 complete, your accounts are active, and that and that any 644 00:36:33.911 --> 00:36:35.840 necessary passwords are current. 645 00:36:36.320 --> 00:36:39.709 These registrations expire periodically, so do not wait 646 00:36:39.709 --> 00:36:43.280 until it's time to hit the submit button to check on them. 647 00:36:43.920 --> 00:36:46.726 Did you coordinate with any other staff members, such as 648 00:36:46.726 --> 00:36:49.778 your authorized organization representative, who may hold the 649 00:36:49.778 --> 00:36:52.240 accounts or passwords that you'll need to submit? 650 00:36:53.120 --> 00:36:57.821 Both the sam.gov and grants.gov websites have robust help 651 00:36:57.821 --> 00:36:59.280 features and FAQs. 652 00:36:59.720 --> 00:37:03.262 If you run into technical issues with either of these sites, you 653 00:37:03.262 --> 00:37:06.749 should reach out to their help desk and request a tracking case 654 00:37:06.749 --> 00:37:10.128 or ticket number in order to document your issue and attempts 655 00:37:10.128 --> 00:37:11.000 at resolving it. 656 00:37:11.800 --> 00:37:14.087 Failure to have sam.gov or grants.gov registrations by the 657 00:37:14.087 --> 00:37:16.414 application deadline is not an excuse for submitting a late 658 00:37:16.414 --> 00:37:16.880 application. 659 00:37:17.080 --> 00:37:22.280 So again, start early. 660 00:37:24.920 --> 00:37:28.093 There are many components to the application and the narrative, 661 00:37:28.093 --> 00:37:30.920 and it is an essential and critical part of the package. 662 00:37:31.560 --> 00:37:34.834 Peer reviewers, museum professionals from all types of 663 00:37:34.834 --> 00:37:38.347 museums, will be selected by IMLS to read each application 664 00:37:38.347 --> 00:37:41.563 and provide constructive and critical comments on the 665 00:37:41.563 --> 00:37:44.600 strengths and weaknesses of the proposed projects. 666 00:37:45.080 --> 00:37:48.920 They also base the reviews only on the information contained in 667 00:37:48.920 --> 00:37:49.880 the application. 668 00:37:53.200 --> 00:37:56.693 Don't assume that a reviewer of IMLS will know something about 669 00:37:56.693 --> 00:37:58.800 your museum or your proposed project. 670 00:37:59.800 --> 00:38:02.941 To help make sure your narrative is as clear and complete as 671 00:38:02.941 --> 00:38:03.920 possible, try this. 672 00:38:04.520 --> 00:38:07.930 Revisit the ALMIFI Notice of Funding Opportunity and follow 673 00:38:07.930 --> 00:38:09.920 the narrative outline it provides. 674 00:38:10.400 --> 00:38:13.691 Be sure to consider the review criteria associated with each 675 00:38:13.691 --> 00:38:15.040 section of the narrative. 676 00:38:15.760 --> 00:38:19.239 Use headings, subheadings, or numbered sections in your 677 00:38:19.239 --> 00:38:22.160 narrative to make it easy for viewers to read. 678 00:38:22.920 --> 00:38:25.840 Avoid generalities, acronyms, and jargon. 679 00:38:26.400 --> 00:38:29.190 The people who review your application are museum 680 00:38:29.190 --> 00:38:32.651 professionals, but they may not be totally familiar with your 681 00:38:32.651 --> 00:38:33.600 particular field. 682 00:38:34.120 --> 00:38:37.733 In shorthand, make it easy for them to understand what you 683 00:38:37.733 --> 00:38:38.040 mean. 684 00:38:38.040 --> 00:38:41.781 An advantage to starting your application early is you can ask 685 00:38:41.781 --> 00:38:45.344 a colleague to review everything with fresh eyes before you 686 00:38:45.344 --> 00:38:45.760 submit. 687 00:38:46.080 --> 00:38:49.197 Ask them to act like a reviewer who's seeing it for the very 688 00:38:49.197 --> 00:38:49.760 first time. 689 00:38:51.440 --> 00:38:55.101 Here are a few important dates relating to the AMIFI 690 00:38:55.101 --> 00:38:56.000 applications. 691 00:38:56.640 --> 00:39:02.161 Applications must be received through grants.gov by 11:59 692 00:39:02.161 --> 00:39:06.160 Eastern Standard Time on March 1st, 2024. 693 00:39:06.640 --> 00:39:08.600 This date is non negotiable. 694 00:39:09.000 --> 00:39:12.694 The time stamp is auto generated by grants.gov systems and we 695 00:39:12.694 --> 00:39:14.720 have no ability to override them. 696 00:39:15.400 --> 00:39:18.526 We will say this repeatedly to start early and submit your 697 00:39:18.526 --> 00:39:19.480 application early. 698 00:39:19.800 --> 00:39:24.107 That way, if you encounter difficulty of any kind when 699 00:39:24.107 --> 00:39:28.962 submitting your proposal, you still have some time to resolve 700 00:39:28.962 --> 00:39:30.920 the problem and resubmit. 701 00:39:30.920 --> 00:39:33.945 After the application deadline, IMLS staff will review your 702 00:39:33.945 --> 00:39:37.118 application for completeness and eligibility, and you will hear 703 00:39:37.118 --> 00:39:39.400 from us via e-mail if there are any problems. 704 00:39:40.000 --> 00:39:43.754 Next, we will select experienced and knowledgeable peer reviewers 705 00:39:43.754 --> 00:39:47.053 to read your applications and provide scores and comments 706 00:39:47.053 --> 00:39:50.637 based on the criteria outlined in the ALMIFI Notice of Funding 707 00:39:50.637 --> 00:39:51.320 Opportunity. 708 00:39:51.920 --> 00:39:55.733 IMLS staff will examine your budget, your financials, and 709 00:39:55.733 --> 00:39:58.560 track record with past and current grants. 710 00:39:58.880 --> 00:40:04.024 We then prepare materials for the IMLS Deputy Director for 711 00:40:04.024 --> 00:40:06.640 Museums and the IMLS Director. 712 00:40:07.680 --> 00:40:11.263 By law, the IMLS Director is charged with the authority and 713 00:40:11.263 --> 00:40:14.906 responsibility to make these final award decisions, and this 714 00:40:14.906 --> 00:40:16.400 typically happens in May. 715 00:40:17.160 --> 00:40:21.171 In July 2024, we will notify you by e-mail of the award decisions 716 00:40:21.171 --> 00:40:24.272 and provide the scores and comments created by the 717 00:40:24.272 --> 00:40:24.880 reviewers. 718 00:40:25.440 --> 00:40:29.724 ALMIFI projects must be scheduled to start on the first 719 00:40:29.724 --> 00:40:31.560 day of August 1st, 2024. 720 00:40:35.760 --> 00:40:38.561 As you read through the NOFO and perhaps your application, 721 00:40:38.561 --> 00:40:41.600 additional questions may arise before the application deadline. 722 00:40:41.960 --> 00:40:45.650 We can help you with learning more about ALMIFI grant programs 723 00:40:45.650 --> 00:40:49.340 or other grant programs at IMLS, address any specific concerns 724 00:40:49.340 --> 00:40:52.562 with those various application components, or help you 725 00:40:52.562 --> 00:40:54.319 understand the review process. 726 00:40:54.640 --> 00:40:57.920 You may contact IMLS Program staff by e-mail or phone. 727 00:40:58.440 --> 00:41:02.462 Contact information is listed in the Grant Program landing page 728 00:41:02.462 --> 00:41:03.720 on the IMLS website. 729 00:41:04.240 --> 00:41:06.658 You may also schedule a counselling call to meet 730 00:41:06.658 --> 00:41:08.040 directly with program staff. 731 00:41:08.520 --> 00:41:12.772 Use the links found on the grant Program landing page to find an 732 00:41:12.772 --> 00:41:14.800 available time on our calendar. 733 00:41:15.160 --> 00:41:18.402 You will then receive an e-mail with a calendar invite on 734 00:41:18.402 --> 00:41:20.080 Microsoft Teams meeting links. 735 00:41:23.040 --> 00:41:25.200 Thank you for joining me today for this webinar. 736 00:41:25.200 --> 00:41:28.231 I hope that it is helpful and if you encounter any questions, 737 00:41:28.231 --> 00:41:30.040 please feel free to reach out to us. 738 00:41:30.760 --> 00:41:34.212 I want to thank my colleagues for their support in this 739 00:41:34.212 --> 00:41:37.788 webinar who have also been answering some questions in in 740 00:41:37.788 --> 00:41:38.960 during the webinar. 741 00:41:39.800 --> 00:41:43.880 At this time, I think we will be answering questions. 742 00:41:49.000 --> 00:41:49.440 Yes. 743 00:41:49.560 --> 00:41:50.240 Hi everyone. 744 00:41:50.240 --> 00:41:52.160 Hi Gibran, My name is Dorothy Peck. 745 00:41:52.160 --> 00:41:56.133 I am also a colleague at the Institute of Museum and Library 746 00:41:56.133 --> 00:41:56.720 Services. 747 00:41:57.440 --> 00:42:01.970 I see our program Specialist, Laura has been answering some of 748 00:42:01.970 --> 00:42:06.069 the questions in the chat already, but we'll just grab a 749 00:42:06.069 --> 00:42:10.671 few in these last 15 minutes or so to give Gibran the chance to 750 00:42:10.671 --> 00:42:15.345 sort of address them as well and just hear them out loud for the 751 00:42:15.345 --> 00:42:16.280 entire group. 752 00:42:17.960 --> 00:42:22.351 So the first question is, "Under Goal 2, does students pursuing 753 00:42:22.351 --> 00:42:25.782 advanced studies include students in an MA or PhD 754 00:42:25.782 --> 00:42:26.400 program?" 755 00:42:30.440 --> 00:42:35.447 It should include students, and it does include students that 756 00:42:35.447 --> 00:42:38.920 are pursuing a degree in higher education. 757 00:42:41.160 --> 00:42:41.400 Great. 758 00:42:42.680 --> 00:42:46.520 And can a proposal address both goals one and two? 759 00:42:46.800 --> 00:42:50.206 For example, can a funded project involve a student cohort 760 00:42:50.206 --> 00:42:52.920 of undergraduate interns and graduate fellows? 761 00:42:55.640 --> 00:42:56.040 No. 762 00:42:56.720 --> 00:43:01.120 Each project should be reflective of one goal and the 763 00:43:01.120 --> 00:43:03.320 objectives under that goal. 764 00:43:04.480 --> 00:43:08.480 In this case, I would recommend that there that they develop two 765 00:43:08.480 --> 00:43:09.280 applications. 766 00:43:09.840 --> 00:43:13.084 It is possible to submit two separate applications, but 767 00:43:13.084 --> 00:43:16.096 again, be careful with the limiting capacity of the 768 00:43:16.096 --> 00:43:18.240 organization that manages the grant. 769 00:43:21.320 --> 00:43:21.600 Great. 770 00:43:22.320 --> 00:43:25.955 And can the same institute of higher education participate in 771 00:43:25.955 --> 00:43:29.414 and/or receive an ALMIFI grant in consecutive years with a 772 00:43:29.414 --> 00:43:30.880 different museum partner? 773 00:43:32.560 --> 00:43:34.360 Yes. 774 00:43:34.360 --> 00:43:37.737 There should be no issue with that as long as they meet all 775 00:43:37.737 --> 00:43:38.920 eligibility criteria. 776 00:43:41.320 --> 00:43:41.560 Great. 777 00:43:43.560 --> 00:43:47.455 And can an institution of higher education partner with more than 778 00:43:47.455 --> 00:43:50.051 one museum or cultural institution for this 779 00:43:50.051 --> 00:43:50.760 opportunity? 780 00:43:52.120 --> 00:43:52.520 Yes. 781 00:43:52.520 --> 00:43:54.520 And in fact, that is encouraged. 782 00:43:55.240 --> 00:43:59.033 But what I do want to underline is at the very core, there has 783 00:43:59.033 --> 00:44:00.840 to be a minimum of one museum. 784 00:44:00.880 --> 00:44:05.601 So there has to be a partnership between the institution of 785 00:44:05.601 --> 00:44:08.120 higher education and the museum. 786 00:44:08.840 --> 00:44:12.326 Either can be the lead applicant, does not matter, but 787 00:44:12.326 --> 00:44:16.383 the partnership has to exist and it is always great if you have 788 00:44:16.383 --> 00:44:20.124 other partners that you are working with to submit letters 789 00:44:20.124 --> 00:44:23.800 that demonstrate their support, which can be part of your 790 00:44:23.800 --> 00:44:26.400 additional material in your application. 791 00:44:28.520 --> 00:44:28.880 Great. 792 00:44:29.000 --> 00:44:32.509 And are there criteria for determining or demonstrating 793 00:44:32.509 --> 00:44:36.520 whether a museum has, quote, a primary focus on American Latino 794 00:44:36.520 --> 00:44:38.400 life, art history and culture? 795 00:44:39.640 --> 00:44:43.410 I think what's usually best is to have your organization 796 00:44:43.410 --> 00:44:46.520 reflect on how it serves the Latino community. 797 00:44:46.880 --> 00:44:50.476 So you want to demonstrate this in your narrative as to what are 798 00:44:50.476 --> 00:44:53.907 your learnings or what are ways in which you connect with the 799 00:44:53.907 --> 00:44:57.227 Latino community or Latino history, American Latino history 800 00:44:57.227 --> 00:45:00.326 and culture, and have that be reflected as part of your 801 00:45:00.326 --> 00:45:00.879 narrative. 802 00:45:01.880 --> 00:45:05.677 Again, we don't, we don't have that eligibility as part of our 803 00:45:05.677 --> 00:45:06.160 process. 804 00:45:06.160 --> 00:45:09.862 We allow applicants to define that and justify that as part of 805 00:45:09.862 --> 00:45:10.920 their application. 806 00:45:13.400 --> 00:45:13.560 Great. 807 00:45:14.080 --> 00:45:14.440 All right. 808 00:45:14.680 --> 00:45:17.324 Before we wrap up, Gibran, do you want to give one last plug 809 00:45:17.324 --> 00:45:19.752 for ways that potential applicants can connect with you 810 00:45:19.752 --> 00:45:20.879 for any further questions? 811 00:45:21.280 --> 00:45:24.120 Absolutely. 812 00:45:24.120 --> 00:45:28.294 So our information is available on our website on imls.gov. You 813 00:45:28.294 --> 00:45:32.012 can follow it to the Grants page, which will open up the 814 00:45:32.012 --> 00:45:36.122 landing page for the American Latino Internship and Fellowship 815 00:45:36.122 --> 00:45:36.840 Initiative. 816 00:45:37.240 --> 00:45:40.416 Once you click on that landing page, you'll be able to access 817 00:45:40.416 --> 00:45:43.234 other resources, recorded webinars, as well as go to a 818 00:45:43.234 --> 00:45:46.514 link where you can find time on my schedule so that we can meet 819 00:45:46.514 --> 00:45:48.000 and we can counsel a project. 820 00:45:48.640 --> 00:45:51.776 We don't read applications ahead of time, but we're more than 821 00:45:51.776 --> 00:45:55.013 happy to chat with you so that we can figure out any answers to 822 00:45:55.013 --> 00:45:58.200 questions that you might have as you prepare your application. 823 00:46:02.080 --> 00:46:02.600 All right. 824 00:46:03.480 --> 00:46:05.720 And I think that'll conclude today's webinar. 825 00:46:05.720 --> 00:46:08.657 Thank you again, Gibran, and thank you to everyone who joined 826 00:46:08.657 --> 00:46:08.800 us. 827 00:46:09.400 --> 00:46:10.120 Thank you, everybody. 828 00:46:10.160 --> 00:46:10.760 Stay warm.