WEBVTT Kind: captions Language: en 1 00:00:06.280 --> 00:00:10.424 Welcome to the Institute of Museum and Library Services 2 00:00:10.424 --> 00:00:14.717 Informational Video American Latino Museum Internship and 3 00:00:14.717 --> 00:00:18.640 Fellowship Initiative Applicant Information Session. 4 00:00:21.640 --> 00:00:25.413 The goal of this video is to provide an overview of our 5 00:00:25.413 --> 00:00:29.590 American Latino Internship and Fellowship Initiative program, 6 00:00:29.590 --> 00:00:33.902 which we call ALMIFI for short, and the process of preparing an 7 00:00:33.902 --> 00:00:35.520 application for funding. 8 00:00:40.160 --> 00:00:43.080 This video is organized into six chapters. 9 00:00:43.760 --> 00:00:47.182 What is the American Latino Museum Internship and Fellowship 10 00:00:47.182 --> 00:00:47.800 Initiative? 11 00:00:48.240 --> 00:00:51.763 This section explains the purpose and design of the ALMIFI 12 00:00:51.763 --> 00:00:52.600 Grant program. 13 00:00:53.600 --> 00:00:55.360 What can ALMIFI Grants fund? 14 00:00:55.880 --> 00:00:59.149 This section explains the types of projects that can be funded 15 00:00:59.149 --> 00:01:02.160 and ALMIFI and the amount of funds that can be requested. 16 00:01:02.800 --> 00:01:05.787 Application Components Introduction This section 17 00:01:05.787 --> 00:01:09.567 describes the types of documents that are needed to create an 18 00:01:09.567 --> 00:01:10.360 ALMIFI grant. 19 00:01:10.360 --> 00:01:11.200 Application. 20 00:01:12.600 --> 00:01:16.446 Application Components Budget This section provides details on 21 00:01:16.446 --> 00:01:19.560 the information to include in your project budget. 22 00:01:20.120 --> 00:01:22.160 Application tips and next steps. 23 00:01:22.480 --> 00:01:26.480 The concluding section provides a few tips and next steps. 24 00:01:27.240 --> 00:01:31.552 The complete set of instructions for how to prepare and submit an 25 00:01:31.552 --> 00:01:35.473 ALMIFI grant application are found in the Notice of Funding 26 00:01:35.473 --> 00:01:39.067 Opportunity, otherwise known as the Nofo, published on 27 00:01:39.067 --> 00:01:42.400 grants.gov and also available on the IMLS website. 28 00:01:42.920 --> 00:01:47.909 Please refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the most 29 00:01:47.909 --> 00:01:53.058 detailed information To prepare your application to get the most 30 00:01:53.058 --> 00:01:58.127 out of this video, we recommend that you watch all of it in its 31 00:01:58.127 --> 00:01:58.839 entirety. 32 00:01:59.360 --> 00:02:02.205 This will give you an understanding of the ALMIFI 33 00:02:02.205 --> 00:02:05.677 Grant Program, the types of projects that can be funded, and 34 00:02:05.677 --> 00:02:07.840 the necessary application components. 35 00:02:08.280 --> 00:02:11.975 You may also want to review the Almifi Notice of Funding 36 00:02:11.975 --> 00:02:15.800 Opportunity before, during, and after you watch the Video. 37 00:02:16.560 --> 00:02:19.888 Notices of Funding Opportunities, also known as 38 00:02:19.888 --> 00:02:24.394 Nofos, are documents that detail the requirements of each of our 39 00:02:24.394 --> 00:02:26.960 grant programs for fiscal year 2024. 40 00:02:27.480 --> 00:02:33.819 All of our Nofos can be found on imls.gov/grants as you navigate 41 00:02:33.819 --> 00:02:36.160 the application process. 42 00:02:36.280 --> 00:02:38.840 You can use this video as a reference tool. 43 00:02:39.360 --> 00:02:42.801 If you'd like to skip to a specific section, please use the 44 00:02:42.801 --> 00:02:46.414 time bar below or the links in the description box to navigate 45 00:02:46.414 --> 00:02:47.160 the chapters. 46 00:02:52.840 --> 00:02:55.960 So what is ALHC or Almifi? 47 00:02:56.320 --> 00:02:59.965 In this section, we will answer the questions What is Almifi 48 00:02:59.965 --> 00:03:03.670 providing information on the purpose and intent of this grant 49 00:03:03.670 --> 00:03:06.120 program and who it is designed to serve? 50 00:03:09.280 --> 00:03:14.133 The American Latino history and Culture, otherwise known as ALHC 51 00:03:14.133 --> 00:03:18.464 program, was created by an act of Congress in 2020, which 52 00:03:18.464 --> 00:03:22.944 authorized the Smithsonian to create the National Museum of 53 00:03:22.944 --> 00:03:27.797 the American Latino, and it also authorized the IMLS to create a 54 00:03:27.797 --> 00:03:32.053 grant program to improve operations, care of collections 55 00:03:32.053 --> 00:03:36.682 and development of professional management at American Latino 56 00:03:36.682 --> 00:03:37.279 museums. 57 00:03:37.800 --> 00:03:41.040 This is referred to as the Almifi Initiative. 58 00:03:58.160 --> 00:04:02.299 You can be one of the following types of organizations to be 59 00:04:02.299 --> 00:04:04.200 eligible to apply to ALMIFI. 60 00:04:05.080 --> 00:04:09.680 If you are applying as a museum, you will need to certify that 61 00:04:09.680 --> 00:04:11.360 you use a professional. 62 00:04:11.360 --> 00:04:15.226 Staff are organized on a permanent basis for essentially 63 00:04:15.226 --> 00:04:17.600 educational or aesthetic purposes. 64 00:04:18.400 --> 00:04:23.143 Own or use tangible objects, either animate or inanimate care 65 00:04:23.143 --> 00:04:24.520 for these objects. 66 00:04:25.160 --> 00:04:29.409 Exhibit these objects to the general public on a regular 67 00:04:29.409 --> 00:04:34.181 basis at least 120 days a year, and conduct these activities in 68 00:04:34.181 --> 00:04:37.759 facilities that you own or operate as a museum. 69 00:04:37.760 --> 00:04:41.111 You should keep in mind that all applicants must meet certain 70 00:04:41.111 --> 00:04:43.760 requirements to be eligible for federal funding. 71 00:04:44.480 --> 00:04:47.918 Your organization must be located in one of the United 72 00:04:47.918 --> 00:04:51.357 States, 50 states, its territories, or the District of 73 00:04:51.357 --> 00:04:51.920 Columbia. 74 00:04:52.720 --> 00:04:57.078 Also, your organization must be a unit of a state, local or 75 00:04:57.078 --> 00:05:01.582 tribal government, or private nonprofit organization with tax 76 00:05:01.582 --> 00:05:02.599 exempt status. 77 00:05:03.440 --> 00:05:07.966 Institutions of higher education are also eligible to apply for 78 00:05:07.966 --> 00:05:08.320 this. 79 00:05:08.320 --> 00:05:11.925 You must also be in partnership with an Institution of Higher 80 00:05:11.925 --> 00:05:15.240 Education, which includes Hispanic Serving Institutions. 81 00:05:15.800 --> 00:05:19.358 The lead applicant can be the university or College in 82 00:05:19.358 --> 00:05:21.040 partnership with a museum. 83 00:05:21.480 --> 00:05:25.080 Either is correct as long as there is a partnership in place. 84 00:05:28.960 --> 00:05:33.281 Your museum may be a stand alone organization or they may be part 85 00:05:33.281 --> 00:05:37.537 of a larger institution such as a college, university, tribe, or 86 00:05:37.537 --> 00:05:39.240 state or local government. 87 00:05:39.680 --> 00:05:43.803 You could also qualify as a not-for-profit museum service, 88 00:05:43.803 --> 00:05:47.577 organization or association whose primary purpose, as 89 00:05:47.577 --> 00:05:51.700 reflected in its mission, is to support museums identified 90 00:05:51.700 --> 00:05:52.120 above. 91 00:05:55.800 --> 00:05:58.942 In this section, we will answer the question What can ALMIFI 92 00:05:58.942 --> 00:05:59.200 fund? 93 00:05:59.600 --> 00:06:03.567 Providing details on the types of projects and associated goals 94 00:06:03.567 --> 00:06:07.410 within the ALMIFI grant program as well as offer some summary 95 00:06:07.410 --> 00:06:11.130 data on the number of ALMIFI projects that were funded last 96 00:06:11.130 --> 00:06:11.439 year. 97 00:06:15.400 --> 00:06:18.681 All ALMIFI grants are designed to support project based 98 00:06:18.681 --> 00:06:22.315 activities, so let us take time to consider just exactly what 99 00:06:22.315 --> 00:06:22.960 that means. 100 00:06:23.480 --> 00:06:27.940 The Project Management Institute defines a project as a temporary 101 00:06:27.940 --> 00:06:31.926 endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service or 102 00:06:31.926 --> 00:06:32.400 result. 103 00:06:32.960 --> 00:06:37.025 They go on further to explain that a project is temporary 104 00:06:37.025 --> 00:06:40.881 because it has a defined beginning and end in time and 105 00:06:40.881 --> 00:06:44.737 therefore defines scope and resources and a project is 106 00:06:44.737 --> 00:06:49.013 unique and that it is not a routine operation, that rather a 107 00:06:49.013 --> 00:06:52.658 specific set of operations designed to accomplish a 108 00:06:52.658 --> 00:06:53.639 singular goal. 109 00:06:54.320 --> 00:06:57.903 We recommend that you keep this definition in mind as you 110 00:06:57.903 --> 00:06:59.880 conceptualize your IMLS project. 111 00:07:00.520 --> 00:07:05.062 Think of it as a temporary non routine set of activities which 112 00:07:05.062 --> 00:07:09.389 collectively have a beginning and an end in time, a defined 113 00:07:09.389 --> 00:07:12.994 scope requiring specific resources, and which are 114 00:07:12.994 --> 00:07:16.600 designed to accomplish a specific, singular goal. 115 00:07:20.280 --> 00:07:23.720 Now I want to talk about the two program goals for Almifi. 116 00:07:24.360 --> 00:07:28.466 Your project must align with one of the two program goals and a 117 00:07:28.466 --> 00:07:30.520 set of corresponding objectives. 118 00:07:31.160 --> 00:07:35.039 Goal and objective choices should be identified clearly in 119 00:07:35.039 --> 00:07:35.960 the narrative. 120 00:07:36.520 --> 00:07:39.960 In the Narrative C-section D2C. 121 00:07:41.040 --> 00:07:46.120 Goal one is to support of museum based undergraduate internships. 122 00:07:46.520 --> 00:07:49.921 Its objectives correspond to the types of project on meifi 123 00:07:49.921 --> 00:07:50.440 supports. 124 00:07:51.240 --> 00:07:55.104 An example of this would be developing a new curriculum for 125 00:07:55.104 --> 00:07:59.225 museum studies programs with a lens on American Latino life for 126 00:07:59.225 --> 00:08:01.480 use by museums across the country. 127 00:08:01.960 --> 00:08:05.120 This would correspond to Objective 1.1. 128 00:08:05.880 --> 00:08:09.940 If there's already an an existing internship program that 129 00:08:09.940 --> 00:08:14.350 is being expanded in relation to American Latino culture, this 130 00:08:14.350 --> 00:08:16.800 could correspond to Objective 1.2. 131 00:08:21.320 --> 00:08:25.482 Goal two is about museum based fellowships to increased museum 132 00:08:25.482 --> 00:08:29.248 career opportunities for individuals focused on American 133 00:08:29.248 --> 00:08:30.240 Latino culture. 134 00:08:30.840 --> 00:08:34.240 The two objectives are parallel to those that we saw in Goal. 135 00:08:34.240 --> 00:08:37.334 One, they support the development or scaling up 136 00:08:37.334 --> 00:08:41.073 fellowship models for museum professionals on topics that 137 00:08:41.073 --> 00:08:44.812 increase their ability to work with the museums centering 138 00:08:44.812 --> 00:08:46.359 American Latino culture. 139 00:08:47.040 --> 00:08:50.667 Projects in goal two would establish or expand advanced 140 00:08:50.667 --> 00:08:53.776 professional studies, mentorship, and practical 141 00:08:53.776 --> 00:08:54.359 research. 142 00:08:59.480 --> 00:09:04.722 All requests must be between 100,000 and 750,000 with 143 00:09:04.722 --> 00:09:08.800 including both direct and indirect costs. 144 00:09:09.320 --> 00:09:14.075 If you ask for less than 100,000 or more than 750,000, your 145 00:09:14.075 --> 00:09:17.800 application will be rejected and not reviewed. 146 00:09:19.280 --> 00:09:22.295 There is no cost share requirement for Almifi, though 147 00:09:22.295 --> 00:09:25.478 you may include one if your organization will contribute 148 00:09:25.478 --> 00:09:27.600 funds toward this particular project. 149 00:09:28.080 --> 00:09:31.629 It is important to note that if you decide to include cost share 150 00:09:31.629 --> 00:09:34.960 in your application, it must be met by the end of the award. 151 00:09:35.480 --> 00:09:38.672 We will hold you to that figure, so keep that in mind when 152 00:09:38.672 --> 00:09:39.160 applying. 153 00:09:39.720 --> 00:09:44.368 Cost share may be in the form of cash, staff or volunteer time or 154 00:09:44.368 --> 00:09:46.200 third party contributions. 155 00:09:46.560 --> 00:09:49.960 It may not be funds from another federal source. 156 00:09:51.000 --> 00:09:54.357 In terms of how many applications you may submit, 157 00:09:54.357 --> 00:09:58.654 there is no limit to the number of applications you can file in 158 00:09:58.654 --> 00:10:02.280 response to the FY24 funding announcement for ALMIFI. 159 00:10:03.240 --> 00:10:06.542 As you consider the option to submit more than one 160 00:10:06.542 --> 00:10:10.493 application, we urge you to think about the capacity of your 161 00:10:10.493 --> 00:10:14.120 organization to manage multiple federal awards at once. 162 00:10:17.840 --> 00:10:20.735 The amount of applications received and the amount of 163 00:10:20.735 --> 00:10:22.880 awards made can vary from year to year. 164 00:10:23.720 --> 00:10:27.288 Here's a snapshot of our most recent applications and awards 165 00:10:27.288 --> 00:10:27.640 cycle. 166 00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:33.887 In FY23, IMLS made eight ALMIFI awards with a total of 4.1 167 00:10:33.887 --> 00:10:36.280 million in federal funds. 168 00:10:36.920 --> 00:10:41.255 We received 22 ALMIFI applications, resulting in 36% 169 00:10:41.255 --> 00:10:44.200 of those applications being funded. 170 00:10:44.800 --> 00:10:52.158 The average amount of federal funds for each project was 171 00:10:52.158 --> 00:10:53.320 $521,765. 172 00:10:57.120 --> 00:11:00.750 In this section, we will introduce the components of an 173 00:11:00.750 --> 00:11:04.575 ALMIFI grant application and provide an overview about the 174 00:11:04.575 --> 00:11:08.400 Required, Conditionally Required and Supporting documents. 175 00:11:10.800 --> 00:11:14.472 The ALMIFI Notice of Funding Opportunity includes a complete 176 00:11:14.472 --> 00:11:16.880 list of all the application components. 177 00:11:17.640 --> 00:11:22.370 Most of these components are created by applicants and saved 178 00:11:22.370 --> 00:11:27.177 as a PDF for uploading as part of your application package in 179 00:11:27.177 --> 00:11:31.520 grants.gov The Table of Application Components, section 180 00:11:31.520 --> 00:11:35.784 D2A of the Nofo lists which application components are 181 00:11:35.784 --> 00:11:40.360 required as well as those that are conditionally required. 182 00:11:40.880 --> 00:11:44.529 For example, some components are included in the application 183 00:11:44.529 --> 00:11:47.521 depending on the type of applicant or the type of 184 00:11:47.521 --> 00:11:48.000 project. 185 00:11:49.080 --> 00:11:54.850 Aside from the SF 424 S and the IMLS Museum Program Information 186 00:11:54.850 --> 00:12:00.080 Form which are completed in the grants.gov workspace, all 187 00:12:00.080 --> 00:12:05.400 application components must be submitted as PDF documents. 188 00:12:08.960 --> 00:12:10.800 These are the required documents. 189 00:12:11.200 --> 00:12:14.200 All applications must include the documents listed here. 190 00:12:14.960 --> 00:12:18.907 Omission of even just one of these documents might result in 191 00:12:18.907 --> 00:12:20.720 your applications rejection. 192 00:12:21.760 --> 00:12:25.128 Also important to note, there is a 10 page limit for the 193 00:12:25.128 --> 00:12:25.720 narrative. 194 00:12:26.360 --> 00:12:29.969 If you exceed the page limit specified in the nofo, we must 195 00:12:29.969 --> 00:12:33.760 remove the extras before your application goes out for review. 196 00:12:34.280 --> 00:12:38.287 That means your reviewer may see a paragraph or sentence and in 197 00:12:38.287 --> 00:12:42.232 mid air and will not and will wonder about your organizational 198 00:12:42.232 --> 00:12:44.800 skills and your attentiveness to detail. 199 00:12:45.480 --> 00:12:49.409 So make sure your content fits into the page limit specified, 200 00:12:49.409 --> 00:12:53.022 and make sure the number of pages holds when you convert 201 00:12:53.022 --> 00:12:54.480 your document to a PDF. 202 00:12:59.560 --> 00:13:03.262 The second category of application components is that 203 00:13:03.262 --> 00:13:05.800 of conditionally required documents. 204 00:13:06.360 --> 00:13:10.553 Some applications must include 1-2 or even all three of these, 205 00:13:10.553 --> 00:13:14.680 and it's your job to figure out which are required for yours. 206 00:13:15.280 --> 00:13:18.882 If you're applying as a nonprofit, then you must include 207 00:13:18.882 --> 00:13:22.801 your proof of nonprofit status issued by the Internal Revenue 208 00:13:22.801 --> 00:13:23.560 Service IRS. 209 00:13:24.320 --> 00:13:28.506 We will not accept a letter of state sales tax exemption as 210 00:13:28.506 --> 00:13:30.320 proof of nonprofit status. 211 00:13:30.920 --> 00:13:34.968 If you're using a federally negotiated indirect cost rate in 212 00:13:34.968 --> 00:13:38.684 your budget, then you must include a copy of your final 213 00:13:38.684 --> 00:13:39.679 rate agreement. 214 00:13:40.440 --> 00:13:43.868 If you will create digital products during the course of 215 00:13:43.868 --> 00:13:47.357 your project, then you must complete and submit a Digital 216 00:13:47.357 --> 00:13:48.199 Products Plan. 217 00:13:49.120 --> 00:13:50.720 Just like the required documents. 218 00:13:51.040 --> 00:13:54.238 A mission of even one might result in your application's 219 00:13:54.238 --> 00:13:54.800 rejection. 220 00:13:55.800 --> 00:14:00.443 Please note that the term digital product includes 1 221 00:14:00.443 --> 00:14:05.700 digitized and born digital Content, Resources or Assets and 222 00:14:05.700 --> 00:14:06.840 two software. 223 00:14:07.160 --> 00:14:10.563 If you are creating any of these types of materials, you must 224 00:14:10.563 --> 00:14:12.760 include the form with your application. 225 00:14:16.720 --> 00:14:19.810 The third group of application components is Supporting 226 00:14:19.810 --> 00:14:22.680 documents, and there is a partial list of examples. 227 00:14:23.400 --> 00:14:25.200 Supporting documents are optional. 228 00:14:25.400 --> 00:14:27.320 You may submit some or none. 229 00:14:27.840 --> 00:14:31.320 Include only those items that will supplement your proposal. 230 00:14:31.880 --> 00:14:35.158 This is not the place to introduce brand new information, 231 00:14:35.158 --> 00:14:38.041 but rather, as the name suggests, they should lend 232 00:14:38.041 --> 00:14:41.094 support to your project justification, work plan, and 233 00:14:41.094 --> 00:14:44.316 intended results that you've already spelled out in your 234 00:14:44.316 --> 00:14:45.560 application narrative. 235 00:14:46.680 --> 00:14:50.168 For example, have you identified a partner whose involvement is 236 00:14:50.168 --> 00:14:51.640 key to the project success? 237 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:55.847 If so, a letter of support or commitment would go a long way 238 00:14:55.847 --> 00:14:59.315 to reassuring reviewers that they are on board and the 239 00:14:59.315 --> 00:15:00.640 project will succeed. 240 00:15:01.320 --> 00:15:02.760 Pictures can help. 241 00:15:02.760 --> 00:15:06.325 Give reviewers who may not be familiar with your institution, 242 00:15:06.325 --> 00:15:09.661 programs, collections, or community and get a better idea 243 00:15:09.661 --> 00:15:12.480 of what you're describing within your narrative. 244 00:15:13.120 --> 00:15:16.616 Vendor quotes or equipment specifications show that you've 245 00:15:16.616 --> 00:15:20.053 done some of the legwork in getting appropriate estimates 246 00:15:20.053 --> 00:15:21.120 for project costs. 247 00:15:21.640 --> 00:15:25.038 We recommend that you be respectful of your reviewers 248 00:15:25.038 --> 00:15:28.941 time and avoid any temptation to include hundreds of pages of 249 00:15:28.941 --> 00:15:30.199 extraneous material. 250 00:15:30.840 --> 00:15:34.893 Being judicious really does work to your benefit, as supporting 251 00:15:34.893 --> 00:15:37.680 documents can make or break an application. 252 00:15:38.240 --> 00:15:41.685 Include what's important, helpful, and directly relevant 253 00:15:41.685 --> 00:15:43.560 to your project and stop there. 254 00:15:46.760 --> 00:15:50.669 In the following sections of this presentation, we will focus 255 00:15:50.669 --> 00:15:54.200 on these application components, narrative, and budget. 256 00:15:54.960 --> 00:15:58.067 Go to the Notice of Funding Opportunity for complete 257 00:15:58.067 --> 00:16:01.291 instructions on how to prepare and complete all of the 258 00:16:01.291 --> 00:16:02.640 application components. 259 00:16:06.640 --> 00:16:11.697 In this section, we will go over the questions you will need to 260 00:16:11.697 --> 00:16:16.833 answer in your project narrative and offer details on the review 261 00:16:16.833 --> 00:16:21.574 criteria associated with each of the three sections Project 262 00:16:21.574 --> 00:16:25.920 Justification, Project Work Plan, and Project Results. 263 00:16:28.080 --> 00:16:30.400 So let's talk about the narrative of your proposal. 264 00:16:30.800 --> 00:16:34.407 You have 10 pages to cover 3 very important issues, and the 265 00:16:34.407 --> 00:16:37.955 Notice of Funding Opportunity provides lengthy guidance on 266 00:16:37.955 --> 00:16:39.880 what the narrative should cover. 267 00:16:40.600 --> 00:16:42.680 First is the Project Justification. 268 00:16:43.840 --> 00:16:48.091 What need, problem or challenge will your project address and 269 00:16:48.091 --> 00:16:49.600 how was it identified? 270 00:16:50.080 --> 00:16:53.671 Describe how you have used demographic information, 271 00:16:53.671 --> 00:16:57.332 economic circumstances, condition assessments or any 272 00:16:57.332 --> 00:17:01.201 other relevant data from reliable sources to define the 273 00:17:01.201 --> 00:17:05.207 need, problem, or challenge and develop the scope for the 274 00:17:05.207 --> 00:17:05.760 project. 275 00:17:06.560 --> 00:17:09.752 Who is the target group for your project and how have they been 276 00:17:09.752 --> 00:17:11.000 involved in the planning? 277 00:17:11.720 --> 00:17:15.853 Target group refers to those who will be most immediately and 278 00:17:15.853 --> 00:17:18.320 positively affected by your project. 279 00:17:18.760 --> 00:17:22.471 Identify the number of individuals in the target group 280 00:17:22.471 --> 00:17:26.723 or in each target group if you identify more than one, who are 281 00:17:26.723 --> 00:17:29.759 the ultimate beneficiaries for this project. 282 00:17:30.280 --> 00:17:34.600 Beneficiaries refers to those who are likely to be aided in 283 00:17:34.600 --> 00:17:36.760 the long term by your project. 284 00:17:37.160 --> 00:17:40.440 They may or may not be the same as your target group. 285 00:17:41.160 --> 00:17:44.105 Identify the number of individuals who will benefit 286 00:17:44.105 --> 00:17:47.673 from your project in the long term, if reliable and defensible 287 00:17:47.673 --> 00:17:48.920 accounts are possible. 288 00:17:49.600 --> 00:17:52.621 Otherwise, describe the characteristics of the 289 00:17:52.621 --> 00:17:56.285 beneficiaries you expect to be served eventually by your 290 00:17:56.285 --> 00:17:56.800 project. 291 00:18:01.160 --> 00:18:04.135 In Section E of the Notice of Funding Opportunity, Under 292 00:18:04.135 --> 00:18:07.581 Review criteria, you will find a list of questions that reviewers 293 00:18:07.581 --> 00:18:10.400 are asked to consider when they review your proposal. 294 00:18:11.760 --> 00:18:15.239 It is a good idea to refer to these as you craft your 295 00:18:15.239 --> 00:18:19.426 narrative to be certain you are providing reviewers clear, solid 296 00:18:19.426 --> 00:18:20.200 information. 297 00:18:20.760 --> 00:18:23.810 You will see that they correspond fairly directly with 298 00:18:23.810 --> 00:18:26.640 the prompts you are given to write your narrative. 299 00:18:30.440 --> 00:18:34.071 One of the prompts in the Project Justification section of 300 00:18:34.071 --> 00:18:37.088 the narrative is the identification of the need, 301 00:18:37.088 --> 00:18:39.920 problem, or challenge your project addresses. 302 00:18:40.840 --> 00:18:44.408 It is foundational in your application, so keep those 303 00:18:44.408 --> 00:18:45.400 points in mind. 304 00:18:46.480 --> 00:18:50.552 The federal government wants to invest wants its investment to 305 00:18:50.552 --> 00:18:52.880 result in something getting better. 306 00:18:53.400 --> 00:18:56.801 As you defining your need, problem, or challenge, 307 00:18:56.801 --> 00:19:01.223 articulate what will get better as the result of your project as 308 00:19:01.223 --> 00:19:02.720 precisely as possible. 309 00:19:03.280 --> 00:19:06.580 Will your museum be able to expand their services as a 310 00:19:06.580 --> 00:19:08.200 result of additional staff? 311 00:19:08.880 --> 00:19:12.380 Will new graduates be better prepared for the museum field 312 00:19:12.380 --> 00:19:14.160 with the requisite experience? 313 00:19:14.800 --> 00:19:18.486 Will collections be better cared for with their lifespan be 314 00:19:18.486 --> 00:19:19.040 extended? 315 00:19:19.400 --> 00:19:22.718 Will access to your collections and the information surrounding 316 00:19:22.718 --> 00:19:23.600 them be expanded? 317 00:19:24.080 --> 00:19:27.763 Identify why it is important that this particular change 318 00:19:27.763 --> 00:19:28.280 happens. 319 00:19:29.320 --> 00:19:35.511 Home your problem definition carefully in clear, succinct 320 00:19:35.511 --> 00:19:42.022 terms, and lastly, gather and present data that support your 321 00:19:42.022 --> 00:19:47.040 problem definition for your project work plan. 322 00:19:47.480 --> 00:19:52.531 If the Project Justification section was the Why, the Project 323 00:19:52.531 --> 00:19:57.745 Work Plan section is where you identify The Who, What, when and 324 00:19:57.745 --> 00:20:02.145 how, Who will do what activities, when and using what 325 00:20:02.145 --> 00:20:02.959 resources. 326 00:20:03.480 --> 00:20:06.961 You should explain how you will track your progress toward 327 00:20:06.961 --> 00:20:10.737 achieving your intended results, and what you'll do if you need 328 00:20:10.737 --> 00:20:11.800 to correct course. 329 00:20:12.280 --> 00:20:15.824 We also ask you to think about risks that are inherent in your 330 00:20:15.824 --> 00:20:19.313 particular project, and to tell us how you've taken that into 331 00:20:19.313 --> 00:20:20.720 account in your planning. 332 00:20:21.200 --> 00:20:21.720 It'll say. 333 00:20:21.960 --> 00:20:24.200 I'll say more about this in just a few minutes. 334 00:20:29.360 --> 00:20:32.744 Again, this is the list of questions in Section E of the 335 00:20:32.744 --> 00:20:36.543 Nofo that reviewers are asked to consider when they review your 336 00:20:36.543 --> 00:20:39.927 proposal, so make sure your narrative is answering these 337 00:20:39.927 --> 00:20:40.640 effectively. 338 00:20:41.240 --> 00:20:45.131 This list ranges from proposed activities, key identified 339 00:20:45.131 --> 00:20:47.480 staff, and measurable information. 340 00:20:50.840 --> 00:20:55.402 Your work plan will be built on activities, so it's important to 341 00:20:55.402 --> 00:20:58.280 be clear about just what an activity is. 342 00:20:59.120 --> 00:21:01.520 An activity is something that someone does. 343 00:21:01.880 --> 00:21:05.729 It has a beginning and an end, just like projects, and you know 344 00:21:05.729 --> 00:21:09.278 when you've finished it because it doesn't need to be done 345 00:21:09.278 --> 00:21:09.760 anymore. 346 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:15.160 An activity is not a goal, a result, or an outcome. 347 00:21:15.600 --> 00:21:19.028 Rather, it is something you do as part of striving to achieve 348 00:21:19.028 --> 00:21:19.360 those. 349 00:21:20.000 --> 00:21:23.319 Aim for a reasonable level of detail in identifying your 350 00:21:23.319 --> 00:21:23.960 activities. 351 00:21:27.360 --> 00:21:31.071 We also ask you to think about the risks that are inherent in 352 00:21:31.071 --> 00:21:34.723 your particular project and to tell us how you've taken that 353 00:21:34.723 --> 00:21:36.519 into account in your planning. 354 00:21:37.200 --> 00:21:41.538 Think of it as answering the question What if there is no 355 00:21:41.538 --> 00:21:42.960 checklist of risks? 356 00:21:43.280 --> 00:21:44.720 That every project has them. 357 00:21:45.480 --> 00:21:48.663 The best proposals will show you that you are aware of them and 358 00:21:48.663 --> 00:21:51.200 have thought through a plan for dealing with them. 359 00:21:51.920 --> 00:21:55.050 Look at your activities and think about what you what could 360 00:21:55.050 --> 00:21:55.520 go wrong. 361 00:21:56.240 --> 00:22:00.332 Focus on the ones where your experience your own or that of 362 00:22:00.332 --> 00:22:04.697 your group tells you yes, that could happen, and identify steps 363 00:22:04.697 --> 00:22:06.880 that you would take in response. 364 00:22:07.880 --> 00:22:11.440 IMLS knows that things go differently than expected. 365 00:22:11.880 --> 00:22:15.352 We just want you to prepare by identifying implementable 366 00:22:15.352 --> 00:22:15.840 options. 367 00:22:16.640 --> 00:22:19.965 Here's some examples of risk that might be part of your 368 00:22:19.965 --> 00:22:22.400 project for which you might seek a Fifi. 369 00:22:22.400 --> 00:22:26.127 Funding a project may be dependent upon fundraising to 370 00:22:26.127 --> 00:22:30.465 generate the cost share that it is not complete by the time the 371 00:22:30.465 --> 00:22:32.160 application is submitted. 372 00:22:32.960 --> 00:22:36.387 What will the institution do if that money is not available by 373 00:22:36.387 --> 00:22:38.400 the time the project gets under way? 374 00:22:39.360 --> 00:22:43.013 A project may be structured around university interns who 375 00:22:43.013 --> 00:22:46.730 will be selected and trained according to well thought out 376 00:22:46.730 --> 00:22:47.360 processes. 377 00:22:47.880 --> 00:22:52.200 So what will happen if one or more interns drops out? 378 00:22:57.140 --> 00:22:59.980 What's the plan for replacing the mid project? 379 00:23:00.900 --> 00:23:02.100 Or maybe a project? 380 00:23:02.100 --> 00:23:03.740 Depends on your community partners. 381 00:23:03.740 --> 00:23:07.700 To achieve success that one partner drops out MID project. 382 00:23:08.020 --> 00:23:09.660 What do you do now? 383 00:23:11.820 --> 00:23:12.900 Project results. 384 00:23:13.780 --> 00:23:16.724 The third section of your narrative should be devoted to 385 00:23:16.724 --> 00:23:19.100 articulating your project's intended results. 386 00:23:19.740 --> 00:23:23.138 This section is your chance to convince the reviewers that your 387 00:23:23.138 --> 00:23:25.740 project will result in something getting better. 388 00:23:26.440 --> 00:23:30.833 The need or problem you defined in your project justification 389 00:23:30.833 --> 00:23:34.801 will be addressed directly and it will be diminished or 390 00:23:34.801 --> 00:23:36.360 eliminated altogether. 391 00:23:37.000 --> 00:23:40.876 We ask you to tell us what data you will collect and report in 392 00:23:40.876 --> 00:23:43.400 order to measure your project's success. 393 00:23:44.160 --> 00:23:47.956 If your project will generate tangible products, and most do, 394 00:23:47.956 --> 00:23:51.508 here's the opportunity to describe them and make the case 395 00:23:51.508 --> 00:23:53.040 that they will be useful. 396 00:23:53.560 --> 00:23:59.510 And last but not least, we ask that you tell us how you will 397 00:23:59.510 --> 00:24:03.120 sustain the benefits of the project. 398 00:24:03.720 --> 00:24:09.320 How will this improvement that you propose to make continue 399 00:24:09.320 --> 00:24:12.120 once your grant is over again? 400 00:24:12.120 --> 00:24:15.007 Here is a list of review questions that reviewers were 401 00:24:15.007 --> 00:24:18.315 asked to consider when they read and score the Project Results 402 00:24:18.315 --> 00:24:19.680 section of your narrative. 403 00:24:20.240 --> 00:24:23.447 These are found in Section E of the Notice of Funding 404 00:24:23.447 --> 00:24:24.160 Opportunity. 405 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:29.162 All of your results should tie back to your need, problem, or 406 00:24:29.162 --> 00:24:29.840 challenge. 407 00:24:30.640 --> 00:24:34.674 You may well experience essential benefits and or 408 00:24:34.674 --> 00:24:39.676 positive outcomes that make sure that you identify them as in 409 00:24:39.676 --> 00:24:44.760 addition to and not instead of your original intended results. 410 00:24:45.160 --> 00:24:48.240 Reviewers are likely to see that as a disconnect. 411 00:24:51.800 --> 00:24:55.312 We often hear that defining intended results and success 412 00:24:55.312 --> 00:24:58.640 measures is challenging for applicants, so it's worth 413 00:24:58.640 --> 00:25:00.920 spending a bit of time on this here. 414 00:25:01.720 --> 00:25:04.865 Let's think back to the questions we referenced a couple 415 00:25:04.865 --> 00:25:07.845 of slides ago when we talked about defining the need, 416 00:25:07.845 --> 00:25:10.880 problem, or challenge that your project is addressing. 417 00:25:11.720 --> 00:25:15.812 If you said someone will learn something, how will you know if 418 00:25:15.812 --> 00:25:19.970 your problem related to segments of your community being better 419 00:25:19.970 --> 00:25:21.399 able to work together? 420 00:25:22.000 --> 00:25:24.080 How will you know when that has been achieved? 421 00:25:24.720 --> 00:25:28.574 If you're digitizing to expand accessibility, how will you know 422 00:25:28.574 --> 00:25:30.080 when you're done with it? 423 00:25:31.000 --> 00:25:35.138 This focus on results and measuring success in meaningful 424 00:25:35.138 --> 00:25:36.280 ways is not new. 425 00:25:36.800 --> 00:25:41.122 There's been tremendous amount of work done on ways to measure 426 00:25:41.122 --> 00:25:45.239 success for you as an applicant, though we encourage you to 427 00:25:45.239 --> 00:25:49.081 consider using a logic model or an Outcomes Based Model 428 00:25:49.081 --> 00:25:53.404 Evaluation Tool to explain your intended results and your plan 429 00:25:53.404 --> 00:25:55.119 for achieving your goals. 430 00:25:59.240 --> 00:26:02.920 So to recap, your narrative has three sections, Project 431 00:26:02.920 --> 00:26:06.797 Justification, Project Work Plan, and Project Results, and 432 00:26:06.797 --> 00:26:08.440 you have 10 pages for it. 433 00:26:08.880 --> 00:26:11.840 The sections are all equally important, right? 434 00:26:11.840 --> 00:26:16.150 Clearly address what we ask you to address and keep an eye on 435 00:26:16.150 --> 00:26:17.680 those review criteria. 436 00:26:18.240 --> 00:26:21.420 We're telling you here exactly what the reviewers will look 437 00:26:21.420 --> 00:26:24.600 for, so make it easy for them to find it and understand it. 438 00:26:29.000 --> 00:26:32.993 In this section, we will provide information on what to include 439 00:26:32.993 --> 00:26:36.300 in your project budget and budget justification, and 440 00:26:36.300 --> 00:26:39.920 provide some examples of allowable and unallowable costs. 441 00:26:42.800 --> 00:26:45.640 An important component of your application is the budget. 442 00:26:46.200 --> 00:26:49.288 This is the part of the application where you specify 443 00:26:49.288 --> 00:26:52.320 all the costs associated with your proposed project. 444 00:26:53.360 --> 00:26:57.413 The budget consists of two required components, the IMLS 445 00:26:57.413 --> 00:27:00.400 budget form and the budget justification. 446 00:27:01.080 --> 00:27:05.886 The IMLS budget form is a fillable PDF that accommodates 447 00:27:05.886 --> 00:27:10.440 up to three years of project activities and expenses. 448 00:27:11.320 --> 00:27:14.900 The budget should include the project cost that will be 449 00:27:14.900 --> 00:27:18.993 charged to grant funds, as well as those that will be supported 450 00:27:18.993 --> 00:27:20.400 by cost share in kind. 451 00:27:20.400 --> 00:27:25.391 Contributions to cost share may include the value of services, 452 00:27:25.391 --> 00:27:30.462 for example, donated volunteers or consultant time or equipment 453 00:27:30.462 --> 00:27:35.216 donated to the project between the authorized start and end 454 00:27:35.216 --> 00:27:36.960 dates of your project. 455 00:27:37.680 --> 00:27:42.281 All the items listed, whether supported by grant funds or cost 456 00:27:42.281 --> 00:27:46.517 share, must be necessary to accomplish project activities 457 00:27:46.517 --> 00:27:50.242 allowable according to the applicable federal cost 458 00:27:50.242 --> 00:27:54.624 principles, auditable, and incurred during the award period 459 00:27:54.624 --> 00:27:55.720 of performance. 460 00:27:56.360 --> 00:28:00.757 The IMLS budget form can be downloaded directly from the 461 00:28:00.757 --> 00:28:01.760 IMLS website. 462 00:28:06.400 --> 00:28:10.008 As you develop your budget, keep in mind that there are certain 463 00:28:10.008 --> 00:28:13.392 costs that are either allowable or unallowable according to 464 00:28:13.392 --> 00:28:14.520 federal regulations. 465 00:28:15.200 --> 00:28:19.531 The the allowability of a cost item for all Federal grants and 466 00:28:19.531 --> 00:28:23.243 specified in the are specified in the Code of Federal 467 00:28:23.243 --> 00:28:24.000 Regulation. 468 00:28:24.000 --> 00:28:30.432 CFR sometimes referred to as two CFR 200 for short, but the full 469 00:28:30.432 --> 00:28:36.171 title is Title 2, Subtitle A Chapter Two-part 200 Uniform 470 00:28:36.171 --> 00:28:41.713 Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit 471 00:28:41.713 --> 00:28:44.880 Requirements for Federal Awards. 472 00:28:45.600 --> 00:28:50.351 Using the two CFR 200 as a basis, we've developed a short 473 00:28:50.351 --> 00:28:55.021 list of allowable costs that are most common to projects 474 00:28:55.021 --> 00:29:00.183 C-section D6 of the AMIFI Notice of Funding Opportunity, which 475 00:29:00.183 --> 00:29:04.689 includes A partial list of the most common examples of 476 00:29:04.689 --> 00:29:06.000 allowable costs. 477 00:29:06.880 --> 00:29:11.085 This short list of allowable costs are also shown on this 478 00:29:11.085 --> 00:29:11.520 slide. 479 00:29:12.520 --> 00:29:16.247 These costs may be part of what you ask Imls to pay for with 480 00:29:16.247 --> 00:29:19.913 federal funds or what you will pay for as part of your cost 481 00:29:19.913 --> 00:29:20.280 share. 482 00:29:20.960 --> 00:29:25.489 The rules and allowability apply equally to grant funds as well 483 00:29:25.489 --> 00:29:26.480 as cost share. 484 00:29:27.160 --> 00:29:30.848 When completing your project budget, be sure to check that 485 00:29:30.848 --> 00:29:34.287 all the costs you include, whether grant funds or cost 486 00:29:34.287 --> 00:29:35.600 share, are allowable. 487 00:29:40.200 --> 00:29:44.145 There are also some costs which are unallowable according to the 488 00:29:44.145 --> 00:29:45.360 federal regulations. 489 00:29:45.400 --> 00:29:50.861 In two CFR 200 in Section D6 of the ALMIFI Notice of Funding 490 00:29:50.861 --> 00:29:56.592 Opportunity, we also provide an abbreviated list of unallowable 491 00:29:56.592 --> 00:29:57.040 cost. 492 00:29:57.480 --> 00:29:59.600 These are also listed on this slide. 493 00:30:00.200 --> 00:30:04.952 Unallowable cost may not be part of what you've asked IMLS to pay 494 00:30:04.952 --> 00:30:09.128 for, nor can they be part of what you will pay as part of 495 00:30:09.128 --> 00:30:10.280 your cost share. 496 00:30:10.600 --> 00:30:15.622 In fact, unallowable expenses can't show up anywhere in your 497 00:30:15.622 --> 00:30:19.080 proposal as you prepare your application. 498 00:30:19.400 --> 00:30:23.292 It's good idea to compare your list of proposed expenses 499 00:30:23.292 --> 00:30:27.321 against these lists of allowable and unallowable costs and 500 00:30:27.321 --> 00:30:30.600 against the appropriate set of cost principles. 501 00:30:31.240 --> 00:30:37.364 If after that you have specific questions, please contact us and 502 00:30:37.364 --> 00:30:40.380 we'd be more than happy to help. 503 00:30:42.620 --> 00:30:46.458 In addition to the IMLS budget form, you will also prepare a 504 00:30:46.458 --> 00:30:47.780 budget justification. 505 00:30:48.260 --> 00:30:52.134 This is an opportunity to provide, in a more detailed 506 00:30:52.134 --> 00:30:56.869 narrative format, an explanation or justification for the project 507 00:30:56.869 --> 00:30:57.300 costs. 508 00:30:58.500 --> 00:31:02.194 The budget justification should be written to follow the cost 509 00:31:02.194 --> 00:31:04.340 categories in the IMLS budget form. 510 00:31:05.760 --> 00:31:09.893 In the justification, you will identify each expense and show 511 00:31:09.893 --> 00:31:13.960 the method of cost computation used to determine each dollar 512 00:31:13.960 --> 00:31:17.760 amount, including any that you may have consolidated and 513 00:31:17.760 --> 00:31:20.160 summarized on the IMLS budget form. 514 00:31:20.640 --> 00:31:23.240 In other words, please show your math. 515 00:31:25.640 --> 00:31:30.006 For example, in the section Salaries and Wages, you should 516 00:31:30.006 --> 00:31:34.151 identify each person whose salary or wages will be paid 517 00:31:34.151 --> 00:31:38.443 with IMLS funds or by cost share, provide their names and 518 00:31:38.443 --> 00:31:40.960 describe the role in the project. 519 00:31:41.440 --> 00:31:45.762 Document the method of cost for computation by including the 520 00:31:45.762 --> 00:31:49.942 base salary of wages for each person and the percentage of 521 00:31:49.942 --> 00:31:54.406 time each person is allocated to the project activities, which 522 00:31:54.406 --> 00:31:58.586 may be shown as a percentage of time, number of days, or a 523 00:31:58.586 --> 00:31:59.720 number of hours. 524 00:32:00.200 --> 00:32:04.266 If cost share is being provided by unpaid volunteers, explain 525 00:32:04.266 --> 00:32:08.136 how you arrived at the dollar amount used to represent the 526 00:32:08.136 --> 00:32:10.760 value of their services in the section. 527 00:32:10.760 --> 00:32:14.661 For supplies, materials, and equipment, you should list each 528 00:32:14.661 --> 00:32:18.178 type of supply, material, and equipment you propose to 529 00:32:18.178 --> 00:32:21.440 purchase or provide as cost share for the project. 530 00:32:22.200 --> 00:32:26.162 Detail the number and unit cost for each item and explain how 531 00:32:26.162 --> 00:32:28.400 you arrived at the dollar amounts. 532 00:32:28.840 --> 00:32:32.336 You may also provide vendor quotes or price lists as 533 00:32:32.336 --> 00:32:35.240 supporting documents with your application. 534 00:32:39.440 --> 00:32:43.650 In summary, considering all the components of your application, 535 00:32:43.650 --> 00:32:47.137 there are four general characteristics of successful 536 00:32:47.137 --> 00:32:50.755 Omifi applications that reviewers will look for as you 537 00:32:50.755 --> 00:32:52.400 prepare your application. 538 00:32:52.400 --> 00:32:54.320 Keep these characteristics in mind. 539 00:32:54.840 --> 00:32:57.200 First, institutional impact. 540 00:32:57.680 --> 00:33:01.473 Your project should provide opportunities for internships 541 00:33:01.473 --> 00:33:05.135 and fellowships at American Latino museums for students 542 00:33:05.135 --> 00:33:08.929 enrolled in institutions of higher education, which could 543 00:33:08.929 --> 00:33:11.479 include Hispanic Serving Institutions. 544 00:33:12.160 --> 00:33:14.320 Second, in depth knowledge. 545 00:33:14.680 --> 00:33:17.820 Your proposal should reflect a thorough understanding of 546 00:33:17.820 --> 00:33:20.960 current practice and knowledge about the subject matter. 547 00:33:21.480 --> 00:33:23.920 Third, project based design. 548 00:33:24.320 --> 00:33:29.231 Your work plan should consist of a set of logical, interrelated 549 00:33:29.231 --> 00:33:33.452 activities tied directly to addressing the key need or 550 00:33:33.452 --> 00:33:37.520 challenge, and 4th demonstrate demonstrable results. 551 00:33:38.040 --> 00:33:41.479 Your project should generate measurable results that tie 552 00:33:41.479 --> 00:33:44.677 directly to the need or challenge it was designed to 553 00:33:44.677 --> 00:33:45.160 address. 554 00:33:45.760 --> 00:33:49.744 An application that has all of these four characteristics will 555 00:33:49.744 --> 00:33:53.855 stand out in the review process and will have the best chance of 556 00:33:53.855 --> 00:33:55.120 success for funding. 557 00:33:59.200 --> 00:34:02.607 In this final section of our presentation, we offer some 558 00:34:02.607 --> 00:34:04.520 application tips and next steps. 559 00:34:08.160 --> 00:34:11.466 We want to share with you the places to look For more 560 00:34:11.466 --> 00:34:15.201 information, such as the IMLS website where you can find the 561 00:34:15.201 --> 00:34:16.119 awarded grants. 562 00:34:16.120 --> 00:34:19.990 Research Search to learn more about the projects we have 563 00:34:19.990 --> 00:34:21.280 funded in the past. 564 00:34:22.200 --> 00:34:26.321 The awarded grant search gives you an opportunity to explore 565 00:34:26.321 --> 00:34:30.240 our archive of grants that we have awarded in past years. 566 00:34:30.480 --> 00:34:35.342 Using a variety of criteria such as institution name, location, 567 00:34:35.342 --> 00:34:39.825 and keywords, your search will basic information about the 568 00:34:39.825 --> 00:34:43.320 award and a brief description of the project. 569 00:34:44.040 --> 00:34:48.227 This can be extremely helpful as you put ideas together for your 570 00:34:48.227 --> 00:34:49.000 own project. 571 00:34:53.160 --> 00:34:56.129 We have also posted the narrative and schedule of 572 00:34:56.129 --> 00:34:59.633 completion for cross SEC for a cross section of successful 573 00:34:59.633 --> 00:35:01.000 applications from 2023. 574 00:35:01.600 --> 00:35:05.365 To find these examples, go to the Sample Application section 575 00:35:05.365 --> 00:35:06.600 on the IMLS website. 576 00:35:07.120 --> 00:35:11.032 Looking at these proposals might help clarify your thinking about 577 00:35:11.032 --> 00:35:12.040 your own project. 578 00:35:16.880 --> 00:35:21.509 Each PDF contains a copy of the 10 page narrative and also the 579 00:35:21.509 --> 00:35:23.200 schedule of completion. 580 00:35:28.360 --> 00:35:32.462 We can only make grants to eligible applicants that submit 581 00:35:32.462 --> 00:35:36.774 complete applications, including attachments on or before the 582 00:35:36.774 --> 00:35:37.400 deadline. 583 00:35:37.760 --> 00:35:40.720 So here are some tips to help you do just that. 584 00:35:41.240 --> 00:35:42.800 First, start early. 585 00:35:43.200 --> 00:35:46.240 You've already done that by participating in this webinar. 586 00:35:47.280 --> 00:35:50.160 Become familiar with grants.gov's Workspace. 587 00:35:50.480 --> 00:35:53.632 It has many good features including upfront validation 588 00:35:53.632 --> 00:35:57.072 which allows you to correct errors prior to submission, and 589 00:35:57.072 --> 00:36:00.512 the opportunity to collaborate with others in creating your 590 00:36:00.512 --> 00:36:01.200 application. 591 00:36:01.920 --> 00:36:05.001 Consider starting with the workspace overview and check out 592 00:36:05.001 --> 00:36:05.720 the tutorials. 593 00:36:06.600 --> 00:36:10.561 Do your background research, make it easy for the reviewers 594 00:36:10.561 --> 00:36:14.523 to see that you are up to date and know what you're talking 595 00:36:14.523 --> 00:36:14.920 about. 596 00:36:15.680 --> 00:36:19.515 Be sure your application is complete, check it against the 597 00:36:19.515 --> 00:36:23.350 table of application components in the Nofo, make sure all 598 00:36:23.350 --> 00:36:27.445 application components are in the proper format and follow the 599 00:36:27.445 --> 00:36:29.200 correct naming conventions. 600 00:36:29.920 --> 00:36:34.295 And lastly, submit to grants.gov early so you can correct any 601 00:36:34.295 --> 00:36:37.823 errors and avoid any trauma created by technology 602 00:36:37.823 --> 00:36:38.600 challenges. 603 00:36:42.280 --> 00:36:46.389 It's important that you get your application submitted online 604 00:36:46.389 --> 00:36:49.040 through grants.gov before the deadline. 605 00:36:49.640 --> 00:36:54.800 IMLS does not accept applications by mail or e-mail. 606 00:36:55.480 --> 00:36:59.880 In order to register with grants.gov, you must have an 607 00:36:59.880 --> 00:37:05.080 active sam.gov registration and unique entity identified number. 608 00:37:05.720 --> 00:37:09.255 Make sure that your registration for both of these sites are 609 00:37:09.255 --> 00:37:12.964 complete, that your accounts are active, and that any necessary 610 00:37:12.964 --> 00:37:14.240 passwords are current. 611 00:37:14.800 --> 00:37:18.257 These registrations expire periodically, so do not wait 612 00:37:18.257 --> 00:37:21.775 until it's time to hit the submit button and check in on 613 00:37:21.775 --> 00:37:22.640 your accounts. 614 00:37:23.160 --> 00:37:26.420 You should coordinate with any other staff members, such as 615 00:37:26.420 --> 00:37:29.788 your authorized organization representative, who may hold the 616 00:37:29.788 --> 00:37:32.560 account or passwords that you will need to submit. 617 00:37:33.360 --> 00:37:38.274 Both the sam.gov and grants.gov websites have robust help 618 00:37:38.274 --> 00:37:39.800 features and FAQs. 619 00:37:40.400 --> 00:37:43.979 If you run into technical issues with either of these sites, you 620 00:37:43.979 --> 00:37:47.504 should reach out to their help desk and request a tracking case 621 00:37:47.504 --> 00:37:50.918 or ticket number in order to document your issue and attempts 622 00:37:50.918 --> 00:37:51.800 at resolving it. 623 00:37:52.400 --> 00:37:56.158 Failure to have an active sam.gov or grants.gov 624 00:37:56.158 --> 00:38:01.012 registration by the application deadline is not an excuse for 625 00:38:01.012 --> 00:38:05.240 submitting a late application, So again, start early. 626 00:38:09.920 --> 00:38:12.913 There are many components to the application and the narrative, 627 00:38:12.913 --> 00:38:15.440 and it is essential and critical part of the package. 628 00:38:16.480 --> 00:38:20.166 Peer reviewers, museum professionals from all types of 629 00:38:20.166 --> 00:38:24.121 museums, will be selected by IMLS to read each application 630 00:38:24.121 --> 00:38:27.741 and provide constructive and critical comments on the 631 00:38:27.741 --> 00:38:31.159 strengths and weaknesses of the proposed projects. 632 00:38:31.680 --> 00:38:35.942 They also base the reviews only on the information contained in 633 00:38:35.942 --> 00:38:40.070 the application, so don't assume that a reviewer or IMLS will 634 00:38:40.070 --> 00:38:44.000 know something about your museum or your proposed project. 635 00:38:44.840 --> 00:38:48.706 To help make sure your narrative is as clear and complete as 636 00:38:48.706 --> 00:38:52.447 possible, revisit the Almifi Notice of Funding Opportunity 637 00:38:52.447 --> 00:38:55.680 and follow the narrative outline that it provides. 638 00:38:56.280 --> 00:38:59.883 Be sure to consider the review criteria associated with each 639 00:38:59.883 --> 00:39:01.360 section of the narrative. 640 00:39:02.240 --> 00:39:05.589 Use headings, subheadings, or numbered sections in your 641 00:39:05.589 --> 00:39:08.520 narrative to make it easy for reviewers to read. 642 00:39:09.240 --> 00:39:12.280 Avoid generalities, acronyms, or jargon. 643 00:39:12.840 --> 00:39:16.041 The people who will review your application are museum 644 00:39:16.041 --> 00:39:19.593 professionals, but they not may not be totally familiar with 645 00:39:19.593 --> 00:39:23.144 your particular field shorthand, so make it easy for them to 646 00:39:23.144 --> 00:39:24.599 understand what you mean. 647 00:39:24.600 --> 00:39:28.690 An advantage to starting your application early as you can ask 648 00:39:28.690 --> 00:39:32.585 a colleague to review everything with fresh eyes before you 649 00:39:32.585 --> 00:39:33.039 submit. 650 00:39:33.560 --> 00:39:35.360 Ask them to act like a reviewer. 651 00:39:35.800 --> 00:39:38.120 We're seeing this for the very first time. 652 00:39:42.200 --> 00:39:44.856 Here are a few important dates relating to a ME fee 653 00:39:44.856 --> 00:39:45.520 applications. 654 00:39:46.160 --> 00:39:53.191 Applications must be received through grants.gov by 11:59 PM 655 00:39:53.191 --> 00:39:56.880 Eastern Time on March 1st, 2024. 656 00:39:57.600 --> 00:39:59.680 The date is non negotiable. 657 00:40:00.040 --> 00:40:04.280 The time stamp is auto generated by grants.gov system. 658 00:40:04.720 --> 00:40:06.840 And we have no ability to override it. 659 00:40:07.240 --> 00:40:11.009 We will say this repeatedly to start early and submit your 660 00:40:11.009 --> 00:40:12.160 application early. 661 00:40:12.560 --> 00:40:16.624 That way if you incur encounter a difficulty of any kind when 662 00:40:16.624 --> 00:40:20.623 submitting your proposal, you will have some time to resolve 663 00:40:20.623 --> 00:40:24.360 the problem and resubmit after the application deadline. 664 00:40:24.520 --> 00:40:28.135 IMLS staff will review your application for completeness and 665 00:40:28.135 --> 00:40:31.869 eligibility, and you will hear from us via e-mail if there are 666 00:40:31.869 --> 00:40:32.640 any problems. 667 00:40:33.480 --> 00:40:37.826 Next, we will select experienced and knowledgeable peer reviewers 668 00:40:37.826 --> 00:40:41.580 to read your application and provide scores and comments 669 00:40:41.580 --> 00:40:45.729 based on the criteria outlined in the ALMIFI Notice of Funding 670 00:40:45.729 --> 00:40:46.520 Opportunity. 671 00:40:47.520 --> 00:40:51.835 IMLS staff will extending your budget, your financials, and 672 00:40:51.835 --> 00:40:55.000 track your record with past current grants. 673 00:40:55.640 --> 00:40:59.803 We then prepare materials for the IMLS Deputy Director for 674 00:40:59.803 --> 00:41:01.920 Museums and the IMLS Director. 675 00:41:02.560 --> 00:41:07.068 By law, the IMLS Director is charged with the authority and 676 00:41:07.068 --> 00:41:11.201 responsibility to make final award decisions, and this 677 00:41:11.201 --> 00:41:13.079 typically happens in May. 678 00:41:14.000 --> 00:41:18.365 In July 2024, we will notify you by e-mail of the award decisions 679 00:41:18.365 --> 00:41:21.738 and provide the scores and comments created by the 680 00:41:21.738 --> 00:41:22.399 reviewers. 681 00:41:23.040 --> 00:41:27.609 Almifi projects must be scheduled to start on the first 682 00:41:27.609 --> 00:41:29.160 day of August 2024. 683 00:41:32.760 --> 00:41:36.232 As you read through the Nofo and prepare your application, 684 00:41:36.232 --> 00:41:40.000 additional questions may arise before the application deadline. 685 00:41:40.640 --> 00:41:44.352 We can help you with learning more about the ALMIFI Grant 686 00:41:44.352 --> 00:41:48.448 Program or other grant programs that IMLS address, any specific 687 00:41:48.448 --> 00:41:52.160 concerns with the various application components, or help 688 00:41:52.160 --> 00:41:54.400 you understand the review process. 689 00:41:55.200 --> 00:41:58.880 You may contact IMLS Program staff by e-mail or phone. 690 00:41:59.640 --> 00:42:03.998 Contact information is listed on the Grant Program landing page 691 00:42:03.998 --> 00:42:05.360 on the IMLS website. 692 00:42:06.120 --> 00:42:09.660 You may also schedule a counseling call to meet directly 693 00:42:09.660 --> 00:42:10.840 with program staff. 694 00:42:11.400 --> 00:42:15.539 Use the links found on the Grant Program landing page to find an 695 00:42:15.539 --> 00:42:17.960 available time slot on your calendar. 696 00:42:18.680 --> 00:42:22.556 You will then receive an e-mail with the Calendar invite and 697 00:42:22.556 --> 00:42:24.400 Microsoft Teams meeting link. 698 00:42:31.440 --> 00:42:33.400 Thank you for watching this presentation. 699 00:42:34.120 --> 00:42:35.640 Good luck on your applications.