WEBVTT Kind: captions Language: en 1 00:00:04.880 --> 00:00:08.697 Hello and welcome to the Institute of Museum and Library 2 00:00:08.697 --> 00:00:12.381 Services Informational Video, "The 21st Century Museum 3 00:00:12.381 --> 00:00:16.400 Professionals Grant Program Applicant Information Session." 4 00:00:17.520 --> 00:00:21.612 My name is Mark Isaksen, one of the program staff in the Office 5 00:00:21.612 --> 00:00:25.128 of Museum Services at IMLS, and I'll be narrating this 6 00:00:25.128 --> 00:00:25.960 presentation. 7 00:00:33.280 --> 00:00:37.288 The goal of this video is to provide an overview of our 21st 8 00:00:37.288 --> 00:00:41.165 Century Museum Professionals grant program, referred to as 9 00:00:41.165 --> 00:00:44.714 21MP, and the process of preparing an application for 10 00:00:44.714 --> 00:00:45.240 funding. 11 00:00:46.840 --> 00:00:49.360 The video is organized into six chapters. 12 00:00:50.120 --> 00:00:51.760 What is 21MP? 13 00:00:51.920 --> 00:00:55.121 This introductory section explains the purpose and design 14 00:00:55.121 --> 00:00:56.280 of the grant program. 15 00:00:57.280 --> 00:00:59.360 What can 21MP grants fund? 16 00:00:59.360 --> 00:01:02.773 This section provides detail on the types of projects funded in 17 00:01:02.773 --> 00:01:06.240 the grant program and the amount of funds that can be requested. 18 00:01:07.720 --> 00:01:11.183 Application Components is an overview of the types of 19 00:01:11.183 --> 00:01:14.840 documents that are needed to create a grant application. 20 00:01:16.120 --> 00:01:19.738 The Application Components Narrative section provides 21 00:01:19.738 --> 00:01:22.955 guidance on composing the narrative part of the 22 00:01:22.955 --> 00:01:23.760 application. 23 00:01:25.160 --> 00:01:30.294 The Budget section describes what to include in your project 24 00:01:30.294 --> 00:01:35.514 budget, and finally we have a section on application tips and 25 00:01:35.514 --> 00:01:36.440 next steps. 26 00:01:38.240 --> 00:01:42.153 The complete set of instructions for how to prepare and submit a 27 00:01:42.153 --> 00:01:45.645 21MP Grant application are found in the Notice of Funding 28 00:01:45.645 --> 00:01:49.137 Opportunity, published on Grants.gov and available on the 29 00:01:49.137 --> 00:01:49.920 IMLS website. 30 00:01:50.760 --> 00:01:54.238 Please refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the most 31 00:01:54.238 --> 00:01:57.000 detailed information to prepare your application. 32 00:02:00.200 --> 00:02:03.258 To get the most out of this video, we recommend that you 33 00:02:03.258 --> 00:02:04.600 watch it in its entirety. 34 00:02:04.840 --> 00:02:07.984 This will give you an understanding of the 21MP Grant 35 00:02:07.984 --> 00:02:11.420 program, the types of projects that can be funded, and the 36 00:02:11.420 --> 00:02:13.400 necessary application components. 37 00:02:13.880 --> 00:02:17.403 You may also want to review the 21MP Notice of Funding 38 00:02:17.403 --> 00:02:21.120 Opportunity before, during, or after you watch the video. 39 00:02:22.280 --> 00:02:26.387 Notices of Funding Opportunity, also known as NOFOs, are 40 00:02:26.387 --> 00:02:30.279 documents that detail the requirements of each of our 41 00:02:30.279 --> 00:02:31.360 grant programs. 42 00:02:32.080 --> 00:02:37.697 All of our NOFOs can be found at imls.gov/grants and as you 43 00:02:37.697 --> 00:02:40.880 navigate the application process, 44 00:02:41.240 --> 00:02:43.720 you can use this video as a reference tool. 45 00:02:44.240 --> 00:02:47.803 If you'd like to skip to a specific section, please use the 46 00:02:47.803 --> 00:02:51.545 time bar, or the links in the description box, to navigate the 47 00:02:51.545 --> 00:02:52.080 chapters. 48 00:02:55.760 --> 00:02:58.836 In this section, we'll answer the question: "What is the 21MP 49 00:02:58.836 --> 00:02:59.680 Grant Program?" — 50 00:02:59.760 --> 00:03:02.877 providing information on the purpose and intent of this 51 00:03:02.877 --> 00:03:05.160 program and who it is designed to serve. 52 00:03:06.720 --> 00:03:10.492 The 21st Century Museum Professional Grant Program 53 00:03:10.492 --> 00:03:15.004 supports projects that offer professional development to the 54 00:03:15.004 --> 00:03:19.295 current museum workforce, train and recruit future museum 55 00:03:19.295 --> 00:03:23.807 professionals, and identify and share effective practices in 56 00:03:23.807 --> 00:03:26.840 museum workforce education and training. 57 00:03:28.000 --> 00:03:31.497 This program's purpose is to develop and enhance a diverse 58 00:03:31.497 --> 00:03:34.579 workforce of museum professionals to anticipate and 59 00:03:34.579 --> 00:03:37.840 serve the needs of museums in their local communities. 60 00:03:38.920 --> 00:03:41.400 Critical thinking and problem solving, 61 00:03:41.840 --> 00:03:44.920 Communication, collaboration, and creativity 62 00:03:45.480 --> 00:03:50.100 are essential 21st century skills that are vital to success 63 00:03:50.100 --> 00:03:51.640 in a global economy. 64 00:03:52.400 --> 00:03:56.666 Museums are trusted institutions that are well equipped to build 65 00:03:56.666 --> 00:03:57.520 those skills. 66 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:03.600 Now IMLS recognizes the important role of strong local 67 00:04:03.600 --> 00:04:07.396 and regional networks in providing peer-to-peer learning, 68 00:04:07.396 --> 00:04:10.865 training, and mentoring opportunities for the museum 69 00:04:10.865 --> 00:04:11.520 workforce. 70 00:04:12.120 --> 00:04:16.160 Partnerships among museums, museum serving organizations, 71 00:04:16.160 --> 00:04:20.339 and institutions of higher education are vital to expanding 72 00:04:20.339 --> 00:04:24.309 career pathways for broad groups of museum professionals 73 00:04:24.309 --> 00:04:28.279 throughout a city, county, state, region, or the nation. 74 00:04:30.120 --> 00:04:33.853 The 21MP program encourages applications from museum 75 00:04:33.853 --> 00:04:37.939 associations, museum studies programs and institutions of 76 00:04:37.939 --> 00:04:42.376 higher education, and museums that serve as essential parts of 77 00:04:42.376 --> 00:04:46.039 the professional learning and training environment. 78 00:04:49.720 --> 00:04:53.652 So applicants to the 21MP program may include museums 79 00:04:53.652 --> 00:04:57.731 that, as I said, serve as key parts of the professional 80 00:04:57.731 --> 00:05:00.280 learning and training environment. 81 00:05:00.840 --> 00:05:04.469 And museums, like all applicants, must meet certain 82 00:05:04.469 --> 00:05:07.680 requirements to be eligible for IMLS funding. 83 00:05:09.040 --> 00:05:13.776 Your organization, first of all, must be located in one of the 84 00:05:13.776 --> 00:05:18.137 United States' 50 states, territories, or the District of 85 00:05:18.137 --> 00:05:22.949 Columbia, and your organization must be a unit of state, local, 86 00:05:22.949 --> 00:05:27.310 or tribal government, or a private nonprofit organization 87 00:05:27.310 --> 00:05:29.040 with tax exempt status. 88 00:05:31.080 --> 00:05:33.898 If you meet those two requirements, then the next step 89 00:05:33.898 --> 00:05:37.178 is to consider what it means to be eligible for IMLS funding as 90 00:05:37.178 --> 00:05:37.640 a museum. 91 00:05:38.600 --> 00:05:41.826 Museums must have at least one full time or equivalent 92 00:05:41.826 --> 00:05:44.760 professional staff person, either paid or unpaid. 93 00:05:45.640 --> 00:05:49.353 Museums must have a physical location that you own or 94 00:05:49.353 --> 00:05:53.616 operate, and museums must have been open to the public for at 95 00:05:53.616 --> 00:05:57.880 least 120 days in the year prior to the application deadline. 96 00:05:58.720 --> 00:06:04.120 And museums should own or use tangible objects. 97 00:06:07.840 --> 00:06:11.346 Museums may be stand-alone organizations, or they may be 98 00:06:11.346 --> 00:06:15.160 part of a larger institution such as a college or university, 99 00:06:15.160 --> 00:06:17.560 or tribe or state or local government. 100 00:06:20.680 --> 00:06:24.033 Now, the 21 MP program is also open to any organization or 101 00:06:24.033 --> 00:06:27.387 association that engages in activities designed to advance 102 00:06:27.387 --> 00:06:30.400 the well-being of museums and the museum profession. 103 00:06:31.120 --> 00:06:35.545 Applicants in this eligibility category may be national, 104 00:06:35.545 --> 00:06:39.661 regional, state, or discipline-based associations or 105 00:06:39.661 --> 00:06:43.854 related organizations that primarily serve the museum 106 00:06:43.854 --> 00:06:44.320 field. 107 00:06:45.880 --> 00:06:48.945 These organizations, like all applicants, must meet certain 108 00:06:48.945 --> 00:06:51.040 requirements to be eligible for funding. 109 00:06:51.520 --> 00:06:53.280 You must be located in the US, 110 00:06:53.600 --> 00:06:57.613 its 50 states, territories or the District of Columbia, and 111 00:06:57.613 --> 00:07:02.027 your organization must be a unit of state or local government, or 112 00:07:02.027 --> 00:07:05.840 a private nonprofit organization with tax exempt status. 113 00:07:07.680 --> 00:07:11.299 And finally, the 21 MP program is open to institutions of 114 00:07:11.299 --> 00:07:12.360 higher education. 115 00:07:13.920 --> 00:07:17.421 Now, this includes public and nonprofit universities who may 116 00:07:17.421 --> 00:07:20.808 offer museum studies and related programs that support the 117 00:07:20.808 --> 00:07:22.759 training of museum professionals. 118 00:07:23.200 --> 00:07:26.604 And these programs may be in the form of undergraduate, graduate, 119 00:07:26.604 --> 00:07:28.720 or professional or continuing education. 120 00:07:29.440 --> 00:07:33.991 And like the other categories of eligibility, your organization 121 00:07:33.991 --> 00:07:37.973 must be located in one of the United States' 50 states, 122 00:07:37.973 --> 00:07:40.960 territories, or the District of Columbia, 123 00:07:41.640 --> 00:07:45.747 and your organization must be a unit of state, local, or tribal 124 00:07:45.747 --> 00:07:49.341 government or a private nonprofit organization with tax 125 00:07:49.341 --> 00:07:50.240 exempt status. 126 00:07:54.800 --> 00:07:58.945 In this next section, we will answer the question: "What can 127 00:07:58.945 --> 00:08:03.363 21MP grants fund?"— and provide details on the types of projects 128 00:08:03.363 --> 00:08:06.897 and associated goals within the 21st Century Museum 129 00:08:06.897 --> 00:08:08.800 Professionals Grant program. 130 00:08:10.560 --> 00:08:14.162 Like so many of the IMLS grant programs, the 21MP grants are 131 00:08:14.162 --> 00:08:16.880 intended to support project-based activities. 132 00:08:17.200 --> 00:08:19.800 So let's take a minute to consider what that means. 133 00:08:20.480 --> 00:08:24.849 The Project Management Institute has a good definition, which is 134 00:08:24.849 --> 00:08:28.882 a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, 135 00:08:28.882 --> 00:08:30.159 service, or result. 136 00:08:32.480 --> 00:08:36.532 They go on further to explain that a project is temporary 137 00:08:36.532 --> 00:08:40.375 because it has a defined beginning and end in time and 138 00:08:40.375 --> 00:08:43.239 therefore a defined scope and resources. 139 00:08:44.800 --> 00:08:48.349 And a project is unique in that it is not a routine operation, 140 00:08:48.349 --> 00:08:51.278 but rather a specific set of operations designed to 141 00:08:51.278 --> 00:08:52.800 accomplish a singular goal. 142 00:08:53.480 --> 00:08:57.114 We recommend that you keep this definition in mind as you 143 00:08:57.114 --> 00:08:59.120 conceptualize your IMLS project. 144 00:08:59.560 --> 00:09:03.385 Think of it as a temporary, non-routine set of activities 145 00:09:03.385 --> 00:09:07.080 which collectively have a beginning and an end in time. 146 00:09:08.240 --> 00:09:13.336 They should have a defined scope requiring specific resources, 147 00:09:13.336 --> 00:09:18.027 and these resources are designed to accomplish a specific 148 00:09:18.027 --> 00:09:19.160 singular goal. 149 00:09:22.360 --> 00:09:25.920 So with a solid grounding and project based design. 150 00:09:26.160 --> 00:09:30.224 Your project should also contain a few additional key 151 00:09:30.224 --> 00:09:34.440 characteristics that are essential in the 21MP program. 152 00:09:36.320 --> 00:09:38.520 The first is strategic partnerships. 153 00:09:40.080 --> 00:09:44.107 Your project should involve partnerships that build career 154 00:09:44.107 --> 00:09:47.862 pathways and strengthen professional networks beyond a 155 00:09:47.862 --> 00:09:49.160 single institution. 156 00:09:51.760 --> 00:09:53.880 Next is in-depth knowledge. 157 00:09:55.480 --> 00:09:59.462 Your project's design should reflect a thorough understanding 158 00:09:59.462 --> 00:10:03.444 of relevant theory and current practice in workforce training 159 00:10:03.444 --> 00:10:06.719 and professional development for the museum field. 160 00:10:09.440 --> 00:10:15.452 Third, your project should have an inclusive approach, that is, 161 00:10:15.452 --> 00:10:20.901 you should employ inclusive and equitable recruitment and 162 00:10:20.901 --> 00:10:25.880 selection strategies to reach your primary audience. 163 00:10:27.520 --> 00:10:31.160 Finally, a career focus. 164 00:10:32.080 --> 00:10:36.623 That is, your project should engage museum staff, leadership, 165 00:10:36.623 --> 00:10:40.360 and volunteers at any stage of career development. 166 00:10:42.240 --> 00:10:45.835 Successful projects that exemplify all of these 167 00:10:45.835 --> 00:10:50.480 characteristics are likely to fit well within the 21 MP grant 168 00:10:50.480 --> 00:10:51.080 program. 169 00:10:54.600 --> 00:10:58.081 Now, if your project involves strategic partnerships, 170 00:10:58.081 --> 00:11:02.208 incorporates in depth knowledge as an inclusive approach, and a 171 00:11:02.208 --> 00:11:06.141 focus on career development, you're most likely in alignment 172 00:11:06.141 --> 00:11:08.719 with the purpose of this grant program. 173 00:11:10.000 --> 00:11:13.420 Next, you'll need to select one of the grant program goals and 174 00:11:13.420 --> 00:11:16.514 associated objectives that most closely connects to your 175 00:11:16.514 --> 00:11:17.600 proposed activities. 176 00:11:18.280 --> 00:11:21.519 The first goal in the 21MP grant program is to support the 177 00:11:21.519 --> 00:11:24.320 professional development of the current workforce. 178 00:11:24.720 --> 00:11:27.807 Now this goal is further detailed in two associated 179 00:11:27.807 --> 00:11:31.369 objectives, and you should select the one that most closely 180 00:11:31.369 --> 00:11:34.160 aligns with the primary focus of your project. 181 00:11:34.600 --> 00:11:37.456 Objective 1 is to develop new or enhanced professional 182 00:11:37.456 --> 00:11:40.000 development and training programs for the museum 183 00:11:40.000 --> 00:11:40.520 workforce. 184 00:11:41.080 --> 00:11:45.061 This objective applies to any project that is creating a new 185 00:11:45.061 --> 00:11:48.717 training program or expanding and enhancing an existing 186 00:11:48.717 --> 00:11:52.959 program with a primary audience of the current museum workforce. 187 00:11:53.480 --> 00:11:57.836 And that primary audience can be for people at any stage of their 188 00:11:57.836 --> 00:12:01.665 career, maybe early career folks, emerging professionals, 189 00:12:01.665 --> 00:12:02.920 experienced senior. 190 00:12:05.520 --> 00:12:09.836 Objective 1.2 is to support the assessment and evaluation of 191 00:12:09.836 --> 00:12:13.729 training and professional development programs to help 192 00:12:13.729 --> 00:12:16.560 identify and share effective practices. 193 00:12:17.600 --> 00:12:21.275 Now, this objective is essential for those projects that will be 194 00:12:21.275 --> 00:12:24.555 conducting rigorous evaluation and assessment of training 195 00:12:24.555 --> 00:12:27.835 programs, to analyze and distill those results, and share 196 00:12:27.835 --> 00:12:31.227 findings with relevant and interested sectors of the museum 197 00:12:31.227 --> 00:12:34.903 field and professional training and higher education ecosystem. 198 00:12:38.200 --> 00:12:42.200 The second goal in the 21MP grant program is to recruit and 199 00:12:42.200 --> 00:12:45.600 train future museum professionals, in other words, 200 00:12:45.600 --> 00:12:47.000 the future workforce. 201 00:12:47.400 --> 00:12:51.640 So, supporting goal 2 on the future workforce of museum 202 00:12:51.640 --> 00:12:55.200 professionals are three associated objectives. 203 00:12:56.000 --> 00:12:59.512 You should select one of these, the one that most closely aligns 204 00:12:59.512 --> 00:13:01.080 with your project activities. 205 00:13:02.320 --> 00:13:06.754 Objective 2.1 is to expand pathways into the museum field 206 00:13:06.754 --> 00:13:11.341 by adapting higher education programs to be more responsive 207 00:13:11.341 --> 00:13:15.239 to the needs of the 21st century museum workforce. 208 00:13:15.960 --> 00:13:19.093 This objective supports the active engagement of museum 209 00:13:19.093 --> 00:13:22.507 studies programs and similar programs in higher education to 210 00:13:22.507 --> 00:13:25.752 develop, test, or expand approaches to career training in 211 00:13:25.752 --> 00:13:26.760 the museum sector. 212 00:13:29.080 --> 00:13:33.656 Objective 2.2 is to recruit future museum professionals from 213 00:13:33.656 --> 00:13:37.708 diverse and underrepresented backgrounds through paid 214 00:13:37.708 --> 00:13:41.759 internships, mentoring, and fellowship opportunities. 215 00:13:42.400 --> 00:13:45.487 This objective aligns with projects that focus on the 216 00:13:45.487 --> 00:13:48.974 recruitment, placement, and retention of people entering the 217 00:13:48.974 --> 00:13:52.005 museum field and may involve activities such as paid 218 00:13:52.005 --> 00:13:54.749 internships, mentorship opportunities, or other 219 00:13:54.749 --> 00:13:58.179 activities that foster the connections between training and 220 00:13:58.179 --> 00:14:01.610 professional development and higher education students, and 221 00:14:01.610 --> 00:14:03.840 job opportunities in the museum field. 222 00:14:06.000 --> 00:14:09.695 Objective 2.3 is to support assessment and evaluation of 223 00:14:09.695 --> 00:14:13.326 recruitment, training, and higher education programs to 224 00:14:13.326 --> 00:14:15.920 identify and share effective practices. 225 00:14:16.600 --> 00:14:19.976 This objective is essential for those projects that will be 226 00:14:19.976 --> 00:14:23.239 conducting rigorous evaluation and assessment of programs 227 00:14:23.239 --> 00:14:25.040 focused on the future workforce. 228 00:14:25.840 --> 00:14:28.858 This can be focused on evaluating new programs or 229 00:14:28.858 --> 00:14:32.058 conducting retrospective or longitudinal analysis of 230 00:14:32.058 --> 00:14:35.741 existing programs, as well as sharing findings with relevant 231 00:14:35.741 --> 00:14:39.364 and interested sectors of the museum field and professional 232 00:14:39.364 --> 00:14:41.840 training and higher education ecosystem. 233 00:14:41.840 --> 00:14:47.917 Now, regardless of the program goals selected, all 21MP project 234 00:14:47.917 --> 00:14:53.235 budgets must stay within a specific range of funding in 235 00:14:53.235 --> 00:14:55.039 this grant program. 236 00:14:55.880 --> 00:15:01.548 Your project budget can request a minimum of $100,000 to a 237 00:15:01.548 --> 00:15:05.200 maximum of $500,000 in federal funds. 238 00:15:05.880 --> 00:15:10.185 Keep your budget aligned to the scope and scale of your project, 239 00:15:10.185 --> 00:15:13.961 and include all necessary costs to complete the proposed 240 00:15:13.961 --> 00:15:16.280 activities. In this grant program, 241 00:15:16.280 --> 00:15:20.134 all project budgets are required to have at least a one-to-one 242 00:15:20.134 --> 00:15:21.480 nonfederal cost share. 243 00:15:22.120 --> 00:15:25.453 Cost share can take several forms such as in-kind 244 00:15:25.453 --> 00:15:29.720 contributions like staff time, volunteer time, as well as third 245 00:15:29.720 --> 00:15:33.453 party contributions such as grants from foundations and 246 00:15:33.453 --> 00:15:36.120 support from state or local government. 247 00:15:36.680 --> 00:15:40.440 Cost share cannot come from other federal sources. 248 00:15:43.880 --> 00:15:47.360 Now, here's an example of a recently funded 21MP project. 249 00:15:48.160 --> 00:15:52.042 This project supports goal one of 21MP with an emphasis on 250 00:15:52.042 --> 00:15:54.280 supporting the current workforce. 251 00:15:55.160 --> 00:15:59.528 The Science Museum of Minnesota received an award of $344,000 to 252 00:15:59.528 --> 00:16:03.560 support transformative change towards inclusion, diversity, 253 00:16:03.560 --> 00:16:07.660 equity, and access among Upper Midwest museums by creating a 254 00:16:07.660 --> 00:16:11.759 durable community of practice. Using a field-tested model of 255 00:16:11.759 --> 00:16:13.440 professional development, 256 00:16:13.440 --> 00:16:17.122 the museum will collaborate with 20 small, underserved museums 257 00:16:17.122 --> 00:16:20.394 across Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and 258 00:16:20.394 --> 00:16:23.901 Wisconsin to bring together staff and researchers virtually 259 00:16:23.901 --> 00:16:27.174 and in person over a period of two years to learn about 260 00:16:27.174 --> 00:16:30.739 theories, methods, and tools related to equity and find ways 261 00:16:30.739 --> 00:16:33.954 to adapt these ideas to their museums and professional 262 00:16:33.954 --> 00:16:34.480 networks. 263 00:16:35.920 --> 00:16:39.667 We've also made this project available as a sample 264 00:16:39.667 --> 00:16:44.370 application, with the narrative and schedule available as a PDF 265 00:16:44.370 --> 00:16:45.840 on the IMLS website. 266 00:16:46.640 --> 00:16:50.751 Go to "Search Awarded Grants" and search by log number to find 267 00:16:50.751 --> 00:16:51.600 this example. 268 00:16:55.600 --> 00:16:59.603 Here's an example of a recently funded 21MP project that 269 00:16:59.603 --> 00:17:03.537 supports Goal 2 of the 21MP program with an emphasis on 270 00:17:03.537 --> 00:17:07.119 creating career pathways for the future workforce. 271 00:17:07.680 --> 00:17:11.572 The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts in 272 00:17:11.572 --> 00:17:15.734 Philadelphia received an award of $116,000 to develop a pilot 273 00:17:15.734 --> 00:17:19.560 workforce training program for conservation technicians. 274 00:17:20.200 --> 00:17:23.523 The project responds to an identified need to expand career 275 00:17:23.523 --> 00:17:27.012 pathways and conservation for professionals without a graduate 276 00:17:27.012 --> 00:17:27.400 degree. 277 00:17:29.200 --> 00:17:32.935 CCAHA is partnering with Drexel University's Lenfest Center for 278 00:17:32.935 --> 00:17:36.495 Cultural Partnerships to connect undergraduate students with 279 00:17:36.495 --> 00:17:39.647 experiential training opportunities working on Drexel 280 00:17:39.647 --> 00:17:42.040 collections as conservation technicians. 281 00:17:43.440 --> 00:17:47.216 Again, we've made this available as a sample application with a 282 00:17:47.216 --> 00:17:49.400 narrative and schedule of completion 283 00:17:49.760 --> 00:17:54.800 available as a PDF on the IMLS website. 284 00:17:55.560 --> 00:17:58.942 Go to "Search Awarded Grants" and search by log number to find 285 00:17:58.942 --> 00:17:59.640 this example. 286 00:18:02.200 --> 00:18:06.586 The number of applications received and the number of 287 00:18:06.586 --> 00:18:10.080 awards made can vary from year to year and 288 00:18:10.160 --> 00:18:14.106 in the most recent application cycle, we received 49 289 00:18:14.106 --> 00:18:17.680 applications requesting $14 million in funding. 290 00:18:18.360 --> 00:18:22.809 And from these applications we selected 8 projects to receive a 291 00:18:22.809 --> 00:18:24.200 total of $2,000,000. 292 00:18:25.720 --> 00:18:29.648 On the IMLS website, you can use that "Search Awarded Grants" 293 00:18:29.648 --> 00:18:33.703 function to explore our archive of grants that we've awarded in 294 00:18:33.703 --> 00:18:34.400 past years. 295 00:18:34.680 --> 00:18:38.100 And you can search by a variety of criteria: institution name, 296 00:18:38.100 --> 00:18:39.240 location, or keyword. 297 00:18:39.760 --> 00:18:43.715 And you'll get basic information about each award, including the 298 00:18:43.715 --> 00:18:47.609 amount of federal funds awarded, and a brief description of the 299 00:18:47.609 --> 00:18:51.200 proposed activities and expected results for each project. 300 00:18:53.840 --> 00:18:57.648 In this section, we will introduce the components of a 301 00:18:57.648 --> 00:19:01.594 21MP grant application and provide an overview about the 302 00:19:01.594 --> 00:19:04.987 required, conditionally required, and supporting 303 00:19:04.987 --> 00:19:05.680 documents. 304 00:19:10.400 --> 00:19:14.231 The 21MP Notice of Funding Opportunity, or NOFO, includes a 305 00:19:14.231 --> 00:19:17.360 complete list of all the application components. 306 00:19:17.960 --> 00:19:21.783 Most of these components are created by applicants and saved 307 00:19:21.783 --> 00:19:25.670 as a PDF for uploading as part of your application package in 308 00:19:25.670 --> 00:19:26.360 Grants.gov. 309 00:19:27.320 --> 00:19:29.904 The Table of Application Components lists which 310 00:19:29.904 --> 00:19:33.026 application components are required as well as those that 311 00:19:33.026 --> 00:19:34.480 are conditionally required. 312 00:19:34.960 --> 00:19:38.404 For example, some components are included in the application 313 00:19:38.404 --> 00:19:41.228 depending on the type of applicant or the type of 314 00:19:41.228 --> 00:19:41.680 project. 315 00:19:43.960 --> 00:19:45.880 These are the required documents. 316 00:19:45.920 --> 00:19:49.560 All applications must include the documents listed here. 317 00:19:49.960 --> 00:19:53.568 Omission of even just one might result in your application's 318 00:19:53.568 --> 00:19:54.160 rejection. 319 00:19:54.840 --> 00:19:57.690 Also important to note, there is a 7-page limit for the 320 00:19:57.690 --> 00:19:58.200 narrative. 321 00:19:58.680 --> 00:20:02.017 If you exceed the page limit, we must remove the extra pages 322 00:20:02.017 --> 00:20:04.480 before your application goes out for review. 323 00:20:04.960 --> 00:20:08.510 So make sure your content fits into the page limit specified, 324 00:20:08.510 --> 00:20:11.775 and make sure the number of pages holds when you convert 325 00:20:11.775 --> 00:20:12.520 your document 326 00:20:12.840 --> 00:20:13.840 to a PDF. 327 00:20:17.120 --> 00:20:19.968 The second category of application components is that 328 00:20:19.968 --> 00:20:21.920 of conditionally required documents. 329 00:20:22.200 --> 00:20:25.947 Some applications must include one, two, or even all of these, 330 00:20:25.947 --> 00:20:29.040 and it's your job to figure out which are required. 331 00:20:29.800 --> 00:20:33.066 If you are applying as a nonprofit organization, then you 332 00:20:33.066 --> 00:20:35.600 must include your proof of nonprofit status. 333 00:20:35.880 --> 00:20:41.320 The letter issued by the IRS, the Internal Revenue Service. 334 00:20:41.680 --> 00:20:45.597 We will not accept the letter of state sales tax exemption as 335 00:20:45.597 --> 00:20:47.240 proof of nonprofit status. 336 00:20:47.960 --> 00:20:51.750 And if you're using a federally negotiated indirect cost rate in 337 00:20:51.750 --> 00:20:55.016 your budget, you must include a copy of your final rate 338 00:20:55.016 --> 00:20:55.600 agreement. 339 00:20:56.720 --> 00:21:00.201 And finally, if you will create digital products during the 340 00:21:00.201 --> 00:21:03.683 course of your project, then you must complete and submit a 341 00:21:03.683 --> 00:21:04.959 digital products plan. 342 00:21:05.440 --> 00:21:09.230 Please note that the term "digital product" includes 343 00:21:09.230 --> 00:21:13.449 digitized and born-digital content, resources, and assets, 344 00:21:13.449 --> 00:21:14.879 as well as software. 345 00:21:15.160 --> 00:21:18.932 So, if you're creating any of these types of materials, you 346 00:21:18.932 --> 00:21:22.139 should include the digital products plan with your 347 00:21:22.139 --> 00:21:26.164 application, and reach out to a program officer if you have any 348 00:21:26.164 --> 00:21:29.685 questions about whether or not to include these in your 349 00:21:29.685 --> 00:21:30.440 application. 350 00:21:33.240 --> 00:21:35.987 The third group of application components is supporting 351 00:21:35.987 --> 00:21:38.440 documents, and supporting documents are optional. 352 00:21:38.440 --> 00:21:40.600 You may submit some or none. 353 00:21:40.960 --> 00:21:44.200 Include only those items that will supplement your proposal. 354 00:21:44.560 --> 00:21:47.600 This is not the place to introduce brand new information. 355 00:21:47.920 --> 00:21:51.622 Rather, it's an opportunity to provide context with documents 356 00:21:51.622 --> 00:21:54.847 that support your Project Justification, Project Work 357 00:21:54.847 --> 00:21:56.400 Plan, and Project Results. 358 00:21:57.880 --> 00:22:00.803 For example, if you've identified a partner or 359 00:22:00.803 --> 00:22:04.536 consultant whose involvement is key to the project success, 360 00:22:04.536 --> 00:22:08.580 you'll want to include a letter of support or commitment because 361 00:22:08.580 --> 00:22:12.188 that would go a long way to reassuring reviewers that the 362 00:22:12.188 --> 00:22:15.734 partner organization is "on board" with your project and 363 00:22:15.734 --> 00:22:19.279 there's a high likelihood of success in the partnership. 364 00:22:20.840 --> 00:22:23.876 We recommend that you be respectful of your reviewers' 365 00:22:23.876 --> 00:22:27.299 time and avoid any temptation to include hundreds of pages of 366 00:22:27.299 --> 00:22:28.680 extraneous material here. 367 00:22:29.200 --> 00:22:32.968 Being judicious really does work to your benefit, as supporting 368 00:22:32.968 --> 00:22:35.560 documents can make or break an application. 369 00:22:36.200 --> 00:22:39.719 Include what is important, helpful, and directly relevant 370 00:22:39.719 --> 00:22:41.600 to your project and stop there. 371 00:22:43.280 --> 00:22:46.907 In the following sections of this presentation, we're going 372 00:22:46.907 --> 00:22:50.534 to focus on these application components: the Narrative and 373 00:22:50.534 --> 00:22:51.200 the Budget. 374 00:22:52.200 --> 00:22:55.429 You can go to the Notice of Funding Opportunity for complete 375 00:22:55.429 --> 00:22:58.342 instructions on how to prepare and complete all of the 376 00:22:58.342 --> 00:22:59.560 application components. 377 00:23:04.040 --> 00:23:07.086 In this section, we're going to go over the questions you'll 378 00:23:07.086 --> 00:23:10.182 need to answer in your project narrative and offer details on 379 00:23:10.182 --> 00:23:12.680 the review criteria associated with each section. 380 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:18.760 So let's talk about the Narrative of your proposal. 381 00:23:19.040 --> 00:23:23.111 You have 7 pages to cover 3 very important issues, and the Notice 382 00:23:23.111 --> 00:23:26.998 of Funding opportunity provides guidance on what the Narrative 383 00:23:26.998 --> 00:23:27.800 should cover. 384 00:23:28.200 --> 00:23:31.120 First is the Project Justification. 385 00:23:32.080 --> 00:23:36.755 And in this section of the narrative, we ask you to tell us 386 00:23:36.755 --> 00:23:41.120 which 21MP goal or objective your project will address. 387 00:23:42.120 --> 00:23:45.402 What need, problem, or challenge will your project address, and 388 00:23:45.402 --> 00:23:46.480 how is it identified? 389 00:23:48.280 --> 00:23:50.880 Who is the primary audience for your project? 390 00:23:52.720 --> 00:23:55.440 Who are the ultimate beneficiaries for this project? 391 00:23:56.920 --> 00:23:59.863 And how will the museum workforce, or any associated 392 00:23:59.863 --> 00:24:02.640 professional networks, benefit from your project? 393 00:24:03.200 --> 00:24:06.505 This is your opportunity to share about how your project 394 00:24:06.505 --> 00:24:09.752 will involve strategic partnerships that go beyond your 395 00:24:09.752 --> 00:24:10.680 own institution. 396 00:24:13.600 --> 00:24:16.075 In the Notice of Funding Opportunity, under review 397 00:24:16.075 --> 00:24:19.133 criteria, you will find a list of questions that reviewers are 398 00:24:19.133 --> 00:24:21.560 asked to consider when they review your proposal. 399 00:24:22.080 --> 00:24:25.153 It's a good idea to refer to these as you craft your 400 00:24:25.153 --> 00:24:28.864 narrative to be certain you're providing reviewers clear, solid 401 00:24:28.864 --> 00:24:29.560 information. 402 00:24:29.920 --> 00:24:33.907 And you'll see that these review criteria correspond fairly 403 00:24:33.907 --> 00:24:38.160 directly with the prompts you're given to write your narrative. 404 00:24:39.520 --> 00:24:44.213 Reviewers really want to see that your project connects to 405 00:24:44.213 --> 00:24:46.600 the goals of the 21MP program. 406 00:24:46.920 --> 00:24:50.267 They want to understand how relevant data and best practice 407 00:24:50.267 --> 00:24:53.560 has been used to describe the need, problem, or challenge. 408 00:24:53.880 --> 00:24:57.740 They want to know that you have appropriately defined the 409 00:24:57.740 --> 00:25:01.267 primary audience and beneficiaries for your proposed 410 00:25:01.267 --> 00:25:01.800 project. 411 00:25:02.280 --> 00:25:06.175 And they really want to know that this is going to address 412 00:25:06.175 --> 00:25:10.070 the needs of the workforce and have the potential to build 413 00:25:10.070 --> 00:25:13.767 career pathways and strengthen networks beyond a single 414 00:25:13.767 --> 00:25:14.560 institution. 415 00:25:17.840 --> 00:25:21.970 So, one of the prompts in the Project Justification section of 416 00:25:21.970 --> 00:25:25.183 the narrative is the identification of the need, 417 00:25:25.183 --> 00:25:28.200 problem, or challenge your project addresses. 418 00:25:28.200 --> 00:25:32.345 It's a foundational part of the application, so keep these 419 00:25:32.345 --> 00:25:33.400 points in mind. 420 00:25:35.400 --> 00:25:38.597 The federal government wants its investment to result in 421 00:25:38.597 --> 00:25:40.000 something getting better. 422 00:25:40.360 --> 00:25:44.234 So as you define your need, problem, or challenge, you want 423 00:25:44.234 --> 00:25:47.786 to articulate what will get better as a result of your 424 00:25:47.786 --> 00:25:51.080 project, and describe it as precisely as possible. 425 00:25:51.600 --> 00:25:54.626 Will someone learn something, develop a skill, or change an 426 00:25:54.626 --> 00:25:55.080 attitude? 427 00:25:55.080 --> 00:25:56.000 What's going to happen? 428 00:25:56.480 --> 00:26:00.400 And you want to identify why it's important that this 429 00:26:00.400 --> 00:26:04.466 particular change happens, and really hone your problem 430 00:26:04.466 --> 00:26:08.895 definition carefully in clear and succinct terms, and gather 431 00:26:08.895 --> 00:26:12.961 and present data or evidence that supports your problem 432 00:26:12.961 --> 00:26:13.760 definition. 433 00:26:14.120 --> 00:26:19.440 Next is the project work plan. 434 00:26:19.600 --> 00:26:24.185 So if the project justification section was the "why" part, the 435 00:26:24.185 --> 00:26:28.555 project work plan is where you identify the "who, what, when 436 00:26:28.555 --> 00:26:29.200 and how." 437 00:26:29.920 --> 00:26:33.499 Who will do the activities, when are they going to do them, and 438 00:26:33.499 --> 00:26:35.680 what resources are going to be needed? 439 00:26:37.560 --> 00:26:40.510 How are you going to recruit and select participants from the 440 00:26:40.510 --> 00:26:41.320 primary audience? 441 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:45.220 How are you going to track progress towards achieving your 442 00:26:45.220 --> 00:26:45.560 results? 443 00:26:47.040 --> 00:26:50.323 They also ask about risks, some that are inherent in your 444 00:26:50.323 --> 00:26:53.664 particular project, and tell us how you've taken that into 445 00:26:53.664 --> 00:26:55.080 account in your planning. 446 00:26:57.720 --> 00:27:00.545 And again, this is a list of questions from the Notice of 447 00:27:00.545 --> 00:27:03.321 Funding Opportunity that reviewers are asked to consider 448 00:27:03.321 --> 00:27:04.880 when they look at the work plan. 449 00:27:05.240 --> 00:27:10.278 They will want to know how your proposed activities are informed 450 00:27:10.278 --> 00:27:14.542 by relevant theory and practice in museum professional 451 00:27:14.542 --> 00:27:16.480 development and training. 452 00:27:17.920 --> 00:27:21.122 They want to know that you've clearly stated the goals, 453 00:27:21.122 --> 00:27:24.896 assumptions, and potential risks that have informed the design of 454 00:27:24.896 --> 00:27:25.640 your project. 455 00:27:26.400 --> 00:27:29.512 And that you've discussed how the service providers and 456 00:27:29.512 --> 00:27:32.958 consultants, and others, have the skills necessary to get the 457 00:27:32.958 --> 00:27:34.960 results you want from your project. 458 00:27:36.080 --> 00:27:38.794 And that you've allocated adequate staff time and 459 00:27:38.794 --> 00:27:40.640 resources to completing the work. 460 00:27:41.680 --> 00:27:45.477 And that you developed a method for tracking progress and making 461 00:27:45.477 --> 00:27:46.880 changes where necessary. 462 00:27:51.320 --> 00:27:54.533 So when we ask you to think about risks, the risks that are 463 00:27:54.533 --> 00:27:57.746 inherent in your particular project, we want you to tell us 464 00:27:57.746 --> 00:28:00.959 how you've taken those risks into account in your planning. 465 00:28:01.600 --> 00:28:05.442 So think of it as answering the question, "What if?"— there's no 466 00:28:05.442 --> 00:28:09.049 checklist of risks, but every project has them, and the best 467 00:28:09.049 --> 00:28:12.833 proposals will show that you are aware of them and have thought 468 00:28:12.833 --> 00:28:15.080 through a plan for dealing with them. 469 00:28:15.960 --> 00:28:17.600 So look at your activities. 470 00:28:17.840 --> 00:28:20.200 Think about what could go wrong. 471 00:28:20.440 --> 00:28:24.625 Focus on the ones where your experience tells you, yeah, that 472 00:28:24.625 --> 00:28:29.080 could happen, and identify steps that you would take in response. 473 00:28:30.040 --> 00:28:34.835 Now, we know that things will go differently than expected and we 474 00:28:34.835 --> 00:28:39.412 just want you to be prepared by identifying a few options that 475 00:28:39.412 --> 00:28:41.520 are likely to be implemented. 476 00:28:42.920 --> 00:28:44.480 So here are some examples of risk. 477 00:28:45.200 --> 00:28:48.763 Projects may be dependent upon fundraising to generate cost 478 00:28:48.763 --> 00:28:49.120 share. 479 00:28:49.120 --> 00:28:51.778 But it's not complete by the time the application is 480 00:28:51.778 --> 00:28:52.280 submitted. 481 00:28:52.800 --> 00:28:55.882 So, what will the institution do if the money is not available 482 00:28:55.882 --> 00:28:57.400 when the project gets underway? 483 00:28:57.840 --> 00:29:00.520 Or, 484 00:29:00.960 --> 00:29:03.960 a project might plan to conduct listening sessions with staff. 485 00:29:04.520 --> 00:29:07.708 And what if the staff feedback suggests that different needs, 486 00:29:07.708 --> 00:29:10.640 issues, or challenges should be a priority for training? 487 00:29:12.600 --> 00:29:18.051 Maybe this project is structured around supporting interns from a 488 00:29:18.051 --> 00:29:18.960 university. 489 00:29:18.960 --> 00:29:22.480 So what happens if one or more interns drops out? 490 00:29:23.880 --> 00:29:26.840 What's the plan for replacing them mid-project? 491 00:29:27.960 --> 00:29:32.320 Or maybe you're working with a consultant and they drop out. 492 00:29:32.520 --> 00:29:34.520 So again, what do you do? 493 00:29:35.120 --> 00:29:36.360 What's likely to happen? 494 00:29:39.320 --> 00:29:44.522 So the final part of the Project Narrative is the Results 495 00:29:44.522 --> 00:29:45.240 section. 496 00:29:46.760 --> 00:29:49.443 And in this third section of your Narrative, it should be 497 00:29:49.443 --> 00:29:52.080 devoted to articulating your project's intended results. 498 00:29:53.200 --> 00:29:55.855 The section is your chance to convince the reviewers that your 499 00:29:55.855 --> 00:29:57.920 project will result in something getting better. 500 00:29:58.360 --> 00:30:01.570 The need or problem you identified in your Justification 501 00:30:01.570 --> 00:30:04.781 will be addressed directly, and it will be diminished or 502 00:30:04.781 --> 00:30:07.880 eliminated, or some something will change as a result. 503 00:30:09.760 --> 00:30:12.980 Now, we ask you to tell us what data you will collect and report 504 00:30:12.980 --> 00:30:15.160 in order to measure your project's success. 505 00:30:15.640 --> 00:30:19.328 And if your project will generate some tangible products, 506 00:30:19.328 --> 00:30:22.952 here's the opportunity to describe them, and let us know 507 00:30:22.952 --> 00:30:26.958 how you will make the products accessible and available to the 508 00:30:26.958 --> 00:30:28.039 primary audience. 509 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:32.651 And last but not least, we ask that you tell us how you will 510 00:30:32.651 --> 00:30:36.463 sustain the benefits of the project and how this improvement 511 00:30:36.463 --> 00:30:40.087 that you propose to make will continue once your grant is 512 00:30:40.087 --> 00:30:40.400 over. 513 00:30:43.320 --> 00:30:46.520 Again, here's a list of the review questions that reviewers 514 00:30:46.520 --> 00:30:49.240 will consider when they're reading your narrative. 515 00:30:50.120 --> 00:30:53.438 All of your results should really tie back to your need, 516 00:30:53.438 --> 00:30:54.720 problem, or challenge. 517 00:30:59.560 --> 00:31:04.215 We often hear that defining intended results and success 518 00:31:04.215 --> 00:31:09.280 measures is a challenging part of the process for applicants. 519 00:31:09.960 --> 00:31:13.000 So it's worth spending a bit of time on this. 520 00:31:14.000 --> 00:31:16.733 Let's think back to the questions we referenced a couple 521 00:31:16.733 --> 00:31:19.322 of slides ago when we talked about defining the need, 522 00:31:19.322 --> 00:31:21.960 problem, or challenge that your project is addressing. 523 00:31:22.840 --> 00:31:26.784 If you said some someone will learn something, how are you 524 00:31:26.784 --> 00:31:27.720 going to know? 525 00:31:29.280 --> 00:31:33.996 And if you want to advance equity in the museum field, say, 526 00:31:33.996 --> 00:31:36.040 how will that be measured? 527 00:31:37.520 --> 00:31:40.879 The focus on results and measuring success in meaningful 528 00:31:40.879 --> 00:31:44.768 ways is not new and there's been a tremendous amount of work done 529 00:31:44.768 --> 00:31:46.360 on ways to measure success. 530 00:31:46.800 --> 00:31:52.206 So we encourage you to consider using a tool like a logic model 531 00:31:52.206 --> 00:31:57.612 or an outcomes-based evaluation and methodology to explain your 532 00:31:57.612 --> 00:32:01.920 intended results and your plan for achieving them. 533 00:32:05.480 --> 00:32:10.249 So to recap, your Narrative has three sections, the Project 534 00:32:10.249 --> 00:32:15.257 Justification, the Project Work Plan, and Project Results, and 535 00:32:15.257 --> 00:32:18.040 you have 7 pages for this section. 536 00:32:20.360 --> 00:32:24.560 Each of the parts of the narrative are equally important, 537 00:32:24.560 --> 00:32:29.122 so write clearly, address what we ask you to address, and keep 538 00:32:29.122 --> 00:32:31.439 an eye on those review criteria. 539 00:32:32.280 --> 00:32:36.120 We're telling you here exactly what the reviewers will look 540 00:32:36.120 --> 00:32:40.216 for, so make it easy for them to find the information they need 541 00:32:40.216 --> 00:32:43.800 in the narrative that you submit with your application. 542 00:32:48.800 --> 00:32:52.231 In this section, we'll provide information on what to include 543 00:32:52.231 --> 00:32:55.552 in your Project Budget and Budget Justification and provide 544 00:32:55.552 --> 00:32:58.320 some examples of allowable and unallowable costs. 545 00:32:59.040 --> 00:33:01.640 An important component of your application is the Budget. 546 00:33:01.800 --> 00:33:04.972 This is the part of the application where you specify 547 00:33:04.972 --> 00:33:08.556 all the costs associated with your proposed project, and the 548 00:33:08.556 --> 00:33:12.376 Budget consists of two required components, the IMLS Budget Form 549 00:33:12.376 --> 00:33:14.080 and the Budget Justification. 550 00:33:14.920 --> 00:33:17.000 The Budget form is a fillable PDF. 551 00:33:17.200 --> 00:33:20.191 It accommodates up to three years of project activities and 552 00:33:20.191 --> 00:33:20.640 expenses. 553 00:33:21.360 --> 00:33:25.363 The budget should include the project costs that will be 554 00:33:25.363 --> 00:33:29.858 charged to grant funds as well as those to be supported by cost 555 00:33:29.858 --> 00:33:30.280 share. 556 00:33:30.280 --> 00:33:34.717 In-kind contributions to cost share may include: the value of 557 00:33:34.717 --> 00:33:38.941 services, such as volunteer staff time or consultant time; 558 00:33:38.941 --> 00:33:43.307 or equipment donated to the project, and those cost share or 559 00:33:43.307 --> 00:33:47.244 other kinds of expenses must have occurred between the 560 00:33:47.244 --> 00:33:50.680 authorized start and end dates of your project. 561 00:33:51.680 --> 00:33:55.786 All the listed items, whether supported by grant funds or cost 562 00:33:55.786 --> 00:33:59.631 share, must be necessary to accomplish project objectives, 563 00:33:59.631 --> 00:34:02.956 allowable according to the applicable federal cost 564 00:34:02.956 --> 00:34:07.062 principles, and auditable and incurred during the award period 565 00:34:07.062 --> 00:34:08.039 of performance. 566 00:34:08.840 --> 00:34:11.816 The budget form can be downloaded directly from the 567 00:34:11.816 --> 00:34:12.560 IMLS website. 568 00:34:15.000 --> 00:34:18.111 As you develop your budget, keep in mind that there are certain 569 00:34:18.111 --> 00:34:21.027 costs that are either allowable or unallowable according to 570 00:34:21.027 --> 00:34:22.000 federal regulations. 571 00:34:22.720 --> 00:34:26.884 The allowability of a cost item is specified in the Code of 572 00:34:26.884 --> 00:34:31.188 Federal Regulations, known as CFR, sometimes referred to as 2 573 00:34:31.188 --> 00:34:35.284 CFR 200, which is the specific part of federal regulations 574 00:34:35.284 --> 00:34:38.755 known as the Uniform Administrative Requirements, 575 00:34:38.755 --> 00:34:42.920 Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. 576 00:34:43.840 --> 00:34:47.422 Using 2 CFR 200 as a basis, we've developed a short list of 577 00:34:47.422 --> 00:34:50.586 allowable costs that are most commonly seen in grant 578 00:34:50.586 --> 00:34:51.840 applications at IMLS. 579 00:34:53.360 --> 00:34:56.497 These costs may be part of what you ask IMLS to pay for with 580 00:34:56.497 --> 00:34:59.840 federal funds or what you'll pay for as part of your cost share. 581 00:34:59.840 --> 00:35:01.560 They can be on either part of the budget. 582 00:35:02.120 --> 00:35:06.374 The rules on allowability apply equally to grant funds as well 583 00:35:06.374 --> 00:35:07.320 as cost share. 584 00:35:08.320 --> 00:35:11.619 And when completing your project budget, be sure to check that 585 00:35:11.619 --> 00:35:14.500 all the costs you include, whether grant funds or cost 586 00:35:14.500 --> 00:35:15.599 share, are allowable. 587 00:35:17.080 --> 00:35:20.888 There are also some costs which are unallowable according to the 588 00:35:20.888 --> 00:35:22.880 federal regulations in 2 CFR 200. 589 00:35:23.800 --> 00:35:27.288 In the NOFO, we also provide an abbreviated list of unallowable 590 00:35:27.288 --> 00:35:29.360 costs, which are shown on this slide. 591 00:35:31.040 --> 00:35:34.334 Unallowable costs may not be part of what you ask IMLS to pay 592 00:35:34.334 --> 00:35:37.629 for, nor can they be part of what you will pay for as part of 593 00:35:37.629 --> 00:35:38.479 your cost share. 594 00:35:38.480 --> 00:35:42.314 In fact, unallowable expenses can't show up anywhere in your 595 00:35:42.314 --> 00:35:42.880 proposal. 596 00:35:43.600 --> 00:35:47.178 So, as you prepare your application, it's a good idea to 597 00:35:47.178 --> 00:35:50.881 compare your list of proposed expenses against the list of 598 00:35:50.881 --> 00:35:54.899 allowable and unallowable costs, as well as looking at the cost 599 00:35:54.899 --> 00:35:56.280 principles themselves. 600 00:35:56.760 --> 00:35:59.320 If, after that, you have specific questions, please 601 00:35:59.320 --> 00:36:01.240 contact us and we'll be happy to help. 602 00:36:03.800 --> 00:36:07.325 In addition to the budget form, you'll also prepare a Budget 603 00:36:07.325 --> 00:36:10.851 Justification, and this is your opportunity to provide, in a 604 00:36:10.851 --> 00:36:14.608 more detailed, narrative format, an explanation or justification 605 00:36:14.608 --> 00:36:15.879 for the project costs. 606 00:36:16.640 --> 00:36:20.029 The Budget Justification should be written to follow the cost 607 00:36:20.029 --> 00:36:23.419 categories in the IMLS Budget Form, and in the Justification, 608 00:36:23.419 --> 00:36:26.754 you're going to identify each expense and show the method of 609 00:36:26.754 --> 00:36:29.761 cost computation used to determine each dollar amount, 610 00:36:29.761 --> 00:36:33.205 including any that you may have consolidated and summarized on 611 00:36:33.205 --> 00:36:34.080 the Budget Form. 612 00:36:34.720 --> 00:36:37.760 In other words, this is the place to show your math. 613 00:36:40.440 --> 00:36:44.316 For example, in the section on salaries and wages, you should 614 00:36:44.316 --> 00:36:48.068 identify each person whose salary or wage will be paid with 615 00:36:48.068 --> 00:36:51.695 IMLS funds or included in cost share, provide their name, 616 00:36:51.695 --> 00:36:55.447 describe their role in the project, and document the method 617 00:36:55.447 --> 00:36:59.324 of cost computation by including the base salary or wages for 618 00:36:59.324 --> 00:37:03.389 each person, and the percentage of time each person is allocated 619 00:37:03.389 --> 00:37:07.453 to the project activities, which may be shown as a percentage of 620 00:37:07.453 --> 00:37:10.079 time, number of days, or number of hours. 621 00:37:11.040 --> 00:37:14.614 If cost share is being provided by unpaid volunteers, explain 622 00:37:14.614 --> 00:37:18.016 how you arrived at the dollar amount used to represent the 623 00:37:18.016 --> 00:37:19.400 value of their services. 624 00:37:20.880 --> 00:37:24.504 In the section on supplies, materials and equipment, for 625 00:37:24.504 --> 00:37:28.192 example, you should list each type of supply material, or 626 00:37:28.192 --> 00:37:31.881 equipment that you propose to purchase or provide as cost 627 00:37:31.881 --> 00:37:33.280 share for the project. 628 00:37:34.000 --> 00:37:37.548 Detail the number and unit cost for each item, and explain how 629 00:37:37.548 --> 00:37:39.520 you arrived at the dollar amounts. 630 00:37:40.040 --> 00:37:43.405 You may also provide vendor quotes or price lists as 631 00:37:43.405 --> 00:37:46.200 supporting documents with your application. 632 00:37:56.000 --> 00:37:59.740 In this final section of our presentation, we offer some 633 00:37:59.740 --> 00:38:01.840 application tips and next steps. 634 00:38:06.520 --> 00:38:09.960 We can only make grants to eligible applicants that submit 635 00:38:09.960 --> 00:38:13.635 complete applications, including attachments, on or before the 636 00:38:13.635 --> 00:38:14.160 deadline. 637 00:38:14.480 --> 00:38:16.720 So here are some tips to help you do just that. 638 00:38:17.360 --> 00:38:20.360 Start the process early. By watching this video, 639 00:38:20.360 --> 00:38:21.800 you're off to a good start. 640 00:38:22.560 --> 00:38:25.160 Become familiar with Grants.gov's workspace. 641 00:38:25.720 --> 00:38:28.699 It has many good features, such as the opportunity to 642 00:38:28.699 --> 00:38:31.844 collaborate with others in creating your application, as 643 00:38:31.844 --> 00:38:34.933 well as a validation process that allows you to correct 644 00:38:34.933 --> 00:38:35.320 errors. 645 00:38:35.800 --> 00:38:38.600 Tutorials are available on Grants.gov. 646 00:38:41.480 --> 00:38:43.480 Be sure your application is complete. 647 00:38:43.880 --> 00:38:46.760 Check it against the Table of Application Components in the 648 00:38:46.760 --> 00:38:48.200 Notice of Funding Opportunity. 649 00:38:48.840 --> 00:38:52.422 Make sure all application components are in the proper 650 00:38:52.422 --> 00:38:55.680 format and follow the correct naming conventions. 651 00:38:56.720 --> 00:39:00.434 And finally, submit your application in Grants.gov well 652 00:39:00.434 --> 00:39:04.680 before the deadline so you can correct any errors and avoid any 653 00:39:04.680 --> 00:39:07.400 issues created by technology challenges. 654 00:39:09.680 --> 00:39:12.270 It's important to get your application submitted online 655 00:39:12.270 --> 00:39:14.120 through Grants.gov before the deadline. 656 00:39:14.280 --> 00:39:17.870 IMLS does not accept applications by mail or email, 657 00:39:17.870 --> 00:39:21.944 and in order to submit your application in Grants.gov, you 658 00:39:21.944 --> 00:39:26.157 must have an active SAM.gov registration and a Unique Entity 659 00:39:26.157 --> 00:39:27.400 Identifier Number. 660 00:39:28.040 --> 00:39:31.990 Make sure your registrations for both of these sites are complete 661 00:39:31.990 --> 00:39:35.761 and your accounts are active, and that any necessary passwords 662 00:39:35.761 --> 00:39:36.480 are current. 663 00:39:37.440 --> 00:39:40.498 These registrations expire periodically, so do not wait 664 00:39:40.498 --> 00:39:43.720 until it's time to hit the submit button to check on them. 665 00:39:44.400 --> 00:39:47.653 You should coordinate with any other staff members, such as 666 00:39:47.653 --> 00:39:51.014 your Authorized Organization Representative, who may hold the 667 00:39:51.014 --> 00:39:54.213 accounts and passwords that you're going to need to submit 668 00:39:54.213 --> 00:39:55.840 the application in Grants.gov. 669 00:39:57.400 --> 00:40:01.690 Both SAM.gov and Grants.gov websites have robust help 670 00:40:01.690 --> 00:40:03.120 features and FAQs. 671 00:40:04.480 --> 00:40:08.287 If you run into technical issues with either of these sites, you 672 00:40:08.287 --> 00:40:11.040 should reach out directly to their help desks. 673 00:40:11.400 --> 00:40:15.063 And request a tracking number, case number, or ticket number in 674 00:40:15.063 --> 00:40:18.440 order to document your issue and attempts at resolving it. 675 00:40:19.560 --> 00:40:23.835 Failure to have a SAM.gov or Grants.gov registration that's 676 00:40:23.835 --> 00:40:27.967 active and in place by the application deadline is not an 677 00:40:27.967 --> 00:40:30.960 excuse for submitting a late application. 678 00:40:31.360 --> 00:40:34.840 So again, be sure to start early in this process. 679 00:40:36.720 --> 00:40:40.112 There are many components that make up the entire application, 680 00:40:40.112 --> 00:40:43.073 and the narrative is an essential and critical part of 681 00:40:43.073 --> 00:40:43.720 the package. 682 00:40:44.160 --> 00:40:47.961 Peer reviewers — museum professionals from all types of 683 00:40:47.961 --> 00:40:52.034 museums — will be selected by IMLS to read each application 684 00:40:52.034 --> 00:40:55.768 and provide constructive comments on the strengths and 685 00:40:55.768 --> 00:40:58.280 weaknesses of the proposed projects. 686 00:40:59.440 --> 00:41:03.098 They also base their reviews only on the information 687 00:41:03.098 --> 00:41:07.585 contained in the application, so don't assume that a reviewer or 688 00:41:07.585 --> 00:41:11.727 IMLS will know something about your museum or your proposed 689 00:41:11.727 --> 00:41:12.280 project. 690 00:41:13.760 --> 00:41:17.741 So, to make sure your Narrative is as clear and complete as 691 00:41:17.741 --> 00:41:21.922 possible, revisit the NOFO and follow the Narrative outline it 692 00:41:21.922 --> 00:41:22.520 provides. 693 00:41:24.320 --> 00:41:27.818 Use headings, subheadings, or numbered sections in your 694 00:41:27.818 --> 00:41:30.880 narrative to make it easy for reviewers to read. 695 00:41:32.080 --> 00:41:35.427 Be sure to consider the review criteria associated with each 696 00:41:35.427 --> 00:41:36.800 section of the narrative. 697 00:41:38.960 --> 00:41:41.800 Avoid generalities, acronyms, and jargon. 698 00:41:41.800 --> 00:41:45.262 The people who are going to read your application are museum 699 00:41:45.262 --> 00:41:48.782 professionals, but they may not be totally familiar with your 700 00:41:48.782 --> 00:41:52.529 particular shorthand, so make it easy for them to understand what 701 00:41:52.529 --> 00:41:53.040 you mean. 702 00:41:55.200 --> 00:41:58.511 Another advantage to starting your application early is that 703 00:41:58.511 --> 00:42:01.551 you can ask a colleague to review everything with fresh 704 00:42:01.551 --> 00:42:02.800 eyes before you submit. 705 00:42:04.040 --> 00:42:07.557 Ask them to act like a reviewer who's seeing this for the first 706 00:42:07.557 --> 00:42:11.075 time and get some constructive feedback before you submit it in 707 00:42:11.075 --> 00:42:11.679 Grants.gov. 708 00:42:15.080 --> 00:42:18.760 Here are a few important dates relating to 21MP applications. 709 00:42:19.320 --> 00:42:24.523 Applications must be received through Grants.gov by 11:59 PM 710 00:42:24.523 --> 00:42:27.680 Eastern Time on November 15th, 2024. 711 00:42:28.360 --> 00:42:31.560 Your application will be time stamped by the Grants.gov 712 00:42:31.560 --> 00:42:31.960 system. 713 00:42:33.080 --> 00:42:37.212 After the application deadline, IMLS staff will review your 714 00:42:37.212 --> 00:42:41.620 application for completeness and eligibility, and you will hear 715 00:42:41.620 --> 00:42:44.720 from us via email if there are any problems. 716 00:42:45.880 --> 00:42:49.578 Next, we will select experienced and knowledgeable peer reviewers 717 00:42:49.578 --> 00:42:52.829 to read your applications and provide scores and comments 718 00:42:52.829 --> 00:42:55.967 based on the criteria outlined in the Notice of Funding 719 00:42:55.967 --> 00:42:56.640 Opportunity. 720 00:42:57.520 --> 00:43:01.000 IMLS staff will examine your budget, your financials, and 721 00:43:01.000 --> 00:43:03.880 your track record with past and current grants. 722 00:43:04.600 --> 00:43:09.372 We then prepare materials for the IMLS Deputy Director for 723 00:43:09.372 --> 00:43:14.144 Museums and the IMLS Director, and, by law, it is the IMLS 724 00:43:14.144 --> 00:43:19.401 Director who is charged with the authority and responsibility to 725 00:43:19.401 --> 00:43:22.880 make final award decisions. In early June, 726 00:43:23.080 --> 00:43:26.871 we will notify you by email of the award decisions and provide 727 00:43:26.871 --> 00:43:29.880 the scores and comments created by the reviewers. 728 00:43:30.560 --> 00:43:34.952 All 21MP projects must be scheduled to start on the first 729 00:43:34.952 --> 00:43:36.240 day of July 2025. 730 00:43:40.680 --> 00:43:43.777 And in conclusion, as you read through the NOFO and prepare 731 00:43:43.777 --> 00:43:46.875 your application, additional questions may arise before the 732 00:43:46.875 --> 00:43:47.959 application deadline. 733 00:43:48.320 --> 00:43:51.591 And we can help you with learning more about the 21MP 734 00:43:51.591 --> 00:43:55.106 grant program or other grant programs at IMLS, as well as 735 00:43:55.106 --> 00:43:58.741 address any specific concerns you may have with the various 736 00:43:58.741 --> 00:44:02.195 application components or help you understand the review 737 00:44:02.195 --> 00:44:02.679 process. 738 00:44:03.280 --> 00:44:07.600 So you may contact IMLS program staff by email or phone. 739 00:44:07.840 --> 00:44:11.832 Contact information is listed on the grant program landing page 740 00:44:11.832 --> 00:44:13.080 on the IMLS website. 741 00:44:14.040 --> 00:44:17.550 You may also schedule a counseling call to meet directly 742 00:44:17.550 --> 00:44:18.720 with program staff. 743 00:44:19.000 --> 00:44:22.649 Use the link found on the grant program landing page to find an 744 00:44:22.649 --> 00:44:24.760 available time slot on our calendar. 745 00:44:25.080 --> 00:44:27.853 You will then receive an email with a calendar invite and 746 00:44:27.853 --> 00:44:29.240 Microsoft Teams meeting link. 747 00:44:30.320 --> 00:44:34.078 Thank you again for listening to our presentation and best of 748 00:44:34.078 --> 00:44:37.472 luck to you in preparing and submitting your IMLS grant 749 00:44:37.472 --> 00:44:38.199 application.