WEBVTT Kind: captions Language: en 1 00:00:07.280 --> 00:00:11.548 Welcome to the Institute of Museum and Library Services 2 00:00:11.548 --> 00:00:15.587 Office of Museum Services informational video museum 3 00:00:15.587 --> 00:00:19.627 grants for American Latino History and Culture grant 4 00:00:19.627 --> 00:00:22.600 program applicant information session. 5 00:00:25.600 --> 00:00:29.625 The goal of this video is to provide an overview of our 6 00:00:29.625 --> 00:00:33.938 museum grants for American Latino history and culture grant 7 00:00:33.938 --> 00:00:38.108 program, which we call ALHC for short, and the process of 8 00:00:38.108 --> 00:00:40.840 preparing an application for funding. 9 00:00:43.480 --> 00:00:46.240 This video is organized into six chapters. 10 00:00:46.760 --> 00:00:50.042 What is museums grants for American Latino history and 11 00:00:50.042 --> 00:00:50.520 culture? 12 00:00:50.960 --> 00:00:55.006 This section explains the purpose and design of the ALHC 13 00:00:55.006 --> 00:00:56.000 grant program. 14 00:00:56.960 --> 00:00:59.400 What can ALHC grants fund? 15 00:00:59.760 --> 00:01:03.625 This section explains the types of projects that can be funded 16 00:01:03.625 --> 00:01:07.000 in ALHC and the amount of funds that can be requested. 17 00:01:07.640 --> 00:01:10.958 Application Components Introduction: This section 18 00:01:10.958 --> 00:01:15.073 describes the types of documents that are needed to create an 19 00:01:15.073 --> 00:01:16.600 ALHC grant application. 20 00:01:17.280 --> 00:01:20.968 Application Components Narrative: This section provides 21 00:01:20.968 --> 00:01:24.129 guidance on composing the narrative part of the 22 00:01:24.129 --> 00:01:24.920 application. 23 00:01:25.560 --> 00:01:29.546 Application Components and Budget: This section provides 24 00:01:29.546 --> 00:01:33.882 details on the information to include in your project budget, 25 00:01:33.882 --> 00:01:36.120 application tips and next steps. 26 00:01:36.840 --> 00:01:40.877 The concluding section provides a few tips and next steps for 27 00:01:40.877 --> 00:01:41.920 your assistance. 28 00:01:42.600 --> 00:01:47.176 The complete set of instructions for how to prepare and submit an 29 00:01:47.176 --> 00:01:51.129 ALHC grant application is found in the Notice of Funding 30 00:01:51.129 --> 00:01:55.221 Opportunity, published on Grants.gov and also available on 31 00:01:55.221 --> 00:01:56.400 the IMLS website. 32 00:01:56.960 --> 00:02:00.600 Please refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the most 33 00:02:00.600 --> 00:02:03.720 detailed information as you prepare your application. 34 00:02:06.040 --> 00:02:08.987 To get the most out of this video, we recommend that you 35 00:02:08.987 --> 00:02:10.280 watch it in its entirety. 36 00:02:10.720 --> 00:02:13.688 This will give you an understanding of the ALHC grant 37 00:02:13.688 --> 00:02:16.931 program, the types of projects that can be funded, and the 38 00:02:16.931 --> 00:02:18.800 necessary application components. 39 00:02:19.320 --> 00:02:23.083 You may also want to review the ALHC Notice of Funding 40 00:02:23.083 --> 00:02:27.120 Opportunity before, during, and after you watch the video. 41 00:02:27.760 --> 00:02:31.267 Notices of Funding Opportunities, also known as 42 00:02:31.267 --> 00:02:36.016 NOFOs, are documents that detail the requirements of each of our 43 00:02:36.016 --> 00:02:38.720 grant programs for fiscal year 2025. 44 00:02:39.280 --> 00:02:45.160 All of our NOFOs can be found at IMLS.gov/grants. 45 00:02:46.080 --> 00:02:50.224 As you navigate the application process, you can use this video 46 00:02:50.224 --> 00:02:51.520 as a reference tool. 47 00:02:52.200 --> 00:02:55.817 If you'd like to skip to a specific section, please use the 48 00:02:55.817 --> 00:02:59.616 time bar below or the links in the description box to navigate 49 00:02:59.616 --> 00:03:00.400 the chapters. 50 00:03:02.280 --> 00:03:04.840 So let's get started, what is ALHC? 51 00:03:05.960 --> 00:03:08.960 In this section, we will answer the question, what is ALHC? 52 00:03:09.640 --> 00:03:13.660 Providing information on the purpose and intent of this grant 53 00:03:13.660 --> 00:03:16.320 program and who it is designed to serve. 54 00:03:18.880 --> 00:03:22.112 The same legislation that created the Smithsonian's 55 00:03:22.112 --> 00:03:25.531 National Museum of American Latino History and Culture 56 00:03:25.531 --> 00:03:28.079 directed IMLS to create a grant program. 57 00:03:28.520 --> 00:03:32.638 This program is designed to build the capacity of American 58 00:03:32.638 --> 00:03:36.896 Latino museums, nurture the growth and development of museum 59 00:03:36.896 --> 00:03:41.363 professionals at American Latino museums, and to create a grant 60 00:03:41.363 --> 00:03:45.272 program to improve operations, care of collections, and 61 00:03:45.272 --> 00:03:49.321 development of professional management at American Latino 62 00:03:49.321 --> 00:03:49.880 museums. 63 00:03:52.440 --> 00:03:56.777 ALHC is a grant program for museums whose primary purpose, 64 00:03:56.777 --> 00:04:01.115 as reflected in its mission, is American Latino life, art, 65 00:04:01.115 --> 00:04:02.880 history, and or culture. 66 00:04:03.440 --> 00:04:07.580 To apply for federal funding at IMLS, all applicants must meet 67 00:04:07.580 --> 00:04:08.960 certain requirements. 68 00:04:09.480 --> 00:04:12.780 Your organization must be located in one of the United 69 00:04:12.780 --> 00:04:13.200 States. 70 00:04:13.280 --> 00:04:17.582 50 states, its territories, or the District of Columbia, and 71 00:04:17.582 --> 00:04:21.743 your organization must be a unit of state, local or Tribal 72 00:04:21.743 --> 00:04:25.692 government or a private nonprofit organization with tax 73 00:04:25.692 --> 00:04:26.680 exempt status. 74 00:04:27.240 --> 00:04:30.866 If you meet those two requirements, then the next step 75 00:04:30.866 --> 00:04:35.086 is to consider what it means to be eligible for IMLS funding as 76 00:04:35.086 --> 00:04:35.680 a museum. 77 00:04:36.360 --> 00:04:41.643 To be eligible for funding as a museum, your organization must 78 00:04:41.643 --> 00:04:46.759 have at least one full time or equivalent professional staff 79 00:04:46.759 --> 00:04:52.127 person, either paid or unpaid, have a physical location that it 80 00:04:52.127 --> 00:04:57.494 owns or operates, have been open to the public for at least 120 81 00:04:57.494 --> 00:05:02.358 days in the year prior to November 15th, 2024, and own or 82 00:05:02.358 --> 00:05:04.119 use tangible objects. 83 00:05:06.280 --> 00:05:10.317 Your museum may also be a stand-alone organization or may 84 00:05:10.317 --> 00:05:14.704 be part of a larger institution such as a college, university, 85 00:05:14.704 --> 00:05:17.280 Tribe, or state or local government. 86 00:05:18.000 --> 00:05:22.192 You could also qualify as a not-for-profit museum service 87 00:05:22.192 --> 00:05:26.096 organization or association whose primary purpose, as 88 00:05:26.096 --> 00:05:30.795 reflected in its mission, is to support American Latino museums, 89 00:05:30.795 --> 00:05:34.120 and this also includes institutions of higher 90 00:05:34.120 --> 00:05:37.880 education, including Hispanic serving Institutions. 91 00:05:41.960 --> 00:05:46.301 In this section we will answer the question what can ALHC fund, 92 00:05:46.301 --> 00:05:50.643 providing details on the types of projects and associated goals 93 00:05:50.643 --> 00:05:54.781 within the ALHC grant program, as well as offer some summary 94 00:05:54.781 --> 00:05:58.987 data on the number and type of ALHC projects that were funded 95 00:05:58.987 --> 00:06:00.480 that have been funded. 96 00:06:05.520 --> 00:06:08.622 ALHC grants are designed to support project-based 97 00:06:08.622 --> 00:06:12.407 activities, so let's take some time to consider just exactly 98 00:06:12.407 --> 00:06:13.400 what that means. 99 00:06:14.040 --> 00:06:18.903 The Project Management Institute defines a project as a temporary 100 00:06:18.903 --> 00:06:23.324 endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or 101 00:06:23.324 --> 00:06:23.840 result. 102 00:06:24.400 --> 00:06:28.210 They go on further to explain that a project is temporary 103 00:06:28.210 --> 00:06:31.823 because it has a defined beginning and end in time and 104 00:06:31.823 --> 00:06:34.319 therefore define scope and resources. 105 00:06:35.760 --> 00:06:39.360 Also, a project is unique in that it is not a routine 106 00:06:39.360 --> 00:06:43.560 operation, but rather a specific set of operations designed to 107 00:06:43.560 --> 00:06:45.360 accomplish a singular goal. 108 00:06:46.040 --> 00:06:49.597 We recommend that you keep this definition in mind as you 109 00:06:49.597 --> 00:06:51.560 conceptualize your IMLS project. 110 00:06:52.160 --> 00:06:55.811 Think of it as a temporary, non-routine set of activities 111 00:06:55.811 --> 00:06:59.400 which collectively have a beginning and an end and time. 112 00:06:59.400 --> 00:07:03.482 A defined scope requiring specific resources which are 113 00:07:03.482 --> 00:07:07.120 designed to accomplish a specific singular goal. 114 00:07:11.240 --> 00:07:15.158 With that concept of projects in mind, let's turn to the project 115 00:07:15.158 --> 00:07:15.520 goals. 116 00:07:16.000 --> 00:07:19.394 The type of project activity you are seeking to fund should align 117 00:07:19.394 --> 00:07:20.320 with one of these. 118 00:07:20.840 --> 00:07:24.437 As you can see here, there are two options, building capacity 119 00:07:24.437 --> 00:07:26.120 and professional development. 120 00:07:26.960 --> 00:07:29.764 Why is your decision about which project goal to choose so 121 00:07:29.764 --> 00:07:30.240 important? 122 00:07:30.720 --> 00:07:34.125 For one thing, your application will be reviewed by museum 123 00:07:34.125 --> 00:07:37.069 professionals who have experience and expertise in 124 00:07:37.069 --> 00:07:40.532 these general categories, and for another, your application 125 00:07:40.532 --> 00:07:43.880 will be competing against others who have chosen the same 126 00:07:43.880 --> 00:07:44.400 category. 127 00:07:44.840 --> 00:07:47.776 In short, the entire review process incorporates an 128 00:07:47.776 --> 00:07:50.995 assumption that your project aligns with the goal you've 129 00:07:50.995 --> 00:07:53.480 identified, so this is an important choice. 130 00:07:55.920 --> 00:07:59.088 So let's take a look at what kind of project activities might 131 00:07:59.088 --> 00:08:00.520 fit within these goal areas. 132 00:08:00.960 --> 00:08:04.037 The listed objectives provide some of the types of projects 133 00:08:04.037 --> 00:08:05.320 that fit within the goal. 134 00:08:06.440 --> 00:08:10.108 Projects assigned to build the capacity of American Latino 135 00:08:10.108 --> 00:08:13.341 museums may involve increasing the number of museum 136 00:08:13.341 --> 00:08:16.575 professionals working at American Latino museums to 137 00:08:16.575 --> 00:08:20.368 enable the museum to expand educational programs, engage the 138 00:08:20.368 --> 00:08:24.036 community, enhance professional management, or provide for 139 00:08:24.036 --> 00:08:25.839 improved care of collections. 140 00:08:26.440 --> 00:08:30.387 Some examples of the kinds of project activities that you may 141 00:08:30.387 --> 00:08:33.507 apply for are exhibition development, design and 142 00:08:33.507 --> 00:08:37.328 fabrication, interpretive and educational programs, product 143 00:08:37.328 --> 00:08:38.920 development and delivery. 144 00:08:39.360 --> 00:08:43.028 Developing collection plans, interpretive plans, or strategic 145 00:08:43.028 --> 00:08:46.341 plans using consultants, researchers, and other sources 146 00:08:46.341 --> 00:08:47.879 of professional expertise. 147 00:08:48.600 --> 00:08:52.990 Implementing recommendations or action plans from planning 148 00:08:52.990 --> 00:08:56.710 activities, cataloging inventory, documenting and 149 00:08:56.710 --> 00:09:00.728 registering collections, or digitizing of collections 150 00:09:00.728 --> 00:09:04.895 designed to enhance outreach, expand access, or improve 151 00:09:04.895 --> 00:09:09.359 collections management projects designed to address Goal 2. 152 00:09:09.800 --> 00:09:13.129 Supporting and advancing the growth and development of a 153 00:09:13.129 --> 00:09:16.400 professional work workforce in American Latino museums. 154 00:09:16.800 --> 00:09:20.074 May involve developing and implementing internship, 155 00:09:20.074 --> 00:09:23.538 fellowship, and mentoring programs to support emerging 156 00:09:23.538 --> 00:09:26.120 professionals entering the museum field. 157 00:09:26.640 --> 00:09:30.816 They can involve developing equitable and inclusive staff 158 00:09:30.816 --> 00:09:34.848 recruitment and retention programs, as well as creating 159 00:09:34.848 --> 00:09:39.096 growth opportunities for staff to build skills and enhance 160 00:09:39.096 --> 00:09:41.760 their knowledge and share expertise. 161 00:09:42.600 --> 00:09:46.284 Some examples of the kinds of project activities that you may 162 00:09:46.284 --> 00:09:49.375 apply for are working with consultants and training 163 00:09:49.375 --> 00:09:52.822 providers to develop and offer workshops and training for 164 00:09:52.822 --> 00:09:55.200 museum staff leadership and volunteers. 165 00:09:55.800 --> 00:09:59.738 Creating and supporting paid internships and fellowships, 166 00:09:59.738 --> 00:10:03.133 including recruitment, supervision, mentoring and 167 00:10:03.133 --> 00:10:06.325 training for interns and fellows, or providing 168 00:10:06.325 --> 00:10:10.467 professional development and career growth opportunities for 169 00:10:10.467 --> 00:10:13.320 museum staff, leadership, and volunteers. 170 00:10:15.440 --> 00:10:18.700 Before we close our discussion of project goals, we want to 171 00:10:18.700 --> 00:10:21.852 again mention our guidance for projects that could belong 172 00:10:21.852 --> 00:10:23.320 logically in more than one. 173 00:10:23.720 --> 00:10:26.933 Sometimes it's tough to choose, and you might be tempted to 174 00:10:26.933 --> 00:10:30.040 think that the best strategy would be to align with both. 175 00:10:30.440 --> 00:10:32.920 We advise against that for several reasons. 176 00:10:33.400 --> 00:10:36.680 We expect projects aligned with specific goal will address 177 00:10:36.680 --> 00:10:39.683 different problems, use different approaches and will 178 00:10:39.683 --> 00:10:42.685 measure success and achieving the attended results in 179 00:10:42.685 --> 00:10:43.520 different ways. 180 00:10:44.080 --> 00:10:46.760 So how can you choose the best category for your project? 181 00:10:47.480 --> 00:10:49.560 Here are three things we suggest you try. 182 00:10:50.000 --> 00:10:53.280 Think carefully about what is in the center of your project. 183 00:10:53.640 --> 00:10:54.600 Is it the visitor? 184 00:10:54.920 --> 00:10:58.506 Will people who engage with you as a result of your project, 185 00:10:58.506 --> 00:11:01.387 let's say to create a new exhibition and related 186 00:11:01.387 --> 00:11:04.679 programming, acquire new knowledge, develop a skill, or 187 00:11:04.679 --> 00:11:08.089 experience a change in attitude about the subject of your 188 00:11:08.089 --> 00:11:08.560 exhibit? 189 00:11:09.000 --> 00:11:12.120 Or is it the museum staff that's in the center of your thinking? 190 00:11:12.520 --> 00:11:15.822 Or is it your project about preparing the next generation of 191 00:11:15.822 --> 00:11:16.960 the museum workforce? 192 00:11:18.360 --> 00:11:22.298 A second way to go at this might be to think about who you want 193 00:11:22.298 --> 00:11:23.960 to review your application. 194 00:11:24.560 --> 00:11:27.771 If you apply under building capacity, we will put your 195 00:11:27.771 --> 00:11:30.690 application in front of museum educators, exhibit 196 00:11:30.690 --> 00:11:34.135 professionals, interpretive specialists, and professionals 197 00:11:34.135 --> 00:11:37.521 with deep experience and understanding what is needed for 198 00:11:37.521 --> 00:11:40.557 a museum to reach its full performance level and be 199 00:11:40.557 --> 00:11:41.200 successful? 200 00:11:41.920 --> 00:11:44.788 Would you rather we put it in front of a combination of 201 00:11:44.788 --> 00:11:47.759 experts who specialize in developing and executing a wide 202 00:11:47.759 --> 00:11:49.040 range of museum training? 203 00:11:49.280 --> 00:11:52.673 If that sounds right, then it may push you toward professional 204 00:11:52.673 --> 00:11:53.320 development. 205 00:11:53.920 --> 00:11:57.124 1/3 option is to list the activities you plan to carry out 206 00:11:57.124 --> 00:11:59.080 and think about the project budget. 207 00:11:59.600 --> 00:12:02.914 To which category are the majority of project time and 208 00:12:02.914 --> 00:12:04.120 resources allocated? 209 00:12:04.760 --> 00:12:08.691 Again, our most important advice is to choose one project goal 210 00:12:08.691 --> 00:12:11.000 and write your proposal accordingly. 211 00:12:11.320 --> 00:12:14.869 As always, if you have questions, contact the IMLS 212 00:12:14.869 --> 00:12:16.400 staff to discuss them. 213 00:12:19.440 --> 00:12:22.813 Our next topic has to do with how much funding your project 214 00:12:22.813 --> 00:12:23.320 requires. 215 00:12:23.840 --> 00:12:30.199 The size of your project must be at least $5000, or a maximum of 216 00:12:30.199 --> 00:12:31.080 $500,000. 217 00:12:31.560 --> 00:12:35.865 If you request for federal funding as shown on the IMLS 218 00:12:35.865 --> 00:12:40.170 Budget form, including all direct and indirect costs is 219 00:12:40.170 --> 00:12:43.399 less than $5000 or greater than $500,000. 220 00:12:43.640 --> 00:12:47.360 We may reject your application from consideration for funding 221 00:12:47.360 --> 00:12:48.320 in this program. 222 00:12:49.040 --> 00:12:51.680 Cost share is not required for this program. 223 00:12:52.200 --> 00:12:55.527 However, if you choose to include cost share, it can take 224 00:12:55.527 --> 00:12:56.560 a number of forms. 225 00:12:56.560 --> 00:13:00.893 Among them are cash, staff time, volunteer time, third party 226 00:13:00.893 --> 00:13:04.872 contribution, grants from foundations, and support from 227 00:13:04.872 --> 00:13:06.720 state or local government. 228 00:13:07.160 --> 00:13:11.617 However, remember cost share cannot come from other federal 229 00:13:11.617 --> 00:13:12.360 resources. 230 00:13:12.840 --> 00:13:16.639 Again, no cost share is required for this program that it is 231 00:13:16.639 --> 00:13:17.200 optional. 232 00:13:20.320 --> 00:13:23.732 In this section, we will introduce the components of an 233 00:13:23.732 --> 00:13:27.205 ALHC grant application and provide an overview about the 234 00:13:27.205 --> 00:13:30.190 required, conditionally required, and supporting 235 00:13:30.190 --> 00:13:30.800 documents. 236 00:13:32.840 --> 00:13:36.711 The ALHC Notice of Funding Opportunity NOFO includes a 237 00:13:36.711 --> 00:13:40.160 complete list of all the application components. 238 00:13:40.640 --> 00:13:44.491 Most of these components are created by applicants and saved 239 00:13:44.491 --> 00:13:48.280 as a PDF for uploading as part of your application package. 240 00:13:48.280 --> 00:13:52.287 In Grants.gov, the table of Application components list 241 00:13:52.287 --> 00:13:56.867 which application components are required as well as those that 242 00:13:56.867 --> 00:13:58.800 are conditionally required. 243 00:13:59.200 --> 00:14:02.685 For example, some components are included in the application 244 00:14:02.685 --> 00:14:05.542 depending on the type of applicant or the type of 245 00:14:05.542 --> 00:14:06.000 project. 246 00:14:06.760 --> 00:14:11.967 Aside from the SF-424S and the IMLS Museum Program Information 247 00:14:11.967 --> 00:14:16.843 form, which are completed in the Grants.gov Workspace, all 248 00:14:16.843 --> 00:14:21.720 application components must be submitted as PDF documents. 249 00:14:25.080 --> 00:14:27.200 These are the required documents. 250 00:14:27.680 --> 00:14:30.920 All applications must include the documents listed here. 251 00:14:31.520 --> 00:14:35.668 Omission of even just one might result in your applications 252 00:14:35.668 --> 00:14:36.360 rejection. 253 00:14:37.120 --> 00:14:40.680 Also, important that there is a 7-page limit for the narrative. 254 00:14:41.200 --> 00:14:44.879 If you exceed the page limits specified in the NOFO, we must 255 00:14:44.879 --> 00:14:48.680 remove the extras before your application goes out for review. 256 00:14:49.240 --> 00:14:53.188 That means your reviewer may see a paragraph or sentence end in 257 00:14:53.188 --> 00:14:56.890 midair and will wonder about your organizational skills and 258 00:14:56.890 --> 00:14:58.680 your attentiveness to detail. 259 00:14:59.160 --> 00:15:03.159 So make sure your content fits into the page limits specified 260 00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:06.836 and make sure the number of pages holds when you convert 261 00:15:06.836 --> 00:15:08.320 your document to a PDF. 262 00:15:11.480 --> 00:15:14.613 The second category of application components is that 263 00:15:14.613 --> 00:15:16.760 of conditionally required documents. 264 00:15:17.360 --> 00:15:21.680 Some applications may include 1/2 or even all four of these. 265 00:15:22.120 --> 00:15:25.560 It's your job to figure out which are required for yours. 266 00:15:26.040 --> 00:15:29.534 If you're applying as a nonprofit, then you must include 267 00:15:29.534 --> 00:15:32.600 your proof of nonprofit status issued by the IRS. 268 00:15:33.000 --> 00:15:37.241 We will not accept a letter of state sales tax exemption as 269 00:15:37.241 --> 00:15:39.080 proof of nonprofit status. 270 00:15:39.800 --> 00:15:43.515 If you're using a federally negotiated indirect cost rate in 271 00:15:43.515 --> 00:15:46.926 your budget, then you must include a copy of your final 272 00:15:46.926 --> 00:15:47.840 rate agreement. 273 00:15:48.400 --> 00:15:51.747 And lastly, if you will create digital products during the 274 00:15:51.747 --> 00:15:55.151 course of your project, then you must complete and submit a 275 00:15:55.151 --> 00:15:56.400 digital products plan. 276 00:15:57.160 --> 00:16:00.344 Just like the required documents, A mission of even one 277 00:16:00.344 --> 00:16:02.960 might result in your application's rejection. 278 00:16:03.920 --> 00:16:08.051 Please note that the term digital product includes 279 00:16:08.051 --> 00:16:12.911 digitized and born digital content, resources or assets and 280 00:16:12.911 --> 00:16:13.640 software. 281 00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:17.428 If you are creating any of these types of materials, you must 282 00:16:17.428 --> 00:16:19.640 include the form with your application. 283 00:16:22.840 --> 00:16:26.189 The third group of application components is supporting 284 00:16:26.189 --> 00:16:29.240 documents, and here is a partial list of examples. 285 00:16:29.680 --> 00:16:31.640 Supporting documents are optional. 286 00:16:32.120 --> 00:16:34.200 You may submit one or none. 287 00:16:34.520 --> 00:16:38.240 Include only those items that will supplement your proposal. 288 00:16:38.680 --> 00:16:41.960 This is not the place to introduce brand new information. 289 00:16:42.160 --> 00:16:45.835 Rather, as the name suggests, they should lend support to your 290 00:16:45.835 --> 00:16:49.336 project justification, work plan, and intended results that 291 00:16:49.336 --> 00:16:52.720 you've already spelled out in your application narrative. 292 00:16:53.440 --> 00:16:56.956 For example, have you identified a partner whose involvement is 293 00:16:56.956 --> 00:16:58.440 key to the project success? 294 00:16:58.800 --> 00:17:02.825 If so, a letter of support or commitment would go a long way 295 00:17:02.825 --> 00:17:06.454 to reassuring reviewers that they are on board and the 296 00:17:06.454 --> 00:17:07.840 project will succeed. 297 00:17:08.440 --> 00:17:11.755 Pictures can help give reviewers who may not be familiar with 298 00:17:11.755 --> 00:17:14.751 your institution, programs, collections, or community a 299 00:17:14.751 --> 00:17:17.425 better idea of what you're describing within your 300 00:17:17.425 --> 00:17:17.960 narrative. 301 00:17:18.560 --> 00:17:22.463 Vendor quotes or equipment specifications show you've done 302 00:17:22.463 --> 00:17:26.233 some of the legwork in getting appropriate estimates for 303 00:17:26.233 --> 00:17:27.159 project costs. 304 00:17:27.720 --> 00:17:31.349 We recommend that you be respectful of your reviewer's 305 00:17:31.349 --> 00:17:35.440 time and avoid any temptation to include hundreds of pages of 306 00:17:35.440 --> 00:17:36.760 extraneous material. 307 00:17:37.320 --> 00:17:41.610 Being judicious really does work to your benefit, as supporting 308 00:17:41.610 --> 00:17:44.560 documents can make or break an application. 309 00:17:45.080 --> 00:17:49.042 Include what is important, helpful, and directly relevant 310 00:17:49.042 --> 00:17:51.160 to your project and stop there. 311 00:17:54.600 --> 00:17:58.161 In the following sections of this presentation, we will focus 312 00:17:58.161 --> 00:18:01.320 on these application components, narrative and budget. 313 00:18:01.960 --> 00:18:04.970 Go to the Notice of Funding Opportunity for complete 314 00:18:04.970 --> 00:18:08.093 instructions on how to prepare and complete all of the 315 00:18:08.093 --> 00:18:09.399 application components. 316 00:18:12.160 --> 00:18:16.141 In this section, we will go over the questions you will need to 317 00:18:16.141 --> 00:18:20.184 answer in your project narrative and offer details on the review 318 00:18:20.184 --> 00:18:23.978 criteria associated with each of the three sections, Project 319 00:18:23.978 --> 00:18:27.400 Justification, Project Work Plan, and Project Results. 320 00:18:29.480 --> 00:18:31.920 So let's talk about the narrative of your proposal. 321 00:18:32.600 --> 00:18:36.351 You have 7 pages to cover 3 very important issues and the Notice 322 00:18:36.351 --> 00:18:39.872 of Funding Opportunity provides lengthy guidance on what the 323 00:18:39.872 --> 00:18:41.200 narrative should cover. 324 00:18:41.960 --> 00:18:43.960 1st is the project justification. 325 00:18:44.400 --> 00:18:48.651 What need, problem or challenge will your project address and 326 00:18:48.651 --> 00:18:50.160 how was it identified? 327 00:18:50.840 --> 00:18:54.315 Describe how you have used demographic information, 328 00:18:54.315 --> 00:18:58.126 economic circumstances, condition assessments, and other 329 00:18:58.126 --> 00:19:01.869 relevant data from reliable sources to define the need, 330 00:19:01.869 --> 00:19:05.345 problem, or challenge and develop the scope for the 331 00:19:05.345 --> 00:19:05.880 project. 332 00:19:07.440 --> 00:19:10.632 Who is the target group for your project and how have they been 333 00:19:10.632 --> 00:19:11.880 involved in the planning? 334 00:19:12.480 --> 00:19:15.947 Focus group refers to those who will be your most immediately 335 00:19:15.947 --> 00:19:18.240 and positively affected by your project. 336 00:19:18.720 --> 00:19:22.273 Identify the number of individuals in your group or in 337 00:19:22.273 --> 00:19:25.440 each target group if you identify more than one. 338 00:19:26.280 --> 00:19:29.520 Who are the ultimate beneficiaries for this project? 339 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:33.573 Beneficiaries refers to those who are likely to be aided in 340 00:19:33.573 --> 00:19:35.360 the long term by your project. 341 00:19:35.960 --> 00:19:38.920 They may or may not be the same as your target group. 342 00:19:39.520 --> 00:19:42.817 Identify the number of individuals who will benefit 343 00:19:42.817 --> 00:19:46.811 from your project in the long term, if reliable and defensible 344 00:19:46.811 --> 00:19:48.080 counts are possible. 345 00:19:48.640 --> 00:19:51.426 Otherwise, describe the characteristics of the 346 00:19:51.426 --> 00:19:54.805 beneficiaries you expect to be served eventually by your 347 00:19:54.805 --> 00:19:55.280 project. 348 00:19:59.080 --> 00:20:01.832 The notice of funding opportunity under review 349 00:20:01.832 --> 00:20:02.360 criteria. 350 00:20:02.680 --> 00:20:05.828 We'll also offer a list of questions that reviewers are 351 00:20:05.828 --> 00:20:08.640 asked to consider when they review your proposal. 352 00:20:09.240 --> 00:20:12.823 It is a good idea to refer to these as you can craft your 353 00:20:12.823 --> 00:20:16.778 narrative to be certain you're providing reviewers clear, solid 354 00:20:16.778 --> 00:20:17.520 information. 355 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:20.775 You will see that they correspond fairly directly with 356 00:20:20.775 --> 00:20:23.400 the prompts you were given to write your narrative. 357 00:20:26.640 --> 00:20:30.241 One of the prompts in the Project Justification section of 358 00:20:30.241 --> 00:20:33.232 the narrative is the identification of the need, 359 00:20:33.232 --> 00:20:36.040 problem, or challenge your project addresses. 360 00:20:36.640 --> 00:20:39.770 It is foundational in your application, so keep these 361 00:20:39.770 --> 00:20:40.640 points in mind. 362 00:20:41.440 --> 00:20:44.804 The federal government wants its investment to result in 363 00:20:44.804 --> 00:20:46.280 something getting better. 364 00:20:46.920 --> 00:20:50.124 As you define your need, problem, or challenge, 365 00:20:50.124 --> 00:20:54.331 articulate what will get better as a result of your project as 366 00:20:54.331 --> 00:20:55.800 precisely as possible. 367 00:20:56.400 --> 00:20:59.539 Will your museum be able to expand their services as a 368 00:20:59.539 --> 00:21:01.080 result of additional staff? 369 00:21:01.760 --> 00:21:05.180 Will new graduates be better prepared for the museum field 370 00:21:05.180 --> 00:21:06.920 with the requisite experience? 371 00:21:07.600 --> 00:21:09.600 Will collections be better cared for? 372 00:21:09.960 --> 00:21:11.920 Will their lifespan be extended? 373 00:21:12.360 --> 00:21:15.646 Will access to your collections and the information surrounding 374 00:21:15.646 --> 00:21:16.520 them be expanded? 375 00:21:17.040 --> 00:21:20.302 Identify why it is important that this particular change 376 00:21:20.302 --> 00:21:20.760 happens. 377 00:21:22.080 --> 00:21:26.328 Hone your problem definition carefully, in clear, succinct 378 00:21:26.328 --> 00:21:26.760 terms. 379 00:21:27.440 --> 00:21:32.835 Gather and present data that supports your problem and 380 00:21:32.835 --> 00:21:35.680 definition project work plan. 381 00:21:36.360 --> 00:21:41.293 If the project justification section was the why, the project 382 00:21:41.293 --> 00:21:46.386 work plan section is where you identify the who, what, when and 383 00:21:46.386 --> 00:21:50.684 how, who will do what activities, when and using what 384 00:21:50.684 --> 00:21:51.480 resources. 385 00:21:51.920 --> 00:21:55.085 You should explain how you will track your progress towards 386 00:21:55.085 --> 00:21:58.410 achieving your intended results and what you'll do if you need 387 00:21:58.410 --> 00:21:59.359 to correct course. 388 00:21:59.880 --> 00:22:03.823 We also ask that you think about risks that are inherent in your 389 00:22:03.823 --> 00:22:07.523 particular project and to tell us how you've undertaken into 390 00:22:07.523 --> 00:22:09.040 account in your planning. 391 00:22:09.520 --> 00:22:11.960 I'll say more about that in a few minutes. 392 00:22:14.880 --> 00:22:18.337 Again, this is a list of questions found in the Notice of 393 00:22:18.337 --> 00:22:21.735 Funding Opportunity that reviewers are asked to consider 394 00:22:21.735 --> 00:22:25.490 when they review your proposal, so make sure your narrative is 395 00:22:25.490 --> 00:22:27.160 answering these effectively. 396 00:22:30.120 --> 00:22:34.853 Your work plan will be built on activities, so it's important to 397 00:22:34.853 --> 00:22:37.840 be clear about just what an activity is. 398 00:22:38.640 --> 00:22:41.200 An activity is something that someone does. 399 00:22:41.520 --> 00:22:45.057 It has a beginning and an end, just like projects, and you know 400 00:22:45.057 --> 00:22:48.317 when you've finished it because it doesn't need to be done 401 00:22:48.317 --> 00:22:48.760 anymore. 402 00:22:49.400 --> 00:22:53.680 An activity is not a goal, a result or an outcome. 403 00:22:54.120 --> 00:22:57.857 Rather it is something that you do as part of striving to 404 00:22:57.857 --> 00:22:58.760 achieve those. 405 00:22:59.440 --> 00:23:03.631 Aim for a reasonable level of detail in identifying your 406 00:23:03.631 --> 00:23:04.440 activities. 407 00:23:07.400 --> 00:23:11.461 We also ask that you think about risk that are inherent in your 408 00:23:11.461 --> 00:23:15.333 particular project and to tell us how you've taken that into 409 00:23:15.333 --> 00:23:16.920 account in your planning. 410 00:23:17.520 --> 00:23:21.217 Think of it as asking the question, what if there is no 411 00:23:21.217 --> 00:23:24.320 checklist of risk, but every project has them? 412 00:23:24.840 --> 00:23:27.867 The best proposals will show that you are aware of them and 413 00:23:27.867 --> 00:23:30.440 have thought through a plan for dealing with them. 414 00:23:31.160 --> 00:23:34.360 Look at your activities and think about what could go wrong. 415 00:23:34.800 --> 00:23:38.786 Focus on the ones where you experience your own or that of 416 00:23:38.786 --> 00:23:42.975 your group tells you yes that could happen and identify steps 417 00:23:42.975 --> 00:23:44.800 you would take in response. 418 00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:49.557 IMLS most things go differently than expected, we just want you 419 00:23:49.557 --> 00:23:52.680 to prepare by identifying implementable options. 420 00:23:53.400 --> 00:23:57.078 Here are some examples of risks that might be part of a project 421 00:23:57.078 --> 00:23:59.320 for which you might seek ALHC funding. 422 00:24:00.080 --> 00:24:03.463 A project may be dependent upon fundraising to generate the cost 423 00:24:03.463 --> 00:24:06.639 share, but it is not complete by the time the application is 424 00:24:06.639 --> 00:24:07.159 submitted. 425 00:24:07.520 --> 00:24:10.905 What will the institution do if that money is not available by 426 00:24:10.905 --> 00:24:12.840 the time the project gets underway? 427 00:24:13.560 --> 00:24:16.712 A project may be structured around university interns, so 428 00:24:16.712 --> 00:24:20.136 who will be selected and trained according to well thought out 429 00:24:20.136 --> 00:24:20.680 processes? 430 00:24:21.280 --> 00:24:24.320 What will happen if one or more interns drops out? 431 00:24:24.880 --> 00:24:27.560 What's the plan for replacing them -mid-project? 432 00:24:28.200 --> 00:24:31.647 A project involving rehousing collections into new museum 433 00:24:31.647 --> 00:24:35.153 quality collection storage furniture might run into delays 434 00:24:35.153 --> 00:24:38.720 and preparing the space or in the delivery of the cabinets. 435 00:24:39.080 --> 00:24:42.040 So what happens to the collection items then? 436 00:24:42.400 --> 00:24:45.540 How will the institution ensure that they remain safe and 437 00:24:45.540 --> 00:24:45.920 secure? 438 00:24:46.480 --> 00:24:50.004 Or lastly, a project depends on your community partners to 439 00:24:50.004 --> 00:24:50.960 achieve success. 440 00:24:51.240 --> 00:24:53.720 But maybe one partner drops out my project. 441 00:24:53.960 --> 00:24:54.960 What do you do now? 442 00:25:02.750 --> 00:25:03.710 Project Results. 443 00:25:04.230 --> 00:25:07.041 The third section of your narrative should be devoted to 444 00:25:07.041 --> 00:25:09.310 articulating your project's intended results. 445 00:25:10.590 --> 00:25:14.124 This section is your chance to convince the reviewers that your 446 00:25:14.124 --> 00:25:16.830 project will result in something getting better. 447 00:25:17.320 --> 00:25:20.246 The need or problem you identified in your project 448 00:25:20.246 --> 00:25:23.516 justification will be addressed directly, and it will be 449 00:25:23.516 --> 00:25:25.640 diminished or eliminated altogether. 450 00:25:26.240 --> 00:25:30.238 We ask you to tell us what data you will collect and report in 451 00:25:30.238 --> 00:25:32.840 order to measure your project's success. 452 00:25:33.480 --> 00:25:37.088 If your project will generate tangible products, and most do, 453 00:25:37.088 --> 00:25:40.464 here's the opportunity to describe them and make the case 454 00:25:40.464 --> 00:25:41.920 that they will be useful. 455 00:25:42.440 --> 00:25:45.861 And last but not least, we ask that you tell us how you will 456 00:25:45.861 --> 00:25:47.880 sustain the benefit of the project. 457 00:25:48.360 --> 00:25:52.160 How will this improvement that you propose to make continue 458 00:25:52.160 --> 00:25:53.680 once your grant is over? 459 00:25:56.200 --> 00:25:59.399 Again, here is a list of review questions that reviewers are 460 00:25:59.399 --> 00:26:02.756 asked to consider when they read and scored the Project Results 461 00:26:02.756 --> 00:26:04.120 section of your narrative. 462 00:26:04.800 --> 00:26:07.760 These are found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. 463 00:26:08.320 --> 00:26:11.962 All of your results should tie back to your need, problem or 464 00:26:11.962 --> 00:26:12.560 challenge. 465 00:26:13.080 --> 00:26:16.816 You may well experience tangential benefits and or 466 00:26:16.816 --> 00:26:21.650 positive outcomes, but make sure you identify them as in addition 467 00:26:21.650 --> 00:26:25.680 to, and not instead of your original intended results. 468 00:26:26.120 --> 00:26:29.320 Reviewers are likely to see that as a disconnect. 469 00:26:32.520 --> 00:26:35.693 We often hear that defining intended results and success 470 00:26:35.693 --> 00:26:38.700 measures is challenging for applicants, so it's worth 471 00:26:38.700 --> 00:26:40.760 spending a bit of time on this here. 472 00:26:41.400 --> 00:26:44.407 Let's think back to the questions we referenced a couple 473 00:26:44.407 --> 00:26:47.257 of slides ago when we talked about defining the need, 474 00:26:47.257 --> 00:26:50.160 problem, or challenge that your project is addressing. 475 00:26:50.840 --> 00:26:54.400 If you said someone will learn something, how will you know? 476 00:26:54.960 --> 00:26:58.397 If your problem related to the segments of your community being 477 00:26:58.397 --> 00:27:01.728 better able to work together, how will you know when that has 478 00:27:01.728 --> 00:27:02.480 been achieved? 479 00:27:03.120 --> 00:27:06.628 If collections will be better cared for, how will you be sure 480 00:27:06.628 --> 00:27:08.440 and how will you measure better? 481 00:27:09.000 --> 00:27:12.443 If you're digitizing to expand accessibility, how will you know 482 00:27:12.443 --> 00:27:13.520 when you've done it? 483 00:27:14.120 --> 00:27:15.480 This focus on results. 484 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:18.600 Measuring success in meaningful ways is not new. 485 00:27:19.120 --> 00:27:22.805 There has been a tremendous amount of work done on ways to 486 00:27:22.805 --> 00:27:26.677 measure success for you as an applicant, though, we encourage 487 00:27:26.677 --> 00:27:30.238 you to consider using a logic model or an outcomes-based 488 00:27:30.238 --> 00:27:34.173 evaluation tool to explain your intended results and your plan 489 00:27:34.173 --> 00:27:35.360 for achieving them. 490 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:42.082 So to recap, your narrative has three sections, Project 491 00:27:42.082 --> 00:27:46.353 Justification, Project Work Plan, and Project Result, and 492 00:27:46.353 --> 00:27:48.120 you have 7 pages for it. 493 00:27:48.760 --> 00:27:51.640 The sections are all equally important, right? 494 00:27:51.640 --> 00:27:56.039 Clearly address what we ask you to address and keep an eye on 495 00:27:56.039 --> 00:27:57.600 those review criteria. 496 00:27:58.080 --> 00:28:01.200 We're telling you here exactly what the reviewers will look 497 00:28:01.200 --> 00:28:04.320 for, so make it easy for them to find it and understand it. 498 00:28:07.320 --> 00:28:11.094 In this section, we will provide information on what to include 499 00:28:11.094 --> 00:28:14.219 in your project budget and project justification and 500 00:28:14.219 --> 00:28:17.640 provide some examples of allowable and unallowable costs. 501 00:28:20.120 --> 00:28:23.520 An important component for your application is the budget. 502 00:28:24.040 --> 00:28:26.745 This is the part of the application where you specify 503 00:28:26.745 --> 00:28:29.400 all the costs associated with your proposed project. 504 00:28:30.120 --> 00:28:33.666 The budget consists of two required components, the IMLS 505 00:28:33.666 --> 00:28:36.280 Budget Form and the Budget Justification. 506 00:28:37.040 --> 00:28:41.148 The IMLS Budget Form is a fillable PDF that accommodates 507 00:28:41.148 --> 00:28:45.040 up to three years of project activities and expenses. 508 00:28:45.680 --> 00:28:48.857 The budget should include the project cost that will be 509 00:28:48.857 --> 00:28:52.431 charged to grant funds as well as those that will be supported 510 00:28:52.431 --> 00:28:53.680 by cost share in kind. 511 00:28:53.680 --> 00:28:57.210 Contributions to cost share may include the value of services 512 00:28:57.210 --> 00:29:00.570 such as donated volunteer or consultant time, or equipment 513 00:29:00.570 --> 00:29:03.987 donated to the project between the authorized start and end 514 00:29:03.987 --> 00:29:05.240 dates of your project. 515 00:29:06.080 --> 00:29:10.543 All of the items listed, whether supported by grant funds or cost 516 00:29:10.543 --> 00:29:14.466 share, must be necessary to accomplish project objectives 517 00:29:14.466 --> 00:29:17.915 allowable according to the applicable federal cost 518 00:29:17.915 --> 00:29:21.905 principles, auditable and incurred during the award period 519 00:29:21.905 --> 00:29:22.920 of performance. 520 00:29:23.920 --> 00:29:27.600 The IMLS Budget Form can be downloaded directly from the 521 00:29:27.600 --> 00:29:28.440 IMLS website. 522 00:29:32.160 --> 00:29:35.662 As you develop your budget, keep in mind that there are certain 523 00:29:35.662 --> 00:29:38.945 costs that are either allowable or unallowable according to 524 00:29:38.945 --> 00:29:40.039 federal regulations. 525 00:29:40.560 --> 00:29:44.258 The allowability of a cost item for all federal grants are 526 00:29:44.258 --> 00:29:47.080 specified in the Code of Federal Regulation. 527 00:29:47.240 --> 00:29:53.147 CFR sometimes referred to as "2 CFR 200" for short, but the full 528 00:29:53.147 --> 00:29:58.419 title is "Title 2, Subtitle A Chapter 2, Part 200 Uniform 529 00:29:58.419 --> 00:30:03.509 Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit 530 00:30:03.509 --> 00:30:06.600 Requirements for Federal Awards". 531 00:30:07.400 --> 00:30:11.767 Using the 2 CFR 200 as a basis, we've developed a short list of 532 00:30:11.767 --> 00:30:15.520 allowable costs that are most common to ALHC projects. 533 00:30:16.400 --> 00:30:20.607 Please see that ALHC Notice of Funding Opportunity includes a 534 00:30:20.607 --> 00:30:24.680 partial list of the most common examples of allowable cost. 535 00:30:25.280 --> 00:30:28.862 This short list of allowable costs is also shown on this 536 00:30:28.862 --> 00:30:29.240 slide. 537 00:30:30.160 --> 00:30:33.829 These costs may be part of what you ask IMLS to pay for with 538 00:30:33.829 --> 00:30:37.439 federal funds or what you will pay for as part of your cost 539 00:30:37.439 --> 00:30:37.800 share. 540 00:30:38.320 --> 00:30:42.681 The rules about allowability apply equally to grant funds as 541 00:30:42.681 --> 00:30:44.040 well as cost share. 542 00:30:44.880 --> 00:30:48.266 When completing your project budget, be sure to check that 543 00:30:48.266 --> 00:30:51.825 all costs you include, whether grant funds or cost share, are 544 00:30:51.825 --> 00:30:52.400 allowable. 545 00:30:54.680 --> 00:30:58.918 There are also some costs which are unallowable according to the 546 00:30:58.918 --> 00:31:01.200 federal regulations and 2 CFR 200. 547 00:31:02.120 --> 00:31:06.417 On the ALHC Notice of Funding Opportunity, we also provide an 548 00:31:06.417 --> 00:31:09.120 abbreviated list of unallowable costs. 549 00:31:09.520 --> 00:31:11.400 These are also listed on the slide. 550 00:31:12.080 --> 00:31:16.048 Unallowable costs may not be part of what you ask IMLS to pay 551 00:31:16.048 --> 00:31:20.016 for, nor can they be part of what you will pay for as part of 552 00:31:20.016 --> 00:31:21.040 your cost share. 553 00:31:21.440 --> 00:31:25.553 In fact, unallowable expenses can't show up anywhere in your 554 00:31:25.553 --> 00:31:26.160 proposal. 555 00:31:27.000 --> 00:31:31.173 As you prepare your application, it's a good idea to compare your 556 00:31:31.173 --> 00:31:34.904 list of proposed expenses against these lists of allowable 557 00:31:34.904 --> 00:31:38.508 and unallowable costs and against the appropriate set of 558 00:31:38.508 --> 00:31:39.520 cost principles. 559 00:31:40.080 --> 00:31:43.920 If after that you have specific questions, please contact us and 560 00:31:43.920 --> 00:31:45.280 we'll be happy to help. 561 00:31:48.880 --> 00:31:52.510 In addition to the IMLS Budget Form, you will also prepare a 562 00:31:52.510 --> 00:31:53.760 Budget Justification. 563 00:31:54.120 --> 00:31:57.480 This is an opportunity to provide, in a more detailed 564 00:31:57.480 --> 00:32:01.586 narrative format, an explanation or justification for the project 565 00:32:01.586 --> 00:32:01.960 costs. 566 00:32:02.680 --> 00:32:06.728 The Budget Justification should be written to follow the cost 567 00:32:06.728 --> 00:32:09.080 categories in the IMLS Budget Form. 568 00:32:09.720 --> 00:32:14.002 In the justification, you will identify each expense and show 569 00:32:14.002 --> 00:32:18.216 the method of cost computation used to determine each dollar 570 00:32:18.216 --> 00:32:22.153 amount, including any that you may have consolidated and 571 00:32:22.153 --> 00:32:24.640 summarized on the IMLS Budget Form. 572 00:32:25.080 --> 00:32:27.040 In other words, please show your math. 573 00:32:27.720 --> 00:32:31.436 For example, in the section Salaries and Wages, you should 574 00:32:31.436 --> 00:32:34.964 identify each person whose salary or wages will be paid 575 00:32:34.964 --> 00:32:38.618 with IMLS funds or by cost share, provide their names and 576 00:32:38.618 --> 00:32:40.760 describe the role in the project. 577 00:32:41.320 --> 00:32:45.183 Document the method of cost computation by including the 578 00:32:45.183 --> 00:32:49.182 base salary or wages for each person and the percentage of 579 00:32:49.182 --> 00:32:53.452 time each person is allocated to the project activities, which 580 00:32:53.452 --> 00:32:57.790 may be shown as a percentage of time, number of days, or number 581 00:32:57.790 --> 00:32:58.400 of hours. 582 00:32:59.640 --> 00:33:03.368 If cost share is being provided by unpaid volunteers, explain 583 00:33:03.368 --> 00:33:06.916 how you arrived at the dollar amount used to represent the 584 00:33:06.916 --> 00:33:08.359 value of their services. 585 00:33:09.200 --> 00:33:12.725 In the section for supplies, materials and equipment, you 586 00:33:12.725 --> 00:33:16.311 should list each type of supply material and equipment you 587 00:33:16.311 --> 00:33:20.080 propose to purchase or provide as cost share for the project. 588 00:33:20.640 --> 00:33:24.092 Detail the number and unit cost for each item and explain how 589 00:33:24.092 --> 00:33:26.320 you have arrived at the dollar amounts. 590 00:33:26.800 --> 00:33:30.407 You may also provide vendor quotes or priceless as 591 00:33:30.407 --> 00:33:33.520 supporting documents with your application. 592 00:33:36.080 --> 00:33:40.067 In summary, considering all the components of your application, 593 00:33:40.067 --> 00:33:43.369 there are four general characteristics of successful 594 00:33:43.369 --> 00:33:46.360 ALHC applications that reviewers will look for. 595 00:33:46.960 --> 00:33:50.777 As you prepare your application, keep these characteristics in 596 00:33:50.777 --> 00:33:51.080 mind. 597 00:33:51.520 --> 00:33:53.800 First, institutional impact. 598 00:33:54.240 --> 00:33:57.927 Your project should build the capacity of your museum and or 599 00:33:57.927 --> 00:34:00.647 support the growth and development of museum 600 00:34:00.647 --> 00:34:02.400 professionals at your museum. 601 00:34:03.200 --> 00:34:05.440 Second, in depth knowledge. 602 00:34:05.800 --> 00:34:08.851 Your proposal should reflect the thorough understanding of 603 00:34:08.851 --> 00:34:11.800 current practice and knowledge about the subject matter. 604 00:34:12.640 --> 00:34:14.800 Third, project-based design. 605 00:34:15.240 --> 00:34:19.685 Your work plan should consist of a set of logical, interrelated 606 00:34:19.685 --> 00:34:23.505 activities tied directly to addressing the key need or 607 00:34:23.505 --> 00:34:24.199 challenge. 608 00:34:24.560 --> 00:34:27.000 And 4th, demonstrable results. 609 00:34:27.600 --> 00:34:30.730 Your project should generate measurable results that tie 610 00:34:30.730 --> 00:34:33.640 directly to the need or challenge it was designed to 611 00:34:33.640 --> 00:34:34.080 address. 612 00:34:35.000 --> 00:34:38.696 An application that has all of these four characteristics will 613 00:34:38.696 --> 00:34:42.450 stand out in the review process, and we'll have the best chance 614 00:34:42.450 --> 00:34:43.800 of success for funding. 615 00:34:46.400 --> 00:34:50.114 In this final section of our presentation, we offer some 616 00:34:50.114 --> 00:34:52.200 application tips and next steps. 617 00:34:54.160 --> 00:34:57.987 First, we want to share with you the places to look for more 618 00:34:57.987 --> 00:35:01.815 information, such as the IMLS website where you can find the 619 00:35:01.815 --> 00:35:05.831 Awarded Grants Search to learn more about projects that we have 620 00:35:05.831 --> 00:35:07.840 funded through the ALHC program. 621 00:35:08.600 --> 00:35:12.666 The Awarded Grant search gives you an opportunity to explore 622 00:35:12.666 --> 00:35:16.733 our archive of grants that we have awarded in the past years 623 00:35:16.733 --> 00:35:20.533 using a variety of criteria such as an institution name, 624 00:35:20.533 --> 00:35:22.000 location, and keyword. 625 00:35:22.520 --> 00:35:26.194 Your search will basic information about the award and 626 00:35:26.194 --> 00:35:28.600 a brief description of the project. 627 00:35:29.240 --> 00:35:32.886 This can be extremely helpful as you put ideas together for your 628 00:35:32.886 --> 00:35:33.560 own project. 629 00:35:35.800 --> 00:35:39.122 We have also posted the narrative and schedule of 630 00:35:39.122 --> 00:35:43.307 completion for a cross section of successful applications from 631 00:35:43.307 --> 00:35:43.640 2023. 632 00:35:44.080 --> 00:35:48.355 To find these examples, go to the Sample Applications on the 633 00:35:48.355 --> 00:35:52.560 IMLS website and scroll down to the page for ALHC examples. 634 00:35:53.000 --> 00:35:56.586 Looking at these examples might help you clarify your thinking 635 00:35:56.586 --> 00:35:57.440 about your own. 636 00:36:00.760 --> 00:36:05.385 Do know that each PDF contains a copy of the 7-page narrative and 637 00:36:05.385 --> 00:36:09.520 also the schedule of completion available for your review. 638 00:36:14.700 --> 00:36:18.494 We can only make grants to eligible applicants to submit 639 00:36:18.494 --> 00:36:22.620 complete applications, including attachments on or before the 640 00:36:22.620 --> 00:36:23.220 deadline. 641 00:36:23.660 --> 00:36:26.100 So here are some tips to help you do just that. 642 00:36:26.540 --> 00:36:27.540 Start early. 643 00:36:27.880 --> 00:36:30.840 You've already done that by participating in this webinar. 644 00:36:31.440 --> 00:36:34.280 Become familiar with Grants.gov's Workspace. 645 00:36:34.520 --> 00:36:37.933 It has many good features, including up from validation, 646 00:36:37.933 --> 00:36:41.527 which allows you to correct errors prior to submission, and 647 00:36:41.527 --> 00:36:45.121 the opportunity to collaborate with others in creating your 648 00:36:45.121 --> 00:36:45.840 application. 649 00:36:46.480 --> 00:36:49.658 Consider starting with the Workspace overview and check out 650 00:36:49.658 --> 00:36:50.400 the tutorials. 651 00:36:51.120 --> 00:36:54.153 Do your background research, make it easy for the reviewers 652 00:36:54.153 --> 00:36:57.136 to see that you're up to date and know what you're talking 653 00:36:57.136 --> 00:36:57.440 about. 654 00:36:58.160 --> 00:37:00.240 Be sure your application is complete. 655 00:37:00.600 --> 00:37:04.066 Check it against the table of application components in the 656 00:37:04.066 --> 00:37:07.591 NOFO, make sure all application components are in the proper 657 00:37:07.591 --> 00:37:10.480 format and follow the correct naming conventions. 658 00:37:11.160 --> 00:37:15.329 And also submit to grants.gov early so you can correct any 659 00:37:15.329 --> 00:37:18.862 errors and avoid any trauma created by technology 660 00:37:18.862 --> 00:37:19.639 challenges. 661 00:37:21.480 --> 00:37:24.443 It's important to get your application submitted online 662 00:37:24.443 --> 00:37:26.560 through grants.gov before the deadline. 663 00:37:27.240 --> 00:37:31.080 IMLS does not accept applications by mail or e-mail. 664 00:37:31.640 --> 00:37:35.884 In order to register with grants.gov, you must have an 665 00:37:35.884 --> 00:37:40.899 active sam.gov registration and unique entity identifier number, 666 00:37:40.899 --> 00:37:41.440 the UE. 667 00:37:42.040 --> 00:37:45.835 So make sure your registrations for both of these sites are 668 00:37:45.835 --> 00:37:49.568 complete, your accounts are active, and that any necessary 669 00:37:49.568 --> 00:37:50.960 passwords are current. 670 00:37:51.560 --> 00:37:55.021 These registrations expire periodically, so do not wait 671 00:37:55.021 --> 00:37:58.669 until it's time to hit the submit button and check on them 672 00:37:58.669 --> 00:37:59.040 early. 673 00:38:00.240 --> 00:38:03.523 You should coordinate with any other staff member, such as your 674 00:38:03.523 --> 00:38:06.447 authorized organization representative, who may hold the 675 00:38:06.447 --> 00:38:09.680 accounts and passwords you'll need to submit your application. 676 00:38:10.880 --> 00:38:15.397 Both the sam.gov and grants.gov websites have robust help 677 00:38:15.397 --> 00:38:16.800 features and FAQs. 678 00:38:17.320 --> 00:38:20.912 If you run into technical issues with either of these sides, you 679 00:38:20.912 --> 00:38:24.449 should reach out to their help desk and request a tracking case 680 00:38:24.449 --> 00:38:27.875 or ticket number in order to document your issue and attempts 681 00:38:27.875 --> 00:38:28.759 at resolving it. 682 00:38:29.400 --> 00:38:33.641 Failure to have active sam.gov or grants.gov registrations by 683 00:38:33.641 --> 00:38:38.019 the application deadline is not an excuse for submitting a late 684 00:38:38.019 --> 00:38:38.840 application. 685 00:38:39.120 --> 00:38:40.880 So again, start early. 686 00:38:43.720 --> 00:38:46.480 There are many components to the application and the narrative. 687 00:38:47.880 --> 00:38:50.480 It's an essential and critical part of the package. 688 00:38:51.080 --> 00:38:54.671 Peer reviewers, museum professionals from all types of 689 00:38:54.671 --> 00:38:58.524 museums, will be selected by IMLS to read each application 690 00:38:58.524 --> 00:39:02.572 and provide constructive and critical components and comments 691 00:39:02.572 --> 00:39:06.360 on the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed projects. 692 00:39:07.040 --> 00:39:11.265 They also base the reviews only on the information contained in 693 00:39:11.265 --> 00:39:15.094 the application, so do not assume that a reviewer or IMLS 694 00:39:15.094 --> 00:39:19.319 will know something about your museum or your proposed project. 695 00:39:19.920 --> 00:39:23.966 To help make sure your narrative is as clear and complete as 696 00:39:23.966 --> 00:39:27.748 possible, revisit the ALHC Notice of Funding Opportunity 697 00:39:27.748 --> 00:39:30.800 and follow the narrative outline it provides. 698 00:39:31.320 --> 00:39:34.724 Be sure to consider the review criteria associated with each 699 00:39:34.724 --> 00:39:36.120 section of the narrative. 700 00:39:36.920 --> 00:39:40.504 Use headings, subheadings, or numbered sections in your 701 00:39:40.504 --> 00:39:43.960 narrative to help make it easy for reviewers to read. 702 00:39:45.000 --> 00:39:48.000 Avoid generalities like acronyms or jargon. 703 00:39:48.440 --> 00:39:51.503 The people who will review your application are museum 704 00:39:51.503 --> 00:39:54.957 professionals, but they may not be totally familiar with your 705 00:39:54.957 --> 00:39:55.960 particular fields. 706 00:39:56.040 --> 00:39:59.720 Shorthand makes it easy for them to understand what you mean. 707 00:39:59.720 --> 00:40:03.488 An advantage to starting your application early is that you 708 00:40:03.488 --> 00:40:07.069 can ask a colleague to review everything with fresh eyes 709 00:40:07.069 --> 00:40:08.200 before you submit. 710 00:40:08.760 --> 00:40:12.507 Ask them to act like a reviewer who's seeing this for the first 711 00:40:12.507 --> 00:40:12.800 time. 712 00:40:15.360 --> 00:40:20.160 Here are a few important dates relating to ALHC applications. 713 00:40:20.840 --> 00:40:26.662 Applications must be received through grants.gov by 11:59 714 00:40:26.662 --> 00:40:31.280 Eastern Standard Time on November 15th, 2024. 715 00:40:31.880 --> 00:40:34.040 This date is not negotiable. 716 00:40:34.600 --> 00:40:38.933 The time stamp is auto generated by grants.gov system and we have 717 00:40:38.933 --> 00:40:40.640 no ability to override it. 718 00:40:41.120 --> 00:40:44.675 We will say this repeatedly to start early and submit your 719 00:40:44.675 --> 00:40:45.760 application early. 720 00:40:46.080 --> 00:40:49.829 That way, if you encounter any difficulty of any kind when 721 00:40:49.829 --> 00:40:53.832 submitting your proposal, you'll have some time to resolve the 722 00:40:53.832 --> 00:40:57.200 problem and resubmit after the application deadline. 723 00:40:57.200 --> 00:41:00.623 IMO staff will review your application for completeness and 724 00:41:00.623 --> 00:41:04.218 eligibility, and you will hear from us via e-mail if there are 725 00:41:04.218 --> 00:41:04.960 any problems. 726 00:41:05.480 --> 00:41:09.791 Next, we will select experience and knowledgeable peer reviewers 727 00:41:09.791 --> 00:41:13.638 to read your applications and provide scores and comments 728 00:41:13.638 --> 00:41:17.684 based on the criteria outlined in the ALHC Notice of Funding 729 00:41:17.684 --> 00:41:18.480 Opportunity. 730 00:41:19.040 --> 00:41:22.362 IML staff will examine your budget, your financials, and 731 00:41:22.362 --> 00:41:25.160 your track record with past and current grants. 732 00:41:25.600 --> 00:41:29.657 We then prepare materials for the IMLS Deputy Director for 733 00:41:29.657 --> 00:41:31.720 Museums and the IMLS Director. 734 00:41:32.240 --> 00:41:36.371 By law, the IMLS Director is charged with the authority and 735 00:41:36.371 --> 00:41:40.158 responsibility to make final award decisions, and this 736 00:41:40.158 --> 00:41:41.880 typically happens in May. 737 00:41:42.720 --> 00:41:46.880 In early June 2025, we will notify you by e-mail of the 738 00:41:46.880 --> 00:41:51.560 award decisions and provide the scores and comments created by 739 00:41:51.560 --> 00:41:52.600 the reviewers. 740 00:41:53.240 --> 00:41:58.498 ALHC projects must be scheduled to start on the first day of 741 00:41:58.498 --> 00:41:59.360 July 2025. 742 00:42:02.200 --> 00:42:04.866 Now, as you read through the NOFO and prepare your 743 00:42:04.866 --> 00:42:07.742 application, additional questions may arise before the 744 00:42:07.742 --> 00:42:08.840 application deadline. 745 00:42:09.120 --> 00:42:13.005 We can help you with learning more about the ALHC program or 746 00:42:13.005 --> 00:42:17.017 other grant programs at IMLS and address any specific concerns 747 00:42:17.017 --> 00:42:20.329 with the various application components or help you 748 00:42:20.329 --> 00:42:22.240 understand the review process. 749 00:42:22.880 --> 00:42:26.437 You may also contact IMLS program staff by e-mail or 750 00:42:26.437 --> 00:42:26.840 phone. 751 00:42:27.400 --> 00:42:30.885 Our contact information is listed on the Grant Program 752 00:42:30.885 --> 00:42:33.040 landing page on the IMLS website. 753 00:42:33.680 --> 00:42:36.650 You may also schedule a counseling call to meet directly 754 00:42:36.650 --> 00:42:37.640 with program staff. 755 00:42:38.120 --> 00:42:42.020 Use the links found on the Grant Program landing page to find an 756 00:42:42.020 --> 00:42:44.240 available time slot on our calendar. 757 00:42:44.520 --> 00:42:48.167 You will then receive an e-mail with a calendar invite and 758 00:42:48.167 --> 00:42:49.960 Microsoft Teams meeting link. 759 00:42:54.560 --> 00:42:56.360 Thank you for joining us on this webinar. 760 00:42:56.920 --> 00:42:59.680 Good luck and please reach out if you need any assistance. 761 00:42:59.880 --> 00:43:00.320 Thank you.