WEBVTT Kind: captions Language: en 1 00:00:04.200 --> 00:00:07.375 Welcome to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, 2 00:00:07.375 --> 00:00:10.607 Office of Museum Services Informational Video Museums for 3 00:00:10.607 --> 00:00:13.560 America Grant Program Applicant Information Session. 4 00:00:14.280 --> 00:00:17.675 My name is Mark Feitl, one of the program staff in the Office 5 00:00:17.675 --> 00:00:20.688 of Museum Services at IMLS, and I'll be narrating this 6 00:00:20.688 --> 00:00:21.400 presentation. 7 00:00:27.560 --> 00:00:30.652 The goal of this video is to provide an overview of our 8 00:00:30.652 --> 00:00:33.800 Museums for America grant program, which we call MFA for 9 00:00:33.800 --> 00:00:36.838 short, and the process of preparing an application for 10 00:00:36.838 --> 00:00:37.280 funding. 11 00:00:41.320 --> 00:00:43.920 This video is organized into six chapters. 12 00:00:44.480 --> 00:00:46.080 What is Museums for America? 13 00:00:46.560 --> 00:00:49.472 This section explains the purpose and design of the MFA 14 00:00:49.472 --> 00:00:50.200 grant program. 15 00:00:50.720 --> 00:00:52.440 What can MFA grants fund? 16 00:00:53.080 --> 00:00:56.052 This section explains the types of projects that can be funded 17 00:00:56.052 --> 00:00:58.600 in MFA and the amount of funds that can be requested. 18 00:00:59.680 --> 00:01:02.823 Application Components: Introduction. This section 19 00:01:02.823 --> 00:01:06.890 describes the types of documents that are needed to create an MFA 20 00:01:06.890 --> 00:01:08.000 grant application. 21 00:01:08.880 --> 00:01:11.920 Application Components: Narrative. This section provides 22 00:01:11.920 --> 00:01:14.480 guidance on composing the narrative part of the 23 00:01:14.480 --> 00:01:15.120 application. 24 00:01:16.160 --> 00:01:20.350 Application Components: Budget. This section provides details on 25 00:01:20.350 --> 00:01:24.411 the information to include in your project budget, application 26 00:01:24.411 --> 00:01:27.892 Tips and next Steps The concluding section provides a 27 00:01:27.892 --> 00:01:29.440 few tips and next steps. 28 00:01:30.280 --> 00:01:33.709 The complete set of instructions for how to prepare and submit an 29 00:01:33.709 --> 00:01:36.670 MFA grant application are found in the Notice of Funding 30 00:01:36.670 --> 00:01:39.684 Opportunity, published on grants.gov and available on the 31 00:01:39.684 --> 00:01:40.360 IMLS website. 32 00:01:40.800 --> 00:01:43.899 Please refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the most 33 00:01:43.899 --> 00:01:46.360 detailed information to prepare your application. 34 00:01:46.360 --> 00:01:52.643 To get the most out of this video, we recommend that you 35 00:01:52.643 --> 00:01:55.400 watch it in its entirety. 36 00:01:55.720 --> 00:01:58.275 This will give you an understanding of the MFA grant 37 00:01:58.275 --> 00:02:01.120 program, the types of projects that can be funded, and the 38 00:02:01.120 --> 00:02:02.760 necessary application components. 39 00:02:03.680 --> 00:02:06.566 You may also want to review the MFA Notice of Funding 40 00:02:06.566 --> 00:02:09.720 Opportunity before, during, and after you watch the video. 41 00:02:10.520 --> 00:02:13.295 Notices of Funding Opportunities, also known as 42 00:02:13.295 --> 00:02:17.052 NOFOs, are documents that detail the requirements of each of our 43 00:02:17.052 --> 00:02:17.920 grant programs. 44 00:02:18.520 --> 00:02:21.720 All of our NOFOs can be found at IMLS.gov/Grants. 45 00:02:24.040 --> 00:02:27.300 As you navigate the application process, you can use this video 46 00:02:27.300 --> 00:02:28.320 as a reference tool. 47 00:02:28.800 --> 00:02:32.347 If you'd like to skip to a specific section, please use the 48 00:02:32.347 --> 00:02:36.071 time bar below or the links in the description box to navigate 49 00:02:36.071 --> 00:02:36.840 the chapters. 50 00:02:40.600 --> 00:02:41.480 In this section. 51 00:02:41.480 --> 00:02:45.105 I will answer the question, what is MFA providing information on 52 00:02:45.105 --> 00:02:48.396 the purpose and intent of this grant program and who it is 53 00:02:48.396 --> 00:02:49.400 designed to serve. 54 00:02:52.960 --> 00:02:55.828 Museums for America is our largest grant program, receiving 55 00:02:55.828 --> 00:02:58.362 the largest number of applications each year and the 56 00:02:58.362 --> 00:03:01.040 one through which we make the largest number of awards. 57 00:03:01.640 --> 00:03:04.646 The overall goal of the program is to support activities that 58 00:03:04.646 --> 00:03:07.361 strengthen the abilities of individual museums to serve 59 00:03:07.361 --> 00:03:08.040 their publics. 60 00:03:08.760 --> 00:03:11.931 This might be through activities that reflect museums as active 61 00:03:11.931 --> 00:03:15.003 resources for lifelong learning, as institutions important in 62 00:03:15.003 --> 00:03:17.877 improving the well-being of their communities, or as good 63 00:03:17.877 --> 00:03:19.760 stewards of the nation's collections. 64 00:03:20.720 --> 00:03:24.162 MFA is about what your museum needs in order to better serve 65 00:03:24.162 --> 00:03:24.840 your public. 66 00:03:25.400 --> 00:03:28.441 It may well be exactly the same thing as with the museum across 67 00:03:28.441 --> 00:03:30.200 town or in a neighboring state need. 68 00:03:30.320 --> 00:03:31.120 And that's OK. 69 00:03:31.720 --> 00:03:35.337 The important thing here is that our support should help you make 70 00:03:35.337 --> 00:03:36.160 a local impact. 71 00:03:36.680 --> 00:03:43.994 Impact MFA projects are expected to focus on a key component of 72 00:03:43.994 --> 00:03:47.080 your museum strategic plan. 73 00:03:47.680 --> 00:03:50.707 IMLS wants to help advance something that is a priority for 74 00:03:50.707 --> 00:03:53.735 your museum and something that will ultimately benefit your 75 00:03:53.735 --> 00:03:54.240 community. 76 00:03:55.120 --> 00:03:57.722 To help demonstrate that connection in your grant 77 00:03:57.722 --> 00:04:00.844 application, we asked for a summary of your Strategic Plan, 78 00:04:00.844 --> 00:04:04.123 usually no more than two pages, so that reviewers will be able 79 00:04:04.123 --> 00:04:07.506 to understand how your proposed projects activities will further 80 00:04:07.506 --> 00:04:09.639 your institutional goals and objectives. 81 00:04:10.440 --> 00:04:13.408 The Strategic Plan summary is your opportunity to make a 82 00:04:13.408 --> 00:04:16.741 thoughtful and well-constructed connection between the proposed 83 00:04:16.741 --> 00:04:18.720 project and your museum's priorities. 84 00:04:19.640 --> 00:04:23.463 The priorities in your Strategic Plan may connect to a range of 85 00:04:23.463 --> 00:04:26.688 activities from exhibitions, educational interpretive 86 00:04:26.688 --> 00:04:29.735 programs, digital learning resources, professional 87 00:04:29.735 --> 00:04:33.260 development, community debate and dialogue, audience based 88 00:04:33.260 --> 00:04:37.023 focused studies and collections management, curation, care and 89 00:04:37.023 --> 00:04:37.800 conservation. 90 00:04:38.560 --> 00:04:41.345 These are the kinds of activities that can be funded in 91 00:04:41.345 --> 00:04:42.440 the MFA grant program. 92 00:04:43.600 --> 00:04:47.090 A characteristic of a successful MFA grant application is making 93 00:04:47.090 --> 00:04:50.258 the connection between the proposed project and a key need 94 00:04:50.258 --> 00:04:53.480 or challenge that faces your museum and whose resolution is 95 00:04:53.480 --> 00:04:55.360 identified in your strategic plan. 96 00:04:59.480 --> 00:05:01.720 MFA is a grant program for museums. 97 00:05:02.240 --> 00:05:05.217 As a museum, you should keep in mind all that all applicants 98 00:05:05.217 --> 00:05:08.049 must meet certain requirements to be eligible for federal 99 00:05:08.049 --> 00:05:08.440 funding. 100 00:05:09.480 --> 00:05:12.401 Your organization must be located in one of the United 101 00:05:12.401 --> 00:05:15.322 States, 50 states, its territories, or the District of 102 00:05:15.322 --> 00:05:15.800 Columbia. 103 00:05:16.760 --> 00:05:20.222 Your organization must be a unit of state, local, or tribal 104 00:05:20.222 --> 00:05:23.512 government, or a private nonprofit organization with tax 105 00:05:23.512 --> 00:05:24.319 exempt status. 106 00:05:25.280 --> 00:05:28.138 If you meet those two requirements, then the next step 107 00:05:28.138 --> 00:05:31.516 is to consider what it means to be eligible for IMS funding as a 108 00:05:31.516 --> 00:05:31.880 museum. 109 00:05:33.320 --> 00:05:36.931 Museums must have at least one full time or equivalent 110 00:05:36.931 --> 00:05:40.673 professional staff person, either paid or unpaid, have a 111 00:05:40.673 --> 00:05:44.744 physical location that it owns or operates, have been open to 112 00:05:44.744 --> 00:05:48.684 the public for at least 120 days in the year prior to grant 113 00:05:48.684 --> 00:05:52.821 application deadline, which is November 15th, 2024, and own or 114 00:05:52.821 --> 00:05:54.200 use tangible objects. 115 00:05:55.120 --> 00:05:58.332 Museums may be stand-alone organizations, or they may be 116 00:05:58.332 --> 00:06:01.714 part of a larger institution such as a college, university, 117 00:06:01.714 --> 00:06:03.800 Tribe, or state or local government. 118 00:06:07.240 --> 00:06:10.280 MFA is a grant program for all types of museums. 119 00:06:10.880 --> 00:06:13.445 Here's a brief list of some of the types of museums that 120 00:06:13.445 --> 00:06:15.200 routinely apply to this grant program. 121 00:06:19.120 --> 00:06:22.760 In this section we will answer the question What can MFA fund? 122 00:06:23.120 --> 00:06:26.435 Providing details on the types of projects and associated goals 123 00:06:26.435 --> 00:06:29.648 and objectives within the MFA grant program, as well as offer 124 00:06:29.648 --> 00:06:32.860 some summary data on the number and type of MFA projects that 125 00:06:32.860 --> 00:06:34.000 were funded last year. 126 00:06:37.720 --> 00:06:40.291 MFA grants are designed to support project-based 127 00:06:40.291 --> 00:06:43.440 activities, so let's take a minute to consider just exactly 128 00:06:43.440 --> 00:06:44.280 what that means. 129 00:06:45.520 --> 00:06:49.368 The Project Management Institute has a good definition which is a 130 00:06:49.368 --> 00:06:53.216 temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service 131 00:06:53.216 --> 00:06:53.800 or result. 132 00:06:54.600 --> 00:06:57.744 They go on further to explain that a project is temporary 133 00:06:57.744 --> 00:07:00.725 because it has a defined beginning and end in time and 134 00:07:00.725 --> 00:07:02.839 therefore defines scope and resources. 135 00:07:03.720 --> 00:07:07.038 And a project is unique in that it is not a routine operation, 136 00:07:07.038 --> 00:07:09.777 but rather a specific set of operations designed to 137 00:07:09.777 --> 00:07:11.199 accomplish a singular goal. 138 00:07:12.440 --> 00:07:15.662 We recommend that you keep this definition in mind as you 139 00:07:15.662 --> 00:07:17.440 conceptualize your IMLS project. 140 00:07:18.120 --> 00:07:21.438 Think of it as a temporary, non-routine set of activities 141 00:07:21.438 --> 00:07:24.757 which collectively have a beginning and an end in time, a 142 00:07:24.757 --> 00:07:28.076 defined scope requiring specific resources, and which are 143 00:07:28.076 --> 00:07:30.880 designed to accomplish a specific singular goal. 144 00:07:34.480 --> 00:07:37.273 Keeping our focus on project-based activities, let's 145 00:07:37.273 --> 00:07:40.489 look a little further at what characteristics are most often 146 00:07:40.489 --> 00:07:42.440 seen in successful MFA applications. 147 00:07:43.400 --> 00:07:44.920 Institutional impact: 148 00:07:45.480 --> 00:07:48.807 The project addresses a key goal identified in the institution 149 00:07:48.807 --> 00:07:49.600 Strategic plan. 150 00:07:50.720 --> 00:07:51.880 In depth knowledge: 151 00:07:52.360 --> 00:07:54.798 The project design reflects a thorough understanding of 152 00:07:54.798 --> 00:07:57.280 current practice and knowledge about the subject matter. 153 00:07:58.400 --> 00:07:59.760 Project based design: 154 00:08:00.280 --> 00:08:03.270 The work plan consists of a set of logical, interrelated 155 00:08:03.270 --> 00:08:06.155 activities tied directly to addressing the key need or 156 00:08:06.155 --> 00:08:06.680 challenge. 157 00:08:07.560 --> 00:08:10.587 Demonstrable Results: The project generates measurable 158 00:08:10.587 --> 00:08:13.779 results that tie directly to the need or challenge it was 159 00:08:13.779 --> 00:08:14.880 designed to address. 160 00:08:16.280 --> 00:08:18.922 Successful projects most often exemplify these four 161 00:08:18.922 --> 00:08:21.920 characteristics and fit well within the MFA grant program. 162 00:08:22.840 --> 00:08:26.040 It has been our experience that unfunded applications failed to 163 00:08:26.040 --> 00:08:28.640 deliver convincingly on one or more of these areas. 164 00:08:32.520 --> 00:08:35.331 If project-based design and institutional impact are core 165 00:08:35.331 --> 00:08:38.336 elements of your project idea, then now it's time to consider 166 00:08:38.336 --> 00:08:41.293 how your application aligns with the grant program goals and 167 00:08:41.293 --> 00:08:42.360 associated objectives. 168 00:08:43.560 --> 00:08:47.169 The type of project activity you are seeking to fund should align 169 00:08:47.169 --> 00:08:48.920 with one of these three options. 170 00:08:49.480 --> 00:08:52.520 Lifelong Learning, Community Engagement, and Collection 171 00:08:52.520 --> 00:08:53.720 Stewardship and Access. 172 00:08:55.000 --> 00:08:57.599 Why is your decision about which project goal to choose so 173 00:08:57.599 --> 00:08:58.040 important? 174 00:08:58.840 --> 00:09:01.497 For one thing, your application will be reviewed by museum 175 00:09:01.497 --> 00:09:03.794 professionals who have experience and expertise in 176 00:09:03.794 --> 00:09:04.920 these general categories. 177 00:09:05.440 --> 00:09:07.866 And for another, your application will be competing 178 00:09:07.866 --> 00:09:10.200 against others who have chosen the same category. 179 00:09:10.880 --> 00:09:13.694 In short, the entire review process incorporates an 180 00:09:13.694 --> 00:09:16.780 assumption that your project aligns with the goal you've 181 00:09:16.780 --> 00:09:19.000 identified, so it's an important choice. 182 00:09:22.640 --> 00:09:25.366 So let's take a look at what kinds of project activities 183 00:09:25.366 --> 00:09:27.040 might fit within these goal areas. 184 00:09:27.800 --> 00:09:30.955 In this and the two slides that follow, the objectives provide 185 00:09:30.955 --> 00:09:33.760 some of the types of projects that fit within the goal. 186 00:09:35.080 --> 00:09:38.484 A project in Lifelong Learning might include, but it's not 187 00:09:38.484 --> 00:09:41.369 limited to, design and fabrication of an exhibit, 188 00:09:41.369 --> 00:09:44.658 program development for all types of audiences, creating 189 00:09:44.658 --> 00:09:47.485 interpretive plans, media training for teachers, 190 00:09:47.485 --> 00:09:50.601 partnerships with schools or out of school audiences, 191 00:09:50.601 --> 00:09:53.890 professional development opportunities for museum staff, 192 00:09:53.890 --> 00:09:55.160 or program evaluation. 193 00:09:56.120 --> 00:09:59.331 As you plan your project in this category, we strongly recommend 194 00:09:59.331 --> 00:10:02.345 starting with the concept of Learner at the Center and build 195 00:10:02.345 --> 00:10:02.839 around it. 196 00:10:03.600 --> 00:10:06.383 Spend time really thinking through who your learners in 197 00:10:06.383 --> 00:10:08.520 this project are and what their needs are. 198 00:10:09.200 --> 00:10:10.960 It's not likely going to be everybody. 199 00:10:10.960 --> 00:10:12.320 So who is it really? 200 00:10:13.040 --> 00:10:14.400 What do they want to learn? 201 00:10:14.680 --> 00:10:17.315 What do you want them to learn, and what's the best way to 202 00:10:17.315 --> 00:10:18.120 achieve that goal? 203 00:10:18.840 --> 00:10:21.495 We'll get to the whole idea of problems and needs in a few 204 00:10:21.495 --> 00:10:24.015 minutes, but a major take away here is to be focused on 205 00:10:24.015 --> 00:10:26.850 identifying your audience and thinking about how you are going 206 00:10:26.850 --> 00:10:27.480 to serve them. 207 00:10:32.240 --> 00:10:35.293 A community engagement project is likely to include activities 208 00:10:35.293 --> 00:10:38.104 that contribute directly to your institution's role as an 209 00:10:38.104 --> 00:10:40.480 essential partner in addressing community needs. 210 00:10:41.360 --> 00:10:44.295 Successful Community Engagement projects strive to create a 211 00:10:44.295 --> 00:10:46.840 better quality of life within and with communities. 212 00:10:47.680 --> 00:10:50.713 Projects in this category will demonstrate a direct involvement 213 00:10:50.713 --> 00:10:53.652 by members of your community and planning your project and as 214 00:10:53.652 --> 00:10:56.780 well as in the implementation of activities and the evaluation of 215 00:10:56.780 --> 00:10:57.160 results. 216 00:10:57.920 --> 00:11:01.133 Your application should clearly define who or what the community 217 00:11:01.133 --> 00:11:02.320 is that you are serving. 218 00:11:03.360 --> 00:11:06.471 Many museums regularly undertake activities that engage with 219 00:11:06.471 --> 00:11:09.378 their communities, such as exhibitions, public programs, 220 00:11:09.378 --> 00:11:12.285 audience development, outreach and evaluation, and civic 221 00:11:12.285 --> 00:11:13.560 engagement to name a few. 222 00:11:14.720 --> 00:11:17.338 So how do you know if your project is a better fit within 223 00:11:17.338 --> 00:11:19.280 Lifelong Learning or Community Engagement? 224 00:11:20.600 --> 00:11:23.373 If your project requires the involvement of community 225 00:11:23.373 --> 00:11:25.787 partners to Co-create the content or drive the 226 00:11:25.787 --> 00:11:28.818 programming, then it may be a strong fit for the Community 227 00:11:28.818 --> 00:11:29.640 Engagement goal. 228 00:11:30.320 --> 00:11:33.587 If your project involves mostly museum staff working internal to 229 00:11:33.587 --> 00:11:36.552 produce content, perhaps with the element of some external 230 00:11:36.552 --> 00:11:39.668 input, then it may be a better fit with the lifelong learning 231 00:11:39.668 --> 00:11:39.920 goal. 232 00:11:40.680 --> 00:11:43.120 Both approaches are allowable, and both are fundable. 233 00:11:43.720 --> 00:11:45.280 Ultimately, it is your choice. 234 00:11:45.800 --> 00:11:48.665 What's important is that you choose one goal and write your 235 00:11:48.665 --> 00:11:51.482 application to align with that program goal and associated 236 00:11:51.482 --> 00:11:51.960 objective. 237 00:11:56.320 --> 00:11:59.281 The third MFA goal is that of Collection Stewardship and 238 00:11:59.281 --> 00:12:02.450 Access, and this includes just about anything you need to do 239 00:12:02.450 --> 00:12:04.840 for and with collections except acquire them. 240 00:12:05.960 --> 00:12:08.320 We are very open to projects that have multiple components 241 00:12:08.320 --> 00:12:10.080 configured in ways that make sense for you. 242 00:12:10.720 --> 00:12:13.453 One project might consist of cataloging, taking digital 243 00:12:13.453 --> 00:12:16.284 photographs, and updating database records, while another 244 00:12:16.284 --> 00:12:18.920 might combine digitization activities with rehousing. 245 00:12:19.720 --> 00:12:23.036 We support conservation projects of all kinds, general, detailed 246 00:12:23.036 --> 00:12:25.689 and environmental surveys as well as treatments and 247 00:12:25.689 --> 00:12:28.903 environmental improvements, and you are welcome to incorporate 248 00:12:28.903 --> 00:12:31.709 aspects of training and or collections management into 249 00:12:31.709 --> 00:12:34.719 these projects if doing so makes sense for your situation. 250 00:12:35.880 --> 00:12:38.468 We encourage a step-by-step progressive approach to 251 00:12:38.468 --> 00:12:40.560 collections work, including conservation. 252 00:12:41.240 --> 00:12:44.374 This means assessing needs, creating a prioritized list of 253 00:12:44.374 --> 00:12:47.137 activities, and following through by doing the most 254 00:12:47.137 --> 00:12:48.360 important things first. 255 00:12:53.240 --> 00:12:55.971 Projects should fit within one of these three program goals, 256 00:12:55.971 --> 00:12:58.210 but sometimes there is an overlap in the kinds of 257 00:12:58.210 --> 00:13:00.941 activities you are proposing, which may make it difficult to 258 00:13:00.941 --> 00:13:02.240 select only one program goal. 259 00:13:03.120 --> 00:13:05.606 We expect the projects aligned with a specific goal will 260 00:13:05.606 --> 00:13:08.354 address different problems, use different approaches, and will 261 00:13:08.354 --> 00:13:11.101 measure success in achieving the intended results in different 262 00:13:11.101 --> 00:13:11.319 ways. 263 00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:14.360 So how can you choose the best category for your project? 264 00:13:15.680 --> 00:13:17.560 Here are three things we suggest you try. 265 00:13:18.360 --> 00:13:21.560 Think carefully about what is in the center of your project. 266 00:13:22.000 --> 00:13:22.920 Is it the learner? 267 00:13:23.560 --> 00:13:26.493 Will people who engage with you as a result of your project, 268 00:13:26.493 --> 00:13:28.849 let's say to create a new exhibition and related 269 00:13:28.849 --> 00:13:31.541 programming, acquire new knowledge, develop a skill, or 270 00:13:31.541 --> 00:13:34.330 experience a change in attitude about the subject of your 271 00:13:34.330 --> 00:13:37.167 exhibit or just the community that's in the center of your 272 00:13:37.167 --> 00:13:37.599 thinking? 273 00:13:38.240 --> 00:13:41.111 Is your project one that will address an important community 274 00:13:41.111 --> 00:13:43.936 need and requires engaging a number of community members or 275 00:13:43.936 --> 00:13:44.360 partners? 276 00:13:45.040 --> 00:13:45.720 And are you going? 277 00:13:46.240 --> 00:13:48.600 Are you doing it because your museum can help address that 278 00:13:48.600 --> 00:13:48.800 need? 279 00:13:49.600 --> 00:13:51.600 Or is your project about the collections? 280 00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:55.456 Will your project result in a better managed, better cared 281 00:13:55.456 --> 00:13:57.800 for, or more accessible set of objects? 282 00:13:59.040 --> 00:14:01.794 A second way to go with this might be to think about who you 283 00:14:01.794 --> 00:14:03.240 want to review your application. 284 00:14:04.080 --> 00:14:06.766 If you apply under Lifelong Learning, we will put your 285 00:14:06.766 --> 00:14:09.258 application in front of museum educators, exhibits 286 00:14:09.258 --> 00:14:12.140 professionals, interpretive specialists, and professionals 287 00:14:12.140 --> 00:14:14.876 with deep experience and understanding how people learn 288 00:14:14.876 --> 00:14:16.000 in museum environments. 289 00:14:17.040 --> 00:14:19.540 Would you rather we put it in front of a combination of 290 00:14:19.540 --> 00:14:22.130 experts in civic engagement and social justice, community 291 00:14:22.130 --> 00:14:23.560 outreach, and collective impact? 292 00:14:24.120 --> 00:14:26.824 If that sounds right, then it may push you toward community 293 00:14:26.824 --> 00:14:27.320 engagement. 294 00:14:28.160 --> 00:14:30.886 And if you if you apply under Collection Stewardship and 295 00:14:30.886 --> 00:14:33.709 Access, you can be confident that your application will be 296 00:14:33.709 --> 00:14:36.387 reviewed by some combination of registrar's, collection 297 00:14:36.387 --> 00:14:38.731 managers, curators, conservators, or collections 298 00:14:38.731 --> 00:14:39.879 information specialists. 299 00:14:40.640 --> 00:14:43.447 If that seems appropriate, then this is the most likely your 300 00:14:43.447 --> 00:14:44.000 best choice. 301 00:14:45.120 --> 00:14:48.724 Lastly, a third strategy it to try to make to be to make a list 302 00:14:48.724 --> 00:14:52.215 of all the activities you plan to carry out, then assign each 303 00:14:52.215 --> 00:14:55.650 to a program goal, and then count to see where most of these 304 00:14:55.650 --> 00:14:59.142 activities occur and where most of the time and money will be 305 00:14:59.142 --> 00:14:59.480 spent. 306 00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:01.680 That might well provide your answer. 307 00:15:05.760 --> 00:15:08.812 MFA supports projects of all sizes, but there's a specific 308 00:15:08.812 --> 00:15:11.400 range of funding available in this grant program. 309 00:15:12.160 --> 00:15:16.530 Your project budget can request a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum 310 00:15:16.530 --> 00:15:18.480 of $250,000 in federal funds. 311 00:15:19.480 --> 00:15:23.319 If you ask for less than $5,000 or more than $250,000 in federal 312 00:15:23.319 --> 00:15:26.508 grant funds, your application may be rejected and not 313 00:15:26.508 --> 00:15:27.040 reviewed. 314 00:15:27.960 --> 00:15:31.396 Remember to keep your budget aligned to the scope and scale 315 00:15:31.396 --> 00:15:35.005 of your project, including all costs necessary to complete the 316 00:15:35.005 --> 00:15:37.640 proposed activities in the MFA grant program. 317 00:15:38.080 --> 00:15:41.489 All project budgets are required to have at least a one-to-one 318 00:15:41.489 --> 00:15:42.680 nonfederal cost share. 319 00:15:43.480 --> 00:15:47.909 For example, if your total project budget was 300 and was 320 00:15:47.909 --> 00:15:52.414 $300,000, you would be able to request $150,000 in federal 321 00:15:52.414 --> 00:15:56.919 grant funds and provide a cost share of at least $150,000. 322 00:15:57.880 --> 00:15:59.760 Cost share can take a number of forms. 323 00:15:59.920 --> 00:16:03.478 Among them are cash, staff time, volunteer time, third party 324 00:16:03.478 --> 00:16:06.803 contributions, grants from foundations, and support from 325 00:16:06.803 --> 00:16:08.320 state or local government. 326 00:16:09.120 --> 00:16:11.920 Cost share cannot come from other federal sources. 327 00:16:15.920 --> 00:16:18.513 The amount of applications received, and the amount of 328 00:16:18.513 --> 00:16:20.400 awards made can vary from year to year. 329 00:16:21.040 --> 00:16:24.984 Here is a snapshot of our most recent application and award 330 00:16:24.984 --> 00:16:26.760 cycle and fiscal year 2024. 331 00:16:26.760 --> 00:16:31.722 IMLS made 115 MFA awards with a total of $23.3 million in 332 00:16:31.722 --> 00:16:32.920 federal funds. 333 00:16:33.640 --> 00:16:38.093 We received 355 MFA applications last year, resulting in 33% of 334 00:16:38.093 --> 00:16:40.320 those applications being funded. 335 00:16:41.200 --> 00:16:44.410 About 48% of the MFA awards were for project supporting the 336 00:16:44.410 --> 00:16:47.461 Lifelong Learning goal, 32% of the project supported the 337 00:16:47.461 --> 00:16:50.457 Collection, Stewardship and Access goal, and 20% of the 338 00:16:50.457 --> 00:16:53.080 project supported the Community Engagement goal. 339 00:16:54.040 --> 00:16:58.427 The average amount of federal funds for each project was 340 00:16:58.427 --> 00:16:59.120 $203,147. 341 00:16:59.120 --> 00:17:04.442 On the IMS website, you can use the Search, Award and Grants 342 00:17:04.442 --> 00:17:09.938 function to explore our archive of grants that we have awarded 343 00:17:09.938 --> 00:17:11.160 in past years. 344 00:17:11.840 --> 00:17:15.376 All of the 115 MFA awards announced in August are listed 345 00:17:15.376 --> 00:17:17.920 here, along with those from prior years. 346 00:17:18.520 --> 00:17:22.006 You can search this database using a variety of criteria such 347 00:17:22.006 --> 00:17:24.480 as institution name, location, and keyword. 348 00:17:25.240 --> 00:17:28.362 Your search will retrieve basic information about each award, 349 00:17:28.362 --> 00:17:31.282 including the amount of federal funds awarded and a brief 350 00:17:31.282 --> 00:17:34.303 description of the proposed activities and expected results 351 00:17:34.303 --> 00:17:35.160 for each project. 352 00:17:40.520 --> 00:17:43.375 In this section, we will introduce the components of an 353 00:17:43.375 --> 00:17:46.231 MFA grant application and provide an overview about the 354 00:17:46.231 --> 00:17:48.730 required, conditionally required, and supporting 355 00:17:48.730 --> 00:17:49.240 documents. 356 00:17:52.720 --> 00:17:55.731 The MFA Notice of Funding Opportunity includes a complete 357 00:17:55.731 --> 00:17:57.600 list of the application components. 358 00:17:58.200 --> 00:18:01.224 Most of these components are created by applicants and saved 359 00:18:01.224 --> 00:18:04.200 as a PDF for uploading as part of your application package. 360 00:18:04.200 --> 00:18:07.681 In Grants.gov, the table of application components lists 361 00:18:07.681 --> 00:18:11.590 which application components are required as well as those that 362 00:18:11.590 --> 00:18:13.240 are conditionally required. 363 00:18:13.800 --> 00:18:16.834 For example, some components are included in the application 364 00:18:16.834 --> 00:18:19.322 depending on the type of applicant or the type of 365 00:18:19.322 --> 00:18:19.720 project. 366 00:18:20.680 --> 00:18:24.432 Aside from the SF-424S and the IMLS Museum Program Information 367 00:18:24.432 --> 00:18:28.125 Form which are completed in the Grand Stack Up workspace, all 368 00:18:28.125 --> 00:18:31.640 application components must be submitted as PDF documents. 369 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:36.840 These are the required documents. 370 00:18:37.440 --> 00:18:40.280 All applications must include the documents listed here. 371 00:18:40.720 --> 00:18:43.668 Omission of even just one might result in your applications 372 00:18:43.668 --> 00:18:44.160 rejection. 373 00:18:45.080 --> 00:18:47.863 Also important to note, there is a 7-page limit for the 374 00:18:47.863 --> 00:18:48.360 narrative. 375 00:18:48.880 --> 00:18:51.517 If you exceed the page limit specified in the Notice of 376 00:18:51.517 --> 00:18:54.297 Funding Opportunity, we must remove the extra pages before 377 00:18:54.297 --> 00:18:56.039 your application goes out to review. 378 00:19:00.800 --> 00:19:03.363 The second category of application components is that 379 00:19:03.363 --> 00:19:05.120 of conditionally required documents. 380 00:19:05.480 --> 00:19:08.880 Some applications must include 1/2 or even all four of these, 381 00:19:08.880 --> 00:19:12.280 and it's your job to figure out which are required for yours. 382 00:19:13.800 --> 00:19:16.711 If you are applying as a nonprofit, then you must include 383 00:19:16.711 --> 00:19:19.824 your Proof of nonprofit Status determination letter issued by 384 00:19:19.824 --> 00:19:21.280 the Internal Revenue Service. 385 00:19:21.760 --> 00:19:24.913 We will not accept a letter of state sales tax exemption as 386 00:19:24.913 --> 00:19:26.280 proof of nonprofit status. 387 00:19:27.640 --> 00:19:30.586 If you are using a federally negotiated indirect cost rate in 388 00:19:30.586 --> 00:19:33.247 your budget, then you must include a copy of your final 389 00:19:33.247 --> 00:19:33.960 rate agreement. 390 00:19:35.040 --> 00:19:37.779 If you will create digital products during the course of 391 00:19:37.779 --> 00:19:40.567 your project, then you must complete and submit a digital 392 00:19:40.567 --> 00:19:41.240 products plan. 393 00:19:42.680 --> 00:19:46.251 If you are requesting support for conservation treatment, then 394 00:19:46.251 --> 00:19:49.538 you must include detailed condition reports and or formal 395 00:19:49.538 --> 00:19:52.713 conservation treatment proposals just like the required 396 00:19:52.713 --> 00:19:53.280 documents. 397 00:19:53.280 --> 00:19:56.047 Omission of even one might result in your application 398 00:19:56.047 --> 00:19:56.560 rejection. 399 00:19:57.400 --> 00:20:00.426 Please note that the term digital product includes 400 00:20:00.426 --> 00:20:03.986 digitized and born digital content, resources or assets and 401 00:20:03.986 --> 00:20:04.520 software. 402 00:20:05.080 --> 00:20:07.803 If you are creating any of these types of materials, you must 403 00:20:07.803 --> 00:20:09.560 include the form with your application. 404 00:20:12.440 --> 00:20:15.056 The third group of application components is supporting 405 00:20:15.056 --> 00:20:17.440 documents, and here is a partial list of examples. 406 00:20:18.160 --> 00:20:19.800 Supporting documents are optional. 407 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:21.680 You may submit some or none. 408 00:20:22.200 --> 00:20:25.040 Include only those items that will supplement your proposal. 409 00:20:25.680 --> 00:20:28.064 This is the place to provide documents that support your 410 00:20:28.064 --> 00:20:30.573 project justification, work plan, and intended results that 411 00:20:30.573 --> 00:20:33.000 you've already spelled out in your application narrative. 412 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:37.208 For example, have you identified a partner whose involvement is 413 00:20:37.208 --> 00:20:38.680 key to the project's success? 414 00:20:39.320 --> 00:20:42.172 If so, a letter of support or commitment would go a long way 415 00:20:42.172 --> 00:20:45.072 to reassuring reviewers that they are on board if the project 416 00:20:45.072 --> 00:20:45.680 will succeed. 417 00:20:46.960 --> 00:20:50.015 Pictures can help give reviewers who may not be familiar with 418 00:20:50.015 --> 00:20:52.972 your institution, programs, or collections a better idea of 419 00:20:52.972 --> 00:20:55.240 what you're describing within your narrative. 420 00:20:56.600 --> 00:20:59.356 Vendor quotes or equipment specifications show you've done 421 00:20:59.356 --> 00:21:02.065 some of the legwork and getting appropriate estimates for 422 00:21:02.065 --> 00:21:02.720 project costs. 423 00:21:04.240 --> 00:21:06.921 We recommend that you be respectful of your reviewers' 424 00:21:06.921 --> 00:21:09.944 time and avoid any temptation to include hundreds of pages of 425 00:21:09.944 --> 00:21:10.920 extraneous material. 426 00:21:11.560 --> 00:21:15.068 Being judicious really does work to your benefit, as supporting 427 00:21:15.068 --> 00:21:17.480 documents can make or break an application. 428 00:21:18.080 --> 00:21:21.051 Include what is important, helpful, and directly relevant 429 00:21:21.051 --> 00:21:22.640 to your project and stop there. 430 00:21:26.280 --> 00:21:29.735 In the following sections of this presentation, we will focus 431 00:21:29.735 --> 00:21:32.800 on these application components, Narrative and Budget. 432 00:21:33.720 --> 00:21:36.066 Go to the Notice of Funding Opportunity for complete 433 00:21:36.066 --> 00:21:38.501 instructions on how to prepare and complete all of the 434 00:21:38.501 --> 00:21:39.520 application components. 435 00:21:43.160 --> 00:21:46.265 In this section, we will go over the questions you will need to 436 00:21:46.265 --> 00:21:49.419 answer in your project Narrative and offer details on the review 437 00:21:49.419 --> 00:21:52.427 criteria associated with each section, project justification, 438 00:21:52.427 --> 00:21:54.319 Project Work Plan and Project Results. 439 00:21:58.320 --> 00:22:00.720 Now let's talk about the Narrative of your proposal. 440 00:22:01.080 --> 00:22:04.160 You have 7 pages to cover 3 very important issues, and the Notice 441 00:22:04.160 --> 00:22:07.006 of Funding Opportunity provides lengthy guidance on what the 442 00:22:07.006 --> 00:22:08.080 Narrative should cover. 443 00:22:09.200 --> 00:22:11.320 First is the Project Justification. 444 00:22:12.120 --> 00:22:15.190 What need, problem or challenge will your project address and 445 00:22:15.190 --> 00:22:16.280 how was it identified? 446 00:22:17.080 --> 00:22:19.760 Describe how you have used relevant data and other evidence 447 00:22:19.760 --> 00:22:22.440 to describe the need, problem or challenge to be addressed. 448 00:22:23.280 --> 00:22:26.530 Who is the target group for your project and how have they been 449 00:22:26.530 --> 00:22:27.800 involved in the planning? 450 00:22:28.560 --> 00:22:31.419 Target group refers to those who will be most immediately and 451 00:22:31.419 --> 00:22:33.080 positively affected by our project. 452 00:22:33.880 --> 00:22:36.624 Identify the number of individuals in the target group, 453 00:22:36.624 --> 00:22:39.320 or in each target group if you identify more than one. 454 00:22:40.640 --> 00:22:42.880 Who are the ultimate beneficiaries for this project? 455 00:22:43.600 --> 00:22:46.516 Beneficiaries refer to those who are likely to be aided in the 456 00:22:46.516 --> 00:22:47.720 long term by your project. 457 00:22:48.320 --> 00:22:50.400 They may or may not be the same as your target group. 458 00:22:51.440 --> 00:22:53.797 Identify the number of individuals who will benefit 459 00:22:53.797 --> 00:22:56.653 from your project in the long term, if reliable and defensible 460 00:22:56.653 --> 00:22:57.560 counts are possible. 461 00:22:58.360 --> 00:23:00.424 Otherwise, describe the characteristics of the 462 00:23:00.424 --> 00:23:02.928 beneficiaries you expect to be served eventually by your 463 00:23:02.928 --> 00:23:03.280 project. 464 00:23:08.880 --> 00:23:11.933 In step six of the Notice of Funding Opportunity under peer 465 00:23:11.933 --> 00:23:15.292 Review criteria, you will find a list of questions that reviewers 466 00:23:15.292 --> 00:23:18.040 are asked to consider when they review your proposal. 467 00:23:18.560 --> 00:23:21.478 It is a good idea to refer to these as you craft your 468 00:23:21.478 --> 00:23:24.991 narrative to be certain you are providing reviewers clear, solid 469 00:23:24.991 --> 00:23:25.640 information. 470 00:23:26.360 --> 00:23:28.726 You will see that they correspond fairly directly with 471 00:23:28.726 --> 00:23:30.920 the prompts you are given to write your Narrative. 472 00:23:34.680 --> 00:23:37.652 Because the need, problem, or challenge is foundational in 473 00:23:37.652 --> 00:23:39.920 your application, keep these points in mind. 474 00:23:40.760 --> 00:23:43.206 The federal government wants its investment to result in 475 00:23:43.206 --> 00:23:44.280 something getting better. 476 00:23:45.240 --> 00:23:47.434 As you define your need, problem, or challenge, 477 00:23:47.434 --> 00:23:50.314 articulate what will get better as a result of your project as 478 00:23:50.314 --> 00:23:51.320 precisely as possible. 479 00:23:51.960 --> 00:23:54.896 Will someone learn something, develop a skill, change an 480 00:23:54.896 --> 00:23:55.360 attitude? 481 00:23:56.120 --> 00:23:59.064 Will an institutional policy be created to help move your 482 00:23:59.064 --> 00:24:00.080 institution forward? 483 00:24:00.880 --> 00:24:03.360 Will staff receive professional development opportunities? 484 00:24:04.160 --> 00:24:05.880 Will collections be better cared for? 485 00:24:06.240 --> 00:24:08.040 Will their lifespan be extended? 486 00:24:08.880 --> 00:24:11.598 Will access to your collections and the information surrounding 487 00:24:11.598 --> 00:24:12.320 them be expanded? 488 00:24:12.880 --> 00:24:15.826 Identify why it is important that this particular change 489 00:24:15.826 --> 00:24:16.240 happens. 490 00:24:17.600 --> 00:24:20.972 Hone your problem definition carefully in clear, succinct 491 00:24:20.972 --> 00:24:24.520 terms, and gather and present data that support your problem 492 00:24:24.520 --> 00:24:25.160 definition. 493 00:24:29.120 --> 00:24:32.800 If the project Justification section was the why, the Project 494 00:24:32.800 --> 00:24:36.600 Work Plan section is where you identify The Who, what, when and 495 00:24:36.600 --> 00:24:39.806 how, who will do what activities, when and using what 496 00:24:39.806 --> 00:24:40.399 resources. 497 00:24:41.080 --> 00:24:43.650 You should explain how you will track your progress towards 498 00:24:43.650 --> 00:24:46.348 achieving your intended results and what you'll do if you need 499 00:24:46.348 --> 00:24:47.120 to course correct. 500 00:24:48.160 --> 00:24:51.187 We also ask you to think about risks that are inherent in your 501 00:24:51.187 --> 00:24:54.118 particular project and to tell us how you've taken that into 502 00:24:54.118 --> 00:24:55.320 account in your planning. 503 00:24:58.760 --> 00:25:01.637 Reviewers will evaluate your proposal on how well your 504 00:25:01.637 --> 00:25:04.777 activities are informed by appropriate theory and practice, 505 00:25:04.777 --> 00:25:07.760 whether the goals, assumptions and risks clearly stated. 506 00:25:08.400 --> 00:25:11.582 Reviewers want to see that the team you've put together has the 507 00:25:11.582 --> 00:25:14.218 experience and skills necessary to complete the work 508 00:25:14.218 --> 00:25:17.052 successfully, and whether your schedule is realistic and 509 00:25:17.052 --> 00:25:17.600 achievable. 510 00:25:18.240 --> 00:25:21.001 They'll also be looking at whether the time, personnel, and 511 00:25:21.001 --> 00:25:23.809 financial resources identified are appropriate for the scope 512 00:25:23.809 --> 00:25:24.959 and scale of the project. 513 00:25:25.880 --> 00:25:28.527 They will consider if you've described a clear methodology 514 00:25:28.527 --> 00:25:31.400 for tracking your progress and adjusting course when necessary. 515 00:25:35.040 --> 00:25:38.375 Your work plan will be built on activities, so it's important to 516 00:25:38.375 --> 00:25:40.480 be clear about just what an activity is. 517 00:25:41.200 --> 00:25:43.120 An activity is something that someone does. 518 00:25:43.440 --> 00:25:46.615 It has a beginning and an end, just like projects, and you know 519 00:25:46.615 --> 00:25:49.840 when you finished it because it doesn't need to be done anymore. 520 00:25:50.160 --> 00:25:53.760 An activity is not a goal, a result or an outcome. 521 00:25:54.280 --> 00:25:57.047 Rather it is something you do as part of striving to achieve 522 00:25:57.047 --> 00:25:57.320 those. 523 00:26:01.240 --> 00:26:04.148 We also ask you to think about risks that are inherent in your 524 00:26:04.148 --> 00:26:06.965 particular project and to tell us how you've taken that into 525 00:26:06.965 --> 00:26:08.120 account in your planning. 526 00:26:09.240 --> 00:26:12.658 Think of it as answering the question, what if there is no 527 00:26:12.658 --> 00:26:15.440 checklist of risks, but every project has them? 528 00:26:15.840 --> 00:26:18.477 The best proposals will show that you are aware of them and 529 00:26:18.477 --> 00:26:20.720 have thought through a plan for dealing with them. 530 00:26:21.480 --> 00:26:24.040 Look at your activities and think about what could go wrong. 531 00:26:24.760 --> 00:26:28.024 Focus on the ones where your experience, your own or that of 532 00:26:28.024 --> 00:26:31.395 your group tells you yes, that could happen and identify steps 533 00:26:31.395 --> 00:26:32.840 you would take in response. 534 00:26:33.600 --> 00:26:37.021 IMLS knows things go differently than expected, we just want you 535 00:26:37.021 --> 00:26:39.600 to prepare by identifying implementable options. 536 00:26:40.520 --> 00:26:42.200 Here are some examples of risks. 537 00:26:43.120 --> 00:26:46.159 A project may be dependent upon fundraising to generate the cost 538 00:26:46.159 --> 00:26:49.012 share, but it is not complete by the time the application is 539 00:26:49.012 --> 00:26:49.480 submitted. 540 00:26:50.080 --> 00:26:52.650 What will the institution do if that money is not available by 541 00:26:52.650 --> 00:26:54.160 the time the project gets under way? 542 00:26:55.560 --> 00:26:58.325 A project depends on your community partners to achieve 543 00:26:58.325 --> 00:26:58.720 success. 544 00:26:59.120 --> 00:27:00.880 But what if one partner becomes unavailable? 545 00:27:01.240 --> 00:27:02.080 What do you do now? 546 00:27:03.320 --> 00:27:06.260 A project involving rehousing collections into a new museum 547 00:27:06.260 --> 00:27:09.151 Quality collection storage furniture might run into delays 548 00:27:09.151 --> 00:27:10.720 in the delivery of the cabinets. 549 00:27:11.320 --> 00:27:13.200 What happens to the collection items then? 550 00:27:14.040 --> 00:27:16.716 How will the institution ensure that they remain safe and 551 00:27:16.716 --> 00:27:17.040 secure? 552 00:27:20.920 --> 00:27:23.487 The third section of your narrative should be devoted to 553 00:27:23.487 --> 00:27:25.560 articulating your project's intended results. 554 00:27:26.280 --> 00:27:29.089 This section is your chance to convince the reviewers that your 555 00:27:29.089 --> 00:27:31.240 project will result in something getting better. 556 00:27:32.080 --> 00:27:34.485 The need or problem you identified in your project 557 00:27:34.485 --> 00:27:37.174 justification will be addressed directly, and it will be 558 00:27:37.174 --> 00:27:38.920 diminished or eliminated altogether. 559 00:27:39.840 --> 00:27:42.820 We ask you to tell us what data you will collect and report in 560 00:27:42.820 --> 00:27:44.760 order to measure your project's success. 561 00:27:45.600 --> 00:27:48.678 If your project will generate tangible products, and most do, 562 00:27:48.678 --> 00:27:51.558 here's the opportunity to describe them and make the case 563 00:27:51.558 --> 00:27:52.800 that they will be useful. 564 00:27:53.560 --> 00:27:56.754 And last but not least, we ask that you tell us how you will 565 00:27:56.754 --> 00:27:58.640 sustain the benefit of the project. 566 00:27:59.080 --> 00:28:02.080 How will this improvement that you propose to make continue 567 00:28:02.080 --> 00:28:03.280 once your grant is over? 568 00:28:06.720 --> 00:28:09.597 Reviewers will give us their opinions on how well you've 569 00:28:09.597 --> 00:28:12.625 designed a feasible plan for collecting and reporting data, 570 00:28:12.625 --> 00:28:15.502 how likely the improvements that you've proposed will be 571 00:28:15.502 --> 00:28:18.480 realized, will the tangible products you plan to create be 572 00:28:18.480 --> 00:28:21.257 accessible to the primary audience who identified, and 573 00:28:21.257 --> 00:28:24.538 whether your plan for sustaining the benefits of the project are 574 00:28:24.538 --> 00:28:25.800 reasonable and practical. 575 00:28:29.920 --> 00:28:32.632 We often hear the defining intended results and success 576 00:28:32.632 --> 00:28:35.247 measures is challenging for applicants, so it's worth 577 00:28:35.247 --> 00:28:37.040 spending a bit of time on this here. 578 00:28:38.080 --> 00:28:40.634 Let's think back to the questions we referenced a couple 579 00:28:40.634 --> 00:28:43.054 of slides ago when we talked about defining the need, 580 00:28:43.054 --> 00:28:45.520 problem, or challenge that your project is addressing. 581 00:28:46.480 --> 00:28:49.480 If you said someone will learn something, how will you know? 582 00:28:50.280 --> 00:28:52.841 If your problem related to segments of your community being 583 00:28:52.841 --> 00:28:55.402 better able to work together, how will you know when that's 584 00:28:55.402 --> 00:28:55.999 been achieved? 585 00:28:56.760 --> 00:28:59.582 If collections will be better cared for, how will you be sure 586 00:28:59.582 --> 00:29:01.040 and how will you measure better? 587 00:29:02.040 --> 00:29:04.782 If you're digitizing to expand accessibility, how will you know 588 00:29:04.782 --> 00:29:05.640 when you've done it? 589 00:29:06.520 --> 00:29:10.102 All of your results should tie back to your need, problem, or 590 00:29:10.102 --> 00:29:10.680 challenge. 591 00:29:11.320 --> 00:29:14.242 You may well experience tangential benefits and or 592 00:29:14.242 --> 00:29:18.025 positive outcomes, but make sure you identify them as in addition 593 00:29:18.025 --> 00:29:21.119 to and not instead of your original intended results. 594 00:29:21.520 --> 00:29:23.680 Reviewers are likely to see that as a disconnect. 595 00:29:25.000 --> 00:29:27.508 This focus on results and measuring success in meaningful 596 00:29:27.508 --> 00:29:28.200 ways is not new. 597 00:29:28.960 --> 00:29:31.864 There has been a tremendous amount of work done on ways to 598 00:29:31.864 --> 00:29:34.916 measure success for you as an applicant, though, we encourage 599 00:29:34.916 --> 00:29:37.723 you to consider using a logic model or an outcomes-based 600 00:29:37.723 --> 00:29:40.824 evaluation tool to explain your intended results and your plan 601 00:29:40.824 --> 00:29:41.760 for achieving them. 602 00:29:44.680 --> 00:29:48.273 So to recap, your narrative has three sections, Project 603 00:29:48.273 --> 00:29:52.059 Justification, Project Work Plan, and Project Results, and 604 00:29:52.059 --> 00:29:53.600 you have 7 pages for it. 605 00:29:54.520 --> 00:29:57.840 The sections are all equally important, right? 606 00:29:57.840 --> 00:30:01.323 Clearly address what we ask you to address and keep an eye on 607 00:30:01.323 --> 00:30:02.560 those review criteria. 608 00:30:03.080 --> 00:30:05.860 We're telling you here exactly what the reviewers will look 609 00:30:05.860 --> 00:30:08.640 for, so make it easy for them to find it and understand it. 610 00:30:13.440 --> 00:30:16.794 In this section, we will provide information on what to include 611 00:30:16.794 --> 00:30:19.939 in your project budget and budget justification and provide 612 00:30:19.939 --> 00:30:22.560 some examples of allowable and unallowable costs. 613 00:30:26.240 --> 00:30:29.160 An important component of your application is the budget. 614 00:30:29.800 --> 00:30:33.054 This is the part of the application where you where you 615 00:30:33.054 --> 00:30:36.600 specify all the costs associated with your proposed project. 616 00:30:37.120 --> 00:30:40.781 The budget consists of two required components, the IMLS 617 00:30:40.781 --> 00:30:43.480 Budget Form and the Budget Justification. 618 00:30:44.360 --> 00:30:47.317 The IMLS Budget Form is a fillable PDF that accommodates 619 00:30:47.317 --> 00:30:50.120 up to three years of project activities and expenses. 620 00:30:51.280 --> 00:30:54.632 The budget should include the project cost that will be 621 00:30:54.632 --> 00:30:58.403 charged to grant funds as well as those that will be supported 622 00:30:58.403 --> 00:30:59.719 by cost share in kind. 623 00:30:59.720 --> 00:31:03.006 Contributions to cost share may include the value of services 624 00:31:03.006 --> 00:31:06.133 such as donated volunteer or consultant time, or equipment 625 00:31:06.133 --> 00:31:09.313 donated to the project between the authorized start and end 626 00:31:09.313 --> 00:31:10.480 dates of your project. 627 00:31:12.200 --> 00:31:15.675 All the items listed, whether supported by grant funds or cost 628 00:31:15.675 --> 00:31:18.929 share, must be necessary to accomplish project activities, 629 00:31:18.929 --> 00:31:21.742 allowable according to the applicable federal cost 630 00:31:21.742 --> 00:31:25.052 principles, auditable, and incurred during the award period 631 00:31:25.052 --> 00:31:25.880 of performance. 632 00:31:27.200 --> 00:31:29.903 The IMLS Budget Form can be downloaded directly from the 633 00:31:29.903 --> 00:31:30.520 IMLS website. 634 00:31:35.120 --> 00:31:38.077 As you develop your budget, keep in mind that there are certain 635 00:31:38.077 --> 00:31:41.035 costs that are either allowable or unallowable according to the 636 00:31:41.035 --> 00:31:41.959 federal regulations. 637 00:31:42.680 --> 00:31:45.947 The allowability of a cost item for all federal grants are 638 00:31:45.947 --> 00:31:48.440 specified in the Code of Federal Regulation. 639 00:31:48.600 --> 00:31:49.360 CFR. 640 00:31:49.800 --> 00:31:53.874 Sometimes referred to as "2 CFR 200" for short, but the full 641 00:31:53.874 --> 00:31:57.748 title is "Title 2, Subtitle A Chapter 2, Part 200 Uniform 642 00:31:57.748 --> 00:32:01.488 Administrative Requirements, Cost principles, and Audit 643 00:32:01.488 --> 00:32:03.760 Requirements for Federal Awards". 644 00:32:04.720 --> 00:32:07.260 The Notice of Funding Opportunity includes a partial 645 00:32:07.260 --> 00:32:09.800 list of the most common examples of allowable costs. 646 00:32:10.320 --> 00:32:13.577 This short list of allowable costs is also shown on this 647 00:32:13.577 --> 00:32:13.920 slide. 648 00:32:15.520 --> 00:32:17.200 These costs may be part of what you asked 649 00:32:17.360 --> 00:32:20.560 IMLS to pay for with federal funds or what you will pay for 650 00:32:20.560 --> 00:32:22.000 as part of your cost share. 651 00:32:22.720 --> 00:32:25.747 The rules about allowability apply equally to grant funds as 652 00:32:25.747 --> 00:32:26.840 well as to cost share. 653 00:32:28.160 --> 00:32:31.255 When completing your project budget, be sure to check that 654 00:32:31.255 --> 00:32:34.298 all of the costs you include, whether grant funds or cost 655 00:32:34.298 --> 00:32:35.400 share, are allowable. 656 00:32:38.880 --> 00:32:42.241 There are also some costs which are unallowable according to the 657 00:32:42.241 --> 00:32:44.000 federal regulations in 2 CFR 200. 658 00:32:44.760 --> 00:32:47.540 In the Notice of Funding Opportunity, we also provide an 659 00:32:47.540 --> 00:32:50.663 abbreviated list of unallowable costs, which are also listed on 660 00:32:50.663 --> 00:32:51.200 this slide. 661 00:32:52.200 --> 00:32:54.974 Unallowable costs may not be part of what you ask I'm a list 662 00:32:54.974 --> 00:32:57.975 to pay for, nor can they be part of what you will pay for as part 663 00:32:57.975 --> 00:32:58.840 of your cost share. 664 00:32:59.400 --> 00:33:02.362 In fact, unallowable expenses can't show up anywhere in your 665 00:33:02.362 --> 00:33:02.800 proposal. 666 00:33:04.120 --> 00:33:07.386 As you prepare your application, it's a good idea to compare your 667 00:33:07.386 --> 00:33:10.306 list of proposed expenses against these lists of allowable 668 00:33:10.306 --> 00:33:13.128 and unallowable costs and against the appropriate set of 669 00:33:13.128 --> 00:33:13.920 cost principles. 670 00:33:14.600 --> 00:33:17.702 If after that you have specific questions, please contact us and 671 00:33:17.702 --> 00:33:18.800 we'll be happy to help. 672 00:33:22.400 --> 00:33:25.702 In addition to the IMLS Budget Form, you will also prepare a 673 00:33:25.702 --> 00:33:26.840 Budget Justification. 674 00:33:27.440 --> 00:33:30.422 This is an opportunity to provide, in a more detailed 675 00:33:30.422 --> 00:33:34.068 narrative format, an explanation or justification for the project 676 00:33:34.068 --> 00:33:34.400 costs. 677 00:33:35.400 --> 00:33:38.259 The Budget Justification should be written to follow the cost 678 00:33:38.259 --> 00:33:39.920 categories in the IMLS Budget Form. 679 00:33:40.920 --> 00:33:43.896 In the justification, you will identify each expense and show 680 00:33:43.896 --> 00:33:46.824 the method of cost computation used to determine each dollar 681 00:33:46.824 --> 00:33:49.560 amount, including any that you may have consolidated and 682 00:33:49.560 --> 00:33:51.240 summarized on the IMS Budget Form. 683 00:33:52.000 --> 00:33:53.600 In other words, please show your math. 684 00:33:54.720 --> 00:33:57.799 For example, in the section Salaries and Wages, you should 685 00:33:57.799 --> 00:34:00.721 identify each person whose salary or wages will be paid 686 00:34:00.721 --> 00:34:03.801 with IMLS funds or by cost share, provide their names, and 687 00:34:03.801 --> 00:34:05.680 describe their role in the project. 688 00:34:06.400 --> 00:34:09.358 Document the method of cost computation by including the 689 00:34:09.358 --> 00:34:12.420 base salary or wages for each person and the percentage of 690 00:34:12.420 --> 00:34:15.690 time each person is allocated to the project activities, which 691 00:34:15.690 --> 00:34:19.012 may be shown as a percentage of time, number of days, or number 692 00:34:19.012 --> 00:34:19.480 of hours. 693 00:34:20.680 --> 00:34:23.809 If cost share is being provided by unpaid volunteers, explain 694 00:34:23.809 --> 00:34:26.788 how you arrived at the dollar amount used to represent the 695 00:34:26.788 --> 00:34:28.000 value of their services. 696 00:34:29.040 --> 00:34:31.740 In the section for supplies, materials, and equipment, you 697 00:34:31.740 --> 00:34:34.441 should list each type of supply material and equipment you 698 00:34:34.441 --> 00:34:37.280 propose to purchase or provide as cost share for the project. 699 00:34:38.040 --> 00:34:40.929 Detail the number and unit cost for each item and explain how 700 00:34:40.929 --> 00:34:42.560 you arrived at the dollar amounts. 701 00:34:43.200 --> 00:34:45.647 You may also provide vendor quotes or price lists as 702 00:34:45.647 --> 00:34:47.680 supporting documents with your application. 703 00:34:51.400 --> 00:34:54.602 In this final section of our presentation, we offer some 704 00:34:54.602 --> 00:34:56.400 application tips and next steps. 705 00:35:00.080 --> 00:35:03.268 We can only make grants to eligible applicants that submit 706 00:35:03.268 --> 00:35:06.673 complete applications, including attachments, on or before the 707 00:35:06.673 --> 00:35:07.160 deadline. 708 00:35:07.680 --> 00:35:10.080 So here are some tips to help you do just that. 709 00:35:11.160 --> 00:35:12.720 Start the process early. 710 00:35:13.400 --> 00:35:16.123 By watching this informational video, you're off to a good 711 00:35:16.123 --> 00:35:16.400 start. 712 00:35:17.520 --> 00:35:19.800 Become familiar with Grants.gov's workspace. 713 00:35:20.360 --> 00:35:22.965 It has many good features, such as the opportunity to 714 00:35:22.965 --> 00:35:25.715 collaborate with others in creating your application, as 715 00:35:25.715 --> 00:35:28.417 well as a validation process that allows you to correct 716 00:35:28.417 --> 00:35:29.720 errors prior to submission. 717 00:35:30.400 --> 00:35:32.600 Tutorials are also available on grants.gov. 718 00:35:34.280 --> 00:35:36.200 Be sure your application is complete. 719 00:35:36.800 --> 00:35:39.386 Check it against the table of application components in the 720 00:35:39.386 --> 00:35:40.680 Notice of Funding Opportunity. 721 00:35:41.800 --> 00:35:44.502 Make sure all application components are in the proper 722 00:35:44.502 --> 00:35:46.960 format and follow the correct naming conventions. 723 00:35:48.560 --> 00:35:51.187 Submit your application in Grants.gov well before the 724 00:35:51.187 --> 00:35:54.105 deadline so you can correct any errors and avoid any issues 725 00:35:54.105 --> 00:35:55.760 created by technology challenges. 726 00:35:59.560 --> 00:36:02.103 It's important to get your application submitted online 727 00:36:02.103 --> 00:36:03.920 through Grants.gov before the deadline. 728 00:36:04.280 --> 00:36:07.320 IMLS does not accept applications by mail or e-mail. 729 00:36:08.440 --> 00:36:11.592 In order to register with grants.gov, you must have an 730 00:36:11.592 --> 00:36:15.318 active sam.gov registration and unique entity identifier number, 731 00:36:15.318 --> 00:36:18.757 so make sure your registrations for both of these sites are 732 00:36:18.757 --> 00:36:22.139 complete, your accounts are active, and that any necessary 733 00:36:22.139 --> 00:36:23.400 passwords are current. 734 00:36:24.200 --> 00:36:26.790 These registrations expire periodically, so do not wait 735 00:36:26.790 --> 00:36:29.520 until it's time to hit the submit button to check on them. 736 00:36:30.240 --> 00:36:32.982 You should coordinate with any other staff members, such as 737 00:36:32.982 --> 00:36:35.817 your authorized organization representative, who may hold the 738 00:36:35.817 --> 00:36:37.919 accounts and passwords you'll need to submit. 739 00:36:39.280 --> 00:36:43.049 Both the sam.gov and grant.gov websites have robust help 740 00:36:43.049 --> 00:36:44.240 features and FAQs. 741 00:36:44.920 --> 00:36:48.248 If you run into technical issues with either of these sites, you 742 00:36:48.248 --> 00:36:51.525 should reach out to their help desk and request a tracking case 743 00:36:51.525 --> 00:36:54.700 or ticket number in order to document your issue and attempts 744 00:36:54.700 --> 00:36:55.520 at resolving it. 745 00:36:56.480 --> 00:36:59.880 Failure to have active sam.gov or grant stack of registrations 746 00:36:59.880 --> 00:37:03.226 by the application deadline is not an excuse for submitting a 747 00:37:03.226 --> 00:37:05.439 late application, so again, start early. 748 00:37:09.360 --> 00:37:11.976 There are many components that make up the entire application, 749 00:37:11.976 --> 00:37:14.261 and the Narrative is an essential and critical part of 750 00:37:14.261 --> 00:37:14.760 the package. 751 00:37:15.800 --> 00:37:18.550 Peer reviewers, museum professionals from all types of 752 00:37:18.550 --> 00:37:21.650 museums will be selected by IMLS to read each application and 753 00:37:21.650 --> 00:37:24.550 provide constructive comments in the on the strengths and 754 00:37:24.550 --> 00:37:26.400 weaknesses of the proposed projects. 755 00:37:27.160 --> 00:37:29.519 They also base their reviews only on the information 756 00:37:29.519 --> 00:37:32.412 contained in the application, so don't assume that a reviewer or 757 00:37:32.412 --> 00:37:35.083 IMLS will know something about your museum or your proposed 758 00:37:35.083 --> 00:37:35.439 project. 759 00:37:36.240 --> 00:37:39.462 To help make sure your narrative is as clear and complete as 760 00:37:39.462 --> 00:37:42.790 possible, revisit the Notice of Funding Opportunity and follow 761 00:37:42.790 --> 00:37:44.640 the Narrative outline it provides. 762 00:37:45.640 --> 00:37:48.392 Use headings, subheadings, or numbered sections in your 763 00:37:48.392 --> 00:37:50.800 narrative to make it easy for reviewers to read. 764 00:37:51.880 --> 00:37:54.603 Be sure to consider the review criteria associated with each 765 00:37:54.603 --> 00:37:55.720 section of the Narrative. 766 00:37:57.000 --> 00:37:59.320 Avoid generalities, acronyms, and jargon. 767 00:37:59.920 --> 00:38:02.201 The people who will review your application are museum 768 00:38:02.201 --> 00:38:04.773 professionals, but they may not be totally familiar with your 769 00:38:04.773 --> 00:38:05.520 particular fields. 770 00:38:05.520 --> 00:38:08.600 Shorthand makes it easy for them to understand what you mean. 771 00:38:08.600 --> 00:38:11.915 And an advantage to starting your application early is that 772 00:38:11.915 --> 00:38:15.009 you can ask a colleague to review everything with fresh 773 00:38:15.009 --> 00:38:16.280 eyes before you submit. 774 00:38:16.800 --> 00:38:19.953 Ask them to act like a reviewer who's seeing this for the first 775 00:38:19.953 --> 00:38:20.200 time. 776 00:38:23.920 --> 00:38:26.232 We have also posted the Narrative, Schedule of 777 00:38:26.232 --> 00:38:29.087 Completion, and Digital Product Plans from a selection of 778 00:38:29.087 --> 00:38:31.399 successful applications from fiscal year 2024. 779 00:38:32.280 --> 00:38:35.382 To find these examples, go to the sample applications on the 780 00:38:35.382 --> 00:38:38.535 IMLS website and scroll down the page to find the Museums for 781 00:38:38.535 --> 00:38:39.400 America examples. 782 00:38:40.120 --> 00:38:42.920 There are an assortment of funded applications listed under 783 00:38:42.920 --> 00:38:44.040 each grant program goal. 784 00:38:47.480 --> 00:38:50.520 Here are a few important dates relating to MFA applications. 785 00:38:51.280 --> 00:38:55.543 Applications must be received through grants.gov by 11:59 PM 786 00:38:55.543 --> 00:38:58.200 Eastern Time and November 15th, 2024. 787 00:38:58.840 --> 00:39:00.240 The date is non-negotiable. 788 00:39:00.680 --> 00:39:03.902 The time stamp is auto generated by the Grants.gov system and we 789 00:39:03.902 --> 00:39:05.440 have no ability to override it. 790 00:39:05.960 --> 00:39:08.902 We will say this repeatedly to start early and submit your 791 00:39:08.902 --> 00:39:09.800 application early. 792 00:39:10.360 --> 00:39:13.338 That way, if you encounter a difficulty of any kind when 793 00:39:13.338 --> 00:39:16.630 submitting your proposal, you'll have some time to resolve the 794 00:39:16.630 --> 00:39:19.400 problem and resubmit after the application deadline. 795 00:39:19.760 --> 00:39:22.769 IMLS staff will review your application for completeness and 796 00:39:22.769 --> 00:39:25.878 eligibility, and you will hear from us via e-mail if there are 797 00:39:25.878 --> 00:39:26.520 any problems. 798 00:39:27.400 --> 00:39:30.700 Next, we will select experienced and knowledgeable peer reviewers 799 00:39:30.700 --> 00:39:33.600 to read your applications and provide scores and comments 800 00:39:33.600 --> 00:39:36.600 based on the criteria outlined in the MFA Notice of Funding 801 00:39:36.600 --> 00:39:37.200 Opportunity. 802 00:39:38.160 --> 00:39:40.877 IMLS staff will examine your budget, your financials, and 803 00:39:40.877 --> 00:39:43.080 your track record with passing current grants. 804 00:39:43.960 --> 00:39:47.266 We then prepare materials for the Deputy Director for Museums 805 00:39:47.266 --> 00:39:48.440 and the IMLS Director. 806 00:39:49.360 --> 00:39:52.338 By law, the IMLS Director is charged with the authority and 807 00:39:52.338 --> 00:39:55.069 responsibility to make final award decisions, and this 808 00:39:55.069 --> 00:39:56.360 typically happens in July. 809 00:39:57.520 --> 00:40:00.510 In early August 2025, we will notify you by e-mail of the 810 00:40:00.510 --> 00:40:03.758 award decisions and provide the scores and comments created by 811 00:40:03.758 --> 00:40:04.480 the reviewers. 812 00:40:05.360 --> 00:40:08.816 MFA projects must be scheduled to start on the first day of 813 00:40:08.816 --> 00:40:09.680 September 2025. 814 00:40:12.880 --> 00:40:15.654 And in conclusion, as you read through the NOFO and prepare 815 00:40:15.654 --> 00:40:18.428 your application, additional questions may arise before the 816 00:40:18.428 --> 00:40:19.400 application deadline. 817 00:40:19.920 --> 00:40:22.705 We can help you with learning more about the MFA grant program 818 00:40:22.705 --> 00:40:24.120 or other grant programs at IMLS. 819 00:40:24.800 --> 00:40:27.431 Address any specific concerns with the various application 820 00:40:27.431 --> 00:40:29.840 components or help you understand the review process. 821 00:40:30.680 --> 00:40:33.760 You may contact IMS program staff by e-mail or phone. 822 00:40:34.400 --> 00:40:37.515 Contact information is listed on the Grant Program landing page 823 00:40:37.515 --> 00:40:38.440 on the IMS website. 824 00:40:39.160 --> 00:40:41.830 You may also schedule a counseling call to meet directly 825 00:40:41.830 --> 00:40:42.720 with program staff. 826 00:40:43.560 --> 00:40:46.567 Use the links found on the Grant program landing page to find an 827 00:40:46.567 --> 00:40:48.280 available time slot on our calendar. 828 00:40:48.920 --> 00:40:51.604 You will then receive an e-mail with a calendar invite and a 829 00:40:51.604 --> 00:40:52.880 Microsoft Teams meeting link. 830 00:40:55.000 --> 00:40:58.031 Thank you for listening to our presentation and best of luck to 831 00:40:58.031 --> 00:41:00.920 you in preparing and submitting your IMLS grant application.