WEBVTT Kind: captions Language: en 1 00:00:04.080 --> 00:00:07.453 Welcome to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, 2 00:00:07.453 --> 00:00:10.650 Office of Museum Services Informational video Getting 3 00:00:10.650 --> 00:00:12.840 Started with IMLS Museum and Grants. 4 00:00:15.800 --> 00:00:18.923 The goal of this video is to provide a high level overview of 5 00:00:18.923 --> 00:00:22.148 our grant funding opportunities and the process of applying for 6 00:00:22.148 --> 00:00:22.400 them. 7 00:00:24.400 --> 00:00:26.960 This video is organized into six chapters. 8 00:00:27.280 --> 00:00:28.480 What is IMLS? 9 00:00:28.720 --> 00:00:32.040 Is my institution eligible for an IMLS Museum grant? 10 00:00:32.440 --> 00:00:34.680 Which grant program should I apply to? 11 00:00:35.280 --> 00:00:36.360 How do I apply? 12 00:00:36.720 --> 00:00:39.941 What if I have more questions, and what if I'm not ready to 13 00:00:39.941 --> 00:00:40.800 apply this year? 14 00:00:43.240 --> 00:00:46.215 To get the most out of this video, we recommend that you 15 00:00:46.215 --> 00:00:47.520 watch it in its entirety. 16 00:00:47.920 --> 00:00:51.108 This will give you an idea of the funding opportunities that 17 00:00:51.108 --> 00:00:52.520 best fit your organization. 18 00:00:53.040 --> 00:00:55.867 Once you have done that, we recommend reading the Notice of 19 00:00:55.867 --> 00:00:58.600 Funding Opportunity for the programs you are considering. 20 00:00:59.400 --> 00:01:02.115 Notices of Funding Opportunities, also known as 21 00:01:02.115 --> 00:01:05.791 NOFOs, are documents that detail the requirements of each of our 22 00:01:05.791 --> 00:01:06.640 grant programs. 23 00:01:07.280 --> 00:01:10.440 All of our NOFOs can be found at 24 00:01:10.560 --> 00:01:11.720 imls.gov/grants. 25 00:01:12.560 --> 00:01:15.811 Once you've selected a funding opportunity, you'll be ready to 26 00:01:15.811 --> 00:01:17.360 begin the application process. 27 00:01:18.040 --> 00:01:20.921 As you navigate the process, you can use this video as a 28 00:01:20.921 --> 00:01:21.680 reference tool. 29 00:01:22.760 --> 00:01:26.007 If you'd like to skip to a specific section, please use the 30 00:01:26.007 --> 00:01:29.416 time bar below or the links in the description box to navigate 31 00:01:29.416 --> 00:01:30.120 the chapters. 32 00:01:32.320 --> 00:01:35.392 Now that we understand the structure of this video, let's 33 00:01:35.392 --> 00:01:36.240 talk about IMLS. 34 00:01:38.320 --> 00:01:41.663 IMLS is an independent federal grant making agency and the 35 00:01:41.663 --> 00:01:45.006 primary source of federal support for the nation's museums 36 00:01:45.006 --> 00:01:45.799 and libraries. 37 00:01:46.480 --> 00:01:49.624 The IMLS vision and mission statements were adopted as part 38 00:01:49.624 --> 00:01:51.720 of the agency's current strategic plan. 39 00:01:53.120 --> 00:01:56.521 Both emphasize that IMLS is here to support museums and libraries 40 00:01:56.521 --> 00:01:58.840 and their work of serving their communities. 41 00:01:59.680 --> 00:02:02.676 IMLS Vision is a nation where museums and libraries work 42 00:02:02.676 --> 00:02:06.040 together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. 43 00:02:06.800 --> 00:02:09.954 Our mission is to advance, support and empower America's 44 00:02:09.954 --> 00:02:13.275 museums, libraries, and related organizations through grant 45 00:02:13.275 --> 00:02:15.600 making, research, and policy development. 46 00:02:16.680 --> 00:02:20.040 Our full strategic plan is available at imls.gov. 47 00:02:22.320 --> 00:02:26.082 OMS or the Office of Museum Services is a key component of 48 00:02:26.082 --> 00:02:30.099 IMLS and our last annual grant cycle, we awarded approximately 49 00:02:30.099 --> 00:02:33.861 $55 million in funding to a diverse group of institutions, 50 00:02:33.861 --> 00:02:37.623 including art, history and science museums, zoos, aquaria, 51 00:02:37.623 --> 00:02:40.939 professional associations, universities, and Native 52 00:02:40.939 --> 00:02:41.960 American Tribes. 53 00:02:42.600 --> 00:02:45.761 We encourage you to apply for IMLS funding to support your 54 00:02:45.761 --> 00:02:48.440 institution's goals or those of the museum field. 55 00:02:49.200 --> 00:02:52.627 Our current application cycle opened on August 15th and will 56 00:02:52.627 --> 00:02:53.920 close on November 15th. 57 00:02:56.240 --> 00:02:59.383 Let's discuss some eligibility ground rules for applying to our 58 00:02:59.383 --> 00:03:00.120 grant programs. 59 00:03:02.400 --> 00:03:05.870 It's important to remember that each IMLS grant program has its 60 00:03:05.870 --> 00:03:07.280 own specific requirements. 61 00:03:07.680 --> 00:03:10.608 Those are detailed in the NOFOs, and we'll discuss them in 62 00:03:10.608 --> 00:03:11.800 Chapter 3 of this video. 63 00:03:12.560 --> 00:03:15.482 For now, let's go over the federally mandated requirements 64 00:03:15.482 --> 00:03:17.960 that all potential applicants should be aware of. 65 00:03:18.720 --> 00:03:21.788 Your organization must be located in one of the United 66 00:03:21.788 --> 00:03:24.857 States, 50 states, its territories, or the District of 67 00:03:24.857 --> 00:03:25.360 Columbia. 68 00:03:26.080 --> 00:03:29.624 Your organization must be a unit of state, local, or tribal 69 00:03:29.624 --> 00:03:32.932 government or a private nonprofit organization with tax 70 00:03:32.932 --> 00:03:33.760 exempt status. 71 00:03:36.720 --> 00:03:39.910 Three of our grant programs, Museums for America, Museums 72 00:03:39.910 --> 00:03:42.990 Empowered, and the Inspire Grants for Small Museums are 73 00:03:42.990 --> 00:03:45.080 only available to individual museums. 74 00:03:46.960 --> 00:03:50.074 In order to qualify for our museum programs, your 75 00:03:50.074 --> 00:03:53.811 organization must have at least one full time or equivalent 76 00:03:53.811 --> 00:03:57.860 professional staff person either paid or unpaid, have a physical 77 00:03:57.860 --> 00:04:01.410 location that it owns or operates, have been open to the 78 00:04:01.410 --> 00:04:04.774 public for at least 120 days in the year prior to the 79 00:04:04.774 --> 00:04:08.200 application deadline, and own or use tangible objects. 80 00:04:08.960 --> 00:04:12.254 Museums may be stand alone organizations or they may be 81 00:04:12.254 --> 00:04:15.783 part of a larger institution such as a college, university, 82 00:04:15.783 --> 00:04:17.960 Tribe, or state or local government. 83 00:04:20.400 --> 00:04:23.448 Here are some examples of the types of organizations that 84 00:04:23.448 --> 00:04:24.920 could be considered museums. 85 00:04:25.400 --> 00:04:31.190 Please note that this list is not exhaustive. For five other 86 00:04:31.190 --> 00:04:32.520 OMS programs - 87 00:04:32.600 --> 00:04:34.680 21st Century Museum Professionals, 88 00:04:35.040 --> 00:04:37.080 National Leadership Grants for Museums, 89 00:04:37.480 --> 00:04:40.496 Museum Grants for African American History and Culture, 90 00:04:40.496 --> 00:04:43.674 Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture, and 91 00:04:43.674 --> 00:04:46.906 the Native American Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program 92 00:04:46.906 --> 00:04:46.959 - 93 00:04:47.400 --> 00:04:49.800 additional eligibility requirements exist. 94 00:04:50.400 --> 00:04:53.320 We will address this in Chapter 3 of this presentation. 95 00:04:53.800 --> 00:04:57.402 Please refer to the Eligibility section of the Program NOFOs for 96 00:04:57.402 --> 00:04:58.400 detailed guidance. 97 00:05:00.680 --> 00:05:03.753 Once you've determined whether your organization is eligible 98 00:05:03.753 --> 00:05:06.675 for a given grant program, you'll want to know what types 99 00:05:06.675 --> 00:05:08.640 of activities or projects it can fund. 100 00:05:09.280 --> 00:05:12.793 Expenses must relate to specific project activities, not the 101 00:05:12.793 --> 00:05:15.040 general operation of your institution. 102 00:05:15.760 --> 00:05:19.817 Some of these project related expenses may include: salaries, 103 00:05:19.817 --> 00:05:23.613 wages and fringe benefits; travel expenses; materials and 104 00:05:23.613 --> 00:05:27.670 supplies; third-party costs; publication design and printing; 105 00:05:27.670 --> 00:05:31.728 program evaluation; staff and volunteer training; internships 106 00:05:31.728 --> 00:05:35.851 and fellowships; adaptive and/or assistive technologies and to 107 00:05:35.851 --> 00:05:39.320 improve accessibility for persons with disabilities; 108 00:05:39.440 --> 00:05:42.150 equipment to improve collection storage program; 109 00:05:42.150 --> 00:05:43.920 program-specific overhead costs. 110 00:05:45.640 --> 00:05:49.147 There are also some types of expenses that are not allowed in 111 00:05:49.147 --> 00:05:52.711 your IMLS budget request or in your cost share. These include: 112 00:05:52.711 --> 00:05:56.332 general fundraising costs, such as development, office staff or 113 00:05:56.332 --> 00:05:59.104 other staff time devoted to general fundraising; 114 00:05:59.104 --> 00:06:02.498 contributions to endowments; general operating support; the 115 00:06:02.498 --> 00:06:05.779 acquisition of collections; construction or renovation of 116 00:06:05.779 --> 00:06:08.608 facilities; and social activities, receptions and 117 00:06:08.608 --> 00:06:09.400 entertainment. 118 00:06:11.320 --> 00:06:14.397 Now that we have covered the basics of our eligibility 119 00:06:14.397 --> 00:06:17.642 requirements and allowable versus unallowable cost, let's 120 00:06:17.642 --> 00:06:19.880 get into some program specific details. 121 00:06:21.480 --> 00:06:25.080 As mentioned previously, the IMLS Office of Museum Services 122 00:06:25.080 --> 00:06:27.480 is currently offering 8 grant programs. 123 00:06:27.920 --> 00:06:31.013 It is important to know how these programs are alike and 124 00:06:31.013 --> 00:06:34.486 different so that you apply to the program that best meets your 125 00:06:34.486 --> 00:06:35.680 needs and eligibility. 126 00:06:37.760 --> 00:06:41.178 Museums for America, or MFA, is our biggest grant program, 127 00:06:41.178 --> 00:06:44.828 receiving the largest number of applications each year and the 128 00:06:44.828 --> 00:06:47.319 one through which we make the most awards. 129 00:06:48.040 --> 00:06:51.312 MFA supports museum projects focusing on exhibitions, 130 00:06:51.312 --> 00:06:54.524 educational/ interpretive programs, digital learning 131 00:06:54.524 --> 00:06:57.796 resources, professional development, community debate 132 00:06:57.796 --> 00:07:01.372 and dialogue, audience-focused studies, and/or collections 133 00:07:01.372 --> 00:07:04.160 management, curation, care, and conservation. 134 00:07:04.600 --> 00:07:07.618 These projects should address a key component of your 135 00:07:07.618 --> 00:07:09.240 institution's strategic plan. 136 00:07:09.960 --> 00:07:13.527 As an applicant, you must align your project with one of the 137 00:07:13.527 --> 00:07:16.920 IMLS's agency level goals by choosing a project category. 138 00:07:17.240 --> 00:07:21.171 Your options are Lifelong Learning, Community Engagement, 139 00:07:21.171 --> 00:07:23.680 Collection, Stewardship, and Access. 140 00:07:24.600 --> 00:07:28.920 Grant request may range from $5,000 to $250,000. 141 00:07:29.680 --> 00:07:31.840 MFA requires a 1:1 cost share. 142 00:07:32.200 --> 00:07:36.237 This means that for every dollar you request from IMLS, you must 143 00:07:36.237 --> 00:07:39.466 plan to provide an additional dollar in cash from a 144 00:07:39.466 --> 00:07:43.193 non-federal source, staff or volunteer time, or third-party 145 00:07:43.193 --> 00:07:44.560 in-kind contributions. 146 00:07:45.160 --> 00:07:48.280 Please note that MFA is only available to museums. 147 00:07:48.840 --> 00:07:52.659 Projects can be scheduled to last from one to three years and 148 00:07:52.659 --> 00:07:55.000 they must begin on September 1, 2025. 149 00:07:57.120 --> 00:08:00.997 Museums Empowered, or ME, is a special initiative of Museums 150 00:08:00.997 --> 00:08:01.760 for America. 151 00:08:02.440 --> 00:08:05.636 The program supports projects that use the transformative 152 00:08:05.636 --> 00:08:08.392 power of professional development and training to 153 00:08:08.392 --> 00:08:11.920 generate systemic change within museums of all types and sizes. 154 00:08:12.440 --> 00:08:16.285 The Museums Empowered Grant program identifies four areas of 155 00:08:16.285 --> 00:08:20.068 museum operations to focus on for professional development: 156 00:08:20.068 --> 00:08:23.409 Digital Technology; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; 157 00:08:23.409 --> 00:08:26.120 Evaluation; and Organizational Management. 158 00:08:26.880 --> 00:08:30.845 Grant requests may range from $5,000 to $250,000 for project 159 00:08:30.845 --> 00:08:33.640 scheduled to last from one to three years. 160 00:08:34.200 --> 00:08:38.557 Like MFA, ME requires 1:1 cost share and is only available to 161 00:08:38.557 --> 00:08:39.120 museums. 162 00:08:39.480 --> 00:08:42.960 All projects must begin on September 1, 2025. 163 00:08:44.920 --> 00:08:47.684 Inspire Grants for Small Museums, another special 164 00:08:47.684 --> 00:08:50.947 initiative of the Museums for America program, is designed 165 00:08:50.947 --> 00:08:54.154 specifically to help small museums address the priorities 166 00:08:54.154 --> 00:08:56.200 identified in their strategic plans. 167 00:08:56.800 --> 00:09:00.693 As an applicant, you must align your project with one of three 168 00:09:00.693 --> 00:09:03.968 project categories: Lifelong Learning; Institutional 169 00:09:03.968 --> 00:09:07.120 Capacity; or Collection, sStewardship, and Access. 170 00:09:07.760 --> 00:09:11.396 When applying to this program, you must make a case as a small 171 00:09:11.396 --> 00:09:14.974 museum using attributes such as staff size, operating budget, 172 00:09:14.974 --> 00:09:18.033 and size relative to other organizations within your 173 00:09:18.033 --> 00:09:19.879 discipline or geographic region. 174 00:09:20.560 --> 00:09:23.900 There are two funding levels in Inspire and each has its own 175 00:09:23.900 --> 00:09:25.160 cost share requirement. 176 00:09:25.880 --> 00:09:29.812 For smaller scale projects requesting $5,000 to $25,000, no 177 00:09:29.812 --> 00:09:31.320 cost share is required. 178 00:09:31.920 --> 00:09:37.159 For larger projects requesting $25,001 to $75,000, a 1:1 cost 179 00:09:37.159 --> 00:09:38.680 share is required. 180 00:09:40.120 --> 00:09:44.355 Just like MFA and ME, this opportunity is only available to 181 00:09:44.355 --> 00:09:44.920 museums. 182 00:09:45.400 --> 00:09:49.408 Inspire projects must begin on September 1, 2025 and may last 183 00:09:49.408 --> 00:09:50.960 from one to three years. 184 00:09:53.360 --> 00:09:56.868 The National Leadership Grants for Museums Program, or NLG-M, 185 00:09:56.868 --> 00:10:00.320 supports projects that advance the museum field's ability to 186 00:10:00.320 --> 00:10:03.659 provide engaging learning opportunities, address community 187 00:10:03.659 --> 00:10:07.224 needs, and steward collections through projects that result in 188 00:10:07.224 --> 00:10:10.223 model tools and resources, training and professional 189 00:10:10.223 --> 00:10:13.845 development, research findings, and forums that explore current 190 00:10:13.845 --> 00:10:15.600 challenges and emerging issues. 191 00:10:17.040 --> 00:10:20.801 NLG-M is open to: museums; organizations or associations 192 00:10:20.801 --> 00:10:24.100 that engage in activities designed to advance the 193 00:10:24.100 --> 00:10:27.796 well-being of museums and the museum profession; and to 194 00:10:27.796 --> 00:10:30.040 institutions of higher education. 195 00:10:30.680 --> 00:10:32.760 There are two NLG project types. 196 00:10:33.320 --> 00:10:36.853 Non-research projects support efforts that result in tools and 197 00:10:36.853 --> 00:10:38.200 resources for the field. 198 00:10:38.760 --> 00:10:43.533 Non-research grant requests may range from $50,000 to $750,000 199 00:10:43.533 --> 00:10:48.231 for project scheduled to last one to three years and requires 200 00:10:48.231 --> 00:10:49.520 a 1:1 cost share. 201 00:10:50.400 --> 00:10:53.863 Research projects pose questions of importance to the field and 202 00:10:53.863 --> 00:10:56.461 use accepted research methodologies to collect, 203 00:10:56.461 --> 00:10:59.600 analyze, and share the data that answers those questions. 204 00:11:00.280 --> 00:11:04.804 Research grants may range from $50,000 to $750,000 for projects 205 00:11:04.804 --> 00:11:08.763 scheduled to last one to three years with no cost share 206 00:11:08.763 --> 00:11:09.400 required. 207 00:11:10.040 --> 00:11:14.360 All NLG-M projects must begin on September 1, 2025. 208 00:11:16.800 --> 00:11:19.723 The 21st Century Museum Professionals Grant Program 209 00:11:19.723 --> 00:11:23.153 supports projects that offer professional development to the 210 00:11:23.153 --> 00:11:26.808 current museum workforce; employ strategies to train and recruit 211 00:11:26.808 --> 00:11:30.350 future museum professionals; and support evaluation efforts to 212 00:11:30.350 --> 00:11:32.600 identify and share effective practices. 213 00:11:33.520 --> 00:11:37.046 We expect successful 21MP projects to involve partnerships 214 00:11:37.046 --> 00:11:40.871 that build career pathways and strengthen professional networks 215 00:11:40.871 --> 00:11:44.636 beyond a single institution, as well as employee inclusive and 216 00:11:44.636 --> 00:11:47.983 equitable recruitment and selection strategies to reach 217 00:11:47.983 --> 00:11:48.999 target audiences. 218 00:11:49.800 --> 00:11:52.904 The 21MP program encourages applications from museum 219 00:11:52.904 --> 00:11:56.302 associations, museum studies, programs at institutions of 220 00:11:56.302 --> 00:11:59.993 higher education, and museums that serve as essential parts of 221 00:11:59.993 --> 00:12:03.040 the professional learning and training environment. 222 00:12:03.680 --> 00:12:07.960 All 21 MP projects began on July 1, 2025. 223 00:12:10.640 --> 00:12:14.120 The goal of the Museum Grants for African American History and 224 00:12:14.120 --> 00:12:17.545 Culture Program, or AAHC, is to build the capacity of African 225 00:12:17.545 --> 00:12:20.970 American museums and to support the growth and development of 226 00:12:20.970 --> 00:12:23.898 museum professionals at African American museums and 227 00:12:23.898 --> 00:12:26.439 historically Black colleges and universities. 228 00:12:27.120 --> 00:12:30.666 There are two funding levels in AAHC and each has its own cost 229 00:12:30.666 --> 00:12:31.680 share requirement. 230 00:12:32.320 --> 00:12:36.214 For smaller scale projects requesting $5,000 to $100,000, 231 00:12:36.214 --> 00:12:37.960 no cost share is required. 232 00:12:38.720 --> 00:12:44.351 For large projects requesting $100,001 to $500,000, a 1:1 cost 233 00:12:44.351 --> 00:12:45.960 share is required. 234 00:12:47.560 --> 00:12:51.715 AAHC is open to museums whose primary purpose, as reflected in 235 00:12:51.715 --> 00:12:55.672 its mission, is African American life, art, history, and/or 236 00:12:55.672 --> 00:12:56.200 culture; 237 00:12:56.600 --> 00:13:00.188 not-for-profit museum service organizations or associations 238 00:13:00.188 --> 00:13:03.658 whose primary purpose, as reflected in its mission, is to 239 00:13:03.658 --> 00:13:06.888 support such museums; and to the federally designated 240 00:13:06.888 --> 00:13:09.639 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 241 00:13:10.040 --> 00:13:13.640 HBCUs may be eligible even if they do not have a museum. 242 00:13:14.680 --> 00:13:18.462 Projects may be scheduled to last from one to three years and 243 00:13:18.462 --> 00:13:20.720 projects must begin on July 1, 2025. 244 00:13:23.080 --> 00:13:26.760 The Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture, or 245 00:13:26.760 --> 00:13:30.261 ALHC, program supports projects that build the capacity of 246 00:13:30.261 --> 00:13:33.763 American Latino history and culture museums to serve their 247 00:13:33.763 --> 00:13:37.621 communities, and broadly advance the growth and development of a 248 00:13:37.621 --> 00:13:40.708 professional workforce and American Latino cultural 249 00:13:40.708 --> 00:13:41.480 institutions. 250 00:13:42.440 --> 00:13:46.452 ALHC is open to museums whose primary purpose, as reflected in 251 00:13:46.452 --> 00:13:50.210 its mission, is American Latino life, art, history, and/or 252 00:13:50.210 --> 00:13:50.720 culture, 253 00:13:51.040 --> 00:13:54.804 not-for-profit museum service organizations or associations 254 00:13:54.804 --> 00:13:58.442 whose primary purpose, as reflected in its mission, is to 255 00:13:58.442 --> 00:13:59.760 support such museums. 256 00:14:00.480 --> 00:14:04.377 Grant requests may range from $5,000 to $500,000 for projects 257 00:14:04.377 --> 00:14:07.080 scheduled to last from one to three years. 258 00:14:07.440 --> 00:14:10.760 All projects must begin on July 1, 2025. 259 00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:16.399 The Native American Native Hawaiian Museum Services 260 00:14:16.399 --> 00:14:20.183 Program, or NANH for short, is open to federally recognized 261 00:14:20.183 --> 00:14:24.157 Tribes, including Alaskan Native villages and corporations and 262 00:14:24.157 --> 00:14:27.689 organizations that primarily serve and represent Native 263 00:14:27.689 --> 00:14:28.320 Hawaiians. 264 00:14:29.040 --> 00:14:32.453 Other types of organizations, such as museums, may partner, 265 00:14:32.453 --> 00:14:35.640 but not serve as the legal applicants for this program. 266 00:14:36.240 --> 00:14:40.182 The goal of the NANH program is to build the capacity of Native 267 00:14:40.182 --> 00:14:43.446 American tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to 268 00:14:43.446 --> 00:14:46.280 provide museum services to their communities. 269 00:14:47.120 --> 00:14:50.510 Museum Services is defined broadly for this program, but is 270 00:14:50.510 --> 00:14:53.900 meant to support projects that sustain Indigenous heritage, 271 00:14:53.900 --> 00:14:55.200 culture, and knowledge. 272 00:14:55.720 --> 00:14:59.423 Some of the ways NANH grantees do this is through exhibitions, 273 00:14:59.423 --> 00:15:02.833 educational programs, language preservation, training and 274 00:15:02.833 --> 00:15:05.773 professional development, organizational capacity 275 00:15:05.773 --> 00:15:09.360 building, community engagement, and collections stewardship. 276 00:15:10.720 --> 00:15:14.660 NANH projects can be scheduled to last from one to three years 277 00:15:14.660 --> 00:15:16.600 and must begin on July 1, 2025. 278 00:15:17.080 --> 00:15:21.078 Grant requests may range from $5,000 to $250,000, and no cost 279 00:15:21.078 --> 00:15:23.400 share is required for this program. 280 00:15:25.680 --> 00:15:29.136 Keep in mind that there is no limit to the number of programs 281 00:15:29.136 --> 00:15:32.648 that you can apply to, but if an organization submits multiple 282 00:15:32.648 --> 00:15:36.160 applications, they must be for separate and distinct projects. 283 00:15:36.720 --> 00:15:40.588 For further details on each program, please keep their full 284 00:15:40.588 --> 00:15:44.715 Notice of Funding Opportunity at imls.gov/ grants, or feel free 285 00:15:44.715 --> 00:15:48.713 to contact one of our program officers listed on the web page 286 00:15:48.713 --> 00:15:51.680 associated with the applicable grant program. 287 00:15:54.280 --> 00:15:59.135 Once you have determined which opportunities you are interested 288 00:15:59.135 --> 00:16:00.880 in, it's time to apply. 289 00:16:00.880 --> 00:16:04.207 Again, the cycle for these 8 grant programs opened on August 290 00:16:04.207 --> 00:16:04.480 15th. 291 00:16:05.000 --> 00:16:09.740 We'll be accepting applications for these programs until 11:59 292 00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:12.600 PM Eastern Time on November 15, 2024. 293 00:16:13.240 --> 00:16:16.200 We recommend starting your application as soon as you can. 294 00:16:16.560 --> 00:16:20.021 Unexpected delays may arise, and we cannot accept late 295 00:16:20.021 --> 00:16:20.840 applications. 296 00:16:23.080 --> 00:16:26.320 The first step in applying is to register for sam.gov. 297 00:16:26.880 --> 00:16:29.640 SAM stands for System for Award Management. 298 00:16:30.000 --> 00:16:33.707 SAM is a federal repository that centralizes information about 299 00:16:33.707 --> 00:16:37.120 grant applicants and recipients and is free to all users. 300 00:16:37.800 --> 00:16:41.341 Applicants must be registered with SAM before registering with 301 00:16:41.341 --> 00:16:41.960 grants.gov. 302 00:16:42.720 --> 00:16:45.757 All grant payments will be made to the bank account that is 303 00:16:45.757 --> 00:16:48.440 associated with the organization's SAM registration. 304 00:16:49.400 --> 00:16:52.899 Your registrations must be complete and up to date for you 305 00:16:52.899 --> 00:16:56.280 to submit an application to IMLS or to receive an award. 306 00:16:56.760 --> 00:17:00.099 If this is your first time applying for IMLS funding, it's 307 00:17:00.099 --> 00:17:03.098 important to know that you must complete the sam.gov 308 00:17:03.098 --> 00:17:06.268 registration before moving on to any other steps in the 309 00:17:06.268 --> 00:17:07.400 application process. 310 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:11.995 If you have registered with SAM in the past, you must renew your 311 00:17:11.995 --> 00:17:14.760 account before moving on to any other steps in the process. 312 00:17:15.280 --> 00:17:18.885 An expired registration will prevent an organization for 313 00:17:18.885 --> 00:17:22.680 submitting applications via grants.gov and receiving awards 314 00:17:22.680 --> 00:17:23.440 or payments. 315 00:17:24.960 --> 00:17:27.616 We strongly recommend that you begin or update these 316 00:17:27.616 --> 00:17:28.920 registrations immediately. 317 00:17:29.040 --> 00:17:30.840 Doing so is completely free. 318 00:17:31.320 --> 00:17:35.240 To begin, visit sam.gov and use the FAQs to answer questions. 319 00:17:35.680 --> 00:17:41.310 If you need further assistance, call the Federal Service Desk at 320 00:17:41.310 --> 00:17:46.073 866-606-8220 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM 321 00:17:46.073 --> 00:17:47.200 Eastern Time. 322 00:17:49.120 --> 00:17:52.080 The second place you need to register is with grants.gov. 323 00:17:52.400 --> 00:17:55.562 It is the portal through which all Federal grant applications 324 00:17:55.562 --> 00:17:56.480 must be submitted. 325 00:17:57.280 --> 00:18:01.454 Once your SAM registration is active, you can log into your 326 00:18:01.454 --> 00:18:05.560 SAM record to locate your Unique Entity Identifier or UEI. 327 00:18:05.920 --> 00:18:09.240 You need this active UEI to register in grants.gov. 328 00:18:09.960 --> 00:18:13.184 Grants.gov is a website owned and operated by the federal 329 00:18:13.184 --> 00:18:15.520 government and is also free to all users. 330 00:18:16.600 --> 00:18:19.694 Please allow several weeks to complete the grants.gov 331 00:18:19.694 --> 00:18:20.440 registration. 332 00:18:21.080 --> 00:18:23.714 The grants.gov website is extensive and its help 333 00:18:23.714 --> 00:18:26.080 capabilities are numerous and well staffed. 334 00:18:26.640 --> 00:18:31.472 Begin with the website and its FAQs, but if you need additional 335 00:18:31.472 --> 00:18:35.473 help, you may call their helpline at 1-800-518-4726, 336 00:18:35.473 --> 00:18:39.399 which is available 24/7 except on federal holidays. 337 00:18:40.120 --> 00:18:43.965 Visit their support page at the website listed here or e-mail 338 00:18:43.965 --> 00:18:45.640 them at support@grants.gov. 339 00:18:48.400 --> 00:18:51.205 If we haven't answered all of your questions in this video, 340 00:18:51.205 --> 00:18:51.720 don't fear. 341 00:18:51.720 --> 00:18:54.480 There are plenty of ways to learn more about our programs. 342 00:18:56.120 --> 00:19:01.320 Our website, www.imls.gov, has the wealth of information. 343 00:19:01.720 --> 00:19:05.473 There you can find our strategic plan, information about each 344 00:19:05.473 --> 00:19:08.499 grant program, project descriptions of previously 345 00:19:08.499 --> 00:19:11.466 awarded grants, sample applications, and contact 346 00:19:11.466 --> 00:19:13.040 information of IMLS staff. 347 00:19:15.120 --> 00:19:18.430 After you've reviewed the IMLS website, keep an eye out for 348 00:19:18.430 --> 00:19:19.920 additional upcoming videos. 349 00:19:20.480 --> 00:19:23.654 Program specific videos are prepared for each funding 350 00:19:23.654 --> 00:19:24.360 opportunity. 351 00:19:24.800 --> 00:19:27.973 Those will delve into the specific requirements for each 352 00:19:27.973 --> 00:19:31.091 opportunity and provide tips for creating a competitive 353 00:19:31.091 --> 00:19:31.760 application. 354 00:19:32.320 --> 00:19:35.930 You'll be able to find these and additional video 355 00:19:35.930 --> 00:19:37.880 content@imls.gov/ webinars. 356 00:19:39.560 --> 00:19:42.310 If you'd like to ask individualized questions, we 357 00:19:42.310 --> 00:19:45.775 recommend one-on-one counseling sessions with Office of Museum 358 00:19:45.775 --> 00:19:46.600 Services staff. 359 00:19:47.200 --> 00:19:49.978 These are 30 minute meetings between program staff and 360 00:19:49.978 --> 00:19:51.040 potential applicants. 361 00:19:51.480 --> 00:19:55.320 To sign up for a counseling session, visit imls.gov/grants 362 00:19:55.320 --> 00:19:58.640 and navigate to the program you are interested in. 363 00:20:01.320 --> 00:20:03.929 We hope that all potential applicants will take full 364 00:20:03.929 --> 00:20:06.784 advantage of the resources in Chapter 5 of this video and 365 00:20:06.784 --> 00:20:09.640 reach out to a staff member with any lingering questions. 366 00:20:10.120 --> 00:20:13.405 However, we understand that this may not be the ideal time for 367 00:20:13.405 --> 00:20:15.960 your institution to participate in our programs. 368 00:20:16.520 --> 00:20:19.601 If you're not ready to apply this funding cycle, we have a 369 00:20:19.601 --> 00:20:20.960 couple of recommendations. 370 00:20:22.440 --> 00:20:25.040 One option is to apply to become a peer reviewer. 371 00:20:25.680 --> 00:20:28.491 Peer reviewers are industry professionals who play a 372 00:20:28.491 --> 00:20:31.675 critical role in our award selection process by reading and 373 00:20:31.675 --> 00:20:33.319 scoring the grant applications. 374 00:20:33.800 --> 00:20:37.156 As a reviewer, you'll get a behind the scenes view of the 375 00:20:37.156 --> 00:20:40.802 review process and gain a better understanding of what makes a 376 00:20:40.802 --> 00:20:41.959 proposal successful. 377 00:20:42.680 --> 00:20:47.414 To apply to become a peer reviewer, please visit 378 00:20:47.414 --> 00:20:53.597 www.imls.gov/grants/peer-review and click on "Apply to Become a 379 00:20:53.597 --> 00:20:55.239 Museum Reviewer". 380 00:20:55.840 --> 00:20:59.329 You can also find our webinar for potential museum reviewers 381 00:20:59.329 --> 00:21:00.760 through our webinar page. 382 00:21:02.920 --> 00:21:05.853 Another tool that can help you prepare for the grant 383 00:21:05.853 --> 00:21:08.400 application process is an assessment program. 384 00:21:09.240 --> 00:21:12.232 IMLS offers two assessment programs for institutions that 385 00:21:12.232 --> 00:21:14.760 would like to better understand their own needs. 386 00:21:15.400 --> 00:21:18.660 These are the Museum Assessment Program, or MAP, and the 387 00:21:18.660 --> 00:21:21.920 Collections Assessment for Preservation program, or CAP. 388 00:21:22.600 --> 00:21:25.675 IMLS supports these two technical assistance programs 389 00:21:25.675 --> 00:21:29.320 through cooperative agreements with the goal of helping museums 390 00:21:29.320 --> 00:21:32.452 strengthen their operations, identify collections care 391 00:21:32.452 --> 00:21:34.560 priorities, and plan for the future. 392 00:21:35.200 --> 00:21:38.402 Participating in an assessment program is a great starting 393 00:21:38.402 --> 00:21:40.520 point for small and mid-sized museums. 394 00:21:41.000 --> 00:21:44.429 The documents that result from these assessments can be used to 395 00:21:44.429 --> 00:21:46.680 implement future IMLS grant applications. 396 00:21:48.440 --> 00:21:52.146 The Museum Assessment Program, or MAP, is funded by IMLS and 397 00:21:52.146 --> 00:21:54.880 managed by the American Alliance of Museums. 398 00:21:55.400 --> 00:21:58.829 It is available to small and mid-sized museums of all types 399 00:21:58.829 --> 00:22:02.145 and its purpose is to help organizations strengthen their 400 00:22:02.145 --> 00:22:05.861 operations, plan for the future, and meet professional standards 401 00:22:05.861 --> 00:22:09.119 through self-study and a consultative site visit from an 402 00:22:09.119 --> 00:22:10.320 expert peer reviewer. 403 00:22:10.920 --> 00:22:14.258 MAP participants can choose from four assessment types: the 404 00:22:14.258 --> 00:22:17.263 Organizational Assessment; the Collection Stewardship 405 00:22:17.263 --> 00:22:20.657 Assessment; the Education and Interpretation Assessment; and 406 00:22:20.657 --> 00:22:23.440 the Community and Audience Engagement Assessment. 407 00:22:23.880 --> 00:22:33.976 To learn more, please visit www.aam-us.org/map, or call 408 00:22:33.976 --> 00:22:36.320 202-289-9118. 409 00:22:36.720 --> 00:22:41.960 The next application deadline is expected to be February 1, 2025. 410 00:22:43.280 --> 00:22:45.720 To be notified when the next application period 411 00:22:45.720 --> 00:22:50.710 is open and to receive updates about the MAP program, please 412 00:22:50.710 --> 00:22:54.720 send your contact information to map@aam-us.org. 413 00:22:56.480 --> 00:22:59.875 Also funded by IMLS but administered by the Foundation 414 00:22:59.875 --> 00:23:03.394 for Advancement in Conservation or FAIC, the Collections 415 00:23:03.394 --> 00:23:06.789 Assessment for Preservation Program, or CAP for short, 416 00:23:06.789 --> 00:23:10.616 provides small and mid-sized museums with support for general 417 00:23:10.616 --> 00:23:12.160 conservation assessments. 418 00:23:12.680 --> 00:23:16.292 These assessments consist of a self-study and a two-day onsite 419 00:23:16.292 --> 00:23:20.018 visit by assessors to specialize in collections conservation and 420 00:23:20.018 --> 00:23:21.280 building preservation. 421 00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:25.044 CAP is often the first step for small and mid-sized museums that 422 00:23:25.044 --> 00:23:27.480 wish to improve the condition of their collections. 423 00:23:28.200 --> 00:23:31.962 A CAP assessment can assist your institution by helping you 424 00:23:31.962 --> 00:23:35.286 decide how to invest limited funding and staff time; 425 00:23:35.286 --> 00:23:39.238 facilitating the development of a long-term preservation plan; 426 00:23:39.238 --> 00:23:42.875 and serving as a fundraising tool for future conservation 427 00:23:42.875 --> 00:23:43.440 projects. 428 00:23:44.000 --> 00:23:49.295 For more information about the CAP program and application 429 00:23:49.295 --> 00:23:53.245 process, please visit the FAIC's website at 430 00:23:53.245 --> 00:23:59.080 www.culturalheritage.org/cap, or email cap@culturalheritage.org. 431 00:24:00.640 --> 00:24:03.772 Thank you for your interest in IMLS's Museum funding 432 00:24:03.772 --> 00:24:04.600 opportunities. 433 00:24:04.640 --> 00:24:07.760 Before you go, I'd like to leave you with some final reminders. 434 00:24:09.040 --> 00:24:12.148 Each of our grant opportunities have different requirements and 435 00:24:12.148 --> 00:24:12.440 goals. 436 00:24:12.840 --> 00:24:20.329 Please visit https://www.imls.gov/ grants to 437 00:24:20.329 --> 00:24:22.160 learn more. 438 00:24:22.800 --> 00:24:26.170 It is very important to register early with sam.gov and 439 00:24:26.170 --> 00:24:29.000 grants.gov. If you have registered previously, 440 00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:31.650 remember that these registrations expire, and be 441 00:24:31.650 --> 00:24:35.003 sure you know the usernames and passwords you'll need well in 442 00:24:35.003 --> 00:24:37.600 advance of the day you submit your application. 443 00:24:38.280 --> 00:24:43.400 Applications to all IMLS Museum grant programs are due November 444 00:24:43.400 --> 00:24:44.120 15, 2024. 445 00:24:44.480 --> 00:24:46.600 But don't wait until the last minute to submit. 446 00:24:47.440 --> 00:24:49.080 Throughout the application period, 447 00:24:49.080 --> 00:24:52.742 we will offer additional webinars that can be viewed at 448 00:24:52.742 --> 00:24:53.920 imls.gov/webinars. 449 00:24:54.280 --> 00:24:57.333 You can also schedule one-on-one counseling calls with program 450 00:24:57.333 --> 00:24:59.320 staff to answer your specific questions. 451 00:25:01.240 --> 00:25:02.520 Thank you and good luck.