FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IMLS Press Contact
Elizabeth Holtan eholtan@imls.gov
202-653-4630
Museum Grant Opportunities Open for Six IMLS Programs
Deadlines Are November 1 and December 14
Washington, D.C. — Museums across the United States have six opportunities in the coming months to apply for grants from the nation’s primary source of federal museum funding. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is now accepting applications for five current grant programs, as well as a new opportunity targeted to small museums.
The museum funding opportunities and their deadlines are:
- Museum Grants for African American History and Culture: November 1, 2018
- Native American Native Hawaiian Museum Services: November 1, 2018
- Inspire! Grants for Small Museums: November 1, 2018
- Museums for America: December 14, 2018
- Museums Empowered: December 14, 2018
- National Leadership Grants for Museums: December 14, 2018
New this year, Inspire! Grants for Small Museums is a special initiative of the Museums for America grant program. It is designed to reduce the burden on small museums and help them address priorities identified in their strategic plans. Applications may include projects that focus on learning experiences, community partnerships, collections stewardship, or expanding access to collections and resources. Award amounts can range from $5,000 to $50,000. See the Inspire! web page for eligibility and application requirements.
“IMLS funding supports museums of all sizes and types. We recognize that small museums hold important collections documenting the nation’s cultural and natural history in addition to their contributions to improve the quality of life in communities,” said IMLS Deputy Director of Museum Services Paula Gangopadhyay. “With the Inspire grants, IMLS hopes to explicitly support the continued growth and vitality of small museums, enabling them to achieve positive outcomes for themselves and the communities they serve.”
Applicants should note that IMLS has made changes to the deadlines, project categories, and award amount caps for its museum grant programs for FY 2019. In addition, the grant program goals now align with the new 2018-2022 IMLS Strategic Plan. Applicants should review the notices of funding opportunity carefully to understand these program goals and changes.
Potential grant applicants are invited to view webinars on choosing the appropriate funding opportunity and completing required forms. Please review the webinar listing for a schedule of live and pre-recorded webinars that are accessible online. IMLS staff contacts listed in each notice of funding opportunity are available to answer any questions and provide guidance during the application process.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.