Opportunity Information: Apply for IGSM FY20
Inspire! Grants for Small Museums is a discretionary grant opportunity from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) offered as a special initiative under its Museums for America program. The core purpose of the program is to help small museums carry out projects that directly advance priorities already identified in their strategic plans, meaning proposals are expected to be grounded in the museum's existing goals and documented needs rather than being one-off or disconnected activities.
IMLS signals that competitive applications will concentrate on one or more broad outcomes that reflect how museums serve the public and care for cultural resources. These include creating richer learning experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds, building or strengthening partnerships to assess and respond to community needs, reinforcing museums' roles as responsible stewards of the collections they hold, and expanding access to collections and related resources. In practice, this frames the program as supporting practical, mission-aligned work that increases community impact, improves how collections are managed and made available, and helps museums collaborate effectively with local or regional partners.
The opportunity is offered as a grant (Funding Instrument Type: Grant) and is categorized under arts and humanities activity areas (CFDA 45.301). The maximum award amount listed is $50,000, and IMLS anticipated making about 25 awards under this funding round. Eligibility is broadly described as "Others" with additional eligibility details typically provided in the full notice; as presented here, it is aimed specifically at small museums.
For the FY20 cycle reflected in the notice, the opportunity was created on August 15, 2019, with an application deadline of November 15, 2019. The official opportunity identifier is IGSM FY20, and the funding opportunity title is Inspire! Grants for Small Museums.Apply for IGSM FY20
- The Institute of Museum and Library Services in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda), humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Inspire! Grants for Small Museums" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 45.301.
- This funding opportunity was created on Aug 15, 2019.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 15, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 25 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Inspire! Grants for Small Museums (IMLS)
What is the Inspire! Grants for Small Museums opportunity?
Inspire! Grants for Small Museums is a discretionary grant opportunity from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It is offered as a special initiative under IMLS's Museums for America program.
What is the main purpose of this grant program?
The core purpose is to help small museums carry out projects that directly advance priorities already identified in their strategic plans. Proposals are expected to be grounded in the museum's existing goals and documented needs, rather than being one-off or disconnected activities.
Who is this opportunity designed to serve?
Based on the information provided, the opportunity is aimed specifically at small museums.
What kinds of outcomes does IMLS expect competitive projects to focus on?
IMLS indicates that competitive applications will concentrate on one or more broad outcomes that reflect how museums serve the public and care for cultural resources. The outcomes described include richer learning experiences, stronger partnerships to address community needs, responsible stewardship of collections, and expanded access to collections and related resources.
Does a project need to be tied to a museum's strategic plan?
Yes. The program is framed around supporting projects that advance priorities already identified in the museum's strategic plan, with proposals grounded in existing goals and documented needs.
What types of project activities seem to fit this opportunity?
The description frames the program as supporting practical, mission-aligned work that increases community impact, improves how collections are managed and made available, and helps museums collaborate effectively with local or regional partners.
Is this funding categorized under a specific federal activity area or code?
Yes. The opportunity is categorized under arts and humanities activity areas and is associated with CFDA 45.301.
What is the funding instrument type for this opportunity?
The funding instrument type is a grant.
What is the maximum award amount?
The maximum award amount listed is $50,000.
How many awards did IMLS anticipate making in this funding round?
IMLS anticipated making about 25 awards under this funding round.
What is the official funding opportunity title?
The funding opportunity title is Inspire! Grants for Small Museums.
What is the official opportunity identifier?
The official opportunity identifier is IGSM FY20.
What were the key dates for the FY20 cycle referenced?
For the FY20 cycle reflected in the notice, the opportunity was created on August 15, 2019, and the application deadline was November 15, 2019.
How is eligibility described in the information provided?
Eligibility is broadly described as "Others," with additional eligibility details typically provided in the full notice. As presented here, it is aimed specifically at small museums.
What is the overall emphasis of the program when assessing proposals?
The emphasis is on projects that are clearly connected to a museum's existing strategy and documented needs, and that align with one or more broad outcomes related to learning, community partnerships, collections stewardship, and access to collections and resources.
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (IGSM FY20) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Museums for America Apply for MFA FY20 Funding Number: MFA FY20 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Accelerating Promising Practices for Small Libraries Apply for APP FY20 Funding Number: APP FY20 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant (2020) Apply for NAG HAWAIIAN FY20 Funding Number: NAG HAWAIIAN FY20 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Native American Library Services Basic Grant Apply for NAG BASIC FY20 Funding Number: NAG BASIC FY20 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Native American Library Services Enhancement Grant Apply for NAG ENHANCEMENT FY20 Funding Number: NAG ENHANCEMENT FY20 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| IMLS CARES Act Grants for Museums and Libraries Apply for CAG ML FY20 Funding Number: CAG ML FY20 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| IMLS CARES Act Grants for Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum and Library Services Apply for CAG NANH FY20 Funding Number: CAG NANH FY20 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Showcasing U.S. Diversity and Values and Addressing Social Issues in Ukraine through American Independent Film Apply for PAS UKRAINE 2020 015 Funding Number: PAS UKRAINE 2020 015 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Ukraine Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Laura Bush 21st Century Library Program (2021) Apply for LB21 FY21 Funding Number: LB21 FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2021) Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY21 Funding Number: NLG LIBRARIES FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Uncovering the Hidden Costs of Using Untrusted Vendors for 5G Apply for DOS PARIS PD 2020 CA 004 Funding Number: DOS PARIS PD 2020 CA 004 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to France Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Museums for America (2021) Apply for MFA FY21 Funding Number: MFA FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Museums (2021) Apply for NLG M FY21 Funding Number: NLG M FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Museums Empowered (2021) Apply for ME FY21 Funding Number: ME FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Inspire! Grants for Small Museums (2021) Apply for IGSM FY21 Funding Number: IGSM FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (2021) Apply for AAHC FY21 Funding Number: AAHC FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services (2021) Apply for NANH FY21 Funding Number: NANH FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Asuncion, Paraguay - PD Annual Program Statement Fiscal Year 2021 Apply for SPA10021GR001WHA11202020 Funding Number: SPA10021GR001WHA11202020 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Paraguay Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Laura Bush 21st Century Library Program (2021) Apply for LB21 FY21 P2 Funding Number: LB21 FY21 P2 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2021) Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY21 P2 Funding Number: NLG LIBRARIES FY21 P2 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
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