April 10, 2015

CORRECTION: The release incorrectly stated the amount awarded to Association of African American Museums. The correct amount is $291,424.

IMLS Press Contact
202-653-4799
Giuliana Bullard gbullard@imls.gov

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announces that two museum associations, the California Association of Museums and the Association of African American Museums, received grants to help strengthen leadership, management, and collaboration among museum professionals.

With a $498,319 grant, the California Association of Museums (CAM) will lead the second phase of Museums United, a nationwide project designed to strengthen the national network of state museum associations and enhance their capacity to serve museums and museum professionals. The project will include the development of an online association management system; a toolkit of resources to support administration and leadership; and a platform to support communication and collaboration. Project leaders will also explore options to create a sustainable model for ongoing collaboration. Key partners include the Florida Association of Museums, the Oklahoma Museums Association, the Texas Association of Museums, and the Virginia Association of Museums, each of which will lead distinct project activities with a goal of involving representatives of all the known state museum associations in achieving project goals.

The Association of African American Museums (AAAM) will use a grant of $291,424 to guide the development of a strategic plan; assess and refine the priorities of its board of directors; create a recruitment strategy for an Executive Director; and evaluate and revise AAAM’s existing website and digital media presence. A thorough needs assessment of the state of African American museums will be conducted and the findings will be distributed in a comprehensive summary report along with an updated directory intended to strengthen the role of AAAM as a resource for African American museums and their stakeholders. 

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 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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