December 22, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

Application Deadline: March 15, 2010

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is calling for proposals from museums, museum service organizations, and universities for projects that will enhance the professional development of museum staff. The 21st Century Museum Professionals grants are intended to have an impact on multiple institutions by reaching broad groups of museum professionals.

Funding will support projects involving core management skills such as planning, leadership, finance, program design, partnership, and evaluation. Projects may also focus on collections care and management, interpretation, marketing and audience development, staff retention, visitor services, governance, and other areas of museum operations. Additionally, IMLS encourages applicants to review its report, Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills, and respond with project proposals that address competence in such 21st century skill areas as information, communications, and technology literacy; critical thinking; problem solving; creativity; civic literacy; and global awareness. Click here for descriptions of the awarded proposals from 2009.

Applicants may request from $15,000 - $500,000 for a grant period of up to three years. The application deadline is March 15, 2010. Downloadable guidelines and fill-in forms are available on the IMLS Web site.

IMLS has scheduled two audio-conference calls to give prospective applicants opportunities to ask IMLS staff questions pertaining to 21st Century Museum Professionals Grants:

Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Check the website for details and the toll-free conference call number. Applicants are encouraged to contact program staff with their questions.

Program Contacts:

Christopher J. Reich, Senior Program Officer
Phone: 202-653-4685
E-mail: creich@imls.gov

Twinet G. Kimbrough, Program Specialist
Phone: 202/653-4703
E-mail: tkimbrough@imls.gov

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

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