FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2006

Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Eileen Maxwell, emaxwell@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

IMLS Calls for 2007 Museums for America Grant Applications

Application Deadline: November 15, 2006

Washington, DC--The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is accepting grant applications to the agency’s FY 2007 Museums for America (MFA) grant program. The application and guidelines are now available on the IMLS Web site at: http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/forAmerica.shtm. The application deadline is November 15, 2006. FY 2007 is also the first year that Museums for America applicants can submit their applications online through Grants.gov. Instructions are available at http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grantsgov/mfa07.shtm.

MFA grants strengthen a museum’s ability to serve the public more effectively by supporting high-priority activities that advance the museum’s mission and strategic goals. It is the largest funding program for museums at IMLS, providing more than $17 million in grants. IMLS seeks to distribute MFA grants across all types and sizes of museums, in all parts of the country.

MFA grants are designed to be flexible. Through three broad categories—sustaining cultural heritage, supporting lifelong learning, and serving as centers of community engagement—MFA grants provide funds for the full range of museum activities, including collections management, community partnerships, digitization, educational programs, exhibitions, purchase of equipment or services, staff training, research, and more. Descriptions of FY 2006 grant projects are available on the IMLS Web site at: http://www.imls.gov/results.asp?year=11&program=1052&description=on&sort=year.

In FY 2007, Museums for America funding will support projects designed by the institution that strengthen museums as active resources for lifelong learning and key players in the establishment of livable communities. Applicants may apply in one of three funding categories: $5,000 - $24,999, $25,000 - $74,999, or $75,000 – $150,000. A 1:1 match is required in each category.

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 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Its mission is to grow and sustain a “Nation of Learners” because lifelong learning is essential to a democratic society and individual success. Through its grant making, convenings, research and publications, the Institute empowers museums and libraries nationwide to provide leadership and services to enhance learning in families and communities, sustain cultural heritage, build twenty-first-century skills, and increase civic participation. To learn more about the Institute, please visit: http://www.imls.gov.