Funding for Collections Care
The following federal agencies provide significant support for collections care programs. Additional funding may be available through other agencies.
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. 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. The agency promotes a comprehensive approach to conservation and supports a wide range of activities, including surveys, assessments, treatments, improvements to environmental conditions, research, and training. The Institute supports two programs dedicated to conservation: Conservation Project Support and Heritage Preservation’s Conservation Assessment Program. In addition, elements of collections care can be supported through every grant category.
1800 M Street, NW, 9th Floor,Washington, DC 20036, 202-653-IMLS
National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established; bringing the arts to all Americans; and providing leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Endowment is the nation’s largest annual funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases. Grants for conservation and preservation can be made through any of the disciplinary programs but are most likely to be found in Museums, Visual Arts, and Design.
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20506, 202-682-5400
National Endowment for the Humanities
The National Endowment for the Humanities is an independent federal agency created in 1965. Dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities, it is the largest funder of humanities programs in the United States. Grants for collections care projects are available through its Division of Preservation and Access. The Office of Challenge Grants and the Digital Humanities Initiative also make awards related to preservation.
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20506, 800-NEH-1121
Save America’s Treasures
The National Park Service and the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities oversee the Save America’s Treasures program in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Save America’s Treasures competitive awards preserve the nation’s most significant endangered intellectual and cultural artifacts, historic structures, and historic sites. Applications can downloaded at the NPS Web site www.cr.nps.gov/hps/treasures/index.htm.
From: Capitalize on Collections Care, 2007.
National Science Foundation
The National Science Foundation (NSF) promotes science in the United States. NSF funds research and education in science and engineering.
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230, 703-306-1218
Museum Assessment Program
MAP is a confidential, consultative process that is designed to help museums understand how they compare to standards and best practices in the field. MAP helps museums understand how other institutions deal with similar challenges and provides suggestions for improvement. MAP is a program of the American Association of Museums.
1575 Eye Street NW, Suite 400, Washington DC 20005, 202-289-1818
Other Resources
State and local governments often have funds available for preservation and conservation projects. Many states have even passed legislation that generates revenue for historic preservation, and some have also created funds for cultural tourism, intended to attract visitors to their state. Some museums have been able to use cultural tourism grants for preservation projects. There may also be funding opportunities available from state humanities councils, arts councils, state museum associations, and preservation organizations.
Fundraising for Collections Care, Heritage Preservation, 2006: p. 11.