Federal Funding Opportunities for Collections Care

Several federal agencies have grant programs that support collections care, conservation and preservation activities at museums. Brief descriptions of these agencies and their relevant programs follow. We encourage you to explore these funding opportunities, as well as those available from the private sector and state and local governments, to assist in implementing recommendations from your CAP report. Grants have been awarded for treatment, staff training, and storage upgrades.

Proper care and preventive maintenance ensure the longevity of your museum collections. Collections care encompasses many of your museum’s operations, including environmental controls, storage, security, emergency preparedness/response and integrated pest management. Conservation and preservation activities include examination, documentation, treatment and preventive care.

Because of significant federal budget reductions and resultant restructuring, we suggest you contact these agencies directly for information about grant programs and deadlines.

Institute of Museum and Library Services
1800 M Street, NW
9th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
202-653-4629
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) was established to increase and improve museum services. IMLS helps museums to care for and interpret their collections and keep those collections accessible to the public.

National Endowment for the Humanities
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Room 407
Washington, DC 20506
202-606-8438
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) supports the preservation of significant humanities resources and exemplary work to advance and disseminate knowledge in all the disciplines of the humanities.

National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
703-306-1218
The National Science Foundation (NSF) promotes science in the United States. NSF funds research and education in science and engineering.