Program Descriptions
Program Number
45.302
Title
Museum Assessment Program
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF MUSEUM SERVICES, INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES, NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES
Authorization
Museum and Library Services Act, codified at 20 U.S.C. Section 9101 et seq.
Status
Active
Objectives
To help museums assess their strengths and weaknesses, and to plan for the future. The Museum Assessment Program is supported through a cooperative agreement between the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the American Association of Museums.
Types of Assistance
Direct Payments for Specified Use (Cooperative Agreements).
Uses and Use Restrictions
The program provides technical assistance for four kinds of assessments: (1) collections management, (2) governance, (3) institutional, and (4) public dimension. Collections management assessment supports a review of collections use, planning, and policies and procedures in the context of overall museum operations. Governance assessment supports an examination of the roles, responsibilities, and performance of governing authorities and advisory boards. The assessment improves the ability of the museum's governing authority to fulfill its stewardship responsibilities and contribute to the success of the organization. Institutional assessment supports an overview of the management and operations of the entire museum and helps the museum set priorities, prepare for strategic planning, and operate more efficiently, thereby improving its services to the community and increasing its base of support. Public dimension assessment supports an evaluation of the way in which the museum serves its community and audiences through exhibits, programs, and other services, and communicates with its audience through public relations, planning, and evaluation.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
A museum located in the 50 states of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands, Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, The Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau, or the District of Columbia may apply for a grant under this Act. A public or private nonprofit organization, such as a municipality, college, or university which is responsible for the operation of a museum, if necessary, may apply on behalf of the museum. A museum operated by a department or agency of the Federal government is not eligible to apply. Under the IMLS definition, a museum is a public or private nonprofit institution which is organized on a permanent basis for essentially educational or aesthetic purposes and which, using a professional staff: (1) Owns or uses tangible objects, whether animate or inanimate; (2) cares for these objects; and (3) exhibits them to the general public on a regular basis. A museum must have at least one staff member, paid or unpaid, who devotes his or her time primarily to the acquisition, care or exhibition of objects. The definition makes clear that the term "museum" includes aquariums and zoological parks; botanical gardens and arboretums; nature centers; art, history, (including historic buildings and sites), natural history, children's, general and specialized museums, science and technology centers and planetariums.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Public and private nonprofit museums benefit.
Credentials/Documentation
Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments. OMB Circular No. A-21 for educational institutions and other nonprofit organizations also applies.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
The standard application forms as furnished by the American Association of Museums must be used for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
To participate in the Museum Assessment Program, a museum must contact the American Association of Museums (AAM), 1575 Eye Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005. Telephone: (202) 289-9118. E-mail: map@aam-us.org.
Award Procedure
Proposals for participation are reviewed by the American Association of Museums.
Deadlines
February 15.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Five months.
Appeals
Appeals may be made in writing to the director of the American Association of Museums.
Renewals
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
MAP is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. MAP museums share a percentage of the cost of the assessment.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Not applicable.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Participants submit a final report to the American Association of Museums.
Audits
Audits not required for application.
Records
Grant and contract recipients will be required to maintain standard financial statements.
Financial Information
Account Identification
59-0300-0-1-503.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 07 $442,000; FY 08 $434,278; FY 09 est $471,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
In FY 07, 111 museums participated in MAP. Grants were awarded in the following areas: collections management (26), governance (11), public dimension (27), and institutional assessment (47).
Program Accomplishments
In FY 07, 111 museums participated in the program.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
See the IMLS Web site at http://www.imls.gov for the latest program data.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1800 M Street, N.W., Ninth Floor, Washington, DC 20036-5802. Contact: Christopher J. Reich, Senior Program Officer; Telephone: (202) 653-4685; E-mail: creich@imls.gov.
Web Site Address
http://www.imls.gov
http://www.aam-us.org
Related Programs
45.301, Museums For America
45.303, Conservation Project Support
45.304, Conservation Assessment Program
45.312, National Leadership Grants
15.904, Historic Preservation Fund Grants-IN-Aid
15.914, National Register Of Historic Places
15.915, Technical Preservation Services
Examples of Funded Projects
The Museum Assessment Program funds all types of museums, including historic house museums, science and technology centers, botanical gardens, and art museums.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
To participate in MAP, a museum must contact the American Association of Museums, 1575 Eye Street, N.W., Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005. Telephone: (202) 289-9118. E-mail: map@aam-us.org.
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