Program Overview
National Leadership Grants support projects that
have the potential to elevate museum and library practice.
The Institute seeks to advance the ability of museums
and libraries to preserve culture, heritage and knowledge
while enhancing learning. IMLS welcomes proposals that promote the skills necessary to devlop 21st century communities, citizens, and workers.
Successful proposals will have national
impact and generate results—new tools, research,
models, services, practices, or alliances—that
can be widely adapted or replicated to extend the benefit
of federal investment. The Institute seeks to fund projects
that have the following characteristics:
Strategic Impact—Proposals should
address key needs and challenges that face libraries
and museums. They should expand the boundaries within
which libraries and museums operate, show the potential
for far-reaching impact, and influence practice throughout
the museum and/or library communities.
Innovation—Proposals should
demonstrate a thorough understanding of current practice
and knowledge about the project area, and show how the
project will advance the state of the art of museum
and library service.
Collaboration—While partners
are not required in all National Leadership Grant categories, the Institute
has found that involving carefully chosen partners with
complementary competencies and resources can create
powerful synergies that extend project impact. Proposals
should show understanding of the challenges of collaboration
and propose means for addressing them.
Applications may be submitted in the following
categories: Advancing Digital Resources, Research, Demonstration,
and Library and Museum Collaboration Grants.
Collaborative Planning Grants are also
available in any of the four categories to enable project
teams from more than one institution to work together
to plan a project for a National Leadership Grant.
Eligibility
Libraries that fulfill the general criteria for libraries may apply. See program
guidelines for special conditions of eligibility for this program.
Museums that fulfill the general criteria
for museums may apply. Private nonprofit museum services
organizations or associations that engage in activities designed to advance the well-being of
museums and the museum profession also may apply. In addition, institutions of higher education,
including public and nonprofit universities, may apply.
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