Fast Fact Sheet: Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries and Museums (2012)

Vital Statistics

Number of applications received: 69
Number of awards made: 13
Total amount requested: $1,800,000
Total amount awarded: $304,866
Total recipient match: $174,266

Program Statement

The Sparks! Ignition Grant program is a new funding opportunity developed by IMLS to expand and test the boundaries of library, archive, and museum services and practices. It provides small, targeted investments in high-risk, innovative responses to the challenges and opportunities facing cultural heritage institutions in a rapidly changing information environment. Innovation is the key to using time, money, and staff more productively, and to helping cultural heritage institutions improve their services, processes, programs, and products. These grants will support the testing of specific innovations and foster broad sharing of information about what works and what does not. Because innovations can emerge in a variety of settings, the Sparks! Ignition Grant program is structured to encourage participation by organizations of all types and sizes. Partnerships are permitted, but not required.

Quote

"Sparks! Ignition Grants are designed to help libraries and museums solve challenging problems. They promote creativity and innovation by supporting promising new approaches to issues affecting libraries and museums across the country. This grant program has tremendous potential to turn small investments of funds into nationally significant projects."

- IMLS Director Susan Hildreth

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 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. 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. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.