The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release can be read on the agency's Web site at www.imls.gov/news/2007/091107a.shtm. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 11, 2007 Press Contacts 202-653-4632 Jeannine Mjoseth, [log in to unmask] Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask] IMLS Calls for 2008 Museums for America Grant Applications Application Deadline: November 1, 2007 Washington, DC-The Institute of Museum and Library Services is accepting grant applications for the agency's FY 2008 Museums for America (MFA) program. Through the MFA program, the Institute provides support for essential and worthy projects that help museums further their missions, achieve their goals, and provide value to their communities. Museums for America grants benefit museums of all sizes and types, in all parts of the country. This year's guidelines have been modified to make the application process quicker and more user-friendly. The grant categories have been clarified to underscore the goal of the program: to build the capacity of museums to serve the public. The three categories of Museums for America activities include: 1. Engaging Communities (Education, Exhibition, and Interpretation) 2. Building Institutional Capacity (Management, Policy and Training) 3. Collections Stewardship Through these new, broad categories, the grants will provide funds for the full range of museum programs and activities, including digitization, staff training, research, exhibitions, educational programs, community partnerships and collections management. Applicants are required to demonstrate that proposed grant activities are clearly linked to the institution's strategic plan and enhance the museum's ties and value to its community. Although we invite proposals for specific projects, we ask that applicants show that the activities are an investment in the museum's long-term capacity. Application guidelines and instructions are available at www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/forAmerica.shtm. Please note that the Institute will only accept applications submitted through Grants.gov, the federal government's online application system. All applicants who are using Grants.gov must register with Grants.gov before submitting their application. Applicants who are not already registered should allow at least two weeks to complete this one-time process. For more information on registration, visit www.imls.gov/applicants/grantsgov/checklist.shtm. Please direct any questions about the MFA program to Sandra Narva, Senior Program Officer, 202/653-4634, [log in to unmask] or Steve Shwartzman, Senior Program Officer, 202/653-4641, [log in to unmask] 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 122,000 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. ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).