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 http://www.imls.gov/news/2008/082708.shtm. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 27, 2008 IMLS Press Contacts 202-653-4632 Jeannine Mjoseth, [log in to unmask] Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask] IMLS Calls for 2009 Museums for America Grant Applications Deadline: November 1, 2008 Washington, DC-The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is accepting applications for the agency's FY 2009 Museums for America (MFA) grant program. The Institute's largest museum grant program, Museums for America supports projects that help qualified institutions achieve their goals, further their missions, and build their capacity to better serve their communities. Museums for America grants are awarded in the following areas: 1. Engaging Communities (Education, Exhibition, and Interpretation) 2. Building Institutional Capacity (Management, Policy and Training) 3. Collections Stewardship (Management of Collections) Through these broad categories, the grants provide funds for the full range of museum programs, including digitization of collections, staff training, research, exhibitions, educational programs, community partnerships, collections management, and other similar activities. MFA grants are available to museums of all types and sizes located in the United States or its territories. 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. IMLS has scheduled two audio conference calls to give prospective applicants an opportunity to ask IMLS staff questions pertaining to the Museums for America grant program. The calls will be held on the following dates and times: Thursday, September 18 at 3:00pm ET Tuesday, October 7 at 3:00pm ET Please check the Museums for America page (http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/forAmerica.shtm) closer to the date of the call for specific dial-in instructions. Application guidelines and instructions are available at http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/forAmerica.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).