Grants are distributed in proportion to the number of museums applying in various sizes and categories. The percentage of awards to any single size or type of museum is related to the percentage of applications received from that category. Therefore, if lots of really large history museums apply, compared to small ones, there will be more awards at the higher levels. Actually, when you look at the distribution of awards, the range of awards in the history museum category is much more broadly distributed that in most others: 10 at the maximum amount ($112,500), 8 above $50K, 8 between $25K&$49K, and 9 below $25k. The historic house distribution is very similar. In many of the categories, there were no awards below $50,000. [For those unfamiliar with the program, the award amount is based upon institutional budget.] You say there are so many great, small museums. Did they apply for an IMLS-GOS grant? I know that when our museum was smaller, we didn't always have the resources to apply every year. As far as East-West distribution goes... If the Mississippi River marks the boundary between east and west, then there were 117 awards in the east and 69 in the west. Are there more museums in the east? I don't know. I'm just about certain that there are more museums in Massachusetts that in the greater San Francisco Bay Area (a region of about the same size). The museums on the award list that I am familiar with are all exemplary. (Yes, The Tech is there -- for the first time -- and we worked very hard to get there!) There are many wonderful museums of various sizes that are not on the list. Some received a grant last year, or are sitting out a round -- per the rules. Some don't bother to apply. Some probably applied and didn't get funded, because the money ran out. There are *lots* of great museums in this country. If you applied and didn't get funded this year. Read the reviewers comments, discuss them with your board, staff and volunteers. Look at what you can do to improve. And, apply again. The application form is a great tool for self assessment. If you haven't applied. Look over the application. Talk to museums of your size and type that have received grants. Call IMLS and ask for samples, to see what successful applications look like. Even if you are not sure you are ready to apply, it can be useful to go through the process to see how your peers see what you do. (Applications are reviewed by museum professionals who have experience in your size and type of museums.) You won't know who reviewed your application, but you will see their comments. Whether or not you get funding, the process can be useful for reviewing your operations and improving your institution. Also, if you have been in the museum field for at least five years, you may be qualified to be a reviewer. Ask IMLS for an application. This is a great way to learn more about the process, see what other museums are doing, and help support our field. Susan B.F. Wageman Grants and Research Manager (408) 279-7178 The Tech Museum of Innovation (408) 918-0253 fax 201 South Market Street [log in to unmask] San Jose, California 95113 http://www.thetech.org