21st Century Museum Professionals Grant Applications Called

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is calling for grant applications from museums, service organizations, and universities for proposals that will enhance the professional development of museum staff. The purpose of the 21st Century Museum Professionals program is to build the knowledge, skills, and abilities of museum professionals so that they will be better equipped to serve the needs of their communities.

Museums play a critical role in preserving America's rich cultural heritage and transmitting it from one generation to the next. The rapidly changing environment of the knowledge society, the possibilities provided by new technologies, the increasing diversity of the population, and the need to demonstrate public value and accountability require an expanding portfolio of skills for museum professionals at every level.

The Institute encourages proposals from museums, service organizations, and universities that will build the capacities of the nation's museums. The IMLS 21st Century Museum Professionals grant program provides a special opportunity for museum professionals from all types of museums, from art to zoos, to update their knowledge and skills.

Applications, guidelines, and examples of successful proposals can be found on the agency's Web site. All applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Instructions for completing and submitting applications through Grants.gov are in the guidelines and on the IMLS Web site.
Awards will be announced in September 2007. -- www.imls.gov