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Conservation Assessment Program
The Conservation Assessment Program (CAP) is supported through a cooperative agreement between the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Heritage Preservation, Inc.
Related Programs
- Museums for America
- Museum Assessment Program
- Conservation Project Support
- National Leadership Grants
- Historic Preservation Fund Grants-In-Aid
- National Register of Historic Places
- Technical Preservation Services
Examples of Funded Projects
CAP is appropriate for small to medium-sized museums.
All types of museums, including historic houses, botanical gardens, anthropology museums, ethnic museums, and zoos are eligible to participate in CAP.
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 serves as a leader in providing services to enhance learning, sustain cultural heritage and increase civic participation.
Program Accomplishments
In FY 08, 101 museums participated in the program.
Uses and Use Restrictions
CAP funds an overall assessment of the conditions of a museum's environment and collections to identify conservation needs and priorities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
A museum located in the 50 states of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands, Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, The Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau, or the District of Columbia may apply for a grant under this Act.
A public or private nonprofit organization, such as a municipality, college, or university which is responsible for the operation of a museum, if necessary, may apply on behalf of the museum.
A museum operated by a department or agency of the Federal government is not eligible to apply.
Under the IMLS definition, a museum is a public or private nonprofit institution which is organized on a permanent basis for essentially educational or aesthetic purposes and which, using a professional staff: (1) Owns or uses tangible objects, whether animate or inanimate; (2) cares for these objects; and (3) exhibits them to the general public on a regular basis.
A museum must have at least one staff member, paid or unpaid, who devotes his or her time primarily to the acquisition, care or exhibition of objects.
The definition makes clear that the term "museum" includes aquariums and zoological parks; botanical gardens and arboretums; nature centers; art, history, (including historic buildings and sites), natural history, children's, general and specialized museums, science and technology centers and planetariums.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Public and private nonprofit museums benefit.
Credentials/Documentation
Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments. OMB Circular No. A-21 for educational institutions and other nonprofit organizations also applies.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
The standard application forms as furnished by Heritage Preservation, Inc.
must be used for this program.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
To participate in CAP, a museum must contact Heritage Preservation, Inc., 1012 14th Street, N.W., Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20005. Telephone: (202) 233-0800. Fax: (202) 233-0807.
Award Procedures
Proposals for participation are reviewed by Heritage Preservation, Inc.
Deadlines
December 1.
Authorization
Museum and Library Services Act, codified at 20 U.S.C. Section 9101 et seq.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Five months.
Appeals
Appeals may be made in writing to the director of Heritage Preservation, Inc.
Renewals
Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
45 CFR 1180. CAP is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. CAP museums share a percentage of the cost of the assessment.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
None.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Participants submit a final report to Heritage Preservation, Inc.
Audits
Audits not required for application.
Records
Grant and contract recipients will be required to maintain standard financial statements.
Financial Information
Account Identification
59-0300-0-1-503.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $807,000; FY 08 $793,000; and FY 09 est $814,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
In FY 08, 101 museums participated in the program.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
See the IMLS Web site at www.imls.gov for the latest program data.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1800 M Street, N.W., Ninth Floor, Washington, DC 20036-5802. Contact: Christine Henry, Telephone: (202) 653-4674, E-mail: chenry@imls.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
To participate in CAP, a museum must contact Heritage Preservation, Inc., 1012 14th Street, N.W., Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20005. Telephone: (202) 233-0800. Fax: (202) 233-0807.
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