Institutions that follow these guidelines report marked improvements in their ability to preserve and conserve their collections.

Statewide Planning Grants foster effective partnerships among organizations that have a strong commitment to the collections stewardship goals of a given state, commonwealth, or territory, and fund ongoing or new collaborations. Projects must demonstrate how the participating institutions (representing libraries, museums, archives, and other relevant statewide organizations) will work together in a planning process that moves the state closer to achieving the recommendations of the HHI through an appropriate and achievable plan for action. In 2008, IMLS awarded these grants to 19 states and will continue to make one grant to each eligible state or territory.

For the past two years, IMLS and its partners have been drawing attention to the findings and recommendations of the Heritage Health Index. The Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action initiative has already resulted in a successful national summit on conservation and preservation, the distribution of 1839 IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelves, and two Connecting to Collections National Tour forums. The Statewide Planning Grants represent an important component of this national initiative.

Application guidelines for the 2009 planning grants are available in PDF format here (623KB). Please note that the Statewide Planning Grant Web page has a list of last year’s awardees, as well as copies of their grant narratives, which may expedite the application writing process.

IMLS has scheduled two audio conference calls to give prospective applicants an opportunity to ask IMLS staff questions pertaining to the Statewide Planning Grants. The calls will be at the following dates and times:

Please check the Statewide Planning Grant Web page closer to the date of the call for specific dial-in instructions.

For questions about the Statewide Planning Grant program, please contact Senior Program Officer, Christine Henry, 202-653-4674, chenry@imls.gov or Program Specialist, Mark Feitl, 202-543-4635, mfeitl@imls.gov.

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: http://www.imls.gov.