Registration deadline: March 3
Application deadlines: April 1, July 1, September 5

Museums are continually changing and redefining priorities and are in need of staff expansion and institutional planning. The Program views this category as an opportunity to either assist in establishing an important position or in undertaking a study at a critical point in a museum's development. Institutional Development includes two tracks described below.

Staff Development

Support is available to aid small and emerging museums to move forward professionally through the addition of a full- or part-time staff member. Support from this category may cover partial salary and benefits only, for a collections-based or education position in museums that are without such a position on staff. Priority is given to organizations that have never before included the position as a paid staff member, and can demonstrate its institutional readiness to expand staff. The Program expects that the museum will find the resources necessary to continue this position beyond the maximum three years of NYSCA support. Awards will generally be reduced in a second or third year, thereby increasing the organization's responsibility to maintain the position.

Planning and Evaluation

Support is available for in-depth institutional planning or evaluation to address a specific challenge. Projects can include: programmatic or institutional evaluation, marketing plans, audience expansion, or completing a new strategic plan. Priority is given to organizations that can demonstrate related institutional planning experience, and how this project is critical for the organization's future growth. Planning and evaluation grants are awarded on a single-year basis. Organizations interested in this support are encouraged to speak with Program staff well ahead of the March 1 registration deadline.

Application Instructions

The on-line application form includes the following questions, and a project budget. Required support materials are listed below.

Application Narrative Questions

1. Project Summary
What is the purpose of this project? Why is it important to do this now? How will it benefit the organization as a whole?

2. Project Context
How does this request relate to the organization's mission and long-range plan? How will this request benefit your audience?

3. Position /Recruitment (for salary support requests only)
What qualifications do you require in this position? What are the tasks and expectations of a candidate? If a candidate has not already been selected, what is your plan for recruitment?

4. Project Staff (for institutional evaluation only)
What staff and/or consultants will work on this project? Summarize their background and related qualifications.

5. Professional Development
For salary support requests, who will supervise this position? How will the supervisor aid in the professional development of the incumbent? For institutional evaluation requests, how will this project lead to increased institutional and/or staff professionalism?

6. Work Plan
For salary support requests, what key projects will the candidate plan, develop, and/or implement for the next year. Why are these projects an institutional priority? For institutional evaluation projects, describe the key tasks and time line for successful completion of this project?

7. Finances/Board Support
For salary support, what are the plans and activities to meet the costs of this staff position? Describe steps being taken by the board to maintain the position beyond the funding period. For institutional evaluation requests, how will the board be engaged in and supportive of this project? What other institutional resources will be allocated to this project?

Support Materials

Support material must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the program by the application deadline. If you want support materials returned, provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.

For collections or education staff:

1. Copy of long-range plan

2. Copy of personnel policy

3. Letter of support from board president

4. Resumés of potential candidates, if available

5. Up to 10 images or website reference, that best illustrates your proposal and institution. Be sure to identify the images. Powerpoint is preferred, but not required. (optional)

For institutional evaluation:

1. Copy of long-range plan

2. Copy of any previous self-assessment/evaluation

3. Letter of support from board president articulating board participation

4. Resumés or biographical statements of key personnel/consultants (maximum 1-2 pages each)

5. Up to 10 images or website reference, that best illustrate your institution. Be sure to identify the images. Powerpoint is preferred, but not required. (optional)