WASHINGTON, DC.- The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is accepting grant applications to the agency’s FY 2007 Museums for America (MFA) grant program. The application and guidelines are now available on the IMLS Web site at: http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/forAmerica.shtm. The application deadline is November 15, 2006. FY 2007 is also the first year that Museums for America applicants can submit their applications online through Grants.gov. Instructions are available at http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grantsgov/mfa07.shtm.

MFA grants strengthen a museum’s ability to serve the public more effectively by supporting high-priority activities that advance the museum’s mission and strategic goals. It is the largest funding program for museums at IMLS, providing more than $17 million in grants. IMLS seeks to distribute MFA grants across all types and sizes of museums, in all parts of the country.

MFA grants are designed to be flexible. Through three broad categories—sustaining cultural heritage, supporting lifelong learning, and serving as centers of community engagement—MFA grants provide funds for the full range of museum activities, including collections management, community partnerships, digitization, educational programs, exhibitions, purchase of equipment or services, staff training, research, and more. Descriptions of FY 2006 grant projects are available on the IMLS Web site at: http://www.imls.gov/results.asp?year=11&program=1052&description=on&sort=year.

In FY 2007, Museums for America funding will support projects designed by the institution that strengthen museums as active resources for lifelong learning and key players in the establishment of livable communities. Applicants may apply in one of three funding categories: $5,000 - $24,999, $25,000 - $74,999, or $75,000 – $150,000. A 1:1 match is required in each category.