On June 14, Eryl Wentworth and I attended a meeting at the IMLS office to discuss concerns about the merging of Conservation Project Support (CPS) with the Museums for America (MFA) program. IMLS staff Susan Hildreth (by phone), Mamie Bittner, Claudia French, and Connie Bodner were extremely helpful in reviewing the changes. IMLS remains committed to support of conservation activities and recognizes that IMLS is one of the only sources of funding for conservation activities, especially for preventive care. The IMLS has a long track record of supporting conservation projects and of making conservation a priority. That commitment is to continue.
Although CPS is under the umbrella of MFA in the new guidelines, we were assured that funding for conservation projects, in the Collections Stewardship program, will not compete with funding for the other two programs in MFA, Learning Experiences and Community Anchors. The funding level for conservation projects is expected to remain about the same as last year, depending on ongoing federal budget negotiations. Funding for CPS in FY 10 was $3,194,977 and for FY 11 and FY 12, $2,642,657 and $2,614,183, respectively. We expect funding for these types of projects in FY 13 will be in the same range. Applications will be reviewed by different, specialized panels. The application process is being simplified, and multiple applications are welcome. The draft application directions are available for review and comment through July 6th.
Meg Craft
AIC Board President