New York State Council on the Arts
Go!
Grants for Museum Advancement
administered by the Upstate History Alliance


It is said that "the world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only one page."

To advance our institutions and encourage individual development, NYSCA advocates professional travel. GO! grants provide museum staff members and volunteers the opportunity to expand their horizons through the support of travel to other museums or professional conferences and workshops. Organizations may apply for travel grants of up to $750 per year. If the full $750 yearly allotment is not expended in the first application a second application will be accepted for the remainder of the funds upon availability. Go grants are available to:

  • Travel to view exemplary exhibitions, collections management projects or interpretive programs in New York state.
  • Travel to attend professional conferences or workshops in New York state.
  • Travel to conduct research in New York state related to your institution's collections or exhibitions.
  • Conference registration fees for regional and national museum conferences such as those offered by the American Association of Museums or the American Association of State and Local History.
  • Registration fees for online training courses & in person classes

GO! Grants cannot support out-of-state travel expenses such as mileage,  airfare or hotel. There is no deadline for a GO! grant. Applications may be submitted at any time, but must be postmarked at least 30 days in advance of the proposed travel. Applicants will be notified within 30 days of receipt. To apply, complete the GO! application located here, or click here for a Word version or here for a PDF of the application.

Before you begin writing your GO! grant application, please check our tips for a successful grant. It is also recommended that you contact UHA at 800.895.1648 with any questions or to discuss your grant application before submission.

General Information for Grants for Museum Advancement

1. We encourage you to contact the Upstate History Alliance to discuss your project before submitting an application. Please contact the UHA staff by e-mail at info@upstatehistory.org or by phone at 800.895.1648.

2. Organizations may receive one grant in each category in any calendar year.

3. Additional support will not be awarded until a final report for a previous project is submitted. The Museum Program at NYSCA is regularly updated on outstanding final reports.

4. Only organizations holding a charter from the New York State Board of Regents as a museum or historical society or institutions that are a unit of local government may apply.

5. Grants do not support out-of-state travel for staff or consultants.

6. From time to time the Grants for Museum Advancement Program may issue a special Requests for Proposals (RFP). Information on RFPs will be posted on this website and promoted through state and regional service organizations.

Applications are accepted by mail only and should be sent to: Upstate History Alliance, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta NY 13820