GET READY!

Grants for Museum Advancement

Sponsored by the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by Museumwise: The Museum Association of New York

The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) has provided $78,605 for the FY 2013 Grants for Museum Advancement program. These funds will be portioned between January and June and July and December in accordance with previous year's application percentages (approximately 8 Get Ready; 14 Get Set; and 40 Go! grants). 

Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds have been fully allocated. It is advisable to apply early in the year.

Click here to view a list of 2012 Grants for Museum Advancement recipients.

Just as an individual needs a clear destination and road map on a journey, an organization can best move forward and effectively meet its mission with a strategic plan that serves as a blueprint for the future.

GET READY! grants provide a way for organizations to learn about the planning process and help your organization begin creating a plan. A GET READY! grant provides your organization with a consultant experienced in museum planning who spends up to half a day with your organization and provides a follow-up report. This consultant will introduce strategic and long range planning concepts to your board and staff and help you initiate planning. The process will be interactive and the consultant will provide sample plans and help your organization establish a framework for planning.

If your organization does not have a current strategic or long range plan, you must complete a GET READY! grant before your institution can apply for the GET SET! grant. There is no deadline for a GET READY! grant. Applications may be submitted at any time and applicants will be notified within one month of submission. To apply, complete the GET READY! application available here or here for a PDF of the application.

To be eligible for a GET READY! grant, your organization must be chartered as a museum or historical organization with collections by the New York State Board of Regents or be a museum with a parent that is a non-profit organization or local governmental agency.

Before you begin writing your GET READY! grant application, please check our tips for a successful grant. It is also recommended that you contact Museumwise: MANY at 800.895.1648 with any questions or to discuss your grant application before submission. Note: GET READY! applicants must submit two (2) copies of their application and supporting materials. Applications should be mailed to Museumwise: The Museum Association of New York, 265 River Street, Troy, NY 12180.

GET READY! application (DOC) (PDF)

Applications are accepted by mail only and should be sent to: Museumwise: The Museum Association of New York, 265 River Street, Troy, NY 12180