GET SET! Sample Projects

Below are examples of successful Get Set! grant applications. These grant application illustrate the variety of projects that are supported by Get Set! Grants.

To begin your own Get Set! grant application process, please complete the application form, and read our tips for a successful grant application. If you have any questions, please call Museumwise at 800.895.1648. We are looking forward to receiving your application.

Shaker Heritage Society - Albany, NY

Project: The Shaker Heritage Society is seeking funding to work with the Executive Service Corps of the Tri-Cities (ESCOT) to learn how to complete audience and market research that will lead to development of a marketing plan for the Society. Although the Society has done a great deal of essential “behind the scenes” work, the local community is largely unaware of these efforts. The Society’s staff and Board agree that it is time to turn their efforts towards spreading the word about the Society’s work while highlighting the opportunities that the Shaker site presents for the local community.

Livingston County Historical Society - Geneseo, NY

Project: In 2008-09 Livingston County Historical Society created a five-year strategic plan as well as completing a Conservation Assessment Program (CAP) assessment. Both undertakings reveled that the next phase in the organization’s development is to address collection management priorities. Collections management and care is central to preserving the collection, the LCHS staff and board are dedicated and hard working, and they are in need of expertise and training in the area of collections care and management. To this end, the LCHS board and staff request a Get Set grant to work with Melissa Brown as a collection management consultant.

World Awareness Children’s Museum - Glens Falls, NY

Project: Now that the World Awareness Children’s Museum (WACM) has completed their move into a new building, it is time to look ahead at the next three to five years. With the help of consultant Anne Ackerson, WACM will launch a new strategic planning initiative. The museum is moving into a new era with ownership of its own building, increased activities and financial needs that necessitate a new strategic plan. At the same time, Ms. Ackerson will work to refresh and reinvigorate board members after strenuous years of capital campaigns and carry them into the next decade in the new building.

Islip Art Museum - East Islip, NY

Project: Neighbors serving the same community, the Islip Art Museum and the Islip Art Council are undergoing a merger that will combine the two institutions under one non-profit governing board. The formerly separate entities have two different strategic plans with two unique visions for their institutions. Using a Get Set grant, both institutions will examine their own identities and discover how they can be integrated into one cohesive entity. Consultants will determine the core needs and expectations of both agencies involved in the partnership, educate the Arts Council about museum practices, and help to formalize goals and objectives for the merged organization.

Geneva Historical Society - Geneva, NY

Project: As part of their 2009-2011 strategic plan, the Geneva Historical Society wants to increase the financial viability of their organization by increasing their membership retention. After further consideration, the Historical Society realized that they should add an annual appeal as well, and wants to make sure both of these initiatives are begun and carried out efficiently and correctly. By hiring a consultant to advise on membership techniques and how to initiate an annual appeal, the Geneva Historical Society is proactively working to ensure that they remain financially viable and present in the community with a budding membership base.

Historic House Trust of NYC - New York, NY

Project: With twenty-three houses throughout New York City, the Historic House Trust requests a Get Set grant to explore possibilities for site-specific, contemporary art installations. Grant funds will be used to organize a roundtable of five practicing artists as consultants, house representatives, and Trust staff and board members to discuss logistics and brainstorm conceptual ideas for forward-thinking installations or performance pieces that will reengage New Yorkers with historic houses in new and exciting ways.