The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is now accepting applications from community leaders for Preserve America community designations, titles which recognize a community's efforts to care for and share its cultural and natural heritage, and also makes the communities eligible for special federal funding. Preserve America is a White House initiative conducted in cooperation with the IMLS and other federal agencies.
The last two 2008 application periods are September 1 and December 1, 2008. Applications forms are available at http://www.preserveamerica.gov/communities.html
Through participation in Preserve America, communities share knowledge about the nation's past, strengthen local identities and local pride, increase neighborhood participation in preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets, and support economic vitality.
Once a community receives the Preserve America designation, it is eligible to apply for Preserve America grants, which may be used for research and documentation, education and interpretation, planning, marketing, or training. These grants, which must be matched by the community, cannot be used for construction or repair projects. Last year, the government awarded nearly $5 million in federal funding for Preserve America grants. In 2008, $7.5 million has been made available for the grants, which range from $20,000 to $150,000.
To access the full HTML version of the IMLS press release, please visit http://www.imls.gov/news/2008/081308b.shtm.
To learn more about the IMLS, please visit www.imls.gov.