Opportunity Information: Apply for CAG ML FY20
The IMLS CARES Act Grants for Museums and Libraries (Funding Opportunity Number: CAG ML FY20) was a discretionary grant program offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to help museums and libraries respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Created on May 8, 2020, with an original application deadline of June 12, 2020, the program was designed as part of the federal CARES Act response and focused on supporting how these community institutions could continue serving the public during the coronavirus pandemic. In practical terms, the opportunity targeted pandemic-related needs and operational challenges that emerged as museums and libraries adjusted services, staffing, and public access in the face of closures, safety requirements, and rapidly changing community demands.
The program used a standard grant funding instrument and sat within the broader federal activity areas associated with arts and humanities (reflecting the cultural affairs scope of many museum and library functions). It was listed under CFDA number 45.312. IMLS anticipated making around 90 awards, with a maximum award size (ceiling) of up to $500,000 per grant, signaling that proposals could range from smaller, targeted interventions to more substantial, organization-wide or multi-faceted response efforts, so long as they aligned with the core goal of addressing pandemic impacts.
Eligibility was categorized broadly as "Others" and referenced additional eligibility details in the full announcement text, indicating that applicants needed to consult the official guidance to confirm whether their specific organization type qualified. The overall framing made clear that the purpose was not general programming support, but rather support tied to coronavirus response. That typically includes maintaining or adapting public services under pandemic constraints, sustaining access to collections or information resources when buildings are closed or operating with limited capacity, and strengthening an institution's ability to meet urgent community needs brought on or intensified by COVID-19.Apply for CAG ML FY20
- The Institute of Museum and Library Services in the arts (see cultural affairs in cfda), humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "IMLS CARES Act Grants for Museums and Libraries" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 45.312.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 08, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 12, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 90 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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IMLS CARES Act Grants for Museums and Libraries (CAG ML FY20) - FAQs
What is the IMLS CARES Act Grants for Museums and Libraries program?
The IMLS CARES Act Grants for Museums and Libraries (Funding Opportunity Number: CAG ML FY20) was a discretionary grant program offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to help museums and libraries respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
What was the purpose of this funding opportunity?
The program was designed to support museum and library efforts to continue serving the public during the coronavirus pandemic. It focused on pandemic-related needs and operational challenges, especially those arising from closures, safety requirements, staffing disruptions, limited public access, and rapidly changing community demands.
When was the opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on May 8, 2020.
What was the application deadline?
The original application deadline was June 12, 2020.
Is this program part of the federal CARES Act response?
Yes. The funding opportunity was created as part of the federal CARES Act response to the COVID-19 emergency.
Which agency offered this grant?
The program was offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
What types of organizations was this opportunity meant to help?
It was aimed at community institutions such as museums and libraries that needed support to maintain or adapt services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What kinds of needs or challenges did the program target?
The opportunity targeted pandemic-related needs and operational challenges that emerged as museums and libraries adjusted services, staffing, and public access due to COVID-19 closures and safety requirements.
Did the grant support general programming, or did it need to be COVID-related?
The framing of the opportunity indicated it was not intended for general programming support. Instead, it was tied specifically to coronavirus response and the impacts of COVID-19 on operations and public service.
What are examples of activities this grant was meant to support?
Based on the program description, the grant was intended to support activities such as maintaining or adapting public services under pandemic constraints, sustaining access to collections or information resources when facilities were closed or operating at limited capacity, and strengthening an institution's ability to meet urgent community needs brought on or intensified by COVID-19.
What funding instrument was used?
The program used a standard grant funding instrument.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?
The Funding Opportunity Number was CAG ML FY20.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity was listed under CFDA number 45.312.
How many awards did IMLS expect to make?
IMLS anticipated making around 90 awards.
What was the maximum award amount?
The maximum award size (ceiling) was up to $500,000 per grant.
Did the program allow for different project sizes?
Yes. The stated ceiling of up to $500,000 signaled that proposals could range from smaller, targeted interventions to more substantial, organization-wide or multi-faceted response efforts, as long as they aligned with the core goal of addressing pandemic impacts.
What subject area did this program fall under?
The opportunity sat within broader federal activity areas associated with arts and humanities, reflecting the cultural affairs scope of many museum and library functions.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligibility was categorized broadly as "Others" and the notice referenced additional eligibility details in the full announcement text. Applicants were expected to consult the official guidance to confirm whether their specific organization type qualified.
Where could applicants find the detailed eligibility requirements?
The summary indicated that additional eligibility details were provided in the full announcement text, meaning applicants needed to consult the official program guidance to confirm eligibility.
Was the goal to help institutions maintain public access during closures or limited capacity?
Yes. A core theme of the opportunity was helping museums and libraries sustain or adapt public services and access to collections or information resources while buildings were closed or operating with limitations due to COVID-19.
Was this a competitive discretionary grant program?
Yes. The opportunity was described as a discretionary grant program.
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (CAG ML FY20) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| IMLS CARES Act Grants for Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum and Library Services Apply for CAG NANH FY20 Funding Number: CAG NANH FY20 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Showcasing U.S. Diversity and Values and Addressing Social Issues in Ukraine through American Independent Film Apply for PAS UKRAINE 2020 015 Funding Number: PAS UKRAINE 2020 015 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Ukraine Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Laura Bush 21st Century Library Program (2021) Apply for LB21 FY21 Funding Number: LB21 FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2021) Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY21 Funding Number: NLG LIBRARIES FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Uncovering the Hidden Costs of Using Untrusted Vendors for 5G Apply for DOS PARIS PD 2020 CA 004 Funding Number: DOS PARIS PD 2020 CA 004 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to France Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Museums for America (2021) Apply for MFA FY21 Funding Number: MFA FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Museums (2021) Apply for NLG M FY21 Funding Number: NLG M FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Museums Empowered (2021) Apply for ME FY21 Funding Number: ME FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Inspire! Grants for Small Museums (2021) Apply for IGSM FY21 Funding Number: IGSM FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (2021) Apply for AAHC FY21 Funding Number: AAHC FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services (2021) Apply for NANH FY21 Funding Number: NANH FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Asuncion, Paraguay - PD Annual Program Statement Fiscal Year 2021 Apply for SPA10021GR001WHA11202020 Funding Number: SPA10021GR001WHA11202020 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Paraguay Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Laura Bush 21st Century Library Program (2021) Apply for LB21 FY21 P2 Funding Number: LB21 FY21 P2 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2021) Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY21 P2 Funding Number: NLG LIBRARIES FY21 P2 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Native American Library Services Basic Grant Apply for NAG BASIC FY21 Funding Number: NAG BASIC FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Collections Assessment for Preservation Program Apply for CAP FY21 Funding Number: CAP FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant (2021) Apply for NAG HAWAIIAN FY21 Funding Number: NAG HAWAIIAN FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Native American Library Services Enhancement Grant (2021) Apply for NAG ENHANCEMENT FY21 Funding Number: NAG ENHANCEMENT FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| IMLS American Rescue Plan Apply for ARP FY21 Funding Number: ARP FY21 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| National Leadership Grants for Libraries (2022) Apply for NLG LIBRARIES FY22 Funding Number: NLG LIBRARIES FY22 Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services Category: Arts (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA), Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
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