How to Get Funding for a Small Museum

Over half of the museums in the United States are small and run by volunteer staff. They have to get funding for education, preservation and to cover operation. Obtaining funding is no easy task, but it is definitely one that can be accomplished. There are many tools and resources available to get funding for a small museum, you just have look in the right places.

• Apply for a Federal Grant. There are many different types of grants you can apply for to help you get funding in different areas. The National Institute for Conservation has a grant program specifically for small museums that will hire conservators to come in and assess their collection and train staff on caring for items in the collection. The Institute for Museum and Library Services has a grant program that offers anywhere between $5,000 and $150,000 for funding education, training, exhibition and collection.


• Have a fundraiser. A fundraiser cannot only be an outlet to raise cash, but it can also be a ton of fun. You can get help from the local community and have a ball, carnival or small sporting event.


• Get a sponsor. Corporations are usually required to donate to non-profit organizations. They also have the benefit of having their name displayed at the museum.


• Try your state government offices. State governments usually have some sort of programs to assist museums and non-profits.