Washington, DC-The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is accepting grant applications to the agency's FY 2010 Conservation Project Support (CPS) program. Application guidelines are available on the IMLS Web site at http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/conservProject.shtm

The application deadline is October 1, 2009.

The IMLS initiative, Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action, and the agency-funded report, A Public Trust at Risk, The Heritage Health Index Report on the State of America's Collections, highlight the dire need for conservation and collections care in American museums, and IMLS encourages all museums to consider submitting an application to improve the care of their collections. Through the Conservation Project Support program, the Institute awards matching grants of up to $150,000 to help museums identify their conservation needs and priorities, and to help them ensure the safekeeping of their collections through the implementation of sound conservation practices.

The Institute funds conservation activities for all types of collections through six categories of Conservation Project Support activities:

• General Conservation Survey

• Detailed Conservation Survey

• Environmental Survey

• Environmental Improvements

• Treatment

• Training

For questions about the CPS program, contact Senior Program Officer, Christine Henry, 202-653-4674, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Program Specialist, Mark Feitl, 202-543-4635, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.