Mini Grants

WFM’s Mini Grant program awards up to two $1000 grants annually to assist affiliate institutions in the care and exhibition of collections, training of staff, and improving overall service to their communities.

Eligibility

Mini Grants are awarded to WFM institutional affiliates who meet the following criteria:

  • Own or use and care for tangible objects and specimens

  • Make their materials available to the public through exhibits, education, research, and/or programming

  • Hold 501(c)(3) status, operate under the jurisdiction of the state, county, municipality, or tribal government/organization, and/or are an institution of higher learning

Guidelines

  • Institutions are limited to ONE Mini Grant application per year

  • Collaborative projects are accepted provided all the applicants are WFM institutional affiliates who meet the criteria above

  • Mini Grant awards require matching funds, which may include cash, in-kind materials and/or services, staff hours, and volunteer hours (calculated at the current minimum wage rate)

  • Preference may be given to institutions that have not received a WFM Mini Grant previously or institutions with limited budgets and staff

Recipients

  • The Mini Grant is presented at the annual Wisconsin Museums Conference. At least one representative of the recipient institution must be present to receive the award. The institution will be notified at least one month in advance in order to facilitate attendance

  • Appropriate recognition of the grant funds should be included on any promotional materials, publications, or publicly associated with the project

  • A final report must be submitted to WFM within 3 months of project completion. Projects should be completed within the calendar year following the grant award

Application Procedure