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ARPA Awards 2021: Museums & Historical Organizations

This guide will provide all the information you need to apply for an ARPA award from Washington State Library: forms, explanations, ideas, and links

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ARPA applications closed 4/15/22

Application for Museums and Historical Societies

Apply here

Budget proposal

Sample Application

General Info

The mandate for spending ARPA funding is more restrictive that the CARES Act funding. IMLS directs us to enable organizations to reach residents with internet hotspots, accessible Wi-Fi, and other digital inclusion efforts, particularly in support of education, health, and workforce development needs. 

IMLS and Congress also intend that ARPA funding be used to provide rapid emergency relief, allowing communities to safely respond to the pandemic. This could include personal protective equipment (PPE) for reopening and safely providing services to your community. It can also include funding to continue programs put into place with CARES funding.

Though we cannot replace local funding or lost revenues, we can support services for special needs created by the pandemic, including some costs for personnel, technology, training, materials, supplies, equipment, and associated indirect costs.

You may read the official announcement here.

Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, is responsible for administering some of these funds in our state. 

The amount of award you can request is based on annual visits for 2019.

  • Up to 2,500 visitors   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .$3,000
  • 2,501 - 20,000 visitors  .  .  .  .  .  .  $5,000
  • Over 20,000 visitors  .  .  .  .  .  .  . $10,000

Your organization can request an award  for any of the eligible programs and projects you wish to implement.
We hope to make up to 80 awards. Applications will remain open until funds are exhausted or until further notice.

If you have any questions, please send an email to WSLgrants@sos.wa.gov.

Qualified organizations

A non-profit museum or historical organization that is open to the public, has dedicated staff or volunteers, and holds regular exhibits may apply.

We cannot make grants to friends groups or foundations. 

Eligible proposals

Please refer to the tabs for 'Allowable Expenses', 'Sample Project Ideas' and 'FAQ" for information and inspiration about how your organization might be able to use an award.

We will answer any and all questions  as promptly as possible at WSLgrants@sos.wa.gov.