Museum Assistance Program - Collections Management

• Funding for projects improving collections management or rematriation/repatriation of Indigenous cultural belongings: maximum of $50,000 per project, for up to 1 calendar year (12 months).
• Funding for projects related to sharing of best practices benefiting multiple partners: up to $100,000 per fiscal year, for a maximum of 2 years.
• Project funding will normally not exceed 50% of eligible expenses.
• In exceptional circumstances (e.g., projects benefiting remote/rural or underserved communities), funding can cover up to 85% of eligible expenses.
• The total government financial assistance (federal, provincial/territorial, municipal) is limited to 100% of total project-related costs.

• The applicant must be an incorporated non-profit Canadian museum employing at least one paid professional staff (excluding students) and have policies for key museum functions.
• Alternatively, the applicant may be an incorporated non-profit Canadian service organization (such as a museum association) employing at least one paid professional staff (excluding students).
• Indigenous governing bodies or Indigenous organizations within Canada with a mandate to preserve and support First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis heritage are also eligible.
• Projects must have a clear start and end date, defined activities, and measurable results, and be related to collections management functions.

Who is eligible?

• Incorporated non-profit Canadian museums
• Incorporated non-profit Canadian service organizations related to the museum sector
• Indigenous governing bodies or Indigenous organizations within Canada with a mandate to preserve and support First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis heritage

Who is not eligible

• Federal departments, Crown corporations, and federal agencies.

Eligible expenses

• Pro-rated salaries and wages for staff working on the project (excluding reimbursable salaries from municipal and provincial governments).
• Travel expenses for project personnel (excluding attendance at professional development activities), in accordance with government travel rates.
• Honorariums, fees, and travel costs for consultants, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural practitioners, following permitted government rates.
• Equipment rental, shipping fees, promotion, and communication costs.
• Translation of materials aimed at the public into both official languages, and other relevant languages including Indigenous languages.
• Materials and supplies directly related to the project.
• Minor capital asset purchases (equipment), up to 25% of the project funding from the program.
• Purchase of software for project implementation.
• Staff training expenses related to the project.
• Hospitality and gifts specifically associated with traditional Indigenous ceremonies and protocols.
• Incremental project administration costs (maximum 15% of eligible project expenses).
• Project audit fees (where applicable).
• Other direct project-related costs as specified in the budget.

Eligible geographic areas

• All provinces and territories in Canada

• Link between proposed activities and Program objectives.
• Relevance of the proposed activities.
• Community engagement (if applicable).
• Feasibility of the proposed activities, including management and planning.
• Capacity of the applicant organization to carry out the project, including financial stability, governance, and heritage activities.

• Products developed for the public must be available in both official languages, and applicants are encouraged to include other relevant languages as appropriate.
• Funding requests for emergency assistance related to natural disasters are accepted year-round.
• Donated goods and services may be counted as in-kind contributions if they meet specific criteria.
• Recipients must publicly acknowledge financial support from the Government of Canada in both English and French in all communications materials and promotional activities.