ACM Outstanding Practice Award

ACM Outstanding Practice Award

Funder: Association of Children's Museums (ACM)

Status: Application period for 2026 is now closed

Purpose: Recognizes an exceptional accomplishment by a children's museum in work across all departments that is also recognized as an outstanding practice for the field. This award may recognize contributions to the field through innovative exhibits, strategic initiatives, fundraising efforts, or transformative leadership.

Award Categories: One award per category

Small museum

Medium museum

Large museum

Museum Size Classifications

| Size | Total Operating Expenses | Building Size (Sq Ft) | Annual Attendance | Staff |
|------|-------------------------|----------------------|-------------------|-------|
| Small | Less than $487,326 | Less than 12,000 | Less than 50,000 | Less than 14 |
| Medium | $487,326 – $2.3 million | 12,000 – 44,040 | 50,000 – 148,667 | 14 – 41 |
| Large | More than $2.3 million | More than 44,040 | More than 148,667 | More than 41 |

Focus Areas

• Programming addressing social issues
• Exhibits exploring environmental sustainability
• Engagement efforts at the forefront of critical dialogues around children and families in their communities
• Community partnerships focused on changing policy and practice
• Innovative exhibits
• Strategic initiatives
• Fundraising efforts
• Transformative leadership

Eligibility

• Membership requirement: Open to museums that are an open ACM-member museum in good standing
• Implementation timeline: Creative experiences, programs, or business practices should have been developed, updated, and/or implemented within the past year and no more than three years prior to submission

Requirements for Award Recipients

• Send minimum one representative from the museum to receive the award at InterActivity (travel, lodging, and meal expenses supported by museum)
• Prepare and present a poster showcasing the submitted work during at least one designated session block at InterActivity
• Serve on the panel to review applications and select awardees for the following year
• Contribute an article to ACM's signature publication Hand to Hand

Contact

Kristin DeNovellis Associate Director, Museum Member Services kristin.denovellis@childrensmuseums.org