Museum Grant Program

The Museum Grant Program, established under California Assembly Bill 716, aims to support museums through competitive grants for projects focused on exhibits, education, and outreach, particularly benefiting historically underserved communities and students. Following the impacts of COVID-19, funding is prioritized for museums significantly affected by the pandemic. This initiative enhances access to cultural resources and promotes the preservation of California's historical and cultural heritage.

Funds for the CCHE came from Proposition 40, the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002. $122 million in grants were distributed competitively for the acquisition, restoration, preservation, and interpretation of historical and cultural resources. In 2013, AB 482 (Atkins) authorized the creation of a specified competitive grant program administered by CCHE to support small capital projects in museums. On September 23, 2018, Senate Bill (SB) 1493 was approved and expanded the museum grant program’s project focus to include exhibits, educational programs, outreach programs, public programs, curriculum, marketing, and collections care in museums. The Budget Act of 2020 (SB 74) states that the California Natural Resources Agency shall prioritize the funds for museums severely affected by COVID-19 and that serve historically underserved communities and/or students subject to Title 1 of the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Funding shall be prioritized for museums severely affected by COVID-19 and that serve historically underserved communities or students subject to Title I of the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Additionally, projects must meet one of the following priorities:
serving pupils and teachers at schools eligible to be served under Part A of Title I of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act; educating the public about critical issues affecting Californians.supporting the ethical stewardship of culturally sensitive art and artifacts, including, but not limited to, engaging in consultations with California Indian tribes or repatriation; orimproving access;advancing preservation of at-risk cultural and natural collections and historic buildings;supporting museums in engaging or collaborating with underserved communities;serving children in low-income communities;