Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP)

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The Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program provides small and mid-sized museums with partial funding toward a general conservation assessment. The assessment is a study of all of the institution's collections, buildings, and building systems, as well as policies and procedures relating to collections care. Participants receive an assessment report with prioritized recommendations to improve collections care.

CAP is administered by FAIC under a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Funding for each program year is subject to availability of funds in the federal budget. No funds have been allocated for the 2025 program year, and we do not have updates on when another CAP cycle might be possible.

If you value the support IMLS provides to museums across the country, please explore our Advocacy and Policy page to learn more about the ways you can advocate on behalf of conservation.

Emergency CAP Program Funding

We are currently able to fund a limited number of Emergency CAP assessments through the end of the year. Please visit the Emergency CAP program page to learn more.

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Program Overview

This program emphasizes preventive conservation and what you can do as an institution to create the best environment for the items in your collection. CAP is often a first step for small institutions that wish to improve the condition of their collections. A CAP assessment may assist your institution by:

Providing recommendations and priorities for collections care that are specific to your collections
Facilitating the development of a long-range preservation plan
Serving as a fundraising tool for future collections projects

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Process Eligibility Costs Frequently Asked Questions Emergency

Questions?

If you have questions about the program or would like to be added to our notification list for updates on future application cycles, email cap@culturalheritage.org.

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Collections Care Resources

Collections care resources on a variety of topics including handling, exhibiting, and storing collections, policies and planning, emergencies, funding, and others. These may be helpful before, during, and after a CAP assessment.

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Become a CAP Assessor

Are you a conservation or preservation professional interested in performing general conservation assessments for the CAP program? Learn how to Become an Assessor.

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CAP Assessor Resources

CAP Assessors can find program materials and tools to assist in the assessment process including the Assessor handbook, and frequently asked questions.

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