Statewide Conference Grants require no match and are awarded as "seed" money to organizations that plan and hold conferences relating to issues concerning the history, museum, historic preservation and cultural communities of Pennsylvania. Applications are accepted and awards are made throughout the year.

Availability of Funds. Grant awards are subject to the annual availability of funds from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Funding is based on the state fiscal year, July through June.

Who May Apply
Generally, any organization eligible to apply for and to receive a grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is eligible to apply for funding.

• Colleges and universities
• Educational organizations
• Historical organizations and societies
• Historic preservation organizations
• Libraries (public and private)
• Local governments
• Museums
• Other related organizations (Contact the appropriate Grant Manager to discuss eligibility. Please refer to the section on " PHMC Grants Staff. ")

Who May Not Apply
Organizations that are not eligible to apply include:

• Museums and historic sites operated by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission;
• Associate groups at museums and historic sites operated by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission;
• Museums and historic sites operated by state or federal government agencies;
• Nonprofit organizations and public agencies who received funding for the same conference the previous year;
• State government;
• Federal government; and
• Individuals.

Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a Statewide Conference Grant, an organization must meet the following requirements:

• Must have tax-exempt status (501(c)(3)) with the Internal Revenue Service or be an entity of local government;
• Must be incorporated and in existence for at least two years prior to the submission of the grant application; and
• Must be registered with the Pennsylvania Commission on Charitable Organizations, as required.

General Conditions
There are several general conditions for Statewide Conference Grants.

• Conferences must be held in Pennsylvania; (Organizations applying for funding may have offices located out-of-state.)
• Conferences must appeal to a statewide, regional or national audience; and
• Grant awards will generally not exceed $5,000.

Ineligible Activities
Statewide Conference Grants may not be used to fund the following:

• Conference activities that have been initiated prior to the date of the award;
• Conferences that serve a religious purpose or promote religious dogma; and
• Conferences not available to the public or taking place outside of Pennsylvania.
• Prizes, gifts, mementos and/or awards;
• Expenses for entertainment;
• Food and beverages for events, workshops and conferences;

Grant Period and Implementation Timetable
Statewide Conference Grants may be applied for throughout the year. The Grants Committee reviews applications and makes recommendations for funding to the full Commission. It usually takes approximately three months to process a Grant Agreement. Expenditures may not be made against the grant until the successful applicant has received a copy of the fully executed Grant Agreement.

Maximum Number of Awards
Eligible applicants may apply for and may receive under the Pennsylvania History and Museum Grant Program one Statewide Conference Grant, one type of Project Grant, one type of General Operating Support Grant and a Technical Assistance Grant. The applicant may also serve as the lead partner of a collaborative grant.

Applicants meeting the relevant eligibility requirements may apply for and may receive one grant under the Certified Local Government Grant Program and one grant under the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program.

Please take the time to read the material provided on this website to determine if you are eligible to receive other grants from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Applications
Applicants for Statewide Conference Grants are required to use the web-based electronic grant application process. Exceptions are generally only made for those applicants who do not have access to the necessary equipment. Exceptions must be discussed in advance with the appropriate grants manager. (See the section entitled " PHMC Grants Staff " for names, telephone numbers and email addresses.)

The electronic grant application process has been in use for several years now and provides a mechanism for you to complete your grant application on-line. It is a relatively simple process that allows you to submit your application as late as midnight of the appointed deadline date. Commission staff can also review your application while in progress and are available to assist you and answer questions.

To download a PDF of the Statewide Conference Grants Application Click Here.