Review the terms and conditions for The Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme (MMAPSS).
The Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme (MMAPSS) is a joint program of the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Australian Government through the Ministry for the Arts.
Funding is dependent on annual budgetary allocations. Subject to this, MMAPSS will provide grants for up to $15,000 for approved projects related to:
- collection management (registration, documentation and storage)
- conservation (preservation, vessel restoration, conservation work/treatments and professional assessments)
- development of relevant education or public programs which make collections more accessible to audiences and
- museological training for paid or unpaid workers of not-for-profit organisations caring for Australia's maritime collections.
Policy Objectives
To enable the development and implementation of objectives for collecting, organising, preserving and communicating material of significance in all Australian maritime collections.
To enable maritime museums to undertake projects which will increase standards of practice.
To assist maritime museums to provide quality public access to their collections through display, interpretation and community involvement.
These grants are for projects capable of completion and acquittal by 30 April in the year after the grant has been awarded. The annual timetable for the program is generally as follows.
- Applications open March
- Applications close April
- Grantees are advised by 29 May
- All grants are acquitted by 30 April the following year
Who Can Apply?
All maritime museums legally incorporated as non-profit making bodies, whether privately or government funded, will be eligible to receive grants under the scheme. This may include institutions not identifying themselves as maritime museums in their title yet, which preserve and display significant amounts of maritime material. Joint applications from two or more eligible institutions are welcome. Institutions may submit more than one application, please note however that each institution is only eligible for one MMAPSS project grant per year.
Assessment of Applications
An independent committee comprising representatives from the Australian National Maritime Museum and an independent advisor from the maritime heritage community will assess the applications. The assessment of applications will encompass:
- evidence of projects, which have maritime and historical significance
- quality of the project in terms of its aims, content, rationale and likely benefit
- evidence of sound planning, appropriate management and financial administration
- measure of relevance to a specified target audience and the community in general and
- demonstrated viability of the organisation and the proposed project.
Acknowledgment and Publications
In all publications, promotional materials and activities relating to the project, the recipient shall acknowledge the financial support it has received from the commonwealth in the following form:
The Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme is funded by the Australian Government through the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
Funding and Duration of Projects
Grants are for a maximum of $15,000, although submissions for smaller amounts are considered. Applicants may be awarded an amount less than that applied for. MMAPSS funding may be allocated to augment funding from other sources, including sponsorship.
Funding for projects will be awarded to cover approximately a 11 month period from May to April the following year.
More Information
If you have any questions about the Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme please contact the MMAPSS coordinator:
- Phone: +61 2 9298 3777
- Email: mmapss@sea.museum
Learn more
