Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the eligibility requirements for the grant?

1. The museum must be a science center or museum or a children’s museum that is physically located in the State.
2. The museum must be open, operating, and exhibiting science or science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education objects to the general public at least 120 days of each year for the past two or more years.
3. The museum must be a municipal or nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income taxes pursuant to section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
4. The museum has on its staff at least one full-time professional person.
5. The museum’s governing body has adopted a mission statement that includes language that shows the museum has a concentration on science or STEM education.
6. In its application a detailed plan is necessary for the proposed use of the funds and measurements to demonstrate at the end of the grant cycle that the use of the funds has had the projected results.

2. Where do I get a SAM.gov number/ how do I check my status with SAM.gov?

a. Instructions for obtaining a free UEI can be found on Sam.gov

1. What are the restrictions on funding?

a. Grant funds may not be used for the following expenditures unless otherwise noted in the grant guidelines:

• Deficit reduction
• Capital expenditures
• Contingency funds
• Food or beverages for hospitality or entertainment functions
• Fundraising events (activities designed to generate profit)
• Art sales events and auctions
• Interest on loans, fines, or litigation costs
• Lobbying expenses
• Tuition for academic study

2. Does the funding require matching funds?

a. The funding does not require matching funds

1. How often is the grant awarded?

a. Grant is on a 2-year cycle that follows the state budget cycle

2. How often are the funds awarded?

a. Funds will be distributed each year

3. When are awards distributed?

a. Award letters are distributed yearly after certification of NCSMGP budget