Madison children's museum will engage in external community engagement efforts and internal capacity-building activities as part of its long-range strategic planning and site evaluation process

The Madison Children's Museum received a $500,000 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through its Museums for America (CFDA 45.301) program. The grant will support the museum's strategic planning and community engagement efforts over the 2-year period from September 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025.

Specifically, the museum will engage in external community outreach and internal capacity-building activities to inform the development of a responsive strategic plan. This will include working with a strategic planning consultant, conducting listening sessions and focus groups with volunteers, and partnering with the University of Wisconsin to enhance the museum's research and evaluation capabilities. As a result, the museum will be better equipped to fulfill community needs through community-informed exhibits, programs, and educational experiences.

A strategic planning consultant will oversee the planning process, and staff will work with volunteers in listening sessions and focus groups to create a responsive strategic plan. The museum will also partner with the university of wisconsin department of curriculum and instruction to work with a student research fellow who will assist in increasing the museum's research and evaluation capacities. As a result of the project, the museum will be better able to fulfill community needs through community-informed exhibits, programs, and educational experiences.