Supporting North Carolina’s Small and Emerging Museums
FOCoS (Free On-Site Consultation Services) is a signature program of the North Carolina Museums Council (NCMC) that connects small and emerging museums with experienced professionals from across the state. Whether you’re working with limited staff, budget, or resources, FOCoS is here to help you strengthen your institution and better serve your community.
Through collaboration, shared expertise, and one-on-one support, FOCoS helps your museum grow in practical and meaningful ways—all at no cost to you.
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Apply Any Time — No deadlines. Submit your
application when it works for you.
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Virtual Consultations Available — Many
projects can now be completed via Zoom or Google Meet.
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In-Person Support — For large-scale needs like
exhibit design, we’ll coordinate on-site visits as budget allows.
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Updated Application — Our streamlined
application makes it easier than ever to apply.
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Expanded Consultant Network — Don’t see a
match for your project? We’ll do our best to find a qualified consultant just
for you.
You can request assistance in up to two of the following focus areas:
● Accessibility
● Collections Management
● Community Engagement
● Exhibit Design and Construction (In-person only)
● Facility Administration
● In-Person and Digital Educational Programming
● Interpretation
● Marketing and Social Media
● Recruiting and Managing Volunteers
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Other as requested
FOCoS is open to all museums, historic sites, and cultural organizations in North Carolina. Priority is given to institutions with limited financial resources (generally those with operating budgets under $100,000), but anyone is welcome to apply.
You do not need to be a member of NCMC to participate in FOCoS. We’re here to support the entire museum community—membership or not.
Applications may be completed by staff or volunteers, but must be reviewed and signed by the institution’s director or official representative, who will serve as the point of contact throughout the process.
If you're a museum professional with a passion for helping others, we’d love to have you on our consultant team! Share your expertise and give back to the field by supporting small museums across the state.
👉 Email us at vicepresident@ncmuseums.org to learn more.
We’re here to help. FOCoS is administered by the NCMC Vice President in partnership with the board. For questions or more information, contact: 📩 vicepresident@ncmuseums.org