FOCoS: Free On-Site Consultation Services

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.

What’s New with FOCoS?

●       Apply Any Time — No deadlines. Submit your application when it works for you.

●       Virtual Consultations Available — Many projects can now be completed via Zoom or Google Meet.

●       In-Person Support — For large-scale needs like exhibit design, we’ll coordinate on-site visits as budget allows.

●       Updated Application — Our streamlined application makes it easier than ever to apply.

●       Expanded Consultant Network — Don’t see a match for your project? We’ll do our best to find a qualified consultant just for you.

What Can FOCoS Help With?

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

●       Other as requested

Who Can Apply?

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.

How to Apply

1. Download the application
   
2. Attach any supplemental materials with proper file naming
   
3. Submit your completed application (signed by your director or site representative) to:
    📩 vicepresident@ncmuseums.org

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.

Want to Be a FOCoS Consultant?

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.

Questions?

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