CSA Angels Project
CSA Angels Project supports small institutions with hands-on costume and textile collection care, supplies, and staff training to preserve collections and strengthen collection management skills.
Funder: Costume Society of America
Due Dates: November 1, 2026 (Application) | After November 15, 2026 (Qualified applicant notification)
Funding Amounts: Up to $2,500 in small equipment and supplies, plus one-day collection care assistance; one award annually
Summary: Supports small institutions with hands-on conservation, storage, curatorial assistance, and training to preserve costume collections.
Key Information: Applicants must be within a 45-minute drive of the CSA National Symposium hotel.
Description
The Costume Society of America’s CSA Angels Project provides a small institution with a one-day intensive project addressing its costume collection’s most pressing needs. Established in 2006, the program operates near the host city of the annual CSA National Symposium. Angels Project leadership works with the selected institution to develop a practical plan, supported by CSA volunteers, donated supplies, and equipment and supplies purchased by the CSA Endowment.
Volunteers help document, catalogue, photograph, label, and store costume and textile objects, with on-site conservation treatment when needed. Collection staff and volunteers receive basic training in museum standards of care for costume and accessories. The project aims to make a substantial beneficial impact on the collection and institutional mission while helping CSA volunteers develop collection care and management skills.
