EVERETT—Imagine Children’s Museum was notified that a $250,000 grant, terminated without explanation in April, has been officially reinstated by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), following a federal court order.
On Wednesday, May 21, Imagine Children’s Museum received a notice from IMLS Acting Director Keith Sonderling stating that, in accordance with the U.S. District Court’s Preliminary Injunction Order issued May 13, 2025, in State of Rhode Island, et al. v. Trump et al., the Museum’s Museums for America grant (Award No. MA-255664-OMS-24) has been reinstated. The notice also acknowledged that an appeal is pending, which may affect the status of the grant in the future.
“We are relieved and grateful that this essential funding has been restored, at least for now,” said Elizabeth (Elee) Wood, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Imagine Children’s Museum. “This grant is vital to the success of our Little Science Lab program, which brings high-quality early learning experiences to preschool-aged children and their families across Snohomish County.”
The Museum first announced on April 21 that it had received a sudden and unexplained notice from IMLS terminating the grant as of April 8. The grant had been awarded in 2024 to support the Museum’s Little Science Lab program, which delivers free, interactive science education sessions to children and caregivers in public libraries, preschools, and community centers. The termination threatened up to $222,973 in funding through 2027, potentially forcing the program to end prematurely.
The reinstatement follows legal action by multiple states challenging the federal government’s efforts to dismantle several cultural and educational agencies, including IMLS. The litigation resulted in the court’s injunction, mandating the reversal of certain grant cancellations.
Following the announcement of the grant termination in April, Imagine Children’s Museum received strong support from the community, including elected officials and families. Wood said she is grateful for the outpouring of support and immediate response. She says the Museum remains committed to delivering the Little Science Lab program as planned through June 2025 and is monitoring developments closely.
“We will continue advocating for the children and families who benefit from this program,” said Wood. “While this reinstatement is a meaningful victory, we recognize that uncertainty remains.”
Source: Imagine Children’s Museum
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
