National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Archives - Basic Projects CFDA 89.003

The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), a part of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), supports projects that promote the preservation and use of America's documentary heritage essential to understanding our democracy, history, and culture. The National Historical Publications and Records Commission seeks proposals for fundamental archival activities that promote the preservation and use of America's documentary heritage. Proposals must demonstrate how the applicant employs the best and most cost-effective archival methods. Activities included under Basic Projects may be any one or combination of the following: *Basic Processing; *Preservation Planning; *Collections Development; and *Establishing Archives. Although projects focused exclusively on professional development are not eligible in this grant category, we strongly encourage each application to include professional development components necessary for the success of the project. Applications are due by Oct 6, 2009.

1. Basic Processing
For projects that process and reveal "hidden" collections that researchers otherwise cannot easily discover.
In general, proposals should demonstrate how repositories will catalog personal papers and manuscript collections at the collection level, and catalog institutional records at the series level. Basic processing usually includes identifying collections of manuscripts and records, and describing them at the appropriate component level. Basic processing proposals should not include the creation of file or folder listings. (For such projects, organizations should consult Archives - Detailed Processing Projects.) Applicants will need to create collection- or series-level MARC catalog records in a national bibliographic utility. If finding aids are created, they should generally meet current Encoded Archival Description standards, and be made available to appropriate regional and national archival databases.

Institutions must develop or implement processing techniques to eliminate unprocessed backlogs of holdings at a level consistent with appropriate standards and at a reasonable rate. In addition, applicants must develop and establish adequate accessioning and processing techniques that will prevent future backlogs. Basic processing proposals should also include reappraisal of collections and include a process for deaccessioning entire collections where appropriate.
Applicants must also include plans to promote the use of their collections after completing this processing.

2. Preservation Planning
For projects that focus on the preservation of collections as a whole. This approach of "phased preservation" often involves surveys of collections, assessment of environmental controls, and risk assessment. Although the NHPRC does not fund construction projects, applicants may include planning for necessary improvements to physical facilities. Collection-level preservation assessments may also be carried out as part of a basic processing project.
Detailed preservation activities-such as comprehensive reboxing and refoldering; preservation copying, reformatting, or microfilming; removing staples and paper clips; and item-level repair and conservation-are not permitted. (For such projects, organizations should consult Archives - Detailed Processing Projects.)

3. Collections Development
For projects to improve collections development including the following activities: documentation strategies, surveys, appraisal projects, records management projects with archival components, reappraisal and deaccessioning, and fieldwork and other collecting activities. The NHPRC does not support projects to create new documentation, except for oral history projects conducted by American Indian tribes and other indigenous peoples that rely on oral traditions to document their history and culture.
All projects that include collecting activities must show that the institution has developed, or will develop as a part of the project, initial processing techniques to gain basic physical and intellectual control over new accessions. If the repository has a large unprocessed backlog of holdings, collections development activities may only occur alongside basic processing activities.

4. Establishing Archives
For projects to establish new archives programs.
A proposal may include the cost of a consultant to assess the need for an archives program. The assessment should identify the resources necessary for sustaining such a program and include a collection development plan, a plan for basic processing of unprocessed collections and new accessions in a timely manner, and a phased preservation plan. Applications for start-up projects must provide convincing evidence for ongoing support from the parent institution. Applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to creating equitable and timely access to their holdings. If the organization already has a detailed assessment, it may submit a proposal for costs associated with starting its archives program.

Award Information
A grant normally is for one or two years and for up to $200,000. The Commission expects to make up to 23 grants in this category for a total of up to $1,750,000. NHPRC support begins no earlier than July 1, 2010.

Document Type: Grants Notice
Funding Opportunity Number: BASIC-200910
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Posted Date: Jun 05, 2009
Creation Date: Jun 05, 2009
Original Closing Date for Applications: Oct 06, 2009
Current Closing Date for Applications: Oct 06, 2009
Archive Date: Nov 05, 2009
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
Category of Funding Activity: Humanities (see "Cultural Affairs" in CFDA)
Category Explanation:
Expected Number of Awards: 23
Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,750,000
Award Ceiling: $200,000
Award Floor: $0
CFDA Number(s): 89.003 -- National Historical Publications and Records Grants
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes


Complete grant announcement for Archives - Basic Projects, including additional requirements and instructions