The NHPRC seeks archival projects that will significantly improve online public discovery and use of historical records collections. We welcome projects that engage the public, expand civic education, and promote understanding of the nation’s history, democracy, and culture from the founding era to the present day. The Commission encourages projects focused on collections of America’s early legal records, such as the records of colonial, territorial, county, and early statehood and tribal proceedings that document the evolution of the nation’s legal history.
Collections that center the voices and document the history of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are especially welcome. In addition, with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of , Independence approaching, the Commission is particularly interested in projects that promote discovery and access to collections that explore the ideals behind our nation’s founding and the continuous debate over those ideals to the present day.
Projects may preserve and process historical records to:
- Arrange or re-house and describe collections
- Convert existing description for online access
- Create new online Finding Aids to collections
- Digitize historical records collections and make them freely available online
All types of historical records are eligible, including documents, photographs, born-digital records, and analog audio and moving images.
First Deadline
Funding Opportunity Number: ARCHIVAL-202505
- Draft (optional): February 18, 2025
- Final Deadline: May 7, 2025
NHPRC support begins no earlier than January 1, 2026.
Second Deadline
Funding Opportunity Number: ARCHIVAL-202511
- Draft (optional): August 15, 2025
- Final Deadline: November 5, 2025
NHPRC support begins no earlier than July 1, 2026.
Eligible applicants:
- Nonprofit organizations or institutions
- Colleges, universities, and other academic institutions
- State or local government agencies
- Federally-acknowledged or state-recognized Native American tribes or groups
A grant is for one to two years and for up to $150,000. The Commission expects to make up to 14 grants in this category for a total of up to $1,400,000. The Commission requires that grant recipients acknowledge NHPRC grant assistance in all publicity, publications, and other products that result from its support. Grants are contingent upon available appropriated funds.
Cost sharing is not a requirement for this program and will not be part of the panel and staff review and evaluation process.
However, the applicant's financial contribution may be included on the NHPRC Budget form. Cost share may include both direct and indirect expenses, in-kind contributions, non-Federal third-party contributions, and any income earned directly by the project. Voluntary committed cost sharing does become a binding commitment and a part of the award’s terms and conditions.