Archives Collaboratives

The Archives Collaboratives Planning Grants program, offered by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), supports the development of collaborative initiatives among three or more repositories to enhance access to historical records. These grants are designed to help institutions form partnerships, develop missions, and create work plans for joint projects that improve the capacity of small, diverse, and underrepresented archives. Planning Grants provide funding of up to $30,000 for one-year projects. The NHPRC anticipates awarding up to five grants in this category, with total funding of $150,000. Eligible activities include conducting research, assessing institutional strengths, sharing best practices and tools, and establishing management structures. Collaboratives should focus on sustainable and replicable models that can unify records from multiple repositories, promote long-term growth, and expand public access to historical collections. Eligible applicants include U.S. nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, state or local government agencies, and federally recognized or state-recognized Native American tribes. Collaborations must involve at least three partners with shared goals and responsibilities. Proposed activities should demonstrate a clear plan to build capacity within small or underserved archives and communities. The Project Narrative, limited to 20 double-spaced pages, must include a statement of purpose, an overview of the collaboration, a detailed work plan, and measurable objectives. It should describe how the planning process will result in specific outcomes, such as developing tools, techniques, or governance structures that enhance public access. Supplementary materials may include résumés of staff, letters of commitment from partners, and position descriptions for roles to be hired. Budgets must be submitted on the NHPRC Budget Form, with precise figures rounded to the nearest dollar. Cost sharing is not required but can be included as part of the proposal. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by May 7, 2025, with projects starting no earlier than January 1, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit a draft narrative and budget by February 18, 2025, for feedback from NHPRC staff. Proposals will be evaluated on their potential impact, feasibility, and ability to build capacity in underrepresented communities. Successful applicants will receive notifications within two weeks of the NHPRC’s decision and must comply with federal grant management regulations. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact Carmen Bolt, Director for Community Programs, at carmen.bolt@nara.gov.