Opportunity Information: Apply for BASIC 09
Apply for BASIC 09
- The National Archives and Records Administration in the humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Archives Basic Projects" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 89.003 National Historical Publications and Records Grants.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 4, 2008 and posted on May 19, 2008.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 6, 2008. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $1,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $150,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 20 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: County governments Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Public and State controlled institutions of higher education State governments City or township governments Private institutions of higher education Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
- Archives and other repositories of historical documents that are part of Nonprofit organizations or institutions Colleges, universities and, other academic institutions State or local government agencies Federally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
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Archives - Basic Projects grant opportunity, offered by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) within the National Archives and Records Administration, funds core archival work that helps preserve and expand access to Americas documentary heritage. The program is aimed at improving how historical records are managed, described, and made discoverable, especially in cases where valuable materials are effectively "hidden" because they remain unprocessed or are not represented in widely used catalogs and databases. The overall priority is practical, foundational archival activity that strengthens long-term stewardship and increases public and researcher access to collections essential for understanding US democracy, history, and culture.
A central theme of this opportunity is reducing backlogs and making collections easier to find through basic processing and cataloging. NHPRC is especially concerned that many repositories hold significant historical collections that researchers cannot readily discover because there is little or no description available in national discovery systems. Projects in this category are expected to use established, cost-effective archival methods and to help institutions adopt workflows that prevent new backlogs from forming. While the grant does not support projects that are solely professional development, applicants are encouraged to include targeted training or professional development elements when they are necessary to carry out the proposed work successfully.
The program supports four main types of activities, which can be proposed individually or in combination. The first is Basic Processing, which focuses on revealing collections through appropriate levels of description rather than intensive item-level work. A minimum expectation is creating at least a basic catalog record for each collection or archival series. Projects may also include reappraisal of holdings, with deaccessioning of entire collections when appropriate, and must include planning for standard accessioning and processing practices to avoid future backlogs, potentially including updates to collection development policy. NHPRC expects personal papers and manuscript collections to be cataloged at the collection level, while institutional records are typically cataloged at the series level, with additional surveying and description at the next component level (series for manuscripts; subseries for institutional records). Importantly, these basic projects should not produce file- or folder-level listings; that kind of detailed work is directed to a different NHPRC category. Deliverables include creating MARC catalog records in a national bibliographic utility, preparing finding aids that comply with Encoded Archival Description (EAD), and sharing those finding aids through appropriate regional and national archival databases. Applicants also need a plan to promote and encourage use of collections once processing is complete.
The second activity area is Preservation Planning, which supports repository-wide, phased preservation planning rather than intensive hands-on conservation. Typical work includes surveys of collections, evaluations of environmental controls, and risk assessments that address preservation needs at a broad level. While NHPRC will not fund construction, applicants may include planning work connected to needed facility improvements. Collection-level preservation assessments can also be included within a basic processing project. However, the grant explicitly excludes detailed preservation actions such as comprehensive reboxing/refoldering, preservation copying, large-scale reformatting or microfilming, removing staples and paper clips, and item-level repair or conservation, which belong under more detailed processing categories.
The third area is Collections Development, intended for institutions seeking to strengthen what they collect and how they make collecting decisions. Supported activities include documentation strategies, surveys, appraisal and reappraisal projects, records management work with archival components, deaccessioning, and fieldwork or other collecting efforts. NHPRC generally does not fund creation of new documentation, with a notable exception for oral history projects conducted by American Indian tribes and other indigenous communities where oral traditions are central to documenting history and culture. Any project involving active collecting must demonstrate that the institution has, or will develop during the project, initial processing methods that provide basic physical and intellectual control over new acquisitions. If a repository already has a large unprocessed backlog, collections development activities are expected to occur alongside basic processing rather than as a stand-alone effort.
The fourth area, Establishing Archives, supports start-up efforts for organizations building an archives program. An initial project can fund a consultant to assess need and sustainability and to map out essentials such as program scope, required resources, and (when relevant) a records management plan. The consultant may also help draft foundational program elements like a mission statement, goals and objectives, staffing plan, and operating procedures. If an organization already has a thorough assessment, it may apply for support to launch the program based on that assessment, but it must show it understands and will follow NHPRC principles, including having a credible collections development plan, a basic processing approach that prevents future backlogs, and a phased preservation plan. Start-up proposals must also present convincing evidence of long-term sustainability, including commitments for ongoing institutional support.
Funding is provided through discretionary grants under CFDA 89.003 (National Historical Publications and Records Grants). Awards are typically for one to two years, with an award ceiling of up to $150,000 and an estimated total program funding pool of up to $1,000,000, with an expectation of making about 20 awards. A key requirement is cost sharing: NHPRC will fund no more than 50 percent of total project costs, so applicants must cover the remaining share through cash and/or allowable in-kind contributions, including direct and indirect costs and eligible third-party support. For the cycle described, NHPRC-funded work could begin no earlier than June 1, 2009.
Eligible applicants include archives and historical document repositories within nonprofits (including 501(c)(3) organizations), colleges and universities (public or private), state and local government agencies (including counties and cities/townships), and federally recognized or state recognized Native American tribes or groups. The application and compliance expectations emphasize practical outputs: better discovery through national cataloging and standards-based finding aids, improved institutional controls that reduce future backlogs, responsible collecting and deaccessioning decisions, and preservation planning that addresses broad risks and stewardship needs without drifting into construction or item-level conservation work.
FAQs: NHPRC Archives - Basic Projects Grant
What is the "Archives - Basic Projects" grant?
Archives - Basic Projects is a discretionary grant opportunity from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) within the National Archives and Records Administration. It funds core, practical archival work that helps preserve and expand access to America's documentary heritage by improving how historical records are managed, described, and made discoverable.
What is the main purpose or priority of this program?
The top priority is foundational archival activity that strengthens long-term stewardship and increases public and researcher access. A central focus is reducing backlogs and making "hidden" collections discoverable through basic processing, cataloging, and standards-based description shared in widely used discovery systems.
Why does the program emphasize discoverability and "hidden" collections?
NHPRC is concerned that many repositories hold valuable historical materials that researchers cannot readily find because they are unprocessed or lack description in national discovery systems. This program prioritizes cost-effective work that reveals collections at appropriate levels of description and makes that information available through recognized catalogs and databases.
What kinds of organizations are eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include archives and historical document repositories within:
- Nonprofits (including 501(c)(3) organizations)
- Colleges and universities (public or private)
- State and local government agencies (including counties and cities/townships)
- Federally recognized or state recognized Native American tribes or groups
What types of activities can be funded under this opportunity?
The program supports four main activity areas, which may be proposed individually or in combination:
- Basic Processing
- Preservation Planning
- Collections Development
- Establishing Archives (start-up archives programs)
What is meant by "Basic Processing" in this grant category?
Basic Processing focuses on revealing collections through appropriate levels of description, rather than intensive item-level work. Projects are expected to use established, cost-effective archival methods and to support workflows that prevent new backlogs from forming.
What is the minimum description expected in a Basic Processing project?
A minimum expectation is creating at least a basic catalog record for each collection or archival series.
Does NHPRC expect collection-level or series-level cataloging?
NHPRC expects:
- Personal papers and manuscript collections to be cataloged at the collection level.
- Institutional records to be cataloged at the series level.
In addition, projects typically include more surveying and description at the next component level (series for manuscripts; subseries for institutional records).
Are file-level or folder-level listings allowed under Basic Processing?
No. Basic projects in this category should not produce file- or folder-level listings. That level of detailed work is directed to a different NHPRC category.
What kinds of deliverables are expected for Basic Processing projects?
Examples of expected deliverables include:
- Creating MARC catalog records in a national bibliographic utility
- Preparing finding aids that comply with Encoded Archival Description (EAD)
- Sharing finding aids through appropriate regional and national archival databases
- Having a plan to promote and encourage use of collections once processing is complete
Can a project include reappraisal and deaccessioning?
Yes. Basic Processing projects may include reappraisal of holdings and, when appropriate, deaccessioning of entire collections. Projects must also include planning for standard accessioning and processing practices to avoid future backlogs, potentially including updates to a collection development policy.
Does this grant fund professional development or training?
The grant does not support projects that are solely professional development. However, targeted training or professional development may be included when it is necessary to carry out the proposed work successfully.
What is "Preservation Planning" under this program?
Preservation Planning supports repository-wide, phased preservation planning rather than intensive hands-on conservation. It typically includes surveys of collections, evaluation of environmental controls, and risk assessments that address preservation needs at a broad level.
Can preservation planning include work related to facility improvements?
Yes, planning work connected to needed facility improvements may be included. However, NHPRC will not fund construction.
Can collection-level preservation assessments be included?
Yes. Collection-level preservation assessments can be included within a basic processing project.
What preservation activities are explicitly excluded?
The grant explicitly excludes detailed preservation actions, including:
- Comprehensive reboxing or refoldering
- Preservation copying
- Large-scale reformatting or microfilming
- Removing staples and paper clips
- Item-level repair or conservation
These kinds of activities belong under more detailed processing categories rather than this basic projects program.
What is "Collections Development" in this grant?
Collections Development supports institutions seeking to strengthen what they collect and how they make collecting decisions. Fundable activities include documentation strategies, surveys, appraisal and reappraisal projects, records management work with archival components, deaccessioning, and fieldwork or other collecting efforts.
Does NHPRC fund creation of new documentation?
Generally, no. NHPRC generally does not fund creation of new documentation. A notable exception is oral history projects conducted by American Indian tribes and other indigenous communities where oral traditions are central to documenting history and culture.
If a project includes active collecting, what operational capacity is required?
Any project involving active collecting must demonstrate that the institution has, or will develop during the project, initial processing methods that provide basic physical and intellectual control over new acquisitions.
Can an institution with a large unprocessed backlog propose collections development as a stand-alone project?
Not typically. If a repository already has a large unprocessed backlog, collections development activities are expected to occur alongside basic processing rather than as a stand-alone effort.
What does "Establishing Archives" support?
Establishing Archives supports start-up efforts for organizations building an archives program. An initial project can fund a consultant to assess need and sustainability and to map out essentials such as program scope, required resources, and (when relevant) a records management plan.
What can a consultant help produce under an Establishing Archives project?
A consultant may help draft foundational program elements such as a mission statement, goals and objectives, a staffing plan, and operating procedures.
If an organization already has an assessment, can it still apply?
Yes. If an organization already has a thorough assessment, it may apply for support to launch the program based on that assessment. The proposal must show it understands and will follow NHPRC principles, including a credible collections development plan, a basic processing approach that prevents future backlogs, and a phased preservation plan.
What does NHPRC look for in start-up proposals regarding sustainability?
Start-up proposals must present convincing evidence of long-term sustainability, including commitments for ongoing institutional support.
How long are awards typically funded?
Awards are typically for one to two years.
What is the maximum award amount?
The award ceiling is up to $150,000.
How much total funding is available and how many awards are expected?
The estimated total program funding pool is up to $1,000,000, with an expectation of making about 20 awards.
Is cost sharing required?
Yes. NHPRC will fund no more than 50 percent of total project costs. Applicants must cover the remaining share through cash and/or allowable in-kind contributions, including direct and indirect costs and eligible third-party support.
What is the CFDA number for this program?
The program is listed under CFDA 89.003 (National Historical Publications and Records Grants).
When could NHPRC-funded work begin (for the cycle described)?
For the cycle described, NHPRC-funded work could begin no earlier than June 1, 2009.
What does NHPRC emphasize in application and compliance expectations?
NHPRC emphasizes practical outputs, including better discovery through national cataloging and standards-based finding aids, improved institutional controls that reduce future backlogs, responsible collecting and deaccessioning decisions, and preservation planning that addresses broad risks and stewardship needs without drifting into construction or item-level conservation work.
Can applicants combine multiple activity types in one proposal?
Yes. The four main activity areas can be proposed individually or in combination.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA)
Next opportunity: Georgia Resource Conservation Development Projects
Previous opportunity: WLCI Support of Watershed Management Habitat Enhancement for Triple Creek Forage Reserve
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for BASIC 09
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (BASIC 09) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Map of Submerged Beringia Apply for H9911100023 Funding Number: H9911100023 Agency: National Park Service Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $35,050 |
| Huna Tribal House Cultural Elements Project Apply for H9815100703 Funding Number: H9815100703 Agency: National Park Service Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Vanished Villages Apply for J979110K038 Funding Number: J979110K038 Agency: National Park Service Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $120,000 |
| NAGPRA Consultation/Documentation Grants Apply for NPS NAGPRA2011 Funding Number: NPS NAGPRA2011 Agency: National Park Service Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $90,000 |
| Historic Context Aviation Apply for J9922111006 Funding Number: J9922111006 Agency: National Park Service Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Journey to the Huna Homelands Apply for H9815110705 Funding Number: H9815110705 Agency: National Park Service Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $336,000 |
| Journey to the Gunaaxoo Kwaan Homelands Apply for P11AC00195 Funding Number: P11AC00195 Agency: National Park Service Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Documenting Democracy Access to Historical Records Projects Apply for ACCESS 201110 Funding Number: ACCESS 201110 Agency: National Archives and Records Administration Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Human Rights Support Mechanism (HRSM) Apply for SOL OAA 16 000018 Funding Number: SOL OAA 16 000018 Agency: USAID Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $25,000,000 |
| Landmarks of American History and Culture: Workshops for School Teachers Apply for 20160225 BH Funding Number: 20160225 BH Agency: NEH Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $180,000 |
| Summer Seminars and Institutes Apply for 20160225 FS Funding Number: 20160225 FS Agency: NEH Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| National Digital Newspaper Program Apply for 20160114 PJ Funding Number: 20160114 PJ Agency: NEH Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $325,000 |
| INSTITUTES FOR HISTORICAL EDITING Apply for EDITING 201602 Funding Number: EDITING 201602 Agency: NARA Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $265,000 |
| Publishing Historical Records in Documentary Editions Apply for EDITIONS 201610 Funding Number: EDITIONS 201610 Agency: NARA Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Digital Humanities Implementation Grants Apply for 20160217 HK Funding Number: 20160217 HK Agency: NEH Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $325,000 |
| Media Projects Grants Apply for 20160113 TD Funding Number: 20160113 TD Agency: NEH Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Access to Historical Records Apply for ACCESS 201606 Funding Number: ACCESS 201606 Agency: NARA Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Museums, Libraries, and Cultural Organizations Grants Apply for 20160113 GE Funding Number: 20160113 GE Agency: NEH Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| State Board Programming Grants Apply for STATE 201606 Funding Number: STATE 201606 Agency: NARA Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $80,000 |
| Publishing Historical Records in Documentary Editions Apply for EDITIONS 201606 Funding Number: EDITIONS 201606 Agency: NARA Category: Humanities (see Cultural Affairs in CFDA) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "BASIC 09", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.