Professional Development Grants for Archives and Historical Publishing | Apply Online

Professional Development Grants for Archives and Historical Publishing (NHPRC) - FAQs

1) What is the Professional Development Grants for Archives and Historical Publishing program?

It is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) within the National Archives and Records Administration. The program aims to strengthen the archival and historical publishing fields by improving how professionals are trained and educated.

2) What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?

The purpose is to build or enhance professional education and training infrastructure that benefits the broader field, rather than supporting routine operations or individual career advancement.

3) Who is the funder for this opportunity?

The funder is the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), which is part of the National Archives and Records Administration.

4) What kinds of projects does NHPRC support under this program?

Supported projects generally fall into two lanes: (1) professional education curriculum development and (2) field-assessment activities that help the profession understand training gaps and emerging needs.

5) What does "professional education curriculum development" include?

This includes creating or improving coursework and structured learning experiences delivered through basic or advanced training institutes, as well as research seminars designed for working professionals.

6) What are examples of "field-assessment activities" mentioned for this program?

Examples include surveys, focus groups, and related research or convenings aimed at identifying training gaps and emerging needs in the profession.

7) Does this program fund routine organizational operations?

No. The program is not intended to fund routine operations; it is geared toward projects that strengthen the profession's training and education infrastructure.

8) Can an individual apply for funding to pay for their own education or training?

No. A key limitation is that the program does not fund individuals seeking support for their own personal training, education, or professional advancement. Proposals need to be organization-led and aimed at broad professional impact.

9) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits (other than institutions of higher education), private and public institutions of higher education, state governments, county governments, city or township governments, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments.

10) Are institutions of higher education eligible?

Yes. Both private and public institutions of higher education are listed as eligible applicants.

11) Are 501(c)(3) nonprofits eligible?

Yes. 501(c)(3) nonprofits are eligible, with the note that eligibility is for 501(c)(3) nonprofits other than institutions of higher education.

12) Are governments eligible to apply?

Yes. State governments, county governments, and city or township governments are listed as eligible applicants.

13) Are federally recognized tribal governments eligible?

Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are eligible applicants.

14) What is the funding instrument type?

The funding instrument type is a grant.

15) What is the subject area or activity area for this opportunity?

The activity area is categorized under Humanities, with cultural affairs noted in the CFDA context.

16) What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The program is associated with CFDA number 89.003, National Historical Publications and Records Grants.

17) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is PRODEV 10.

18) How many awards does NHPRC expect to make?

The Commission expects to make up to four awards in this category.

19) How much total funding is available?

Up to 300,000 is available across the two competitions held each year.

20) What is the typical project period?

Awards are typically made for project periods of one to three years.

21) What is the typical maximum grant request?

The normal maximum request is up to 150,000.

22) Is there a minimum award amount?

The award floor is listed as 0, which generally signals that smaller requests may be considered. However, the stated ceiling and typical award size help frame what most competitive proposals may look like.

23) Is cost sharing (matching funds) required?

Yes. Cost sharing is required, and applicants are expected to provide a meaningful match.

24) How much of the project costs will NHPRC typically cover?

NHPRC ordinarily covers no more than 50 percent of total project costs for Professional Development projects.

25) What match should applicants plan to provide?

Applicants should expect to provide at least half of the total project budget from non-federal sources, since NHPRC typically covers no more than 50 percent.

26) What kinds of sources can be used to meet the cost share requirement?

The required cost share can be assembled using direct and indirect costs, in-kind contributions, non-federal third-party support, and program income earned directly by the project, as long as it is allowable under the grant rules.

27) How often is this competition held?

The competition is run twice each year, and applicants may choose either cycle.

28) What are the key deadlines for the first competition cycle listed?

For the first competition, optional drafts are due April 1, 2009, and final applications are due June 5, 2009.

29) When can NHPRC-funded work begin for the first cycle?

For the first competition cycle, NHPRC-funded work begins no earlier than January 1, 2010.

30) What are the key deadlines for the second competition cycle listed?

For the second competition, optional drafts are due August 1, 2009, and final applications are due October 5, 2009.

31) When can NHPRC-funded work begin for the second cycle?

For the second competition cycle, work begins no earlier than July 1, 2010.

32) Are draft applications required?

No. Draft applications are described as optional, with separate due dates for each competition cycle.

33) How do applicants submit an optional draft application?

Optional draft applications are submitted by email to Lucy Barber at lucy.barber@nara.gov.

34) How do applicants submit the final application?

Final application packages are submitted through Grants.gov.

35) What guidance are applicants told to consult before applying?

Applicants are instructed to read the full grant announcement and consult NHPRC rules and regulations, particularly the guidance under the "Administering an NHPRC Grant" section, before developing an application.

36) Who is listed as a contact for help accessing the full announcement?

The listed contact is David Davis, Grants Workflow Information Coordinator, at 202-357-5022.

37) When was this opportunity posted, and when was it archived?

The opportunity was originally posted on December 12, 2008, and the archive date is listed as July 5, 2009.