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Publishing Historical Records in Documentary Editions Grant (NHPRC) - FAQs

1) What is the Publishing Historical Records in Documentary Editions grant?

It is a competitive funding opportunity from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), part of the National Archives and Records Administration, that supports projects producing documentary editions of significant historical records. The goal is to expand public access to primary source materials explaining the American experience, along with the editorial work needed to make those sources understandable and useful to broad audiences.

2) What kinds of projects does this program support?

The program supports documentary editions of historically significant records. Proposed editions may focus on the papers of major individuals in American history or on broader themes and movements such as politics, the military, business, social reform, the arts, and other topics where documentary evidence can illuminate the national story.

3) What activities can grant funds be used for?

NHPRC funds work directly tied to documentary source materials, including collecting, describing, preserving, compiling, editing, and publishing records. Publications may be produced in print and/or online formats.

4) Does the program encourage online publication?

Yes. The program strongly encourages, whenever feasible and appropriate, free and open online access to the edited materials. Print volumes are allowed as part of a broader dissemination plan, but the guidelines indicate a shift away from print-only publishing models.

5) Are print-only documentary editions allowed?

The guidelines reflect an expectation that online access becomes part of the plan. For projects that were currently funded and producing only print editions, the guidance stated they must either complete their work by 2018 or develop plans to produce an online edition by 2018 (print could still be included).

6) Do new applicants have to include an online edition?

Yes. Projects that had never received NHPRC funding, or that were newly starting, were required to include plans for an online edition. In this cycle, such applicants were directed to apply by the second deadline listed (October 8, 2015).

7) Does this grant support critical editions of works that are already published?

Generally, no. Because the emphasis is on publishing primary documents, the grant does not generally support critical editions of already published works, except when those materials are only a small component of a larger documentary edition project.

8) What is the expectation about the significance of the records?

A key expectation is that the historical importance of the records and their anticipated value to researchers, educators, and the public clearly justify the project costs.

9) How are returning applicants evaluated compared to first-time applicants?

This opportunity places special emphasis on project progress and deliverables, particularly for organizations with ongoing NHPRC-supported editions. Returning applicants are expected to show they met prior performance goals, provide current information on accomplishments and next steps, demonstrate progress toward completion, and submit a budget that clearly explains and justifies new costs.

10) What is the award period for grants in this category?

Awards are made for one-year project periods.

11) How much funding can an applicant request?

Funding requests range from $30,000 to $200,000.

12) How many awards were anticipated, and what was the projected total funding?

The Commission anticipated making up to 25 awards in this category, subject to available funds, with total funding projected at up to $2.5 million.

13) When were grants in this cycle expected to start?

Grants for this cycle were not expected to start earlier than January 1, 2016.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based entities, including nonprofit organizations and institutions, colleges and universities (public or private), state and local government agencies, and federally acknowledged or state-recognized Native American tribes or groups.

15) Are U.S. territories and Puerto Rico included in the eligible geography?

Yes. Eligibility extends to the United States and its jurisdictions, including Puerto Rico and U.S. territories.

16) What is the CFDA number and the funding opportunity number for this grant?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 89.003 (National Historical Publications and Records Grants), and the posted funding opportunity number is EDITIONS 201510.

17) Is cost sharing required?

Yes. Cost sharing is required.

18) What is the maximum federal share NHPRC will provide?

The NHPRC will provide no more than 50 percent of the total direct project costs for projects in this category.

19) Can indirect costs be charged to the federal share of the award?

No. Recipients cannot charge indirect costs to the federal share of the award (per 2 CFR 2600.101).

20) Can indirect costs count toward the applicant's cost share?

Yes. While indirect costs are not allowed on the NHPRC-funded side, they can be included as part of the applicant's cost-share contribution.

21) What types of contributions can be used to meet the cost-share requirement?

The applicant must cover the remaining portion of project costs, and that contribution can include allowable direct and indirect expenses, in-kind support, non-federal third-party contributions, and program income earned by the project.

22) What federal registrations are required before applying?

Applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting and must keep that registration active throughout the process. Applicants must also include a valid DUNS number in the application.

23) What forms and components are required for a complete application?

A complete submission must include Standard Form 424 (Application for Federal Assistance), Standard Form 424B (Assurances for Non-Construction Programs), plus a project narrative, summary, supplementary materials, and a budget.

24) What happens if an application is missing required components?

Applications missing required components are not considered. Ineligible applications are not reviewed.

25) Is there an acknowledgement requirement if an award is made?

Yes. Grant recipients must acknowledge NHPRC support in any publications and related products produced with grant assistance.

26) Who can applicants contact for access issues or assistance?

The notice provides an agency contact: Jeff de la Concepcion, Grant Program Specialist, 202-357-5022.

27) Are applicants encouraged to seek technical help for print-only projects?

Yes. Print-only projects are encouraged to consult NHPRC staff for technical assistance when preparing an application.

28) What is the main focus of funded work: interpretation or primary documents?

The emphasis is on publishing primary documents and supporting the editorial work needed to make those documents accessible and useful to broad audiences.