02/03/2023

Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board Grant Opportunity

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board announces the availability of grants between $500 and $5,000 to archival institutions to fund projects to preserve and/or provide access to Ohio’s historical records.  The grants are funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), an arm of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 

Grant applications are due March 31, 2023.  More information on the grants, including the application packet, is available here.

Projects eligible for funding in 2023 include:

• Assessment and Strategic Planning: hiring consultants to identify needs and priorities for improving the organization, description, preservation and access to collections.
• Access, Arrangement and Description: identifying, organizing, and improving access to historical records.
• Preservation: purchasing archival file folders, archival boxes, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, hygrothermographs, or HEPA vacuum cleaners.
• Website Development: Adding collections to online catalog, developing virtual archives, or creating an on-line database. Websites designed to support access to researchers (e.g., online catalogs, finding aids, and digitized collections, rather than curated web exhibits) will receive preference in funding.
• Projects focused on under-documented communities and topics, as well as underserved communities, are encouraged.

Please Note: all projects should produce some type of online content, such as a finding aid, report or digital images.

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit draft grant applications for feedback.  Draft applications must be received byFebruary 24 and must include all of the components of the application.  Comments and recommendations on the drafts should not be construed as guaranteeing a grant award.      

 Questions?  Please contact:Stephen Badenhop, Records and Archives Coordinator, Union County Records Center (937-645-4177;sbadenhop@unioncountyohio.gov).