Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections

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Description

The Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections program by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) assists cultural institutions in addressing the complex challenge of preserving large and diverse humanities collections for future generations. The grant focuses on environmentally sustainable preventive care strategies that mitigate deterioration, extend the useful life of collections, reduce energy consumption, and enhance institutional resilience against disasters such as theft, fire, floods, and climate-related risks.

Eligible institutions include libraries, archives, museums, and historical organizations. The program encourages projects that manage environmental factors affecting collections (temperature, humidity, pollutants, light), provide protective storage solutions, and implement sustainable methods to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

There are three funding levels:

• Planning: Up to $50,000 to develop and assess sustainable preventive care strategies.
• Implementation Level I: Up to $100,000 for projects addressing specific, discrete preservation challenges identified through assessments.
• Implementation Level II: Up to $350,000 for projects addressing large or multifaceted preservation challenges, often involving multidisciplinary professional teams.

Additional funds are available for organizations in non-contiguous states or jurisdictions (e.g., Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico) to cover increased travel and shipping costs.

The period of performance is up to two years for Planning and Implementation Level I projects, and up to three years for Implementation Level II projects.

Examples of Funded Projects

• Installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems to improve collection environments.
• Construction of specialized archives and paper conservation suites.
• Creating sustainable preservation environments tailored to specific collections.

Due Dates

• Estimated Application Due Date: January 9, 2026
• Updated guidelines and deadlines will be posted on the NEH website prior to the next cycle.

Funding Amount

• Planning: Up to $50,000
• Implementation Level I: Up to $100,000
• Implementation Level II: Up to $350,000
• Additional funding for non-contiguous states/jurisdictions:
  • Planning: +$10,000
  • Implementation Level I: +$20,000
  • Implementation Level II: +$70,000
• Total program funding estimated at $2,000,000 with approximately 15 awards expected.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• State, county, city, or township governments
• Special district governments
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education)

No cost sharing or matching funds are required.

Application Process

Applicants should prepare proposals that include:

• Assessment of current collection conditions and preservation challenges
• Plans for environmentally sustainable preventive care measures
• Project goals aligned with reducing energy consumption and improving disaster resilience
• Budget and timeline consistent with the selected funding level

Consultations with NEH program officers are encouraged and can be requested via email.

Additional Information

• The program supports projects that improve storage/display conditions, enhance collection resilience, reduce energy costs, and produce preservation studies/plans.
• The NEH offers webinars and guidance materials to assist applicants in preparing proposals.
• Projects should demonstrate sustainable practices that reduce fossil fuel reliance and prepare collections for future environmental challenges.

External Links

• NEH Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections Program
• NEH Application Instructions
• Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections Webinar 2024 (YouTube)
• Grants.gov Opportunity Forecast

Contact Information