RFP #208: 2026-27 Conservation/Preservation Discretionary Grants
This grant funds New York libraries and archives to preserve and conserve research materials, supporting projects that protect and sustain valuable collections for continued research use.
Funder: New York State Education Department
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Notice of Intent) | April 2027 (Full application & nonprofit prequalification, both by 5:00 PM)
Funding Amounts: Estimated total: $500,000; typical awards: $2,500–$45,000; project period: 1 year
Summary: Supports New York-based projects to conserve and preserve significant research materials in libraries, archives, and related agencies.
Key Information: Nonprofits must be prequalified in the Statewide Financial System by the application deadline; only one application per institution per cycle.
Description
This annual program provides discretionary grants to support the preservation and conservation of research materials in libraries, archives, historical societies, and similar agencies across New York State. The grant encourages the proper care, accessibility, and long-term sustainability of research collections, fostering the use of best practices and the development of local and cooperative preservation initiatives. Eligible projects may include improving storage environments, reformatting or treating collections, disaster recovery, environmental control, and other preservation-related activities as outlined in the program guidelines. The goal is to stimulate preservation activity throughout the state by providing modest financial assistance to a wide range of projects.
