Funder: Council on Library and Information Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (Initial application)
Funding Amounts: $50,000–$300,000 per project for 12, 24, or 36 months
Summary: Supports digitization of rare and unique collections that deepen public understanding of underrepresented communities’ histories.
Key Information: Lead applicants and collaborators must each independently meet eligibility requirements; fiscal sponsorship cannot establish eligibility.
Description
Digitizing Hidden Collections: Amplifying Unheard Voices is administered by the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR), with support from the Mellon Foundation. It funds digitization of rare and unique historical and cultural materials held by U.S. organizations, alongside the creation and promotion of online access. The goal is to make underrepresented histories more visible and contribute to a more complete understanding of human history.
The program centers five values: public knowledge, broad representation, authentic partnerships, sustainable infrastructures, and community-centered access. It prioritizes meaningful engagement with communities represented in collections, inclusive project teams, and long-term preservation and discoverability. Access should be as broad and useful as possible while respecting legal constraints, ethical responsibilities, and source communities’ cultural norms.
