Joseph O’Neill Ott Fund Grants
The Joseph O’Neill Ott Fund provides grants to preserve and conserve 19th-century and earlier historical documents in Rhode Island’s smaller cities and towns.
Funder: Rhode Island Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027
Funding Amounts: Typical grants range from $250–$750; annual cycle; funds direct conservation/preservation costs.
Summary: Supports preservation of 19th-century and earlier historical documents in Rhode Island's smaller cities and towns.
Description
The Joseph O’Neill Ott Fund is a permanent endowment at the Rhode Island Foundation dedicated to preserving original historical manuscripts, documents, and municipal records from the 19th century and earlier. The fund specifically supports small cities and towns in Rhode Island, providing grants for direct conservation of paper-based documents, photographs, and other two-dimensional historical evidence (excluding artwork). Funding may be used for restoration, preservation (including the purchase of storage materials), or costs associated with acquiring qualifying documents. The initiative aims to ensure long-term care and accessibility of Rhode Island’s historical records, with an advisory committee of conservationists recommending suitable projects.
