State Board Programming FAQs
State Board Programming Grants
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this program?
This is a partnership with the nation’s archival network through activities undertaken by state historical records advisory boards (SHRABs). The purpose of this grant program is to assist state boards to enhance access to historical records, increase citizen engagement with records, and provide learning and development opportunities for students, citizens and professional archivists.
How long have you been funding these types of projects?
Since 1976, we have been working with State Historical Records Advisory Boards. Over the course of the partnership, the NHPRC has funded a variety of projects with the states. Going forward we look to support projects that enable the state boards to:
- Provide educational and outreach programs, workshops, and other activities that enhance citizen and student engagement with historical records.
- Operate state-based regrant and scholarship programs that advance access to historical records.
- Collaborate on projects with other organizations to address common problems or shared opportunities within a state or among a consortium of state archives.
- Hold or participate in meetings and public forums on statewide or national archival issues.
How often do you award grants for this program? How do I apply?
The NHPRC accepts applications for State Board Programming grants once each year. This program is open only to SHRABs in each state, or to the state agency responsible for the SHRAB, ordinarily the state archives. Another state agency, or a non-profit organization, such as a foundation or university, acting on behalf of the designated state agency may apply. States also include the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and United States territories. If your SHRAB is inactive, you should consult with program staff about the steps necessary to renew eligibility in this category.
Our application process is through Grants.gov. The easiest way to keep track of the funding deadlines is to subscribe to their Find Grant Opportunities page. We are listed as a "Sub-Agency" under the National Archives and Records Administration. You should read our Apply for a Grant page for detailed instructions on how to apply. Do not wait until the deadline date to become familiar with Grants.gov.
After you have completed an application, NHPRC staff will send out your application to outside reviewers, who will comment on the narrative and budget of your plan. We will then send you the reviewer comments and staffquestions to clarify any unresolved matters before staff submit the application package to the Commission itself. Based on reviewers’ comments and staff recommendations, the Commission advises the Archivist of the United States, who makes the final decision on grant awards.
How much money is available for a project? How much money are we expected to contribute to the total cost of our project?
Applicants may apply for grants of up to $40,000 for 12-month projects or up to $80,000 for 24-month projects. A portion of the funding may be used for costs related to administer and operate proposed board activities. The NHPRC expects to award approximately 30 grants in this program. The total amount allocated for this program is up to $700,000. Cost sharing is required. It is the financial contribution the applicant pledges to the cost of a project. Cost sharing can include both direct and indirect expenses, in-kind contributions, non-Federal third-party contributions, and any income earned directly by the project. The NHPRC will provide up to 75 percent of the total project costs.