The National Historical Publications and Records Commission of the National Archives has announced the Publishing Historical Records in Collaborative Digital Editions grant program for fiscal year 2026. This opportunity supports projects that provide access to historical documents through collaborative digital editions, aiming to encourage understanding of U.S. history, democracy, and culture. Projects that focus on underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American histories, are especially encouraged.

There are two application cycles for this opportunity. For the first cycle, draft submissions are due by February 18, 2025, with the final deadline on May 7, 2025. NHPRC support for these awards begins no earlier than January 1, 2026. For the second cycle, draft submissions are due August 15, 2025, with the final deadline on November 5, 2025, and NHPRC support beginning no earlier than July 1, 2026.

This funding opportunity is limited to projects that have previously received NHPRC grants, including the Mellon Planning Grants for Collaborative Digital Editions in African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American history and studies. New projects are not eligible for funding in fiscal year 2026. The NHPRC now limits support to a maximum of ten years total, starting with fiscal year 2022 awards.

The program emphasizes collaboration among teams with complementary skills such as collecting, transcribing, annotating, and publishing documentary sources online. Projects should include contributions from institutions such as historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges, and other Indigenous or Native American scholars. Undergraduate and graduate student involvement in the professional development process is strongly encouraged.

A grant can provide up to $125,000 for a one-year period, with a total of up to 21 awards expected for a combined amount of $2,600,000. Grants are contingent on available funds. Applicants must provide a detailed project narrative of no more than 20 pages, describing the historical significance, project methods, publishing plans, preservation standards, work plan, and the qualifications of staff. Supplementary materials, including staff resumes, a detailed work plan, and sample transcriptions, are required. A completed NHPRC budget form and optional cost-sharing details must also be included.

Applications must be submitted through grants.gov, and applicants must maintain active registrations with SAM.gov throughout the process. Draft submissions are encouraged and can be sent for review to Julie Fisher, the Director for Publishing Programs, at julie.fisher@nara.gov. The NHPRC will evaluate applications based on project scope, collaboration, work plan, budget, and engagement with end-users. Final funding decisions are made by the Archivist of the United States after peer review and staff evaluation.