The National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP) is a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Library of Congress (LOC) to digitize and provide free online access to historically significant newspapers published between 1690 and 1963. The program creates a searchable database, permanently maintained by the LOC, that features digitized newspapers and bibliographic information about available newspaper titles. The initiative aims to enhance public access to this extensive historical resource through the Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers website. As part of the project, the LOC will also digitize and contribute a substantial collection of newspaper pages from its holdings.

The program seeks to support projects that contribute to this national resource by digitizing historic newspapers from individual states or U.S. jurisdictions. These projects help preserve cultural history and make it accessible to scholars, researchers, and the public. Examples of previously funded initiatives include the Oregon Digital Newspaper Project, the Mississippi Digital Newspaper Project, and the Wisconsin Digital Newspaper Project, which digitized regional newspapers and contributed them to the national database.

Funding for this program is provided through cooperative agreements, with a maximum award amount of $325,000 per project. The total estimated program funding for the 2026 cycle is $2.5 million, and approximately 10 awards are expected. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, and both public and private institutions of higher education. Additional eligibility criteria are detailed in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Applications will become available on October 9, 2025, and the anticipated submission deadline is January 9, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by August 31, 2026, with projects beginning on September 1, 2026. The program's funding cycle is highly competitive, with an average of 11 applications received annually and a 92% funding success rate.

Applicants must demonstrate their ability to digitize and contribute newspapers that align with the program’s goals. Proposals should include plans for digital preservation, data sharing, and public accessibility. Detailed application guidelines, including submission requirements and evaluation criteria, will be provided when the application period opens. For now, potential applicants can use the current guidelines to prepare their proposals.

For more information, applicants can contact the NEH Division of Preservation and Access at 202-606-8570 or preservation@neh.gov. Additional details about the program, including examples of past projects and application instructions, can be found on the NEH website.