The Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) is currently accepting applications for its Recordings at Risk grant program, a funding initiative supported by the Mellon Foundation. This program is dedicated to the preservation and digital reformatting of at-risk audio and audiovisual materials that hold significant scholarly and public value. The initiative is designed to ensure the longevity and accessibility of recorded content that would otherwise be lost due to aging media formats.

The grant program will provide funding ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for preservation projects conducted between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026. These funds are designated to cover the direct costs associated with digital reformatting for time-based analog media. Eligible organizations must collaborate with experienced service providers to ensure the highest quality preservation standards. The funding will help sustain valuable archival content and make it more widely available for research and public engagement.

To qualify for the grant, applicants must be U.S.-based nonprofit academic, research, or cultural heritage organizations. Both the applying institution and the collections being preserved must be located in the United States. Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts, with selection criteria focusing on the materials’ scholarly and public significance, urgency of preservation, long-term sustainability plans, and the proposed approach to accessibility.

A key focus of the Recordings at Risk program is the preservation of diverse and underrepresented collections that reflect a wide array of human experiences. CLIR strongly encourages applicants working to safeguard recordings that may be at risk of being lost or overlooked due to lack of resources. This commitment aligns with the broader goals of ensuring inclusivity and equitable access to cultural and historical materials.

Interested applicants should note that the deadline for submission is Monday, April 14, 2025, with grant awards announced in August 2025. To provide further guidance on the application process, CLIR will host an informational webinar on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM EST. Prospective applicants can register for the webinar and access the application portal through the "Apply for an Award" page on the CLIR website.

For additional information, applicants can contact CLIR at recordingsatrisk@clir.org. More details about past funded projects and their impact can be explored on the program’s "Funded Projects" page. The Council on Library and Information Resources, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, continues to lead efforts in supporting research, teaching, and learning environments in partnership with libraries, cultural institutions, and educational communities.