The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) invites applications for its Archival Projects grant program for fiscal year 2026. This program seeks to significantly improve online public discovery and use of historical records collections that enhance understanding of U.S. democracy, history, and culture. Projects may focus on preserving and processing historical records through activities such as arranging, re-housing, describing collections, creating online finding aids, or digitizing records for free online access. Collections centering the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, as well as early American legal records, are especially encouraged.

The program supports all types of historical records, including documents, photographs, born-digital records, and analog audio and video materials. Successful applications will demonstrate the value of the collections to U.S. history, outline methodologies that adhere to archival best practices, include qualified staff, and propose cost-effective budgets. The projects should also include strategies to engage the public and attract researchers to the repository’s collections.

There are two application cycles. For the first deadline, draft proposals are due February 18, 2025, with final applications due May 7, 2025. For the second deadline, drafts are due August 15, 2025, and final applications are due November 5, 2025. NHPRC support for the first cycle will begin no earlier than January 1, 2026, and for the second cycle, no earlier than July 1, 2026.

A grant may last one to two years and provides up to $150,000. The NHPRC anticipates awarding up to 14 grants, totaling $1,400,000. While cost sharing is not required, applicants may include financial contributions in the budget as direct costs, indirect costs, or in-kind support. Grant recipients must acknowledge NHPRC funding in all project products and publicity.

Eligible applicants include U.S. nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, state or local government agencies, and federally or state-recognized Native American tribes. Applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and include a valid Unique Entity ID in their application. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. It may take up to one month to establish or renew registrations with SAM.gov and Grants.gov.

Proposals must include a project narrative, a detailed NHPRC budget form, and supplementary materials. The project narrative, not exceeding 20 double-spaced pages, must address the project purpose, description of collections, archival methodologies, deliverables, public outreach, staffing, and performance objectives. Supplementary materials may include staff resumes, work plans, preservation plans, samples of existing finding aids, and letters of support.

Applications will be evaluated on four criteria: the significance of the collections for understanding U.S. history, the strategies for improving public access, the qualifications of the staff and the reasonableness of the budget, and the dissemination plans for project results. Proposals will undergo peer review, after which applicants will receive reviewer comments and an opportunity to respond. Final funding decisions are made by the Archivist of the United States following recommendations from the NHPRC Commission.

Applicants are encouraged to submit draft proposals for feedback before the final deadlines. Drafts should include the project narrative and budget and can be sent to Nancy Melley, Director for Access Programs, at nancy.melley@nara.gov. Final proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov. Award recipients are required to provide narrative performance reports every six months and annual financial reports for the duration of the grant.