The State Board Programming Grants, administered by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), provide funding to State Historical Records Advisory Boards (SHRABs) to promote the preservation and use of historical records. These grants support initiatives that address statewide archival needs, build institutional capacity, and enhance public access to historical records. This program encourages SHRABs to focus on underserved organizations and to advance professional practices across the archival field.

Eligible SHRABs may request funds for activities in four categories: administration, regranting, professional development, and consultation services. Each state must apply for funding in at least two of these categories. Administrative support may cover SHRAB meetings, outreach, strategic planning, and part-time staff. Regranting provides subawards to local repositories for projects such as digitization, metadata development, and disaster planning. Professional development funds can be used for training programs, workshops, or scholarships for archivists. Consultation services offer support for small repositories, including assessments, training, and provision of archival supplies.

The program offers grants ranging from $25,000 to $125,000 for a two-year period beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2027. The NHPRC expects to award up to $1,000,000 across approximately 20 grants. Cost sharing is not required, but applicants may include contributions in their budgets as part of the proposal. Indirect costs are not covered by NHPRC funds but may be included in cost-share budgets.

Applications are restricted to SHRABs authorized by U.S. states, territories, or the District of Columbia. The program prioritizes SHRABs looking to rebuild or expand operations after periods of inactivity. All applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and provide a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Draft proposals or letters of inquiry are encouraged and must be submitted by March 7, 2025. Final applications are due by May 7, 2025.

Applications must include a detailed narrative, budget, and required forms. The narrative should outline the SHRAB’s background, state archival needs, proposed activities, and expected outcomes. Budgets must be specific and align with the proposed activities. Applications will be reviewed for clarity, responsiveness to archival needs, program quality, and the likelihood of successful completion and impact.

For questions or assistance, applicants can contact Jacob Lusk, Director for State Programs, at jacob.lusk@nara.gov. Further details and sample narratives are available on the NHPRC website.