Summary
Part of developing a project plan is identifying the resources you will need. This could be technology like scanners, computers, and storage media, or it could be the funds to pay for vendor digitization. Consider exploring grants as an option to cover funding gaps and get your project off the ground. We encourage you to explore grant opportunities, even if you are a small organization with limited time or expertise in grant writing.
To improve your chances of securing funding, engage with program officers early to discuss project suitability and define your impact by clearly explaining how the project serves the public. Detail your methodology with a specific timeline and focus on sustainability by explaining how the project will be maintained after the grant ends. Finally, use an authentic voice and avoid overly technical jargon, as funders often prefer passionate and clear narratives.
Grants to Consider
- SHRAB (State Historical Records Advisory Board) for Wyoming
- The Wyoming State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) promotes the identification, preservation, and dissemination of Wyoming’s historical records. To accomplish this mission, the Board awards grants and sponsors workshops for archives, libraries, museums, and others throughout the state that collect, manage, and preserve historical records.
- CHRAB (Colorado Historic Records Advisory Board)
- Colorado organizations are able to request funding for a wide variety of projects, including digitization, preservation needs, disaster planning, improving accessibility to collections and purchasing supplies. Some special consideration will be given to institutions in previously underrepresented areas of the State of Colorado. A preference will be given to projects with a strong focus on digital accessibility and preservation. Due to NHPRC guidelines, projects for digitizing newspapers will not be eligible for grant funding from CHRAB.
- Colorado SIPA (Statewide Internet Portal Authority) Micro-Grant
- IMLS (Institute of Museum and Library Services) grants
- CLIR (Council on Library and Information Resources) grants
- NEH (National Endowment for the Humanities) funding opportunities
Tips
- A simple web search could turn up new funding opportunities or connect you with new approaches you hadn’t considered. There are many local (state, county or city) philanthropic organizations that may fund projects.
- Grants are usually targeted to specific organizations or project types, so be sure to read the documentation thoroughly and if possible reach out to the funding organization early.
- Don’t be afraid to borrow grant language or ideas from other organizations.
- Similarly, ask your State Library for help with grant writing. Most have staff that are happy to review your grant proposal or suggest new opportunities.
- Test your proposed process beforehand so you have realistic and proven timelines and workflows.
Suggested Recordings and Readings
- SIPA Grant Programs Overview. Video Recording. 54 minutes. Statewide Internet Portal Authority.
- CHRAB Regrant Program:Tips for Applying. Video Recording. 30 minutes.
- SHRAB Introduction. Video Recording. 5 mins.
- Everyone Can be a Grant Writer. Video Recording. 48 minutes. Sustainable Heritage Network. Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)
- Advice for Grant Seekers in the Cultural Heritage Communities. Short Read
- Grant Writing for Museums and Historic Sites: A Few Do’s and Don’ts. Short Read
Discussion Questions
- Have you ever applied for grant funding before? Tell us about the process. What worked, and what would you do differently next time?
- Are you considering applying for grant funding for the first time? Which grants? Is there a part of the application process that you have questions about?