SAA Foundation

The Society of American Archivists Foundation is the nation’s leading source of nonprofit funding dedicated to the interests of archives and archivists.  Donations to the SAA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, are tax deductible.

The SAA Foundation raises money to provide resources to enhance the work of the archival community.  To that end, the SAA Foundation will support:

• Research and reporting about the profession, its practice, and its practitioners;
• Development of professional growth opportunities;
• Recognition of archivists via scholarships, travel assistance, and awards;
• Programs to enhance the performance of repositories; and
• Efforts to persuade influential external organizations to create or promote archives.

In addition, the SAA Foundation will seek to strengthen itself by enhancing its accountability, development, and governance.

Funds that support services to archivists and the archives profession:

Catalyst Fund: The Strategic Growth Fund was established in 2011 in honor of the Society of American Archivists' 75th Anniversary, this fund supports the Foundation's strategic priorities, including professional and public education, publications, research, the SAA Awards Program, and general operations of the SAA Foundation. Recently, the SAA Foundation Board of Directors approved the rebranding of the Catalyst Fund at the November 2023 meeting in Chicago, IL.

Margaret Cross Norton Fund: Originally established from the estate left to SAA by Margaret Cross Norton, this unrestricted fund is used to further the educational activities of the Foundation.

Linda J. Henry Fund: Established from the estate left to SAA by Linda J. Henry, this unrestricted fund is used to further the Foundation's priorities.

National Disaster Recovery Fund for Archives: Established in 2005 in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, this fund provides grants to support recovery of archival collections from major disasters, regardless of region or repository type. To apply for an NDRFA Grant, click here.

Funds that support student scholarships:

Mosaic Scholarship: Promotes diversification of the American archives profession by providing financial and mentoring support to students of color pursuing graduate education in archival science.

F. Gerald and Elsie Ham Scholarship: Established by long-time SAA member and leader F. Gerald Ham and his wife Elsie, this fund provides graduate archival students with scholarship support in their second year of study.

Funds that support attendance at the SAA Annual Meeting:

Harold T. Pinkett Student of Color Award: Promotes increased participation in SAA by exposing students of color to the experience of attending national meetings and encouraging them to join SAA.

Donald Peterson Student Scholarship Award: Provides financial assistance to students and recent graduates of archival education programs to attend SAA’s Annual Meeting.

Funds that support awards honoring special achievements:

Philip Hamer & Elizabeth Hamer-Kegan Award: This fund supports an award that recognizes efforts to increase public awareness of manuscripts and archives through compilation, transcription, public presentation, exhibition, or publication.

Planned Giving

Request information on planned giving or let us know that you've remembered the Foundation in your will by contacting SAA Foundation at Foundation@archivists.org.