National Disaster Recovery Fund for Archives

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In September 2005, the Society of Southwest Archivists and the Society of American Archivists created the SSA-SAA Emergency Disaster Assistance Grant Fund—a fund established to address the stabilization and recovery needs of archival repositories affected by Hurricane Katrina. In October 2005, the Fund was expanded to include repositories affected by Hurricane Rita. Both SAA and SSA provided $5,000 in “seed” money to establish the Fund.

Working together, SSA and SAA expanded the original scope of the Fund to provide grants that support the recovery of archival collections from major disasters, regardless of region or repository type.

Any repository that holds archival records or special collections is eligible to apply for a grant. The repository need not be a member of SSA or SAA. Grant monies may be used for the direct recovery of damaged or at-risk archival materials; such services as freeze drying, storage, transportation of materials, and rental facilities; supplies, including acid-free boxes and folders, storage cartons, cleaning materials, plastic milk crates, and protective gear; and to defray the costs for volunteers or other laborers who assist with the recovery.

If you are able to assist our colleagues by donating to the fund, please click here.

If you are in need of assistance, see below for information about applying for grant funds.

How much funding is available? Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded. Additional requests may be considered if funds remain available. Although the NDRFA is pointed toward the states, District of Columbia, and territories of the United States, under exceptional circumstances we will consider awarding grants to non-U.S. entities.

 Approved grant payments may be made directly to a service provider, upon the grantee's request, if an itemized invoice is presented. Recipients will be asked to provide a financial accounting of expenditures made using the award within 6 months of receiving the funding. 

How do I apply? Download and complete the application document and send as an e-mail attachment to foundation@archivists.org. Or, if you prefer, you may submit a letter containing the same information. Ideally the letter should come from the head of your organization, but it may come from a primary contact. Please include contact information for both the head of the organization and the primary contact if these are different individuals.

Send your application/letter, via either email attachment or postal service, to:

Society of American Archivists Foundation
Attn:  National Disaster Recovery Fund for Archives
17 North State Street, Suite 1425
Chicago, IL  60602
866-722-7858 (toll-free)
fax 312-606-0728
foundation@archivists.org

How will recipients be selected? A review committee comprising representatives of SSA and SAA will review applications and select grant recipients. The committee will score proposals based on the application criteria.