SAA Foundation NDRFA Grant Review Committee

Roster

I. Purpose

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 that were directly affected by Hurricane Katrina. In October of that year, the Fund was expanded to include repositories affected by Hurricane Rita. Working together, in August 2007 the SSA and the SAA Foundation Board of Directors 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. The fund was renamed the National Disaster Recovery Fund for Archives to reflect the expanded scope of the grant.

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, includiing 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 recover. 

II. Committee Selection, Size, and Length of Term

The committee is composed of a chair and six members, including the Foundation Board Treasurer and a representative from the SAA Preservation Section. The members shall be appointed by the SAA Foundation Vice President for staggered three-year terms.

III. Reporting Procedures

The NDRFA Review Committee reports to each full meeting of the Foundation Board of Directors and at other times as requested by the Board. The committee prepares a final report at the close of each fiscal year, in time for review by the Board of Directors at its summer meeting. 

IV. Duties and Responsibilities

• Promptly review and respond to NDRFA grant applications as they are received. 
• Contact applicant(s) with a final decision within five days of first receiving the application. 
• Regularly consult with the SAA Foundation Treasurer on the current balance of the fund and funding priorities for the fiscal year. 
• Promote the fund to appropriate regions as need arises. 
• Periodically review and revise the guidelines and application form and, as needed, present substantive revisions to the Board for approval. 
• Assist the Development Committee with fundraising campgains for the NDRDA fund. 

V. Meetings

The committee shall communicate via email, or conference call as needed, to promptly review NDRFA grant applications. The committee may meet in person provided that 1) there is a compelling need, and 2) the Board approves the necessary resources. 

Approved by the SAA Foundation Board of Directors: August 2007. Revisions approved by the Board: July 2018.