2024 OHRAB Regrants Opportunity

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board announces the availability of grants between $500 and $5,000 to archival institutions to fund projects to preserve and/or provide access to Ohio’s historical records.  The grants are funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), an arm of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 

Grant applications are due March 31, 2024.  More information on the grants, including the application packet, is available here.

Projects eligible for funding in 2024 include:

  • Assessment and Strategic Planning: hiring consultants to identify needs and priorities for improving the organization, description, preservation and access to collections.
  • Access, Arrangement and Description: identifying, organizing, and improving access to historical records.
  • Preservation: purchasing archival file folders, archival boxes, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, hygrothermographs, or HEPA vacuum cleaners.
  • Website Development: Adding collections to online catalog, developing virtual archives, or creating an on-line database. Websites designed to support access to researchers (e.g., online catalogs, finding aids, and digitized collections, rather than curated web exhibits) will receive preference in funding.
  • Projects focused on under-documented communities and topics, as well as underserved communities, are encouraged.

Please Note: all projects should produce some type of online content, such as a finding aid, report or digital images.

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit draft grant applications for feedback.  Draft applications must be received by February 23 and must include all of the components of the application.  Comments and recommendations on the drafts should not be construed as guaranteeing a grant award.      

 Questions?  Please contact: Virginia Dressler, Digital Projects Librarian, University Libraries, Kent State University ([email protected]).

2023 OHRAB Regrants Opportunity

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board announces the availability of grants between $500 and $5,000 to archival institutions to fund projects to preserve and/or provide access to Ohio’s historical records.  The grants are funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), an arm of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 

Grant applications are due March 31, 2023.  More information on the grants, including the application packet, is available here.

Projects eligible for funding in 2023 include:

  • Assessment and Strategic Planning: hiring consultants to identify needs and priorities for improving the organization, description, preservation and access to collections.
  • Access, Arrangement and Description: identifying, organizing, and improving access to historical records.
  • Preservation: purchasing archival file folders, archival boxes, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, hygrothermographs, or HEPA vacuum cleaners.
  • Website Development: Adding collections to online catalog, developing virtual archives, or creating an on-line database. Websites designed to support access to researchers (e.g., online catalogs, finding aids, and digitized collections, rather than curated web exhibits) will receive preference in funding.
  • Projects focused on under-documented communities and topics, as well as underserved communities, are encouraged.

Please Note: all projects should produce some type of online content, such as a finding aid, report or digital images.

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit draft grant applications for feedback.  Draft applications must be received by February 24 and must include all of the components of the application.  Comments and recommendations on the drafts should not be construed as guaranteeing a grant award.      

 Questions?  Please contact: Stephen Badenhop, Records and Archives Coordinator, Union County Records Center (937-645-4177; [email protected]).

2022 OHRAB Regrants Opportunity

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board announces the availability of grants between $500 and $5,000 to archival institutions to fund projects to preserve and/or provide access to Ohio’s historical records.  The grants are funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), an arm of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 

Grant applications are due March 31, 2022.  More information on the grants, including the application packet, is available here.

Projects eligible for funding in 2022 include:

  • Assessment and Strategic Planning: hiring consultants to identify needs and priorities for improving the organization, description, preservation and access to collections.
  • Access, Arrangement and Description: identifying, organizing, and improving access to historical records.
  • Preservation: purchasing archival file folders, archival boxes, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, hygrothermographs, or HEPA vacuum cleaners.
  • Website Development: Adding collections to online catalog, developing virtual archives, or creating an on-line database. Websites designed to support access to researchers (e.g., online catalogs, finding aids, and digitized collections, rather than curated web exhibits) will receive preference in funding.
  • Projects focused on under-documented communities and topics, as well as underserved communities, are encouraged.

Please Note: all projects should produce some type of online content, such as a finding aid, report or digital images.

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit draft grant applications for feedback.  Draft applications must be received by February 25 and comments and recommendations on the drafts should not be construed as guaranteeing a grant award.      

**PLEASE NOTE: OHRAB is awaiting formal notification from the NHPRC on the funding for the regrants.  While it is necessary for OHRAB to announce this grant opportunity and begin to receive your proposals, all awards are contingent on OHRAB receiving the funds from the NHPRC.

 Questions?  Please contact: Stephen Badenhop, Records and Archives Coordinator, Union County Records Center (937-645-4177; [email protected]).

2021 OHRAB Regrants Opportunity

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board announces the availability of grants between $500 and $5,000 to archival institutions to fund projects to preserve and/or provide access to Ohio’s historical records.  The grants are funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), an arm of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 

Grant applications are due March 31, 2021.  More information on the grants, including the application packet, is available here.

Projects eligible for funding in 2021 include:

  • Assessment and Strategic Planning: hiring consultants to identify needs and priorities for improving the organization, description, preservation and access to collections.
  • Access, Arrangement and Description: identifying, organizing, and improving access to historical records.
  • Preservation: purchasing archival file folders, archival boxes, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, hygrothermographs, or HEPA vacuum cleaners.
  • Website Development: Adding collections to online catalog, developing virtual archives, or creating an on-line database. Websites designed to support access to researchers (e.g., online catalogs, finding aids, and digitized collections, rather than curated web exhibits) will receive preference in funding.

Please Note: all projects should produce some type of online content, such as a finding aid, report or digital images.  

Questions? Please contact: Stephen Badenhop, Records and Archives Coordinator, Union County Records Center (937-645-4177; [email protected]).

2020 OHRAB Regrants Application Deadline Extended to April 30

Due to COVID-19, the Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board has extended its grant application deadline to April 30.  The grants are for archival institutions to preserve and/or provide access to Ohio’s historical records and are between $500 and $5,000.  The grants are funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), an arm of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 

More information on the grants, including the application packet, is available here.

Projects eligible for funding in 2020 include:

·         Assessment and Strategic Planning: hiring consultants to identify needs and priorities for improving the organization, description, preservation and access to collections.

·         Access, Arrangement and Description: identifying, organizing, and improving access to historical records.

·         Preservation: purchasing archival file folders, archival boxes, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, hygrothermographs, or HEPA vacuum cleaners.

·         Website Development: Adding collections to online catalog, developing virtual archives, or creating an on-line database. Websites designed to support access to researchers (e.g., online catalogs, finding aids, and digitized collections, rather than curated web exhibits) will receive preference in funding.

Please Note: all projects should produce some type of online content, such as a finding aid, report or digital images.  

Questions?  Please contact:

Ron Davidson

Special Collections Librarian

Sandusky Library

419.625.3834 

[email protected]

2020 OHRAB Regrants Opportunity

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board announces the availability of grants between $500 and $5,000 to archival institutions to fund projects to preserve and/or provide access to Ohio’s historical records.  The grants are funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), an arm of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 

Grant applications are due March 28, 2020.  More information on the grants, including the application packet, is available here.

Projects eligible for funding in 2020 include:

  • Assessment and Strategic Planning: hiring consultants to identify needs and priorities for improving the organization, description, preservation and access to collections.
  • Access, Arrangement and Description: identifying, organizing, and improving access to historical records.
  • Preservation: purchasing archival file folders, archival boxes, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, hygrothermographs, or HEPA vacuum cleaners.
  • Website Development: Adding collections to online catalog, developing virtual archives, or creating an on-line database. Websites designed to support access to researchers (e.g., online catalogs, finding aids, and digitized collections, rather than curated web exhibits) will receive preference in funding.

Please Note: all projects should produce some type of online content, such as a finding aid, report or digital images.  

Questions?  Please contact:

Ron Davidson

Special Collections Librarian

Sandusky Library

419.625.3834 

[email protected]

Ohio Archives Grant Opportunity

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board (OHRAB) is pleased to announce a second grant opportunity for this year.  The grants are for $500 up to $5,000 for projects to preserve and/or provide access to Ohio’s historical records.  The grants are funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), an arm of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).  Projects eligible for funding include:

  • Assessment and Strategic Planning: hiring consultants to identify needs and priorities for improving the organization, description, preservation and access to collections.
  • Access, Arrangement and Description: identifying, organizing, and improving access to historical records.
  • Preservation: purchasing archival file folders, archival boxes, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, hygrothermographs, or HEPA vacuum cleaners.
  • Website Development: Adding collections to online catalog, developing virtual archives, or creating an on-line database. Websites designed to support access to researchers (e.g., online catalogs, finding aids, and digitized collections, rather than curated web exhibits) will receive preference in funding.

Please Note: all projects should produce some type of online content, such as a finding aid, report or digital images.  

Grant applications are due June 14, 2019 and projects must be completed by December 31, 2019.  More information on the grants, including the application packet, is available here.

Questions?  Please contact:

Ron Davidson
Special Collections Librarian
Sandusky Library
419.625.3834
[email protected]

2019 Grant Opportunity for Ohio Repositories

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board announces the availability of grants between $500 and $5,000 to archival institutions to fund projects to preserve and/or provide access to Ohio’s historical records.  The grants are funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), an arm of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).  Projects eligible for funding in 2019 include:

  • Assessment and Strategic Planning: hiring consultants to identify needs and priorities for improving the organization, description, preservation and access to collections.
  • Access, Arrangement and Description: identifying, organizing, and improving access to historical records.
  • Preservation: purchasing archival file folders, archival boxes, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, hygrothermographs, or HEPA vacuum cleaners.
  • Website Development: Adding collections to online catalog, developing virtual archives, or creating an on-line database. Websites designed to support access to researchers (e.g., online catalogs, finding aids, and digitized collections, rather than curated web exhibits) will receive preference in funding.

Please Note: all projects should produce some type of online content, such as a finding aid, report or digital images.  

Grant applications are due February 28, 2019.  More information on the grants, including the application packet, is available here.

**PLEASE NOTE: OHRAB is awaiting formal notification from the NHPRC on the funding for the regrants.  While it is necessary for OHRAB to announce this grant opportunity and begin to receive your proposals, all awards are contingent on OHRAB receiving the funds from the NHPRC.

2018 OHRAB Grant Opportunity for Ohio Repositories

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board announces the availability of grants between $500 and $5,000 to archival institutions to fund projects to preserve and/or provide access to Ohio’s historical records.  The grants are funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), an arm of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).  Projects eligible for funding in 2018 include:

  • Assessment and Strategic Planning: hiring consultants to identify needs and priorities for improving the organization, description, preservation and access to collections.
  • Access, Arrangement and Description: identifying, organizing, and improving access to historical records.
  • Preservation: purchasing archival file folders, archival boxes, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, hygrothermographs, or HEPA vacuum cleaners.
  • Website Development: Adding collections to online catalog, developing virtual archives, or creating an on-line database. Websites designed to support access to researchers (e.g., online catalogs, finding aids, and digitized collections, rather than curated web exhibits) will receive preference in funding.

Please Note: all projects should produce some type of online content, such as a finding aid, report or digital images.  

Grant applications are due February 28, 2018.  More information on the grants, including the application packet, is available here.

**PLEASE NOTE: OHRAB is awaiting formal notification from the NHPRC on the funding for the regrants.  While it is necessary for OHRAB to announce this grant opportunity and begin to receive your proposals, all awards are contingent on OHRAB receiving the funds from the NHPRC.

Ohio History Fund Grant Application Now Available

Since March 2013, the History Fund grant program of the Ohio History Connection has made $522,000 in grants to 53 organizations across Ohio. The History Fund invites you to join this distinguished group! Apply for History Fund grant at www.ohiohistory.org/historyfund.

The application deadline is September 1, 2017 (by 11:59 pm).

The History Fund application for the 2017-2018 grant cycle mirrors application forms from previous years, but contains a few tweaks in response to comments from last year’s applicants.  Example: see the website for a sample application you can print for reference.

We’ve also added a new resource: “Do This, Don’t Do That / History Fund Grant Application.”  This short list is not a substitute for reviewing the History Fund’s Application Instructions, but will help you steer clear of obstacles that have bedeviled applicants in the past.

If listening and seeing is a way you learn, check out our History Fund Help webinars at www.ohiohistory.org/historyfund. There’s two webinars.  The “History Fund Help” webinar is an introduction to the grant program and a detailed overview of the grant application.  The second webinar, “Digitization Nuts and Bolts,” will help you compile a strong application for digitization project (it’s more than buying a scanner). We originally hosted both webinars in 2016, and the information still applies in 2017.  Please note that 2017’s application deadline is September 1 (NOT September 7, 2016 as in the webinars).

The Ohio History Connection will announce grant recipients at the annual advocacy event Statehood Day, scheduled February 28, 2018.  Between the application deadline of September 1, 2017 and February 2018, History Fund grant projects undergo a rigorous review involving subject area experts at the Ohio History Connection and a panel of outside experts, who make the final grant recommendations.  Local History Services contacts applicants regarding the final status of the applications in February, in advance of the public announcement at Statehood Day.

This spring, the History Fund presented grant-writing workshops at the Region 1, 5, and 10 meetings, as well as at the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor, the Ashtabula Foundation (Region 4), and for Museums and Historic Sites of Greater Cincinnati (Region 8).  At each, we emphasized that if would be applicants have questions they should call or write.  We’re here to help!

For more information, contact Andy Verhoff, Ohio History Fund grant coordinator, 614.297.2341 or [email protected], or visit the History Fund’s website.  Good luck!