Preservation and Access Education and Training

Background
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Division of Preservation and Access is accepting applications for the Preservation and Access Education and Training program. This program aims to support training that develops knowledge and skills among professionals responsible for preserving and establishing access to humanities collections.

NEH will issue awards to organizations that offer national, regional, or statewide education and training programs that equip staff of cultural institutions with the necessary skills to effectively steward humanities collections.

Grant Details
The Preservation and Access Education and Training program supports projects that develop and implement educational programs for professionals who preserve and provide access to humanities collections, including moving image and sound recordings, archaeological artifacts, born-digital and digitized collections, rare books, manuscripts, archival records, material culture, and art.

Project activities must support one or more of the following areas: field services, continuing education opportunities, or student/early career programs focused on building skills in preservation and access. Encouraged subjects include audiovisual and digital heritage challenges, emergency preparedness for disasters, and emerging practices in preservation technologies.

Outputs may include curricula development, educational opportunities like internships or residencies, webinars, workshops, consultations, financial support for participants (excluding tuition remission), networks for knowledge sharing, and open educational resources.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; accredited institutions of higher education (public or nonprofit); state and local governments; their agencies; and federally recognized Native American Tribal governments. Individuals or foreign entities are ineligible.

Period of Performance
The period of performance can be up to three years for most applicants but may extend to three to five years for programs granting graduate degrees in art conservation. Projects must start between March 1, 2026, and September 1, 2026.

Grant Value
NEH anticipates awarding approximately $2,700,000 across an estimated 10 grants. Applicants may request up to $350,000 per grant. For programs granting graduate degrees in art conservation, a maximum of $250,000 in outright funds can be requested along with an additional $100,000 in matching funds.

Place of Performance
The specific geographic locations where the grant activities will take place are expected to be national or regional based on the nature of the training programs offered.