Overview
The New York State Discretionary Grant Program for the Conservation and Preservation of Library Research Materials was established in 1984 to encourage the proper care and accessibility of research materials in New York State, to promote the use and development of guidelines and standards for conservation and preservation work, and to support the growth of local and cooperative preservation programs. This program was authorized under Education Law, Section 273, Apportionment of state aid to libraries and library systems.
The Discretionary Grant Program provides financial support for projects that contribute to the preservation of significant research materials in libraries, archives, historical societies, and other agencies within New York State, whether by improving collection storage environments, reformatting, or treating collections or other preservation activities described in the program guidelines.
Eligibility
Not-for-profit libraries, archives, historical societies, and similar agencies organizations within New York State Government, and consortia are encouraged to apply. Eligible organizations include those that have been:
- chartered by the Board of Regents of the State of New York; or
- accepted by the Board of Regents for filing under the not-for-profit sections (section 216) of the Education Law; or
- registered with the office of Charities of the New York State Department of State; or
- granted not-for-profit status under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue code.
Eligibility is established by Commissioner’s Regulation 90.16, Conservation and/or Preservation of library research materials.
Discretionary Grant Program Application
Applications for this grant program are now open. Application information and announcements will be posted on this website and sent out on the NYLINE email list.
The New York State Program for the Conservation and Preservation of Library Research Materials Discretionary Grant Program application is no longer issued in paper. For the current grant cycle, all applications must be submitted through our web-based application program. Please go to the Online Grant System Account Registration Form to register to receive a user name and password to access the online grant application system. You will need a user name and password to submit an application.
Conservation and Preservation Discretionary Grant Guidelines
Conservation and Preservation Discretionary Application Portal
Past Projects
Conservation and Preservation Discretionary Grant funds have been used to support preservation activities across New York in a variety of ways. Examples of past projects include:
- Conservation treatment projects
- preservation and rehousing of architectural drawings and blueprints;
- digitizing and reformatting audio files;
- rehousing photographic negatives;
- conservation of published books from the 17- and 1800s;
- preservation microfilming of city directories; and
- rehousing of personal papers.
Explore a list of recipients and awards dating back to 2019.
Prequalification Requirement
New York State has implemented a prequalification requirement for not-for-profit entities applying for grants. Proposals received from not-for-profit applicants that have not Registered and are not Prequalified in the Grants Gateway on the proposal due date cannot be evaluated. Such proposals will be disqualified from further consideration. Even if you have prequalified in the past please be sure you have completed the necessary steps to maintain a Prequalified Status.
M/WBE Compliance
All applicants are required to comply with NYSED's Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) participation goals for this grant. (Applications for grant funding that exceed $25,000 for the full grant period.)
Additional Resources
Program Questions and Answers
More information about the application process and eligible projects.
State Aid and Grants in NYS
View information and allocation tables for the annual statutory formula aid program for the 10 comprehensive research libraries.