Local History Grants for Collections Care and Access: Mini-Grant Funding

The Local History Grants for Collections Care and Access provide funding up to $700 for historical societies in Wisconsin to enhance their collections management and preservation efforts. Eligible organizations must be affiliated with the Wisconsin Historical Society and meet specific tax-exempt criteria. This mini-grant program encourages projects focused on archival supplies, digitization equipment, and conservation supplies, ensuring that historical collections are preserved for future generations.

NOTE:  First time applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with local history staff prior to applying. Please send drafts by the "letter of inquiry" deadline above.
Purpose
The mini-grant program aids affiliated historical societies in fulfilling their missions in the areas of collections care and management.
Categories
Mini-grant categories are listed below. A project may fit within more than one category:

• Archival Supplies
• Collections Management Software
• Storage & Shelving
• Digitization Equipment
• Climate Control
• Computer Hardware
• Conservation Supplies
• Training
• Grant Amounts and Matching Funds:

The maximum grant award to any applicant is $700. As indicated in the application form, grant awards must be matched on a 1:1, dollar-for-dollar basis

Eligibility

All organizations formally affiliated with the Wisconsin Historical Society, regardless of location, membership levels, or budget size, are invited to apply. Applicants must be tax exempt under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, be listed on the IRS web site as a Public Charity (PC), be current in filing of federal tax and information returns (e.g., Forms 990 or 990N), and be current in the filing of Annual Reports with the Wisconsin Historical Society.It is not necessary for an applicant to be registered as a charitable entity with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, although such registration is required for some private non-profits. If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact Field Services Staff before completing your application. Grant awards must be matched on a 1:1, dollar for dollar basis.Examples of ELIGIBLE project activities/expenses include:Collections management software, associated add-ons, upgrades, and technical assistance
Fees and/or travel expenses for workshops or training on collections care and management
Hardware to improve collections management, for example a scanner, digital camera, laptop or computer, or external
hard drive (must be for collections-specific activities, not general office use)
Purchase of acid-free boxes and folders to house archival materials
Purchase of supplies to create appropriate museum-quality storage for textiles
Acquisition of a dehumidifier for improved climate control
Acquisition of a HEPA vacuum to appropriately clean artifacts and exhibits
Monitoring equipment for collections storage, including water detectors and light meters
Equipment for collections storage, such as map cases or shelving
You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. Only historical organizations that are affiliates of the Wisconsin Historical Society are eligible to apply.

Ineligibility

Examples of ineligible project activities/expenses:   Projects with no connection to the care and management of museum or archival collections
Capital (building) projects, such as the construction of storage areas, ramps, building repairs, or improvements
Publications or books
Exhibit or display materials, cases, or fabrication (unless the project directly addresses some type of collections care
problem like lighting or textile care within an exhibit)
Security cameras or security-related materials in museum and exhibit areas
Previously purchased supplies, equipment, or other expenses already incurred