The Collections & Access grant supports member projects that improve access to collections. Projects must make collections more accessible and freely available to end users, preferably through one of the ongoing statewide projects. Projects that highlight underrepresented voices receive priority consideration.
The Rochester Regional Library Council invites member organizations to submit Preliminary Proposals for our Collections & Access Grant. Of those Preliminary Proposals submitted, RRLC will invite a subset to submit a Full Proposal.
Preliminary Proposals are no longer being accepted.
Download the RFP & Guidelines here
ELIGIBILITY
Membership: All applicants must be dues paying members of RRLC. See our website for a list of member libraries. NOTE: Individual school and public libraries, while not dues paying members of RRLC, may have their system apply on their behalf. A system may submit more than one project. You must be authorized by your organization to submit this proposal on behalf of your organization.
FUNDABLE PROJECTS
The Collections & Access grant supports member projects that improve access to collections. Projects must make collections more accessible and freely available to end users, preferably through one of the ongoing statewide projects. Projects that preserve and share the cultural history of marginalized communities will receive priority consideration.
Examples of projects may include:
- Digitizing analog collections to make available online through NY Heritage
- Digitizing and making newspaper collections available through NY State Historic Newspapers
- Improving access to existing online collections by updating metadata and descriptive elements
- Creating and making finding aids available through Empire Archival Discovery Cooperative
- Creating and adding 360-degree audiovisual content for Empire State Immersive Experiences
GRANT TIMELINE
October 27, 2023 Preliminary Proposals due
November 7, 2023 Selected applicants invited to submit Full Proposal
December 18, 2023 Last day to ask questions about grant proposals
January 2, 2024 Full Proposals due
January 18, 2024 Board of Trustees makes final award selections
January 22, 2024 Grant awardees notified
January 31, 2024 Grant acceptance letters due; award payments sent
July 31, 2024 Mid-year progress reports due
January 2025 Project completion; final reports due
IMPORTANT: You must fully review the RFP before submitting the Preliminary Proposal. Contact Ryan Hughes with questions.