Help from NEH

$1 Million in Emergency Flood Assistance Grants

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) will provide up to $1 million in disaster recovery assistance to libraries, museums, colleges, universities, and other cultural and historical institutions in the Midwest affected by the recent flooding. The goal is to ensure the survival of significant collections of our cultural heritage threatened by the floods.

Affected institutions in federally designated disaster areas may apply immediately for emergency grants of up to $20,000 to salvage, protect, and treat historical collections damaged by the flooding. Such collections may include manuscripts, historical records, art and artifacts, recorded sound, film and videotape, rare books, photographs, and other materials of cultural or historical significance.

Additionally, grants will be made to NEH-affiliated state humanities councils in affected states to help them assess the extent of the damage and to assist in the recovery efforts of hard-hit areas.

Emergency grants may cover expenses for hiring preservation professionals to assess damage to collections and advise on treatment; removal of collections to climate-controlled storage; freeze-drying of wet, paper-based materials; purchase of fans, de‑humidifiers, and salvage supplies; conservation treatment of collection materials; and similar preservation efforts.

How to Apply

Applicants should contact the Division of Preservation and Access by email (preservation@neh.gov) or by telephone (202/606-8570) to describe the humanities collections at risk and the nature of the damage. The Division’s staff will guide prospective applicants in the preparation of a letter of request to NEH Chairman Bruce Cole.

Learn more about how to apply.