Funding of $4,000,000 Allocated to Facilitate the Digitization of Rare and Unique Materials

[Alexandria, VA] – The Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) is now accepting initial applications for Digitizing Hidden Special Collections and Archives: Amplifying Unheard Voices. Made possible through the generous support of the Mellon Foundation, this competitive program is dedicated to the digitization of rare and unique materials held by collecting organizations in the US and Canada.

The program invites proposals for digitizing materials that enrich the public’s understanding of the histories of underrepresented communities, particularly those of people of color and other historically marginalized populations. Through launching a third call for applications with this theme, CLIR aims to build upon the program’s previous success by attracting an even broader range of proposals from academic, independent, and community-based organizations than before. CLIR will award grants ranging from $50,000 to $300,000 USD. Selected projects will begin on January 1, 2026, and continue for up to three years.

“We are thrilled to receive another round of generous support from the Mellon Foundation, which allows us to continue our mission of preserving invaluable cultural and historical records,” said Charles Henry, president of CLIR. “This funding ensures that the stories and contributions of underrepresented communities are recognized and accessible to all, fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of our shared heritage.”

At the core of this program lie five fundamental values, which have played an integral role in its design and will serve as guiding principles for reviewers’ assessment of applications. These values encompass the promotion of public knowledge, the embrace of diverse representation, the formation of authentic partnerships, the establishment of sustainable infrastructures, and the prioritization of community-centered access.

The application process has two stages. The initial application is open to eligible nonprofit collecting organizations in the United States and Canada. The deadline for submission of proposals is set for 11:59 pm ET on October 30, 2024. During this stage, applicants are encouraged to effectively communicate the significance of the materials and the need for support through this grant. CLIR’s independent review panel will select applicants whose initial proposals align closely with the program’s scope and reflect its core values. These selected applicants will be invited to submit a final proposal in February 2025. Detailed information about the application requirements and process can be found on the program’s Apply for an Award page.

CLIR will host an informational webinar for interested applicants on August 21 at 1:00 p.m. ET, followed by a Q&A session on October 2 at 1:00 p.m. ET. Participation requires advance registration. Both sessions will be live captioned, and transcripts and recordings will be made available on the program’s Apply for an Award page after the events.

We encourage all eligible organizations to take advantage of this opportunity to preserve and amplify the voices and experiences of underrepresented communities. Submit your initial application by October 30, 2024, and join us in making history accessible to all.

About CLIR

The Council on Library and Information Resources is an independent, nonprofit organization that collaborates with libraries, cultural institutions, and communities of higher learning to develop strategies to enhance research, teaching, and learning environments.

About the Mellon Foundation

The Mellon Foundation is the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities. Since 1969, the Foundation has been guided by its core belief that the humanities and arts are essential to human understanding. The Foundation believes that the arts and humanities are where we express our complex humanity, and that everyone deserves the beauty, transcendence, and freedom that can be found there. Through our grants, we seek to build just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive. Learn more at mellon.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Stacey Patton

Director of Communications

Email: spatton@clir.org.