The Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) is now accepting applications for the digital reformatting of audio and audiovisual materials through its Recordings at Risk grant program. Funded by the Mellon Foundation, this program is dedicated to preserving “at-risk” recorded content of significant importance to researchers and the general public. Applications open today, January 14, 2025.

Through this initiative, CLIR will award grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to support digital preservation projects scheduled between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026. These grants will cover direct costs associated with preservation reformatting for aging audio and/or visual time-based analog media conducted by eligible organizations in collaboration with experienced service providers. 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be U.S.-based nonprofit academic, research, or cultural heritage organizations, with both the applicant and collections located in the United States. Projects will be evaluated by an independent review panel based on their potential scholarly public significance, urgency, the viability of long-term preservation plans, and the suitability of the proposed approach to accessibility. 

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Recordings at Risk grant program prioritizes the preservation of diverse and underrepresented collections that embody the richness of the human experience. CLIR strongly encourages applicants focused on saving invaluable recordings that might otherwise be lost or overlooked. 

Application and Webinar Details

The application deadline is Monday, April 14, 2025, with award announcements anticipated in August 2025. Prospective applicants are invited to join an informal webinar on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025, at 2:00 PM EST to learn more about the program and application process. To register for the webinar or submit an application, visit: Apply for an Award page

Learn from Past Successes 

To explore previously funded projects and their impact, visit the program’s Funded Projects page. These stories demonstrate how this program has helped preserve unique and irreplaceable materials for future generations.

Contact Information

Visit the website for the latest updates regarding the Recordings at Risk program.

For inquiries or additional information, email recordingsatrisk@clir.org.

About CLIR

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

About the Mellon Foundation

The Mellon Foundation is a prominent philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing the arts, humanities, and higher education. By supporting transformative projects, the foundation endeavors to create positive societal change and strengthen the global community’s cultural and intellectual wealth. Learn more at mellon.org.



Skip to content