RFP #208: 2026-27 Conservation/Preservation Discretionary Grants
To encourage the proper care and accessibility of research materials in the State, to promote the use and development of guidelines and standards for conservation/preservation work, and to support the growth of local and cooperative preservation programs. To provide modest financial support for projects that contribute to the preservation of significant research materials in libraries, archives, historical societies, and other agencies within the State of New York, whether by improving collection storage environments, reformatting or treating collections or other preservation activities described in these guidelines.
July 1st, 2026 - June 30th, 2027
The New York State Discretionary Grant Program for the Conservation and Preservation of Library Research Materials was authorized under Education Law, Section 273.6(c) in 1984, expanded in 1986 and revised in Part O, Chapter 57, of the Laws of 2005. Its purpose is to encourage the proper care and accessibility of research materials in the State, to promote the use and development of guidelines and standards for conservation/preservation work, and to support the growth of local and cooperative preservation programs.
The Discretionary Grant Program provides modest financial support for projects that contribute to the preservation of significant research materials in libraries, archives, historical societies and other agencies within the State of New York, whether by improving collection storage environments, reformatting or treating collections or other preservation activities described in these guidelines.
Agencies and libraries chartered by the Regents, not-for-profit libraries, archives, historical societies, and similar agencies within the State, and from consortia or cooperating groups of such agencies. See the RFP documents Eligibility section for more details.
- Source: New York State Aid to Libraries
- Estimated Funds Available: $500,000
- Estimated Size of Awards: Minimum grant award is $2,500; maximum grant award is $45,000
- Awards will be made subject to appropriation and availability of funds
- Match Requirement: No financial match is required. See RFP document for Institutional Contribution of staff time requirements
Proposals received from nonprofit applicants that are not Prequalified in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) by 5:00 PM on the proposal due date of April 1st, 2026 cannot be evaluated. Such proposals will be disqualified from further consideration. Please see the “Prequalification Requirement” section in the RFP document for additional information.
Applications must be received through our Online Grant Application System by: 5:00pm April 1st, 2026.
Questions will be accepted at preservation@nysed.gov until the close of business February 23rd, 2026. A Questions and Answers Summary will be posted to NYSED’s Grants website no later than March 2nd, 2026. Applicants can also view frequently asked questions at CP Grant Q&A.
Applications must be received through our Online Grant Application System by: 5:00pm April 1st, 2026.