Grants - Preservation Needs Assessment and Risk Assessment

The Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) is seeking applicants for its Preservation Needs Assessment and Risk Assessment programs. Through funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), CCAHA is able to offer a limited number of subsidized assessments for a total of just $350 each. These services are valued at over $5,000. Detailed information on the Preservation Needs Assessment Program can be found at: http://www.ccaha.org/fundraising/grant-calendar/2013/04/19/ccaha-s-preservation-needs-assessment-program-1 Information on the Risk Assessment Program can be found at: http://www.ccaha.org/fundraising/grant-calendar/2013/04/19/ccaha-s-risk-assessment-program-1 If you have questions or want to discuss the suitability of this program for your institution, please contact CCAHA's Preservation Services Office, call 215.545.0613, go to www.ccaha.org, or email pso@ccaha.org About the Preservation Needs Assessment Program Completing a Preservation Needs Assessment is a key first step in the process of caring for collections and is essential when seeking funding for preservation and conservation initiatives. The preservation needs assessment process encompasses a general evaluation of the institution's preservation needs for their collections and includes: environment (temperature, relative humidity, pollution and light), housekeeping, pest control, fire protection, security, and disaster preparedness; collection storage, handling, exhibition, and treatment; and preservation planning. The site visit consists of a review of the site conducted by a CCAHA preservation expert, an examination of the collections, and interviews with relevant staff. The written report provides observations, recommendations, and resources to serve as a guide in the development of a comprehensive preservation plan for the collections. Eligibility: Institutions with paper-based humanities collections that are available to the public on a regularly scheduled basis and that have national or regional significance are encouraged to apply. Additional eligibility requirements are on CCAHA's web site at: http://www.ccaha.org/fundraising/grant-calendar/2013/04/19/ccaha-s-preservation-needs-assessment-program-1 About the Risk Assessment Program A risk assessment is a necessary first step for developing an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. Institutions selected to participate in the program will work with a CCAHA preservation expert member to complete a one day on-site consultation during which collections management policies and procedures, facilities and building location, environmental conditions, security and fire protection, pest and mold control, and weather and geographic risks are analyzed. The written risk assessment report will provide observations, recommendations and mitigation strategies, and resources to help the institution mitigate risks and will also serve as a guide in the development of an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for the collection and the institution. In addition, CCAHA staff will review any subsequent disaster planning documents and make suggestions for the successful implementation of the emergency plan. Eligibility: Small to mid-sized institutions with humanities-based collections of regional or national significance are eligible and encouraged to apply. Additional eligibility requirements are on CCAHA's web site at: http://www.ccaha.org/fundraising/grant-calendar/2013/04/19/ccaha-s-risk-assessment-program-1 All applications must be received by Friday, April 19, 2013.