National Disaster Recovery Fund for Archives

About this program

The SAA Foundation (with historical collaboration from the Society of Southwest Archivists) administers the National Disaster Recovery Fund for Archives to provide grants that support stabilization and recovery of archival and special collections affected by major disasters. Grants up to $5,000 (with larger awards considered if funds remain) may be used for direct recovery services (e.g., freeze‑drying, storage, transportation), supplies, rental facilities, and to defray volunteer or other labor costs; approved payments can be made directly to service providers upon submission of an itemized invoice. Any repository that holds archival records or special collections is eligible to apply—membership in SAA/SSA is not required—and the program primarily serves U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and territories (with exceptional consideration for non‑U.S. entities). Applicants submit the NDRFA application or an equivalent letter to foundation@archivists.org or the SAA Foundation postal address; a review committee from SAA and SSA Foundation scores proposals and recipients must provide a financial accounting within six months.