This program is open to institutions with humanities collections that are available to the public on a regularly scheduled basis located anywhere in the United States. Through funding from the NEH, CCAHA is able to offer a limited number of subsidized assessments for a total of just $500 each. 

Participation in this program requires a two-year commitment. In the first year, the institution will be assigned an assessor, who will work with the institution over the course of the program. The assessor will require access to institutional policies, procedures, plans, and other information. During the first year, the assessor will schedule a time to visit the institution and conduct a risk assessment. The risk assessment will identify natural or man-made emergencies that may threaten the collections and outline strategies for mitigation. During the on-site consultation, the assessor will review and examine the institution’s environment, history, location, structural needs and concerns, pest control, fire protection, security procedures, local resources, and training requirements. Insurance considerations, collections documentation, and collections salvage priorities are also addressed. The written report provides observations, recommendations, and resources to serve as a guide in the development of a comprehensive disaster plan for the institution.    

In the second year, the assessor will then work with the institution to develop an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for their collections. The emergency plan will include information on essential contacts, emergency response and recovery vendors, emergency communication, insurance, and salvage priorities for the collections. CCAHA staff will be available as a resource and to review the completed plan.

Learn more here: https://ccaha.org/apply-risk-2021