CCAHA offers two different Preservation Needs Assessment Programs. Each program has unique eligibility requirements and levels of commitment, but the applications are the same. Please read the program descriptions below carefully. On the application form, there will be an opportunity to indicate which program(s) you would like to be considered for. 

National Preservation Program: Preservation Needs Assessment and Preservation Plan

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 preservation needs assessment. 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 facility 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.

In the second year, the assessor will then work with the institution to develop a three-five-year preservation plan for their collections. A preservation plan provides a strategic framework for advancing preservation and collections care initiatives. The preservation plan will address: institutional policies and procedures; collection development policies and priorities; emergency preparedness and response; environmental conditions and monitoring (temperature, relative humidity, light, pests, and mold); storage furniture and materials; security; housekeeping; staffing; financial resources; repair and conservation treatment needs; reformatting options (microfilming, photoduplication, photocopying, and digital imaging); and exhibition needs. The plan will include timetables with benchmarks and assign responsibilities.

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