Who Is Eligible
Subsidized surveys are available to non-profit institutions that do not have sufficient funding to contract a survey, including those that have not been successful in obtaining funding from other sources.  Institutions must be located within the 5-state Upper Midwest region (Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin). Institutions with significant humanities collections are encouraged to apply.

Type of Survey
The Program will provide a General Needs Assessment Survey (not an object by object survey which may be required later.) These surveys are the essential first step in the accepted federal funding protocol for preservation and conservation grants. These surveys must be carried out before an institution can draft a preservation plan.

Cost of Survey
Quality surveys of this type often cost at least $5,000 plus travel costs. In this program, participating institutions will only have to pay a $500 fee plus travel and subsistence costs (food and accommodations).

How to Apply
The application process is simple. To apply, send a letter stating your organization’s desire to have a survey including a general description of your institution and collections, its preservation needs, the person(s) responsible for preservation issues, and the type of survey you want. The letter must include documentation that your organization is a 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1), or 509(a)(2) non-profit organization. Often, depending upon scheduling, size of your institution and the complexity of collection(s), survey reports can take up to one year for completion, so please alert us of your future plans and any internal deadlines you might have. The deadline for receipt of applications is December 17, 2007. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Melinda Markell, Preservation Services Coordinator, MACC, 2400 Third Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55404 at (612) 870-3128.