What it is
The purpose of our Subsidized Survey Program is to provide an opportunity for cultural institutions with limited funding to obtain assistance in identifying their preservation needs.

How it works
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.

Who Is Eligible
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 to participants
Quality surveys of this type often cost at least $6,000 plus travel. This program receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities to substantially reduce that cost.

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. Subsidized Survey applications will be reviewed and awarded by a review committee of Conservation Specialists. All decisions are final. Applications can be sent to Melinda Markell, Preservation Services Coordinator, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404. Please contact us with questions, phone: 612-870-3128 or email: info(at)preserveart(dot)org

Deadlines
The deadline for receipt of applications into the 2010 program will be December 2009.