Foundational Planning Assistance is helpful for organizations that need to invest in resource development and capacity building to better support collections. The main goal is to help your organization get ready for a comprehensive collections assessment within the next one to three years.
Once selected, participants will complete a brief survey focusing on the organization’s mission, collections, programs, resources, and current needs. DHPSNY staff will review the survey and schedule a half-day informal visit with the organization. During this visit, time will be dedicated to looking at collections and spaces, with the bulk of the time spent in discussion. Individuals taking part will be asked to talk through collection goals and a collaborative SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. There will also be time dedicated to discussing actionable next steps and begin the process of prioritization.
The final plan will provide the organization with a structure to build policies and practices that best serve collection needs. Areas of focus will include preservation concerns, collections management, resource allocation, and development. The plan will identify goals that are achievable within the next two years. DHPSNY staff will follow up with organizations at the six-month mark to discuss how to carry out the plan and make updates as needed.
Is My Organization Eligible?
Your organization is eligible to apply for this program if it:
- holds historical records and/or library research materials
- is a nonprofit cultural institution in New York State
Note: DHPSNY hopes your organization has programs in place to preserve these records and make them publicly accessible. However, if you don’t have these programs fully in place or need help developing them, DHPSNY will still consider your application.
View the Foundational Planning Assistance timeline.
How Can We Apply?
Application materials for Foundational Planning Assistance are accepted year-round and reviewed on a monthly basis. Applications are currently being accepted for 2026 sessions. DHPSNY staff review all applications for Foundational Planning Assistance.
Questions? Please contact the DHPSNY team for assistance, questions about eligibility, or additional information at (215) 545-0613 ext. 337 or info@dhpsny.org.
Ready to get started? Click here to apply. If you’ve never used the online application platform Submittable before click here for an overview and step-by-step instructions.