Documentary Heritage Communities Program (DHCP)
Deadline: January 2025
What is the DHCP?
The Documentary Heritage Communities Program (DHCP) is a funding initiative provided by Library and Archives Canada (LAC) designed to support organizations across Canada in preserving and enhancing access to the country’s documentary heritage. Documentary heritage includes historical records, photographs, videos, manuscripts, maps, and other materials that reflect the stories, identities, and cultural significance of various communities.
This program recognizes the critical role played by smaller organizations, such as local archives, historical societies, Indigenous groups, libraries, and museums, in safeguarding Canada’s diverse heritage. By providing financial assistance, the DHCP empowers these organizations to carry out preservation projects that ensure future generations can access and learn from these important materials.
Why Is the DHCP Important?
Canada’s rich history and cultural diversity are reflected in its documentary heritage. However, preserving these materials can be challenging, particularly for smaller organizations with limited resources. The DHCP addresses this need by:
- Funding preservation efforts to protect fragile or deteriorating historical materials.
- Encouraging accessibility by supporting the creation of digital archives that can be shared more widely.
- Promoting cultural sovereignty, especially for Indigenous communities, by enabling them to manage and preserve their unique stories and traditions.
- Fostering awareness of Canada’s diverse histories and cultural contributions.
What Types of Projects Are Eligible?
The DHCP funds projects that fall into the following categories:
1. Preservation Projects
- Digitizing physical documents, photographs, and audiovisual materials.
- Improving storage conditions for physical collections (e.g., purchasing archival-quality materials).
- Implementing measures to safeguard fragile or at-risk materials from deterioration.
2. Access and Awareness Initiatives
- Developing online digital archives or tools to share historical content with the public.
- Conducting outreach or educational activities to engage communities with their documentary heritage.
- Creating finding aids, catalogs, or indexes to make collections easier to explore.
3. Capacity Building
- Training staff or volunteers in archival or preservation techniques.
- Acquiring equipment or technology to support digitization and preservation.
- Building partnerships with other organizations to share resources or expertise.
Who Can Apply for the DHCP?
The DHCP is open to a variety of organizations, including:
- Indigenous Groups and Communities: To preserve oral histories, records, and cultural heritage unique to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.
- Historical Societies and Museums: Organizations managing culturally or historically significant collections.
- Libraries and Archives: Especially those with unique or specialized collections that contribute to Canada’s heritage.
- Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, or universities with heritage-focused projects or collections.
- Community-Based Organizations: Groups working to document and preserve the stories of their communities.
- Non-Profit Cultural Organizations: Any registered non-profit committed to heritage preservation or accessibility.
Funding Details
The DHCP offers two levels of financial support:
- Grants up to $25,000: Ideal for smaller, single-purpose projects such as digitizing a specific collection or creating an online archive.
- Contributions up to $50,000: For larger, multi-faceted initiatives that may involve multiple components like preservation, digitization, and public engagement.
The application deadline for the 2025 cycle is January 2025, so now is the time to start planning your project.
Not Sure How to Get Started? We Can Help…
We provide expert guidance to help you navigate the grant application process with confidence, ensuring your project meets the necessary criteria for funding. Grant applications can sometimes be complex, but our team is here to simplify the process and maximize your chances of success. Let us support you every step of the way to secure the funding your project deserves.
Have a Question?
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