Jewish Heritage
Archives/Libraries

Millions of documents stored in hundreds of archival collections across Europe, and throughout the world, contain fascinating insights into the history of the Jews of Europe. Substantial holdings of material dating from the Middle-Ages can be found in governmental, institutional, communal and private archives and collections in every European country. Many of these collections deal exclusively with Jewish history and heritage, while others hold materials pertinent to the history and cultures of a particular place, in which Jewish people played an active part.

The grant programme aims to assist archives and libraries in Europe to improve the protection, preservation and availability of collections.

The Foundation would like to encourage archivists to learn from each other. Read more about travel and study grants for Professional Development for European Archivists.

NOTE: This grant category is not available online. To apply for this grant please
click here

Applications are welcome in the following 4 categories

1. Conservation

   Support is available for conservation projects aimed at the long-term protection of archival materials, including papers, books, posters, film, audio and video tapes, and other holdings. Digitization projects will be considered.

   Applications for conservation training and the establishment of conservation facilities can also be made.

2. Inventories and cataloguing

   Proposals will be considered that identify and catalogue historical, cultural and religious materials pertaining to European Jewish communities. Special consideration will be given to assisting collections in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

   Applications are invited for inventory and cataloguing work which includes:

   • initial sorting and preliminary identification of collection holdings

   • detailed analysis and cataloguing of specific aspects of collections

   • preparation of publicly accessible lists and catalogues of archive or collection materials

   • publication and dissemination of lists and catalogues, in print or electronically, to be made widely available so that scholars can easily identify whether there is material relevant to their work and consult the documents in situ.

   Archival collections can include manuscripts, all forms of printed materials, and audio, film and video recordings. All manner of collections accessible for scholarly use are eligible for funding, including public record office archives, organisational and institutional archives, Jewish congregational and communal archives, library special collections, and private archives now deposited in public collections. The grant programme will not support card cataloguing initiatives. Applications for computer hardware and software necessary for cataloguing and for staff training and salaries for specific cataloguing projects will be considered.

3. Storage

   Support is available for the purchase and installation of materials necessary to the proper protective storage of any kind of archival material, including print, audio, video, and film. Materials can include proper acid-free protective folders, envelopes, boxes and other containers, as well as cabinets, shelving, or other necessary storage furnishings.

   Applications for proper temperature and humidity controls, fire protection and security systems will also be considered.

4. Strategic collaboration among archives and libraries

   Support is available for strategic collaborations between archives and libraries that wish to exchange professional expertise and/or resources. This is usually for up to one year, and includes an exchange in the fields of conservation, cataloging and indexing of collections, as well as the digitization and accessibility of materials. Projects will be assessed according to the need for collaboration and for the benefit it will bring to the institutions involved.

We are not currently accepting applications for this programme