Grant Guidelines

2006-2007 NTVPF PRESERVATION GRANTS

OVERVIEW
The National Television and Video Preservation Foundation (NTVPF) enables individual public and non-profit archives to preserve, and provide access to, television and video materials that would otherwise be lost to the public. At this time, the NTVPF is offering Preservation Grants based on services donated to the NTVPF by preservation service providers. Some grants may not include out of pocket expenses (tape stock, shipping, insurance).

ELIGIBILITY
Not-for-profit archives in the United States, including local, state and federal government institutions, may apply for these donated services. The grants target television and video works made in the United States or by American citizens, which are not protected by commercial interests. Productions originating on electronic video formats and film-based productions made for distribution and exhibition on television will be considered.

Laboratory in-kind services must be used for the creation of:

• New preservation elements (which could include film, video or audio materials).
• New public access copies. If the archive has already created preservation elements, but needs to make exhibition or viewing copies, the grants may be used to support the production of up to two viewing copies.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Because of the large number of potentially worthy television and video preservation and access projects, and the limited amount of resources available, applicants are strongly encouraged to consider the following priorities in the NTVPF's selection criteria.

Research or Historical Significance. The television or video material addressed by the project should be important for cultural, artistic, educational or historical study. If specific to a particular region, locale or culture, the production should relate to a broader national trend or should be significant to the submitting institution's cultural mandate.

Obsolescence of Format. Television and video materials are particularly at risk due to the obsolescence of the equipment necessary for playback or replication. The NTVPF will place particular emphasis on those productions that are on formats at risk of being lost because of equipment obsolescence.

Public Accessibility. The NTVPF prefers to fund projects that enable materials to be more accessible to the public. The institution's ability to allow viewing by on-site researchers and/or public screening without admission fee or viewing restriction will be considered. Relevant donor or use restrictions should be noted in an application. The NTVPF will prefer works for which the copyright has been transferred or is owned by the archive or has otherwise been determined to be in the public domain or not protected by a corporate interest.

Uniqueness of the institution's material. Historically, television and video materials have been easily copied, and sometimes widely distributed. The NTVPF prefers to fund preservation of unique or best source materials. Some statement of effort by the institution to determine whether they own the original, only or best copy should be presented, including documentation of organizations, databases or other resources checked to ensure that the proposed work does not duplicate effort by others in the public/non-profit sector.

Storage. The NTVPF will prefer to fund projects where the original and resulting materials will be stored in a proper temperature and humidity controlled setting. It is recommended that applicants demonstrate access to storage areas with acceptable environmental conditions. Institutions without adequate storage facilities may be eligible for donated storage services.

Thoroughness of proposal. The NTVPF will prefer applications that are complete and show effective thought and planning. See the grant application and materials assessment checklist for matters that need to be addressed in successful applications. Specifically, a cost estimate that reflects careful consideration of expected laboratory work, proof of the submitting institution's public service mission including non-profit and tax-exempt status, and complete contact information are essential for all applicants.

HOW TO APPLY
Fill out the grant application form and send it to the following address postmarked by January 31, 2007:

The National Television and Video Preservation Foundation (NTVPF)
c/o The Association of Moving Image Archivists (AMIA)
1313 N. Vine St.
Los Angeles, CA 90028

or fax it to 323-463-1506

or email an electronic version to info@ntvpf.tv

TIMELINE
Applications must be postmarked, faxed or emailed by January 31, 2007.

An expert panel will review applications through July 2007.

After the panel meets, the NTVPF will match grantees with preservation service providers based on the type of work requested and awarded. Award winners may receive services grants at a facility different than the one from which they initially obtained estimates. Some grants may not include out of pocket expenses (tape stock, shipping, insurance).

Notifications of grant decisions will be sent out in August 2007.

Grantees should submit their materials to their designated preservation partner by October 1, 2007.

Work should be completed by March 31, 2008. A report should also be submitted to the NTVPF at time of completion.