NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant Program

The NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant is administered through a partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts and the Greater Hudson Heritage Network, organizations dedicated to supporting arts and cultural preservation across New York State. The program is designed to provide financial assistance for conservation treatment procedures that stabilize and preserve cultural objects held in the collections of museums, historical societies, and other cultural institutions. Additional support is provided by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation for projects in Long Island and New York City, and the Coby Foundation for textile conservation, reinforcing the program’s commitment to safeguarding diverse forms of material culture. The primary purpose of this grant is to ensure the long term preservation of historically and culturally significant objects. Funding supports professional conservation treatment carried out by, or under the direct supervision of, a qualified conservator. Eligible projects include the conservation of paintings, works on paper, textiles, furniture, frames, sculpture, and other historical or decorative objects. The program also allows for related costs such as in state transportation of objects or conservators and insurance coverage during treatment. However, it explicitly excludes funding for staff salaries, out of state transportation, conservation of archival or library materials, preventive care measures such as rehousing, and projects that have already begun prior to award notification. The grant emphasizes inclusive storytelling and encourages applicants to prioritize objects that represent historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, including but not limited to African American, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, LGBTQIA, and disabled communities. Projects that interpret and reflect the broader narrative of New York State are also strongly encouraged. This reflects a broader institutional priority toward diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, recognizing that conservation decisions influence which histories are preserved and shared. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations incorporated in or authorized to operate within New York State that own and publicly exhibit collections. Applicants must not have in house conservation staff with the expertise required for the proposed treatment, and the organization must be open to the public beyond appointment only access. Only one application may be submitted per organization, and collections owned by state agencies or religious institutions are not eligible. Federal and municipal entities may be considered but must consult with program administrators prior to applying. Applications are submitted through an online portal that opens June 1, 2026, with a deadline of September 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applicants are required to provide detailed conservation proposals, including condition reports, treatment plans, budgets, and visual documentation. The strength of the proposed conservation work and clarity of the application materials are key factors in evaluation. Applications are reviewed competitively by a panel of conservation, curatorial, and museum professionals. Award amounts are capped at ten thousand dollars per project, and no matching funds are required. The grant period begins upon notification, expected in late November or early December, and continues through a defined completion deadline, typically October 1 of the following year. Projects must not begin prior to the official award date and must adhere to all reporting requirements, including submission of a final report documenting the completed conservation work. The program operates on an annual cycle, and applicants are encouraged to plan accordingly. Recipients must comply with New York State Education Law and maintain communication with the grant administrator regarding any changes to project scope, cost, or conservator. For assistance, applicants may contact program staff via phone or email, and additional guidance is available through informational resources and consultations provided by the administering organizations.

Prioritize objects representing underrepresented communities; ensure strong professional conservation plan; include complete documentation from conservator