Collections

We are pleased to announce a major new funding initiative to illuminate underrepresented narratives through collections.

Collections are comprised of diverse narratives that provide perspectives from the past, contribute to a better informed present, and lead to a more inclusive, sustainable and healthier future. We encourage collecting organizations in our two regions to amplify overlooked voices and animate and expand the stories and insights derived from their collections. Diverse narratives include the stories and perspectives of culturally specific communities—African Americans, Indigenous peoples, and other people of color—LGBTQ perspectives, working-class narratives, small community experiences, as well as other underrepresented groups and viewpoints. Emerging, compelling underrepresented perspectives reflective of collections in the areas of science, public health, and the natural world are also important to our regions’ collective narratives.

Watch the video from our October 21, 2020 launch event. The webinar includes a short video sharing some stories from Chicago and the Lowcountry, a history of how the strategy came to be, a panel discussion with two collecting organizations, as well as Q&A with GDDF staff.

COLLECTIONS STRATEGY & GRANT GUIDELINES

Collecting organizations interested in developing a proposal must start the process by reaching out to Ellen Placey Wadey (ewadey@gddf.org), for projects located in the Chicago metro area, or Kerri Forrest (kforrest@gddf.org), for projects located in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Please email either one to set up a time and begin the conversation.

GOALS

More organizations have better collections practices
More collecting organizations are operationally stronger
More organizations promote diverse narratives through their collections
More public engagement with a broader array of diverse narratives

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for a grant:

Must be a 501(c)(3) or approved fiscal sponsorship
Organizations must be located in the Chicago region or Lowcountry of South Carolina
Organizations must be in compliance with their Secretary of State
The collection to be supported must be rooted in an underrepresented narrative from one of the two regions (Chicago or Lowcountry of SC)
The collection to be supported must be located in one of the two regions and currently or planned to be publicly accessible
Organization must demonstrate ongoing human, material, and financial support directed toward their collection’s effort

The following are not eligible: