Finding the right funding for archival or digital access projects can feel like a maze.
Luckily, there are several U.S. funding bodies and foundations that regularly support this kind of work, from improving discovery tools, to building better infrastructure.
In this post, we’ve highlighted some of the key programs worth keeping an eye on, along with insights into how PastView can help archives generate revenue through digital monetization models.
By demonstrating both community impact and sustainable income potential, PastView can also help strengthen funding applications and make your project more attractive to grant providers.
If your project involves improving public access to historical collections, the NHPRC should be near the top of your list.
Their Archival Projects program funds initiatives that make it easier for people to discover and use historical records, whether those are documents, photos, digital files, or analog audio.
If you’re working to increase online visibility or usability of archival collections, this is a strong place to start.
This joint program from the Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) supports bold digital projects in the humanities.
The Digital Humanities Advancement Grants (DHAG) fund initiatives that are innovative, experimental, or technically ambitious, including those focused on archival discovery, metadata, or user interface development.
It’s a competitive program, so successful applications usually demonstrate a balance of creativity, sustainability, and solid methodology.
Find more details at imls.gov and neh.gov.
Beyond DHAG, the NEH runs several other grant programs that support archives, digital editions, and infrastructure work.
A good example is the Digital Projects for the Public program, which helps bring humanities content to wider audiences using digital tools.
You can explore NEH’s grants catalog for examples of supported databases, archives, and digital editions, or browse current calls on Grants.gov.
No list of funders in this space would be complete without The Mellon Foundation. Mellon is one of the largest supporters of libraries, archives, and digital humanities infrastructure.
Recent calls include the Community-Based Archives initiative (2025), which offers general operating support for U.S. community archives. These flexible funds can often be used to strengthen discovery and access systems.
Mellon has also backed major technical projects like the Fedora Repository Project, so if your work touches on system architecture or open-source infrastructure, Mellon is worth watching.
See more at mellon.org.
If your collections include film or audiovisual materials, check out the NFPF.
They support preservation and public access projects for U.S.-based film and AV archives. Even if your main focus isn’t film, this program can be a valuable option for mixed or multimedia collections.
Find out more on their website filmpreservation.org/nfpf-grants.
Several arts and culture foundations also fund work that improves access to collections or digital discovery tools.
These tend to issue calls periodically, so staying on their mailing lists or social channels can help you spot opportunities early.
Staying informed about active and upcoming calls from these funders is key to successful grant planning. Many programs emphasize collaboration, sustainability, and innovation in access and discovery, so aligning project goals with these themes can increase funding success.
For archival and cultural organizations, maintaining a pipeline of potential funders and developing project concepts in advance of open calls can make a significant difference in securing support for digital access initiatives.
While external funding can provide essential support for digitisation and access projects, long-term sustainability often depends on finding ways to generate your own income. One effective approach is to make your collections work for you. Platforms like PastView allow archives, museums, and heritage organizations to create new revenue streams directly from their digital collections, helping to balance public access with financial resilience.
Your collections hold unique stories, and with the right tools, they can also generate valuable income. PastView makes this possible by offering flexible monetization features that help you balance open access with financial sustainability. From digital downloads to subscription models, you stay in complete control of what’s available, how it’s accessed, and at what cost.
Let’s explore some of the key ways PastView can help your archive generate revenue:
One of PastView’s most popular features is the ability to earn income through paid downloads. While any item uploaded to PastView can be shared freely, you can choose to make certain records, images, or publications available only as paid downloads.
Setting this up is simple: select your items, set a price, and publish. This gives you the flexibility to offer open access to much of your collection while reserving exclusive or high-value content for revenue generation.
For users who want to access content on the go, offline copies are an appealing option. Entire books, magazines, or journals can be made available for download in formats like PDF, MOBI, or ePUB, ready to view on any device.
This not only adds convenience for researchers, educators, or enthusiasts, but also provides an extra income stream. Simply enable “Offline Copies” for selected items, set your charge, and your audience can enjoy your collections anytime, anywhere.
If you’re using revenue-generating features, PastView’s built-in eCommerce store creates a seamless user experience. A familiar shopping basket or cart icon lets visitors browse, select, and purchase items just as they would in a regular online store.
Secure payment integration ensures personal details are protected, giving users peace of mind and making the process simple, safe, and professional.
Subscriptions offer a reliable way to create ongoing income while giving users flexible access to your most valuable collections. Whether you manage historical publications, periodicals, or themed archives, subscription models can be easily tailored to your audience.
With PastView, you can:
Content can also be hidden or blurred until a subscription is purchased, helping convert interest into engagement. Plus, with built-in Google Analytics integration, you can track performance, understand audience behavior, and fine-tune your subscription strategy.
For organizations or membership-based institutions, Perpetual Subscriptions provide continuous access to specific collections. These are ideal for societies, associations, educational bodies, or other groups where membership grants ongoing digital access.
Members can log in via shared or individual credentials, and administrators can easily manage permissions, ensuring that access remains controlled and secure.
Whether through one-off downloads, offline copies, or subscription models, PastView gives you the flexibility to unlock the financial potential of your collections. By combining preservation with practical revenue options, you can build a sustainable archive that serves both your audience and your organization’s long-term goals.
By capturing detailed analytics and engagement data, PastView helps you evidence the real-world value of your collections. Showing how your digital archives support education, research, and cultural engagement can significantly strengthen your case for grants and investment. Combined with clear opportunities for monetization, this creates a compelling argument for long-term funding and sustainability.
If you'd like to learn more about PastView, it's immersive access and discovery features, as well as revenue generating capabilities, reach out to our friendly team today!