CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Rescuing Texas History Mini Grants – 2026
The Portal to Texas History invites libraries, museums, archives, community organizations, and individuals to apply for the 2026 Rescuing Texas History Mini Grants. The program supports the digitization and online access of Texas historical and cultural heritage materials by providing up to $1,000 in digitization, item-level metadata creation, and hosting of materials on The Portal to Texas History. This support is provided as in-kind services and no funds will be exchanged.
About the Portal to Texas History
The Portal to Texas History is a free digital gateway providing public access to Texas historical and cultural materials from partners across the state. Collections include photographs, maps, books, letters, manuscripts, artifacts, and newspapers dating from the fifteenth century to the present.
Through collaborative partnerships, the Portal helps ensure that valuable historical materials, large and small, are preserved and made accessible to researchers, educators, students, and the general public.
Important Dates
- May 15, 2026: Call for submissions opens
- August 7, 2026: Applications due
- August 26, 2026: Applicants notified of project acceptance
- September 1, 2026: Digitization begins
INSTRUCTIONS
This call is for archival and cultural heritage materials (non-newspapers). Each year, a limited number of projects can be accepted; however, all applications are reviewed.
Applicants must complete the General Application, along with the appropriate appendix and required rights agreement(s):
- General Application Word | PDF | Example PDF
- Appendix B Word | PDF | Example Word
- Partnership Agreement Word | PDF | Example PDF
No prior experience working with the Portal is required. Portal staff will work closely with selected partners throughout the project to provide guidance and support.
If you have a newspaper collection you would like to place on the Portal, please contact Ana Krahmer at ana.krahmer@unt.edu to explore available options.
Selection Focus
Projects are selected based on their potential to support research and public understanding of Texas history. This may include projects that:
- Document local, regional, or community histories
- Share materials that are underrepresented on The Portal to Texas History
- Are difficult to access elsewhere
- Expand or complement existing historical narratives
- Preserve materials at risk due to age, format, or limited storage conditions
Need Help?
Applicants with questions, or who would like to discuss whether their materials may be a good fit, are encouraged to contact the Portal before applying. Early conversations are welcome and have no effect on selection outcomes.
Archival/Cultural Heritage Materials (Non-Newspaper):
Jake Mangum jacob.mangum@unt.edu (940) 565-3023
