NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF STATE

THE NEW JERSEY HISTORICAL COMMISSION

GRANT PROGRAM

2015 CYCLE

Project Grants and Minigrants

Conservation of Historical Materials

Digitization of Historical Materials

Educational Initiatives

Exhibitions

Public Programs

Research

Publications

Media

Smith Fellowships

New Jersey Department of State

New Jersey Historical Commission

Maxine Lurie, Chair, Middlesex County

Margaret Westfield, Vice-Chair, Camden County

Hon. Christopher Bateman, Senator, District 16

Hon. Michael Patrick Carroll, Assemblyman, District 25

Jayne S. Carmody, Monmouth County

Mary Chute, State Librarian

Susan P. Coen, Union County

Hon. Craig J. Coughlin, Assemblyman, District 19

Michael Fernandez, Hunterdon County

Larry Greene, Essex County

Hon. Kim Guadagno, Lieutenant Governor

Joseph E. Salvatore, Cape May County

Dan Saunders, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, NJ DEP State Historic Preservation Office

Richard Veit, Union County

Hon. Loretta Weinberg, Senator, District 37

Joseph S. Weisberg, Morris County

B. Michael Zuckerman, Cape May County

New Jersey Historical Commission Staff

Sara R. Cureton, Executive Director

Janet Field, Administrative Officer

Skylar Harris, Grants Program Manager

Alison Kobus, Chief, External Affairs and Marketing

Cristen Piatnochka, Grants Program Assistant

Niquole Primiani, Chief Programs Officer

Mailing Address (for USPS Mail) Street Address: New Jersey Historical Commission New Jersey Historical Commission

PO Box 305 225 West State St, 5th floor.

Trenton, NJ 08625-0305 Trenton, NJ 08608

http://history.nj.gov

For information on grants, contact the Grants Office at (609) 292-6062.

Large Print: This application is available in Large Print. If you are in need of

any special accommodation in filing this grant application, please contact the

Grants Office at (609) 292-6062.

Grantees must comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC 2000D et seq), the Americans with

Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq), and the State Law Against Discrimination (NJS 10:5-1 et

seq), barring discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender or disability.

Contents

Introduction to Project Grants and Minigrants ............................................................................... 1

What’s New for FY 2015 ................................................................................................................ 1

Mission, Background, and Assistance ............................................................................................ 2

General Guidance ............................................................................................................................ 2

Priorities .......................................................................................................................................... 3

Special Concerns ............................................................................................................................. 3

The Review Process ........................................................................................................................ 3

Notification ..................................................................................................................................... 4

Appeal Procedure ............................................................................................................................ 5

The Project Grant and Minigrant Programs .................................................................................... 5

Points to Remember .............................................................................................................. 5

Who is Eligible? .................................................................................................................... 6

What Kinds of Projects are Funded? ..................................................................................... 6

What Kinds of Expenses are Eligible? .................................................................................. 7

Who is Ineligible? ................................................................................................................. 8

What Kinds of Projects Cannot be Funded? ......................................................................... 9

What Kinds of Expenses are Ineligible? ............................................................................... 9

Matching Requirements ........................................................................................................ 9

Multiyear Grants ................................................................................................................... 9

Types of Project and Minigrant Proposals .................................................................................... 10

Conservation of Historical Materials ................................................................................... 10

Digitization of Historical Materials ..................................................................................... 11

Educational Initiatives .......................................................................................................... 13

Exhibits ................................................................................................................................ 14

Public Programs ................................................................................................................... 15

Research ............................................................................................................................... 15

Publications .......................................................................................................................... 17

Media.................................................................................................................................... 18

Smith Fellowships ............................................................................................................... 19

Other Projects ....................................................................................................................... 19

The Declaration of Intent to Apply ............................................................................................... 19

The Application Package .............................................................................................................. 19

Guidance for Grantees................................................................................................................... 23

Other Sources of Support for New Jersey History Projects .......................................................... 26

Standards ....................................................................................................................................... 27

Microfilm ............................................................................................................................. 27

Digitization ........................................................................................................................... 29

Oral History .......................................................................................................................... 29

Preservation and Conservation of Image Collections .......................................................... 30

Arrangement and Description of Image Collections ............................................................ 31

Frequently Asked Questions ......................................................................................................... 32

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Introduction to Project Grants and Minigrants

The New Jersey Historical Commission offers a variety of different types of grants. It also offers prizes

and a free archival evaluation service called Caucus Archival Projects Evaluation Service (CAPES).

This booklet is for FY 2015 PROJECT GRANTS and MINIGRANTS. Organizations interested in

prizes, CAPES, or General Operating Support Grants should refer to the guidelines for those programs.

ELIGIBILITY: Project Grants and Minigrants are available for both individuals and organizations.

There are general standards of eligibility as well as specific requirements for programs. See pages 6-9 in

this booklet for notes on eligibility. Funding is restricted to projects relating specifically to New Jersey

history. Eligible categories include, but are not limited to: conservation of historical materials,

digitization projects, editorial and publication projects, educational initiatives, exhibitions, media, public

programs, and research (including archaeological projects, fellowships, oral history, and National and

New Jersey registers of historic places nominations). Project grants are awarded to projects requesting

$3,001 to $15,000. Minigrants are awarded to projects requesting up to $3,000.

No applicant can submit more than one application per grant round. Organizations and individuals that

submit an unsuccessful grant application in Round I of the FY 2015 cycle may re-apply in Round II.

DEADLINES: Applications and Declaration of Intent forms must be submitted electronically by 3:00

p.m. on the deadline date. Late submissions will not be accepted.

FY 2015—Round I

Project Grants and Minigrants

FY 2015—Round II

Minigrants ONLY

Declaration of Intent

Deadline: 3:00 pm on August 15, 2014 3:00 pm on December 10, 2014

Application Deadline: 3:00 pm on September 10, 2014 3:00 pm on January 12, 2015

Funding Level:

Project Grants $3,001 to $15,000 n/a

Funding Level:

Minigrants Up to $3,000 Up to $3,000

Notification December 2014 March 2015

What’s New for FY 2015

In order to better ensure that all applicants successfully complete the submission of their applications,

the submission deadline for all grant applications has been moved to 3:00 p.m. on the day of deadline.

Applications that are not submitted by 3:00 p.m. on the deadline date will not be considered for funding.

The New Jersey Historical Commission regretfully announces that it cannot accept applications from

county or municipal governments requesting funding for conservation or preservation of public records.

County and municipal agencies may still apply for other categories of funding, such as digitization and

exhibit projects. County and municipal agencies looking for guidance related to conservation and other

collections care issues should contact the New Jersey State Archives at (609) 292-1570.

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Mission, Background, and Assistance

Mission The New Jersey Historical Commission was established in 1967 by law (NJSA 18A:73-21). It is the

state’s statutory entity for the advancement of public knowledge and preservation of New Jersey history.

Its mission is to enrich the lives of the public by preserving the historical record and advancing interest

in and awareness of New Jersey’s past.

Background The New Jersey Historical Commission, a division within the Department of State, advances public

knowledge of the history of New Jersey by providing grants, conducting research, helping to preserve

resources, and producing publications, public programs, and classroom materials. It works closely with

other organizations to improve the field of New Jersey history.

The grant program supports the Historical Commission’s core mission in two ways. First, it funds

specific projects relating to New Jersey history — research, publication, media, public programs,

conservation, and educational initiatives. Second, it offers general operating support for museums,

historical societies, historic sites, archives, libraries, and similar organizations with collections or

programming related to the history of New Jersey.

Additionally, the Historical Commission provides a collections evaluation service (Caucus Archival

Projects Evaluation Service or CAPES) through the New Jersey Caucus of the Mid-Atlantic Regional

Archives Conference and sponsors two scholarly prizes — the Alfred E. Driscoll Prize and the Richard

P. McCormick Prize, and a teaching prize — the Mildred Barry Garvin Prize. More information about

the Historical Commission’s CAPES program and its prize programs can be found on the New Jersey

Historical Commission website at http://history.nj.gov.

Assistance The New Jersey Historical Commission can answer any questions you may have about applying for a

Project Grant or Minigrant. The Commission cannot read draft applications. The Commission can,

however, provide applicants with examples of successful applications for projects that may be similar to

yours. Please call the Grants Office at (609) 292-6062 for information.

General Guidance

The guidelines in this booklet pertain to PROJECT grants and MINIGRANTS. Organizations and

individuals interested in applying for GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, PRIZES, or CAPES must

refer to the booklet with the specific guidelines for that program. All guidelines are available on the New

Jersey Historical Commission website at http://history.nj.gov.

Both individuals and organizations are eligible to apply for most of the grants offered in this round.

Eligibility is discussed on pages 6-9 of these guidelines.

The Commission’s grant program is highly competitive. Review panels seek high quality work, clear

demonstration of contribution to New Jersey history, fulfillment of the Historical Commission’s

priorities, and proposals that seek to make New Jersey history accessible to contemporary audiences,

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support history education in schools, and encourage new research in the field.

Organizations applying for a Project grant or Minigrant may also apply for a General Operating Support

(GOS) grant during the years that the Commission solicits GOS Applications. For more details about the

General Operating Support Grant program, please consult the Commission’s website at

http://history.nj.gov.

Priorities

The New Jersey Historical Commission maintains the following priorities and seeks applications that

will help fulfill them. To be considered for funding for a Project grant or Minigrant, the proposed

project must serve the public directly and accomplish at least one of the following:

1. Help strengthen and further develop existing New Jersey history organizations and programs

2. Initiate new programming on New Jersey history

3. Improve management and interpretation of historic sites and historical collections

4. Expand public understanding and awareness of historic resources

5. Increase public and organizational participation in historical programs and activities

6. Increase accessibility of historical resources to diverse communities

7. Increase the body and quality of information on New Jersey history available to the public

8. Preserve materials for the study or preservation of New Jersey history

Special Concerns

The Historical Commission especially encourages the following types of Project grant and Minigrant

proposals:

History Education

Programming, educational curricula, and other projects for any audience, from kindergarten to adult.

Heritage Tourism

Projects that develop program content at historic sites, develop partnerships to enhance opportunities for

heritage tourism, and take advantage of new technological capabilities to reach new audiences.

The Review Process

Review Panels and Committees All applications received by the deadline are distributed to independent review panels composed of

experts on New Jersey history. It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit a complete application.

Panels evaluate all proposals against the stated criteria and achieve consensus on the merits of each.

Panelists make recommendations to the Historical Commission’s Committee on Grants, Prizes and

Awards. The committee approves or modifies the recommendations and presents them to the Historical

Commission, which makes all final decisions. Grants are awarded based on available funding as well as

the merit of the individual application. Awards are voted on in public session.

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Ethical Standards Staff, panelists, and Historical Commission members adhere to the state guidelines on ethical standards.

They abstain from commenting or voting if they have:

Any recent relationships, financial or otherwise, with the applicant organization or any persons

connected with the proposal; or

Played a meaningful role in the development of the project

Evaluation Criteria The application will be evaluated on how well the following are accomplished:

1. What New Jersey history content does the proposal contain? How does the project relate to the

priorities outlined on page 3 of these guidelines?

2. If the grantee is an organization, does the project relate clearly to the organization’s mission and

long-range plan?

3. Does the proposal demonstrate that the applicant knows the topic and is familiar with resources

for its study or presentation?

4. Is the work plan well defined and designed? Has the applicant described the project’s purpose

and its product? Has the applicant shown how and where activities will take place? Is the

schedule of activities appropriate and timely?

5. Is the budget well defined? Does it identify the expenditures that are to be covered by grant

funds? Are these expenditures permissible? Are they relevant to the narrative?

6. Is the publicity plan adequate? How will the audience learn about the project?

7. Are the project personnel appropriately qualified?

8. Does the proposal identify the audience that is to be served and explain how that audience will

benefit from the project?

9. Does the project reach a diverse audience?

10. Is the proposal accompanied by appropriate and compelling supporting materials?

11. Is required documentation present? Are there three printers’ bids for publication projects? Are

vendor price quotes for microfilming or conservation services included? Are vendor price quotes

for equipment to be purchased included?

12. If speakers or consultants will be hired, is the required documentation of commitment to

participate present? Is the work described and the fee listed?

13. If the project is an exhibition, public program, or curriculum project, has provision been made

for the provision of a written evaluation by a qualified expert in the field?

Notification All applicants will be formally notified of the Historical Commission’s decisions via the System for

Administering Grants Electronically (SAGE), which can be found online at http://sage.nj.gov/. Awards

may come with specific conditions. These conditions will be explained in the notification and contract,

and must be met before grant funding can be disbursed.

If an application is rejected or does not meet the Historical Commission’s standards, the NJHC may

suggest a revised resubmission for the next grant deadline. An invitation to revise and resubmit does not

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guarantee a future grant. The applicant may also appeal the decision. See below for the appeal

procedure.

Appeal Procedure

Applicants who wish to challenge award decisions may make a formal appeal. The appeal must be

submitted in writing to the New Jersey Historical Commission within 30 days of the date of the

notification informing the applicant of the award decision. All appeals must be sent via Certified Mail or

other trackable delivery service.

The appeal letter must discuss in detail why the applicant believes the Commission’s decision was in

error, and provide documentation and evidence as appropriate. The appeal process will not reconsider

appeals based on documents that should have been part of the original application but were not included,

or documents that have been amended since the original application. While the Commission will reflect

on any appropriate documentation and evidence provided, it will not consider revised versions or new

versions of the original application materials that were submitted by the applicant.

The appeal will be forwarded to every member of the Commission for consideration at the next regularly

scheduled Commission meeting. The Commission’s decision on the appeal will be based on two

elements: 1) the appeal letter; 2) the assessment of the original review panel and any explanatory

material requested by the Commission chairman from the Grants and Prizes Committee and/or the staff.

The Commission has the discretion to request an oral presentation. The applicant will be informed in

writing about the Commission’s decision at the earliest opportunity. Should the Commission revise its

original decision and make an award, the amount would depend upon the availability of funding.

The Project Grant and Minigrant Programs

Points to Remember

Before proceeding with the grant application, read these guidelines in their entirety.

Always keep in mind the evaluation criteria (p. 4) while completing the application.

Complete all required information accurately. Double-check all numbers.

Review the information on support materials (p. 22), what makes a complete application (pp. 19-

23) and any special requirements that are specific to the project type (p 10-19).

Call the New Jersey Historical Commission staff for help with any questions. Commission staff

can be reached during business hours at (609) 292-6062.

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Who is Eligible: Who May Apply? Type of Project Individuals Organizations

Conservation of Historical Materials No Yes

Digitization Projects No Yes

Educational Initiatives Yes Yes

Exhibitions No Yes

Public Programs No Yes

Research Yes Yes

Publications Yes Yes

Digital Media No Yes

Film, Videotape, Radio Yes Yes

Fellowships Yes No

Individuals are restricted to one Project Grant or Minigrant at a time.

An organization that has a General Operating Support Grant may also apply to the Minigrant and

Project Grant programs.

Organizations that have an unfinished Project grant or Minigrant from a previous fiscal year may

apply for a Project grant or Minigrant in FY 2015, provided that the open grant is not overdue

and they are otherwise eligible.

If an organization has a budget of less than $150,000, it is restricted to one General Operating

Support Grant and one Project grant or Minigrant at a time. If an organization has a budget of

more than $150,000, it is restricted to one General Operating Support Grant, one Project grant or

Minigrant in Round I, and one Minigrant in Round II.

No organization may have more than two open Project grants or Minigrants at a time.

If an organization has more than one division and a budget in excess of $500,000, each division

is treated as a separate organization and may apply separately.

The Commission provides funding to county cultural and heritage agencies for a re-grant

program for local organizations. The re-grants may support either operating expenses or projects.

Organizations cannot receive General Operating Support from both the New Jersey Historical

Commission and its local cultural and heritage agency in the same fiscal year. Organizations

cannot receive project support funding from both the New Jersey Historical Commission and its

local cultural and heritage agency for the same project in the same fiscal year.

What Kinds of Projects Are Funded?

1. The creation of or further development of websites and other digital projects

2. Classroom instruction at any educational level (including continuing education/training courses

for adults)

3. Conservation and preservation of historical materials such as manuscripts, books, costumes,

furniture, photographs, and other visuals of historic importance that will be available to the

public

4. Digitization of images, sound recordings, and text for online publication

5. Editorial work (including the updating of important works)

6. Educational components of reenactments, commemorations, or anniversaries of historical events

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7. Feasibility studies or planning for large-scale projects in New Jersey history

8. Fellowship support

9. Film or videotape treatments, scripts, or production

10. Genealogical projects resulting in research tools (indexes, cemetery locators, collective regional

resources, publicly accessible databases) of use to the wider historical community

11. Microfilming and the production of finding aids to collections

12. Newspaper microfilming

13. Oral history

14. Original research and writing, bibliographical essays, historiographies

15. Presentation and interpretation of public information about state and local history, such as

brochures describing the organization’s collection, programs, or services

16. Production of classroom instructional materials

17. Public programs such as lectures, exhibitions, conferences, symposia, and workshops

18. Publication (including republication)

19. Research in connection with historic preservation projects

20. Research that analyzes the field of New Jersey history, such as the need for long-range planning,

resource management, or heritage tourism

21. Surveys of New Jersey historical resources

What Kinds of Expenses Are Eligible?

1. Archival folders, boxes and other materials for conservation of historical materials such as

manuscripts, books, costumes, and photographs

2. Archival or research library user fees

3. Equipment purchases with the following restrictions: Only institutions and organizations may

use grant funds to purchase major items, such as computers or video cameras. All grant

recipients, however, may use grant funds to purchase items such as inexpensive recording

devices and computer software.

4. Equipment rental

5. Materials for fabricating and installing exhibitions

6. Microfilming

7. Oral history tape transcription

8. Payment of exhibition loan fees and shipping costs

9. Photography and photocopying

10. Production of promotional or advertising materials

11. Travel and maintenance for speakers and honoraria for speakers in the following amounts:

a. Keynote speaker, up to $750. One keynote speaker per program.

b. Main speaker, up to $500

c. Chairperson or moderator, up to $150

d. Panelist, up to $125

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e. Additional funds for higher honoraria may be requested if you can demonstrate the

speaker’s particular merits

12. Supplies to be used in the project (such as storage materials, office supplies, display materials,

and materials for educational projects)

13. Travel and/or maintenance while conducting research

14. Travel expenses with the following limits:

a. Automobile travel: $.31 per mile

b. Train or airplane fares (coach only; not first class)

c. Food and accommodations: up to $100 per day

15. Publication costs, such as typesetting, printing, copyright permission fees, and binding

16. Wages or stipends for project personnel, such as conservators, curators, educational consultants,

and researchers

Note

Organizations that do not have a General Operating Support grant from the Commission may

request funds for administrative support in their Minigrant or Project grant application. The

administrative support portion may not exceed 25 percent of the total request. Administrative

support includes salaries of regular employees. It does not include fees for consultants or

contracted services.

Budget requests for contracted services (e.g., microfilming, conservation work) or equipment

purchase must be accompanied by vendor price quotes that clearly describe the services or

equipment.

Budget requests for speakers or consultant services (guest curator, designer, National Register

research, etc.) must be accompanied by a letter of commitment from the consultant with a

description of the services and pricing

Who Is Ineligible: Who May Not Apply?

1. Agencies of the federal or state government. This category does not include state colleges or

universities.

2. Organizations that do not practice policies of equal access and non-discrimination.

3. Individuals already engaged in an active Project grant or Minigrant funded by the Historical

Commission.

4. Organizations that are already engaged in more than one active Project grant or Minigrant funded

by the Historical Commission.

5. Organizations with operating budgets of less than $150,000 that are engaged in an active Project

grant or Minigrant funded by the Historical Commission.

6. Organizations that already have a Project grant or Minigrant application in the current Project

grant or Minigrant Round.

7. Organizations/individuals who have received a grant from the Historical Commission and failed

to submit a final report on the project

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What Is Ineligible: What Kinds of Projects Cannot Be Funded?

1. Projects that do not relate to New Jersey history

2. Project work that is completed before the submission of the application. For example, a request

to typeset and print a completed manuscript is eligible; a request to pay an author who produced

the manuscript, after the manuscript has already been written, is not.

3. Conservation of collections of unidentified photographs

4. Conservation of materials owned by federal, county, or municipal governments

5. Construction, restoration, preservation of gravestones, commemorative statues, plaques, and

other non-interpretive items

6. Genealogical projects such as genealogies of specific families (unless applicants can demonstrate

the usefulness of the projects to the understanding of New Jersey history)

7. Performances, fiction, and poetry

8. Projects of federal or state government agencies

9. Projects that are not accessible to the general public

10. Publication of coloring books, cookbooks, and calendars

11. Purchase of collections, furniture, costumes, artifacts, or other items for collections

12. Restoration or preservation of structures

13. Recordings of public programs or oral history interviews without the production of transcripts to

be made accessible to the public

What Is Ineligible: What Kinds of Expenses are Ineligible?

1. Field trips, if that is the only component of the project

2. Purchase of books or prepackaged instructional materials unless the applicant can demonstrate

that such expenditures are warranted

3. Purchase of items for collections

4. Purchase of refreshments for the project’s audience

5. Retroactive funding (for example, an exhibition proposal may not include a request for funding

for exhibition research completed before the submission of the application)

Matching Requirements Organizations with annual operating budgets of at least $500,000 (and all divisions of such

organizations) are expected to show a match equal to 50% of the grant request. Agencies unable to do

this may appeal to the Historical Commission grants officer. The match need not be in cash; it may

include donated services such as the value of volunteer time, donated equipment or supplies, or donated

storage or office space.

Multiyear Grants Projects may be eligible for more than one grant from the Commission over time. Applications for

continued funding will be judged on their merits. Initial funding does not guarantee additional grants.

The applicant must demonstrate that the work originally funded has been satisfactorily completed and

that the additional funding requested will significantly advance the project. Additional funding is also

10

dependent upon the level of competition and the availability of grant funds.

In exceptional cases, if compelling arguments are presented, applicants may receive up to three years of

funding. Funding for the second and third years of such projects is dependent on available resources.

Funding for the Historical Commission’s grant program is provided each fiscal year by legislative

appropriation.

Types of Project Proposals

Conservation of Historical Materials Applicants may apply for funds to conserve or make preservation copies of historical materials of

significance to New Jersey history, such as manuscript collections; books; newspapers; photographs,

postcards, paintings or other visuals; costumes; furniture; and other documented artifacts. Applicants

representing municipal and county governments may not apply for funds to conserve or make

preservation copies of public records. County and municipal agencies looking for guidance related to

conservation, preservation, and other collections care issues should contact the New Jersey State

Archives at (609) 292-1570.

Newspaper microfilming proposals must demonstrate that the newspaper was not included in the joint

microfilming project conducted by the New Jersey State Archives (Department of State) and Rutgers

University Libraries. For information on this project, contact New Jersey State Archives, PO Box 307,

Trenton, NJ 08625, or call (609) 292-6260.

All applicants may apply for conservation projects to organize or describe historical materials by

archival processing or the production of finding aids (catalogues, inventories, etc.). Salary support for

archival personnel and the purchase of appropriate materials to achieve this (archival folders, boxes,

etc.) are permissible expenses. Archival supplies must meet professional standards. Specific standards

for microform and photographic projects are discussed in the Standards section on pages 27-29 and 30-

31 of these guidelines.

Proposals must include the following:

1. Description of how the public will have access to the material

2. Detailed description of the object or collection

3. Description of the physical condition of the material and the steps necessary to preserve it

4. Explanation of the project’s importance for understanding and interpreting New Jersey history

5. Detailed description of how the object or collection will be maintained, preserved, and cared for

following the conservation treatment

6. Information about the vendor or vendors that will do the work, documentation that the firm is

qualified to do the work, and a price quote and description of the work along with the budget

Unidentified objects and materials are not eligible for grant funding. Materials that are not accessible to

the public, and will not be made accessible to the public following the project, are not eligible for grant

funding.

All applications for conservation projects must demonstrate that the storage areas for the collections will

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protect the materials from fire, flood, and water damage, be monitored to maintain stable temperature

and relative humidity levels and, if necessary, contain air filtration or purification systems to keep out

contaminated air. If the organization has inadequate facilities, the applicant must describe the plans for

improving them. Applicants may apply for funds to support the purchase of appropriate equipment to

do this under the General Operating Support grant program. This equipment must meet professional

standards.

For more detailed information about meeting best practices standards for storing and displaying

historical objects and collections, applicant organizations are encouraged to consult the American

Association for State and Local History’s Standards and Excellence Program (StEPs) for History

Organizations. More organizations about the StEPs program can be found online at

http://www.aaslh.org/steps.htm. Additional guidance regarding best practices and facility standards can

be found in the American Association of Museums’ General Facility Report, which is accessible online

at http://www.rcaam.org/resources/sample_documents/.

Applications for microfilming support or for funds to preserve, stabilize, or conserve collections of

photographs, postcards, paintings, paper, furniture, textiles, etc., must demonstrate that the work and

storage conditions will adhere to professional standards.

Applicants should estimate the cost of microfilming projects before contacting a potential vendor. Cost

may vary from $0.20 to $0.50 per page of material to be microfilmed, depending on the difficulty of the

job. This will produce a master negative, a print negative (both to be deposited with the State Archives

through the Historical Commission), and two service copies — one to be deposited with a member of

the State Library Network and one for use by the organization. It will cost approximately between

$2,000 and $5,000 to microfilm 10,000 pages of material. For each additional service copy, vendors may

charge additional fees by either page count or by reel, which may vary from an estimated $0.01 per

page, to an estimated $35 - $50 per additional reel.

If the material to be conserved consists of paper (manuscripts, books, maps, postcards, photographs,

etc.), a professional assessment must be made of the conservation needs of the materials. Unless you can

demonstrate that you are professionally qualified to conduct this assessment yourself or that you have

arranged for a professional assessment from some other source, you will need to apply for a Caucus

Archival Projects Evaluation Service survey, or CAPES. This survey will assess the physical state of the

materials and recommend steps to preserve or repair them. After the survey is finished, you may apply

for a grant to carry out the survey’s recommendations. A description of the service and the application

instructions can be found at the Commission’s website, http://history.nj.gov.

CAPES surveys are available at no charge. There are also many other professional sources for the

evaluation of paper and other materials. For more information, contact the Historical Commission at

(609) 292-6062.

Digitization of Historical Materials Applicants may apply for grant funds to fund projects whose goal is to make digital copies of images,

sound recordings, and text-based collections. Proposals must confirm that the material is not already

freely available to the public online through another institution, or must make a compelling argument to

justify the digital duplication of historical materials. Digitization projects must make use of professional

standards, processes, and equipment in their execution. Specific standards for digitization projects are

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discussed in the Standards section on page 29 of these guidelines.

Proposals must include the following:

1. Description of how the public will have access to the material

2. Description of the steps necessary to digitize the material, and an explanation of the applicant’s

preservation plans to store and maintain both the original and digitized material

3. Detailed description of the historical material

4. Explanation of the project’s importance for understanding and interpreting New Jersey history

5. Selection criteria or rationale explaining why your organization has chosen these specific

materials to be digitized

6. Evidence of ability and commitment to maintain access to the digitized material following the

conclusion of the grant period

7. Information about the vendor or vendors that will do the work, documentation that the firm is

qualified to do the work, and a price quote and description of the work along with the budget

Plans must be in place for preservation of the original historical materials following digitization. Storage

areas must protect the materials from fire, flood, and water damage, maintain stable temperature and

relative humidity levels and, if necessary, contain air filtration or purification systems to keep out

contaminated air. If the organization has inadequate facilities, indicate plans for improving them.

Applicants may apply for funds to support the purchase of appropriate equipment to do this under the

General Operating Support program. This equipment must meet professional standards.

In order to comply with standard best practices for digitization projects, all organizations engaging in the

digitization of historical material must also prepare microfilm copies of the material being digitized.

Applicants should estimate the cost of microfilming projects before contacting a potential vendor. Cost

may vary from $0.20 to $0.50 per page of material to be microfilmed, depending on the difficulty of the

job. This will produce a master negative, a print negative (both to be deposited with the State Archives

through the Historical Commission), and two service copies — one to be deposited with a member of

the State Library Network and one for use by the organization. It will cost approximately between

$2,000 and $5,000 to microfilm 10,000 pages of material. For each additional service copy, vendors may

charge additional fees by either page count or by reel, which may vary from an estimated $0.01 per

page, to an estimated $35 - $50 per additional reel.

If the material to be digitized consists of paper (manuscripts, books, maps, postcards, photographs, etc.),

a professional assessment must be made of the conservation needs of the materials. Unless you can

demonstrate that you are professionally qualified to conduct this assessment yourself or that you have

arranged for a professional assessment from some other source, you will need to apply for a Caucus

Archival Projects Evaluation Service survey, or CAPES. This survey will assess the physical state of the

materials and recommend steps to preserve or repair them. After the survey is finished, you may apply

for a grant to carry out the survey’s recommendations. A description of the service and the application

instructions can be found at the Commission’s website, http://history.nj.gov. CAPES surveys are

available at no charge. There are also many professional sources for the evaluation of paper and other

materials. For more information, contact the Historical Commission at (609) 292-6062.

Unidentified objects and materials are not eligible for grant funding. Materials that are not accessible to

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the public, and will not be made accessible to the public following the project, are not eligible for grant

funding.

Educational Initiatives Applicants may submit proposals requesting support for the development of curriculum materials,

courses, instructional strategies, or distance learning for children or adults. The Historical Commission

encourages projects that put school systems and their teachers, librarians, or students in cooperative

relations with historians and historical organizations. The NJHC seeks grant proposals for educational

projects for any of several audiences — K-12, college and university students, and adults.

Applicants must explain clearly how the project will help students:

Learn about New Jersey history, its people, institutions, or localities, or

Understand New Jersey history in relation to broader trends in United States and/or world history

The Historical Commission is particularly interested in educational initiatives that address:

The requirements of Title 18A of the New Jersey State Statutes mandating a course of study in

high school in the history of the United States, including the history of New Jersey, and a similar

requirement calling for a course of study in grade school in the geography, history, and civics of

New Jersey

Opportunities for teaching New Jersey history as outlined in the Common Core State Standards

Curriculum Materials: Proposals for the development of curriculum materials should include:

1. A description of the audience for the materials and the appropriateness of the materials for this

audience.

2. A description of the curricular benefits to be gained by developing and using the materials.

3. A description of the need for these materials that explains how they will fill a gap in the existing

literature on New Jersey history or culture and shows that they will not duplicate existing

curriculum materials.

4. A plan for evaluation of the materials once they have been employed in classroom instruction.

5. A summary of the materials to be developed and identification of the format (e.g., software,

original print document, audiovisual production, compilation of existing documents with an

edited introduction, etc.).

6. A letter of commitment or interest from an educational institution, confirming that there is a

demand for the materials being developed and that they will be put into use once the project is

completed.

Instructional Strategies: Proposals for the development of instructional strategies should include the

following:

1. A description of a plan for the evaluation of student achievement and learning through involve-

ment in the strategies.

2. A description of the resources to be used in the project (e.g., print, media, cooperative ventures

with historical societies or sites).

3. A description of the strategy or strategies. Sample strategies include field trips (with the

restrictions noted on p. 9), oral history interviewing, living history and role-playing, docent

training and practice, museum curator training and practice, and conservation and preservation

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training and practice. The description must explain how the project will contribute to the learning

of New Jersey history and culture in ways that cannot be carried out through existing use of

school district funds and resources. It must also discuss why the strategy is appropriate for the

particular age group for which it is intended.

4. A list of the intended learning goals.

5. A letter of commitment or interest from an educational institution, confirming that there is a

demand for the materials being developed and that they will be put into use once the project is

completed.

Computer-Based Instruction: Proposals should include the following:

1. A detailed evaluation plan.

2. A detailed syllabus or plan for the course or resource delineating all of the activities and work. A

project that calls for no more than finding materials on the Internet will not be competitive. The

project must discuss the context, how the participants will address the problem of critical

selection and why it is appropriate for the age group for which it is intended.

3. A discussion of what needs are addressed that cannot be met by a conventional course.

4. A full discussion of the interactive component.

5. A letter of commitment or interest from an educational institution, confirming that there is a

demand for the materials being developed and that they will be put into use once the project is

completed.

Exhibits Applicants may apply for funds to support any stage of the development of an exhibition: research,

design, or fabrication. Applicants may seek support for combinations of these elements, such as research

and design, or design and fabrication. Combined proposals must be explained in detail. In all cases the

proposal must establish the qualifications of the personnel doing the work, including, if possible,

documentation of previous exhibition work. Commitments from consultants must be documented with a

description of the work to be done and a statement of the fee for the work.

An exhibition research proposal should include an explanation of the purpose and subject of the

exhibition, its major themes, and the research to be done.

A design or scriptwriting request should include an explanation of the purpose and subject of the exhibit,

a description of its audience, an outline of its main sections, a list of objects to be displayed, photocopies

of pictures of some of the objects, and documentation, if possible, of previous exhibits.

A fabrication expense request should include an explanation of the subject of the exhibit, an outline of

the main sections, a checklist of objects to be displayed, photocopies of pictures of some of the objects,

a draft of the script, a floor plan and some elevations (or their equivalent if the institution is small),

information on the materials to be used in the presentation of the objects, documentation, if possible, of

previous exhibits, discussion of the target audience and how the exhibition will be accessible to those

with disabilities, and a publicity plan.

Applicants must also include plans for a written evaluation of the exhibition by a recognized expert in

the field. Grant funds may be used to pay the evaluator. The final report for grants of this type should

include a copy of this evaluation.

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Applicants should include in their project the production of a permanent record of the exhibition, such as

a catalogue. The application may include a request for funding to research, write, or publish the

catalogue. A copy must be submitted as part of the final report.

Note: The Historical Commission will not fund an exhibition that merely displays objects without

providing a historical context for their interpretation. Applicants are also encouraged to develop

exhibition plans that take advantage of new and emerging technological opportunities to expand access

and promote visitation.

Public Programs The proposal narrative for a public program (conference, symposium, lecture series, etc.) should include

the following:

1. A description of the potential audience and an outline of the publicity plan.

2. A description of the program site (location, capacity, access, etc.).

3. A discussion of the ways in which the program will increase the public’s knowledge of New

Jersey history.

4. A statement of how the program site meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities

Act.

5. A summary of the individual speakers’ topics and discussion of how each is qualified to discuss

his or her topic. Include a brief resume and documentation of commitment from each.

6. A summary of the overall program topic and a description of how the program relates to the

organization’s long-term goals.

7. If the program is to be recorded, it must be transcribed. Copies of the transcripts must be

accessible to the public and one copy must be filed with the NJHC.

8. Plans for a written evaluation of the program by a recognized expert in the field. Grant funds

may be used to pay the evaluator. The final report for projects of this type should include a copy

of this evaluation.

9. Applicants are encouraged to develop public programs that take advantage of new and emerging

technological opportunities to expand access and promote visitation.

Research Research and writing proposals may cover a wide range of activities, such as:

1. Archaeological investigations

2. Nominations to the national or New Jersey registers of historic places

3. Oral history projects

4. Research leading to a book, article, dissertation, or media production

Archaeology: Archaeological projects must be conducted by personnel who are fully qualified by

professional training or experience and can demonstrate their competence to the Historical

Commission’s satisfaction. Written permission from the site owner must be included with the

application. If the property to be affected by the proposed archaeological project is listed in the New

Jersey Register of Historic Places, then permission of the Historic Preservation Office must also be

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obtained.

Nominations to National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places: Grants may be requested for two

types of projects:

1. Nominations of historic districts or individual historic properties for listing in the Registers

2. Thematic nominations of a group of related historic properties.

For the first type of project, the proposal must include a certification of eligibility from the Historic

Preservation Office, NJ Department of Environmental Protection. For projects of the second type, the

proposal must include a letter from the Historic Preservation Office supporting the goals and objectives

of the grant application. For both types of projects, the applications must also include some method for

presenting the results of the project to the public. A portion of the grant may be budgeted for this

purpose.

Oral History: An oral history project is first and foremost a research project. It requires careful planning

and execution. Unfocused recording of reminiscences does not qualify as oral history. Present an

argument for using this method of research and why it is important to interview the individuals selected

on the identified topics. The age of the person being interviewed is not necessarily a good argument for

an interview.

Begin by discussing how the selected interviewees will contribute to the overall research. A good oral

history project does not substitute for other types of historical research; it builds on them. Describe the

project’s goals, necessary research to prepare for the interviews, who will be interviewed and why, and

subjects or themes to be covered in the interviews. Provide a detailed outline of the topics to be

covered.

Unless the oral history project is a small part of a larger project, such as a classroom project, the

audiotapes must be transcribed. Include transcription costs in the budget, arrange for legal releases so

that others may use the transcripts, and discuss the arrangements to be made for the deposit of the

transcripts in a suitable repository (see Project Products on pages 24-25). Copies of the transcripts must

be accessible to the public and one copy must be filed with the NJHC.

Applicants should adhere to the principles on oral history projects outlined by the Oral History

Association. More information on these principles can be found in the Standards section on pages 29-30

of these guidelines.

Research: For research or writing grants applicants must:

1. Assess the major secondary literature on the subject

2. Assess, list, and describe the collections of primary sources to be used

3. Document the commitment of any consultant to be used. Documentation must include a

discussion of the work to be done and the fee.

4. Explain how the results of the research will reach the public

5. Explain how the work will add to the body of knowledge about the history of New Jersey

6. Fully describe the work to be done with the funds

7. Identify where the research will be done

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Applicants must demonstrate familiarity with the research materials for their topic, but the Historical

Commission recognizes that research may uncover materials unknown at the beginning of the project

Publications Applicants may apply for a grant to help write, compile, edit, or publish a book. The book may be an

original work or a reprint, anthology, compilation, or other new publication of existing material.

Evidence of the publication rights must be included in the proposal.

Works that both narrate and interpret New Jersey’s past usually receive the most favorable

consideration. A good interpretive history does more than describe a series of events; it discusses the

reasons why New Jersey residents acted as they did, investigates the historical forces that affected

particular events, and provides an argument about the meaning or significance of the events it describes.

The Historical Commission encourages the publication of works that not only describe sequential events

but also provide historical and intellectual context. Works should link local and New Jersey history to

the history of the United States as a whole.

Applicants should not request funds for publication (typesetting, printing, and binding) of manuscripts

that are not substantially complete. Substantially complete is defined as at least ¾ of the chapters

completed, and a detailed outline of the remainder of the book. Instead, request funds to help complete

the research, writing, or editing, or to hire typing, substantive editing, copyediting, and other services.

The NJHC strongly recommends printing publications on archival quality paper (paper that meets the

national standard ANSI.Z39.48 R2002).

Note: The Historical Commission does not hold the copyright to materials produced with grant funds.

Editorial: Applicants seeking funds to edit a work or hire an editor must include a copy of the material to

be edited as a supporting document. The project description must also include a detailed plan showing

how the material will be organized into a book. Applicants who receive an editorial grant may apply for

publication funds after the manuscript is completed.

Publication: Applicants seeking funds to publish a book must include a copy of the material to be

published as a supporting document. The manuscript must have at least ¾ of the chapters completed,

and be accompanied by a detailed outline of the remainder of the book. The anticipated publication date

must be scheduled for no later than 18 months past the application deadline. The manuscript must

contain all of the main text of the completed chapters, and include whatever scholarly apparatus and

bibliography the work will have. The front matter, index, or other material that cannot be finished until

the production process is under way need not be submitted.

If the work is a photographic history, the text should be accompanied by photocopies of representative

photographs from the book. In the project narrative, be sure to explain fully what the photographs

portray, and how they will be incorporated within the text in relation to the history covered in the book.

Any publication proposal must include production bids from three vendors, showing the total cost to

produce a final product. All bids must be to the same specifications. Forms to document bids will be

provided in SAGE to any applicant that indicates on the General Information form that their project will

include publication costs. Grant recipients must contract with the lowest bidder unless they are able to

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show compelling reasons for hiring a higher bidder (this stipulation does not apply to university presses

or other full-time publishers that have established production departments).

The Historical Commission will not support projects that will be produced through self-publication. In

most cases, strong preference will be given to scholarship that will be published by an academic press or

a full-time publisher that has submitted the manuscript to the normal process of scholarly review, and

which will be indexed and contain citations. Publications must be indexed, and grant funds may be used

to cover the costs associated with indexing.

There are publishers in the market today (such as Arcadia Publishing and the History Press) that do not

submit manuscripts to a scholarly review process before publication and may not include indexing and

citations in their products. As these practices are basic hallmarks of quality scholarship and historical

writing, applicants should consider these publishers carefully before submitting an application to publish

through one of these companies.

Applications to publish a work of history through a publisher that does not adhere to these benchmarks

must be accompanied by plans to provide a scholarly review before submission for publication from a

qualified scholar. This review must be included in the final report for any successful project. If a

scholarly peer review was conducted in advance of the application, that review should be included in the

application package. Applications of this type must also provide a rationale for why a publisher of this

nature has been selected instead of a publisher that does incorporate scholarly review processes,

indexing, and citations. Applications that do not include these components, or which fail to make a

compelling case for the utility of this method of publication, are not likely to be funded.

Media Digital: Only institutions and organizations may apply for digital media proposals (web pages, computer

programs, DVDs, etc.). All projects must have educational and/or research value. A project that consists

solely of basic information such as location and hours of operation will not be competitive. A website

design may include items such as events calendars, program schedules, hours of operation, links to other

sites, digitized maps, historical documents, or activities for teachers, students, or other page visitors.

Submit a list, description, or samples of the material to be digitized. Allowable expenses may include

historical research, professional design, software purchases, and internet access fees.

Organizations must show:

1. A commitment to maintain the site after the grant has expired

2. A publicity plan

3. A marketing plan

Audio Programs and Documentaries: Applicants seeking funds to produce an audio program (such as a

cell phone tour, podcast, or radio program) or a documentary must include a copy of the completed

script or detailed treatment and a sample of the applicant’s work as a supporting document. A film

treatment is a plan of the prospective film, including a content narrative, discussion of the film’s

sections, notes as to locations, on and off-camera interview or narration. A film treatment, while not as

detailed as a script, should give the reader a clear and detailed picture of what the film will be about and

how the content will be presented. Discuss the qualifications of those who will produce the program, the

target audience, and how the program will be marketed and distributed.

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In requesting funds to prepare a script, do not ask for money for production costs. Grantees who have

received a grant to prepare a script may apply for a second Project Grant or Minigrant for production

funds after the script is finished.

In the project narrative, describe the content of the planned program or documentary in detail, and

explain what resources will be used to produce the script. Describe how it has been or will be

researched. If it will include oral history interviews, discuss who was interviewed and why, and the

disposition of the recordings and transcripts. Discuss the target audience or audiences.

Smith Fellowships The Historical Commission offers a limited number of research fellowships (Samuel Smith Fellowships

for Research in New Jersey History) to support applicants doing major research projects in New Jersey

history, including doctoral dissertations and monographs. Fellowship awards are based on demonstrated

expertise and the excellence of the project description. Established scholars should show a record of

publication in the field. Graduate students must include a letter of recommendation from their

dissertation director. All applicants must provide a research plan and explain the research project in

detail, its relevance to New Jersey history, and how it will add to the body of knowledge about the topic.

Fellowship support may be used for any expense associated with the project other than tuition or

publication expense.

Other Projects Applicants with other projects in mind not found on this list should discuss their project proposal with

the grants administrator.

Declaration of Intent to Apply

The New Jersey Historical Commission can only accept the Intent to Apply through SAGE (System for

Administering Grants Electronically), which can be found online at http://sage.nj.gov. Instructions for

filing can be found at the Commission’s website, http://history.nj.gov. SAGE does require that

applicants register to use the system. This process may take some time. Please register as far in

advance of the filing deadline as you are able. If you do not receive access to SAGE within a week of

registering, please contact the Commission. Applicants must both complete and submit the Declaration

of Intent to apply on SAGE by the deadline.

The Application Package

The New Jersey Historical Commission can also only accept Applications through SAGE. Instructions

for filing can be located at the Commission’s website, http://history.nj.gov. First-time applicants and

others who are unfamiliar with SAGE should allow extra time for the preparation of their application.

Applicants to the Project grant and Minigrant programs will be required to submit their applications

electronically on SAGE by 3:00 p.m. on September 10, 2014 for Round I of FY 2015 and by 3:00 p.m.

on January 12, 2015 for Round II of FY 2015.

Applications are due by the deadline date. Late applications will not be reviewed. Applicants must both

complete and submit the application on SAGE by the deadline. Applications that are complete but

have not been submitted by the application deadline will not be considered for funding.

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It is the applicant’s responsibility to present a complete proposal for review. The NJHC will not contact

applicants in regard to missing portions of proposals. Applicants should note that review panels will

penalize incomplete proposals. It is also the applicant’s responsibility to make sure the mailing address,

telephone number and e-mail are correct. The Commission will use that information to contact

applicants throughout the grant process.

The Application Only complete applications will be reviewed. A complete application consists of the following

elements:

General Information form

Narrative

Budget form and budget narrative

Resumes of key project personnel—paid or volunteer staff, consultants, speakers (3-page limit

per person)

Support material such as brochures, catalogues, study guides, publications, strategic plans and

studies, and other items that illustrate the operation and program and that support claims made in

the narrative

Vendor price quotes and work descriptions (conservation proposals, microfilming, equipment

purchases)

Documentation of commitment from any consultant or speaker with a description of the work to

be done and his/her fee

Some kinds of projects require additional or specific kinds of support material - see pages 10-19

of these guidelines for an overview of eligible projects and any additional support materials those

project types require

Application Submission Certification form

General Information Form The General Information Form requests essential information about the applicant organization or

individual and provides space in which to compose a brief statement describing the project, the

audience, and potential benefits of receiving a grant.

The General Information Form will ask you to specify a grant period that begins when the project is

started and ends with the completion of the project. (Note: Grant funds may not be used to pay for

project activities carried out before the beginning of the grant period.) The grant period may not begin

before awards are announced. Treasury regulations require the grant period to begin before the end of

the fiscal year in which the grant is awarded; the fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.

Grants are usually given for one year, but longer or shorter periods are permitted. Define the grant

period in the appropriate space on the General Information Form. The final report will be due 30 days

following the end of the grant period. Be careful to be realistic about the grant period. Grantees are

eligible for no more than one extension of no longer than six months.

Budget Form Itemize requested funds. Be as specific as possible. Make sure that the total funds you are requesting on

21

your budget form matches the request on the General Information Form.

Required Attachments This Required Attachments Form allows you to upload and attach required and relevant documents to

your application. All files must be 13MB or smaller. Required attachment files that exceed 13MBs may

be split into multiple files and uploaded on the Miscellaneous Attachments Form.

Attachments may be uploaded in any of the following file types: doc, docx, pdf, jpg, gif, bmp, txt, avi,

wmv, psd, vsd, ppt, pptx, xls, xlsx, mov.

The documents your application will or may require include:

Narrative The narrative is the heart of the application. Applicants should assume that the reader knows

nothing about the project or the topic covered, and therefore must become totally informed. It is

to one’s advantage to be succinct. When crafting the narrative, please bear in mind the evaluation

criteria (detailed on page 4) that will be used to evaluate the application.

Describe the nature and purpose of the project. What is it? What will it produce? How does

it meet the basic criteria?

Describe the qualifications of the individuals who are responsible for the project and

demonstrate how they are qualified by education or experience to do this work. Applicants

making use of consultants are strongly encouraged to identify a consultant prior to

submitting an application.

If you are using a consultant or consultants, and have already identified the consultant(s),

identify the relevant persons and explain why your organization has chosen this particular

consultant or group of consultants above all others to undertake your project.

If you are using a consultant or consultants, and will not be able to identify the

consultant(s) before the submission deadline, you must provide an RFP as an attachment

to the application and detail the qualifications and level of professional experience that

you will require of your consultant(s) in the narrative.

Explain how the public will benefit from this project. Describe the audience and strategies

for reaching the audience. If the project is intended to reach a new or expanded audience,

discuss how that will be achieved. Include a summary of the promotion/communications

plan.

Explain in detail how the project will be implemented and describe the strategies to

complete the project. Include a schedule of project activities.

If the project is an exhibition, conference, or educational initiative, it must have a means of

evaluation. Explain how the project will be evaluated.

Organizational applicants must describe how the project relates to the overall activities and

programs of the organization. The proposal must discuss how the project is an expansion of

an existing program or how it replaces a previous program. In addition, the proposal must

describe how the project complements other activities of the organization.

Organizational applicants must describe how the project relates to the mission, long-range

22

plan, and objectives of the organization.

Applications for local history projects must do one of the following: place the project in the

broader context of New Jersey history; demonstrate the project’s broader significance; or

show how the project has the potential to serve as a model for other local history projects.

Provide sufficient information to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the history

of the subject and the chosen topic prior to undertaking the project.

Budget Narrative Explain how the grant funds will be used. Describe the cost of all expenses and sources of

funding that are itemized on the budget form and justify the expenses involved in the project.

Resumes Provide resumes for the project’s key personnel. The resumes should include information about

educational background, employment history, publications or conference presentations (if any),

and relevant professional or avocational activities. Limit to no more than three pages for each

person.

Support Materials Attach materials that may help reviewers to better understand your project. You may also

provide copies of support materials showing the organization’s mission, programs, and activities,

such as brochures, catalogues, study guides, programs, or strategic plans. Use these materials to

illustrate a past record of accomplishment, especially in reference to activities similar to those for

which support is requested.

Certification of Support Applicants seeking support for educational initiatives on behalf of an organization or institution

must include a certification of support of the project from the school, organization, or institution.

This attachment is not required for other project types.

Documentation of Commitment to Participation If your project will require the cooperation and involvement of consultants, organizations, or

individuals that are not part your organization’s regular staff, those individuals or groups must

provide a document confirming their agreement to participate in your project, and that document

must be included with your application. The documentation must include a description of the

work to be done and the fee, if any. Mere provision of resumes will not suffice.

Summary History of Organization Institutional and organizational applicants must provide a brief history of the organization and

describe its services and programs for the New Jersey history community.

Copies of Manuscript, Representative Photographs, Script, or Script Treatment Applicants for Publications and Media support must submit additional support materials, such as

the text of a manuscript, publication bids, sample video tapes, and script treatments. See the

specific discussions of those projects on pages 17-19 of these guidelines. This attachment is not

required for other project types in which manuscripts or scripts will not be generated, or which

will not rely on photographs. In some cases, for some project types, SAGE may not support the

23

uploading of necessary support materials (such as sound and video recordings). In these cases,

you should contact the New Jersey Historical Commission to confirm that SAGE cannot accept

your file, and staff will consult with you to arrange alternate means of submitting these materials

if necessary.

Writing Sample Applicants requesting funding for publication or writing-related projects must include a writing

sample as part of their application. Samples should be 8-10 pages long, and may be excerpted

from larger works.

Vendor price quotes and work descriptions Requests for funding of conservation and microfilming services and equipment purchases must

be accompanied by appropriate documentation (description of work to be done and itemized

pricing on vendor letterhead or bid sheet).

Miscellaneous Attachments Some organizations may find that they need extra space for attachments or a place to upload overly large

attachments that needed to be broken into multiple documents. No applicant is required to upload

anything into this form, but it is available to those that wish to use it.

Application Certification This form is generated by SAGE and provides space for the signatures of the official representatives of

the organizational applicant. The signatures certify that the contents of the application are true and

accurate, that the application has been approved by your organization’s board, and that the organization

will abide by all terms and conditions of a grant award should it become a recipient. This form must be

printed out, completed, mailed, and postmarked to the Commission within two business days following

the application deadline.

After printing this form, please return to the Proposal Menu to submit your application. To submit your

application, go to the “Status Management” box, make sure that “Application Submitted” is ‘Next

Possible Status’ in the drop-down menu, and click the Change Status button to submit the application in

SAGE. Your application submission is not complete until you have changed the status AND submitted

the signed certification form in the mail. Applicants that do not complete BOTH of these steps will not

have their applications considered for funding.

You may check the status of any Declaration of Intent, Application, or Final Report on SAGE at

any time. To check the status history of any document, go to the Proposal Menu for that document and

click the ‘Status History’ link, which can be found in the Management Activities box.

Guidance for Grantees

Payment All grantees will be issued a contract for the award. Payment will be processed upon the return of the

complete contract and required documentation. Awards of $10,000 or less will be made in one payment.

24

Diversity Grant recipients are encouraged to consider businesses that reflect the diversity of our state when

contracting for services using grant funds.

Final Report, Audits All grantees must file a final report within 30 days of the completion of the project. The final report

must include a financial account and a written description of the project with the sequence of events and

its results. The specific requirements for the financial accounting and the forms are included in the grant

contract.

Organizational grantees (other than those receiving grants of less than $10,000) may be required to

submit independently corroborated reviews of their finances as well as a statement on the adequacy of

the grantee’s accounting system and practices by licensed certified public accountants for the grant

period as part of the final report. Applicants may budget for this review in their proposals.

A review is not a formal audit. A review will consist of a compilation of data in a readable format, a

review of the data by the preparer, and a statement whether or not the figures presented are fair and

reasonable. To determine the appropriate level of financial reporting obligations to the New Jersey

Historical Commission, successful applicants should consult Section I of Attachment A on their Grant

Contract.

Individual grantees must submit a financial accounting of grant expenditures. Expenditures must be

shown with receipts when possible. The second payment of the grant will not be sent before receipt of

the completed final report. Grant recipients are not eligible for further grant support without the

submission of a complete and acceptable final report. Grant recipients who fail to file a complete and

acceptable final report may be required to return the entire amount of the grant.

Extensions Grantees must be careful to identify a realistic time period in which to complete the activities funded by

the grant. Grants are usually given for one year, but longer or shorter periods are permitted. A grantee

that is unable to complete the work within the period identified may request an extension of no more

than six months from the original end date of the grant period. If the project is not completed and the

final report is not filed within 30 days of the new end date, the final payment will be cancelled. The

grantee will not be eligible for further grant support until a satisfactory report is filed.

Tax Liability The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has declined to rule on the tax liability of individuals (that is, of

persons as opposed to institutions) who receive Historical Commission grants. The IRS may regard such

grants or portions of them as taxable income unless the grantee can show proof to have not benefited

personally from the money. All grantees should consult their accountants or the IRS on this question.

Project Products If the project has a tangible product, a copy of that product must be submitted with the final report or as

soon as it is available. Any product of the project must be available to the public. “Product” refers to

such items as books, articles, conference papers, finding aids (e.g., guides, collection descriptions),

software, oral history transcripts, media productions, sets of slides, walking or driving tour materials,

conference brochures or publicity, exhibition catalogues or publicity, or curriculum materials. The

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Historical Commission will transfer microfilms and oral history transcripts to the New Jersey State

Archives. It will keep other materials or transfer them to suitable places at its discretion. Applicants

must:

Provide one copy of any product other than microfilm to the Historical Commission. (For micro-

film, see item below).

Deposit another copy of the product with a member library of the New Jersey Library Network.

That library must agree to make its possession of the product known through the state database and

to make the product available to the public through interlibrary loan, on-site use, or other means.

The Network is a voluntary organization of all types of libraries funded by the State of New Jersey

to provide state residents with equal access to library services and materials.

Submit the master and print negatives of microfilm products to the Historical Commission, who

will transfer them to the State Archives for permanent storage in the State Records Center’s

microfilm vault. This ensures that the microfilm will be preserved and that the public will have

access to it. The State Archives may make service copies for patron use. A service copy must be

deposited with a member of the New Jersey Library Network.

Acknowledgement of Historical Commission Support All grantees are required to acknowledge Historical Commission support of their projects in all

published products (books, news releases, conference brochures, etc.). Acknowledgement must read as

follows: “This project was assisted by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of

the Department of State.”

Evaluation Grantees must arrange for a written evaluation by a recognized expert in the field of any public program

or exhibition funded by the Historical Commission. The prospective evaluator must be approved by the

NJHC. Grant funds may be used to pay the evaluator up to $100 as a fee and up to $100 for expenses.

The evaluator should send one copy of the evaluation to the NJHC and one copy to the applicant.

Applicable Law Grantees will be expected to abide by all applicable state and federal laws and to maintain good standing

with all other state and federal filings that are required of the organization.

Liability The Historical Commission will not be held liable for work it has funded that contains fraudulent or

plagiarized material. Award of a grant does not constitute Historical Commission endorsement of the

final product of that grant.

Insurance Organizational grantees are required to include the Historical Commission as an insured party on their

liability insurance. Documentation of insured status must be submitted with the signed contract. Consult

your insurance agent.

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Other Sources of Support for New Jersey History Projects National Historical Publications and Records Commission

National Archives Building, Room 607

Washington, DC 20408

(202) 501-5610

Aid for projects to manage, preserve, and facilitate the use of documentary sources related to United

States history. See State Historical Records Advisory Board below.

State Historical Records Advisory Board

Contact Joseph Klett

New Jersey State Archives

PO Box 307

Trenton, NJ 08625

(609) 292-6260

The State Board is the central advisory body for historical records planning and for NHPRC funded

projects in New Jersey. It serves as the state-level review body for proposals to the NHPRC.

New Jersey Council for the Humanities

28 West State Street, 6th Floor

Trenton, NJ 08608

(609) 695-4838

Grants to nonprofit New Jersey groups with projects in the humanities, including history conferences,

public programs, teachers’ programs, oral history, radio and television programs, and publications.

New Jersey Historic Trust

PO Box 404

Trenton, NJ 08625

(609) 984-0473

www.njht.org

Capital and planning grants and loans for preservation, improvement, restoration, rehabilitation of historic

properties.

National Endowment for the Humanities

Old Post Office Building

1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20506

(202) 501-5610

Grant support for organizations, institutions, and individual scholars. Funding is available in four

divisions: Public Programs, Humanities Projects in Libraries and Archives; Research Programs,

Reference Materials; Research Programs, Editions and Publication Subvention; and Preservation and

Access, Library and Archival Materials.

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Standards

Microfilm These standards were adapted from the New Jersey Administrative Code, 15:3:3 and 15:3:6.

A. Access to information:

1. The records considered for filming must be sufficiently arranged, identified and indexed to

insure reasonable ease in locating and retrieving individual documents after they are

microfilmed.

2. When converting documents to microfilm, appropriate measures must be taken to ensure

quality, legality, and adequate access to information contained on the microfilm.

3. When converting original source documents or generating computer-generated microforms,

place indexes, registers, or other finding aids, if microfilmed, either in the first frames of the

first roll of film or in the last frames of the last roll of film of a series. In cases where an index

or finding aid is very large, film the portion of the finding aid that pertains to that particular

reel at the beginning of the reel.

4. Other index locations may be used only if dictated by special system constraints.

B. Quality of film. Microfilming vendors must meet these standards:

1. Polyester-based silver gelatin type film that conforms to ANSI/NAPM IT9.1-1996 for LE 500

film must be used for the master copies of all microforms.

2. The following targets shall be utilized in the creation of all microfilm copies of public records,

with the exception of microfilm created from digital images which must use image processing

system targets. The sequence in which they are listed is the sequence they should appear on

the film.

i. All roll film must have the following targets at the beginning of a roll of film: Background

Density Target; Resolution Chart including Certificate of Authenticity and Title Target.

ii. All roll film must have the following targets at the end of a roll of film: a Camera

Operator’s Certificate; a Resolution Chart; and a Background Density Target.

3. The following targets shall be utilized in the creation of microfilm from digital images. These

image processing system targets are to be used in place of the typical targets used by a camera

operator when filming documents for microfilm. The sequence in which they are listed is the

sequence they shall appear on the film:

i. At the beginning of a roll of microfilm created from digital images: an Image Processing

System Front Background Density Target; an Image Processing System Front Resolution

Target; and an Image Processing System Title Target.

ii. At the end of a roll of microfilm created from digital images: an Image Processing System

Equipment Operator’s Certificate, to be filled out by the operator of the equipment that is

creating the microfilm); an Image Processing System End Resolution Target; and an

Image Processing System End Background Density Target.

4. Only heat-weld splicing is considered archival. Splices should be kept to a minimum. No

more than four splices per roll will be accepted. Splices may not be made on master negatives

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between targets or series of documents including required beginning and ending targets.

5. The master negative must meet the following standards:

i. Only a polyester-based permanent safety film with a silver halide gelatin emulsion,

developed to a black and white image that conforms to the standards of the American

National Standards Institute for LE 500 film may be used for the master copies of public

records.

ii. To permit a more accurate reproduction of the original roll, each image should maintain,

as far as possible, a specific density throughout the roll.

iii. Minimum resolution on microforms of source documents shall be determined using the

method in the Quality Index Method for determining resolution and anticipated losses

when duplicating, as described in ANSI/AIIM MS23-1998 and MS43-1998.

iv. All film must be processed in accordance with procedures in ANSI/AIIM MS43-1998.

Dry chemical processing will not be acceptable. All film must be inspected for proper

indexing, density, resolution and for residual thiosulfate. Film must be free of scratches,

abrasions, blemishes or other defects.

C. Preservation and Storage of Information:

1. The microforms must contain all information shown on the original records to ensure that they

can be used for the purposes the original records served.

2. A master negative and a print negative shall be created and maintained. The master copy

should not be used, except for creating duplicate copies. Master copies of microfilm must be

processed and maintained in a facility in conformity with and under conditions for the same

established in N.J.AC. 15:3-6, Storage of Public Records in accordance with the provisions of

N.J.A.C. 15:3-3.13.

3. Master and print negatives must be turned over to the Historical Commission. The master

negatives will be transferred to the State Archives for permanent storage in the State Records

Center’s microfilm vault. These will only be used if a new print master needs to be created.

The print masters will be transferred to the State Archives for storage in the Archives’

microfilm stack area. These will be used to create duplicate working or service copies.

4. Silver halide duplication film is the only duplicating film considered suitable for producing

print masters. Both negative and positive copies can be produced. Because silver film

scratches easily, it should not be used for producing working copies unless they will be used

infrequently.

5. A reference copy or use copy of microfilm must be created for use and retrieval of the records.

6. Working reference copies may be either diazo or vesicular. Shelf life depends upon use and

storage conditions. Diazo film shall not be used to produce master-negative copies of originals

and unexposed diazo film has a very short shelf life unless refrigerated. Diazo film must not

be stored with silver halide film; gas from the diazo film can react with silver and damage the

image of silver halide film. Vesicular film is less scratch-resistant than diazo film and more

scratch-resistant than silver halide, and should be only used for short term storage

applications. When not fully exposed, vesicular film may develop blemishes which may cause

some information to be illegible.

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Digitization In recent years, digitization has been embraced as a popular and effective means of expanding access to

historical material, and can be an effective way of reducing the need for handling fragile original

materials. As an emerging public history tool that relies on technological development, standards and

practices for digitization are constantly changing. Digitization also does not preclude the need for

preservation of original material. Recent experience with archival and commercial technology has

encouraged archivists to consider digitization to be a tool for enhancing public access to collections,

rather than a permanent, final means of preserving archival material.

Applicants considering a digitization project should familiarize themselves with current standards for

archival digitization, plan to enact a preservation plan for both the original historical materials as well as

the digital copies that result from the project, and evaluate materials selected for digitization to

determine (and, if necessary, conduct) appropriate pre-digitization conservation needs. The application

should demonstrate these activities, as the Commission is unlikely to fund digitization projects for

materials that are in unnecessarily poor condition or are not receiving adequate collections care.

Up-to-date information on current standards and practices for creating digital images, generating

metadata, appropriate file formats, methods of storage, and other technical details can be found in the

“NARA Technical Guidelines for Digitizing Archival Materials for Electronic Access,” published online

by the National Archives and Records Administration.

Additional materials that address digitization standards and best practices can be found on the website of

the Collections Care website of the Smithsonian Institution, and “Well-intentioned Practice for Putting

Digitized Collections of Unpublished Materials Online,” published by the Society of American

Archivists. A collection of additional reference materials can be found in “Digital Conversion –

Documents and Guidelines A Bibliographic Reference,” published by the Federal Digitization

Guidelines Working Group.

Oral History Oral history research has become common in historical research focusing on the twentieth century, but

such research is often conducted and used without proper attention to professional obligations.

Historians must recognize that interviews become historical documents, and their creation entails special

responsibilities to ensure future access for both verification and for further research.

All oral history projects funded by the New Jersey Historical Commission must meet professional

standards and practices for oral history research, and adhere to ethical and professional responsibilities

to interview subjects, the public, and the field of history. All applications for oral history projects must

demonstrate knowledge of professional standards, and must include procedures for enacting those

standards and practices in their work plan.

For an overview of these professional standards and practices, please consult the Oral History

Association’s webpage “Principles for Oral History and Best Practices for Oral History.” Additional

guidance for the professional conduct and recording of oral history interviews can be found at that web

address, including extensive evaluation guidelines for such projects. These are the standards adopted by

major professional organizations devoted to oral history practice in the United States.

Further information is also available in the following publications and websites:

Florida Voices, The Florida Center for Library Automation “Oral History How-To Guide and Digital

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Best Practices”

Oral History Office of the Minnesota Historical Society, “Oral History Project Guidelines” and

“Transcribing, Editing & Processing Guidelines”

Ritchie, Donald A. Doing Oral History. New York: Twayne Publishers, 1995.

Sommer, Barbara and Mary Kay Quinlan. Oral History Manual. New York: Alta Mira Press, 2002.

Preservation and Conservation of Image Collections

These standards were adapted from the Historical Photograph Grant Guidelines of the National

Historical Publications and Records Commission.

Applicants may receive grants to fund: conservation of items or collections, climate control

improvements, purchase of storage supplies for preservation and conservation efforts, and the creation

of preservation or reference images

The proposal must provide as detailed a description as possible of the collection (number of photographs

in collection or subject division, description of subjects covered, dates, geographic areas covered,

photographers, where known). Collections of photographs that are unidentified in any way are not

eligible for support.

The relationship, if any, of the photographic collection to the repository’s other collections should be

described. The proposal should discuss the current or potential use, such as historical research or

exhibitions, of the photograph collection, and the extent of user access (e.g., days/hours of access,

security, fees for use or reference copies, availability of viewing equipment, where applicable).

The proposal must describe the current environmental conditions for housing photographs (general

protective capabilities — fire, flood, water damage; air filtration system; range of temperature and

relative humidity; method of maintaining temperature and relative humidity). An institution with

inadequate storage facilities may apply for funding to support improvements (climate control, storage

supplies), but it must provide plans for improvement or, until improvements can be made, for acceptable

storage facilities elsewhere. All applicants should have a disaster plan in place.

Conservation of items or collections: Applicants may seek funds to support cleaning and repair of

original images. Eligible activities include cleaning of surface dirt, fungus, and other foreign matter

from original photographs, as well as basic repair. Proposals must describe the techniques to be used.

The techniques must be generally accepted as effective and safe for both photographs and personnel.

Personnel designated to do the work must have appropriate training. The training must be described in

the application. In all cases the proposal must include a discussion of the planned care of the original

materials following the conservation work.

Climate control: Storage areas must protect their contents from fire, flood, and water damage, maintain

stable temperature and relative humidity levels and, if necessary, contain air filtration or purification

systems to keep out contaminated air. Separate storage of different media (manuscripts, photographs,

etc.) is preferable. If separate storage is not feasible, the relative humidity and temperature levels should

reflect the best-possible option for the mixture. Applicants may request support for the purchase of

appropriate climate control equipment such as humidifiers and air conditioners.

Storage supplies: Applicants may seek funds to purchase appropriate equipment or storage containers.

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Storage equipment (shelving and cabinets) should be powder-coated rather than baked enamel; storage

containers (envelopes, folders, boxes) should be archival quality. Original and preservation materials

must be stored separately from photo-service photonegatives; photoprints from photonegatives; originals

apart from copies or duplicates. Photoprints and photonegatives must not be stored in the same envelope

or folder.

Preservation or reference images: For each image processed with grant funds, there should exist by

project’s end, a preservation image (preferably the original or when necessary an archival quality copy

photoprint, copy negative, or duplicate photonegative) and a reference image. Proposals must describe

the photographic medium used, the format, the duplicating procedure, and the cost per item.

Polyester-based film should be used for any preservation interpositive or negative work. Acetate film is

not an acceptable preservation medium. The original or new preservation copy should be stored under

the best possible conditions for maximum life expectancy. Original color images must be stored in the

dark in cool or cold storage. Grant funds may not be used to duplicate color photographs except as black

and white images.

When producing preservation images from original photonegatives, applicants must choose a current,

technically appropriate method of copying or duplication and explain why that method was selected.

The processor must use durable and chemically stable materials and adhere to stringent specifications

recommended by the American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI). The most recent standards

apply.

When possible, original images in good and stable condition should serve as the permanent historical

record. Preservation images should not be used as reference images. If original photoprints are

deteriorating or in demand, or if the image is available only in negative form, it may be necessary to

prepare reference images, either in the form of photoprints or continuous-tone microforms (diazo).

(Diazo may be used for reference copies; master negatives and print masters should be silver halide- see

Microform Guidelines). The Historical Commission encourages the use of microform for reasons of

cost, space utilization, ease of access, and durability.

Arrangement and Description of Image Collections Applicants may request funding to support the arrangement and description of photographic collections

(narrative or automated). The proposal must explain how the collection’s arrangement and description

will improve access to the photographs. Where applicable, arrangement systems for original images,

preservation copies, and reference images should each be described and their interrelationship explained

in detail. In keeping with standard archival practice, applicants should retain the existing arrangement (if

any) of original or preservation images and, if necessary, rearrange reference images to improve access.

If the original arrangement is not maintained, it should be fully documented before rearrangement.

Proposals requesting funds for narrative description should limit the description to collection, box, or

folder level. Proposals should also indicate the extent of identifying information readily available.

Applicants interested in automated description are encouraged to use the Library of Congress’s United

States Machine-Readable Cataloging (USMARC) formats. The two relevant formats are the Archives

and Manuscripts Control (AMC) and Visual Materials (VM) formats. Applicants should specify one

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format was selected over the other. For example, the AMC format might be selected if the applicant

already uses this format to describe and control collections of textual documents. Applicants are

encouraged to participate in on-line bibliographic networks, such as Online Computer Library Center

(OCLC) and Research Library Information Network (RLIN), using USMARC formats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an organization ask for administrative or operating support of its project?

It depends. If your organization currently has a General Operating Support Grant from the Commission,

you may not request operating support funds for a Project Grant or Minigrant. If your organization does

not have a General Operating Support Grant from the Commission, no more than 25 percent of the grant

funds can be used to support administrative salaries. For our purposes, operating support includes salary

support for permanent staff members. Fees for consultants hired for the project are not included in this

category, and are entirely permissible.

Does the booklet describe every type of project that might be fundable?

Not necessarily. If you have a project in mind that is not described here, call us and ask.

How many grants may I have at one time?

Individuals may have only one grant open at a time. Organizations with operating budgets of less than

$150,000 may have one General Operating Support Grant and one Project Grant or Minigrant open at a

time. Organizations with budgets larger than $150,000 are limited to one General Operating Support

Grant and a combination of no more than two open Project Grants or Minigrants at any time. Project

Grants and Minigrants from prior fiscal years must be in good standing with the Commission; they

cannot be overdue.

What if the cost of my project is more than $15,000?

You may apply for a portion of the funding for the entire project. For example, you may request $15,000

for a project with a total cost of $80,000. However, your proposal must clearly show where you will

obtain the remaining necessary funds.

Do I need to supply matching funds?

Individuals do not have to show matching funds. Organizations whose annual budget exceeds $500,000

must show a match of 50 percent of the grant request, either in cash or in-kind. All organizations should

consider that review panels prefer to see some sort of match for all organizational applications because it

demonstrates commitment.

How do I find a consultant or an evaluator for my project?

We do not maintain lists of consultants or evaluators, but we can refer you to other organizations that

have used consultants for similar projects.

What grant period can I use for my project?

The length of the grant period is dependent upon the needs of your project, and is up to you. However,

your grant period can not begin before you would be notified about the status of the grant, and it must

begin before June 1, 2015.

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Can you offer advice on my proposal?

The New Jersey Historical Commission can answer any questions you may have about the application

process. The Commission cannot read draft applications. The Commission can, however, provide

applicants with examples of previously successful applications for projects that may be similar to yours.

Please call (609) 292-6062 for information.

Will the New Jersey Historical Commission proofread my proposal?

The New Jersey Historical Commission cannot proofread proposals or check proposals to ensure that

they are complete. Ensuring that applications are complete and that all links to attachments in SAGE are

functional and link to the accurate document is solely the responsibility of the applicant. Applicants are

strongly encouraged to click through links to uploaded documents before submitting any application.

How do I know if my application has been submitted?

The current status of your application is displayed in SAGE in your Information box, can also be viewed

by clicking on the “Status History‟ link in your Management Activities box, and is also visible in

brackets at the end of the link to your application on your Main Menu. The current status of your

application is NOT the one displayed in the drop-down menu of your Status Management box.

Applications that are complete but not submitted by the deadline will not be considered for funding. For

help using SAGE, please visit the New Jersey Historical Commission’s Grant Opportunities web page to

find step-by-step guides to using SAGE.

Do I have to submit my application using SAGE?

All applications to the New Jersey Historical Commission and ensuing grant materials must be

submitted via SAGE. The Commission cannot review, approve, or fund any application that is not

submitted through this system.

What if my support materials cannot be uploaded to SAGE?

In some cases, for some project types, SAGE may not support the uploading of necessary support

materials (such as sound and video recordings). In these cases, you should contact the New Jersey

Historical Commission to confirm that SAGE cannot accept your file, and staff will consult with you to

arrange alternate means of submitting these materials if necessary.

I received a grant! How quickly must I return my contract?

You should return it as soon as possible; we are required to process all grant paperwork quickly.

Returning signed paperwork and completing your contract requirements on SAGE within 30 days of

receipt is a good goal.