Private Archives Support Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
QC, Canada
Supports accredited organizations in managing and promoting private archives
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $85,000
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
Funds Providers
Program status
Closed
Overview
The Private Archives Support Program, offered by Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, provides eligible private archival services with up to $85,000 per year in funding to support their mission. The program aims to enhance the acquisition, processing, dissemination, and reference activities of private archives throughout Quebec.
Financing terms and conditions
- Financial assistance covers a maximum of 75% of the SAPA's total revenues.
- The total subsidies received (including all relevant support programs) may not exceed $85,000 per year for each SAPA.
- Base aid for the organization's mission represents 70% to 80% of the total financial support, with a possible additional $5,000 if external financial support from partners is demonstrated and renewed annually.
- SAPA located outside major urban centers receive an extra sum based on their geographic situation.
- Additional aid covering 20% to 30% of the total support is available, allocated according to annual evaluations of activities related to acquisition, processing, dissemination, and reference of private archives.
Activities funded
- Acquisition of private archives for preservation and access.
- Processing and organization of private archives collections.
- Promotion and public dissemination of private archives through events, partnerships, or online platforms.
- Providing reference services related to private archives.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 65,000
Reference service expansion for genealogical archives users
$ 85,000
Indigenous oral history tapes acquisition and preservation project
$ 83,000
Digitizing and cataloguing historic theatre company archives
$ 85,000
Acquisition and organization of private jazz musician archives
$ 82,000
Processing and sharing of mid-century architectural photograph collection
$ 84,500
Processing artist-run centre archives and launching virtual gallery
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a recognized private archives service (SAPA) accredited by Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ).
- The applicant must not be a public body as defined by the Loi sur les archives.
- Newly accredited SAPAs are also eligible for the program.
Who is eligible?
- Accredited private archives services (SAPA) in Quebec, except those governed by public organizations under the Loi sur les archives
Who is not eligible
- Organizations that are public bodies, as defined under the Loi sur les archives (Archives Act).
Eligible expenses
- Movable or immovable services provided by proven partners.
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies established in Quebec
- Organizations located in one of the following administrative regions: Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Capitale-Nationale, Chaudière-Appalaches, Mauricie, Centre-du-Québec, Estrie, Montreal, Laval, Lanaudière, Laurentides, Montérégie, Outaouais, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Nord-du-Québec, Côte-Nord
Selection criteria
- Number of acquired archival fonds (15%).
- Number of processing activities completed (20%).
- Number of description units created or modified (15%).
- Diversity and number of dissemination activities, including partnerships (35%).
- Number of reference activities completed (15%).
How to apply
1
Confirm organizational eligibility
- Ensure your organization is an accredited Private Archives Service (SAPA) and not under a public body as defined by law
2
Prepare application documents
- Gather annual reports in accordance with the accreditation regulations
- Prepare a summary document detailing the planning of acquisition, processing, dissemination, and reference activities for the next two years
- Collect proof of financial commitment from one or more public or private partners, renewable every year
3
Submit application to BAnQ
- Submit the application and all required documents to the relevant BAnQ regional center by the specified deadline
4
Wait for evaluation results
- Await evaluation of your application by BAnQ and potential follow-up regarding compliance and completeness
Additional information
- The financial support is typically granted on a five-year (quinquennial) basis.
- Financial contributions from external partners must be proven annually to receive supplementary amounts.
- The maximum combined grants for the "Soutien aux archives privées" and "Soutien au traitement des archives privées" programs is $85,000 per year.
- Newly accredited organizations are eligible for mission support funding upon accreditation.
Contacts
valerie.damour@banq.qc.ca
5148731101
QC, Canada
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Private Archives Support Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Private Archives Support Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Private Archives Support Program?
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What expenses are eligible under Private Archives Support Program?
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