3. Complete a proposal with laboratory cost estimate
Write a proposal in the form of a letter (4 to 6 pages), with one laboratory estimate. Your letter should cover the following points and may include illustrations or tables as appropriate:

a. Research significance
Why is the film material in your proposal important for cultural, artistic, or historical study? If your material pertains to a particular region, locale, or culture, please explain how this material is an example of broader national trends or is a significant illustration of your organization's cultural mandate. Please check Films Preserved Through the NFPF for examples of regional films funded in past years.

b. Physical film description

	What is the title, length, gauge, and subject matter of the proposed film or collection?
	From what type of source material will your archive be working?
	How did your organization acquire the material?

For more information on handling film, please consult The Film Preservation Guide: The Basics for Archives, Libraries, and Museums.These PDF files also include a Print Condition Report worksheet.

c. Uniqueness of your archive's film copy

	What organizations, databases, and other resources have you checked to make sure that your archive's copy represents the "best surviving material" for that film and that the proposed work does not duplicate efforts by others in the public/nonprofit sector?
	For independent documentaries and avant-garde works, indicate if you have contacted the filmmaker, the production company, or the filmmaker's heirs.
	Are rental or video copies of this film available through commercial distribution or video channels?

d. Description of preservation work and cost estimate

	What laboratory work is requested? For sound films, indicate how you propose to preserve the sound.
	Provide a written estimate for the preservation work. Estimates should be obtained from laboratories specializing in film and sound preservation.
	As applicable, outline the preservation work already completed on the film or that would still need to be done after work funded by the grant. Please be specific; include the date of the original preservation work and condition of the original.
	If you are collaborating with another institution, include a letter from that institution briefly outlining its involvement with the project.

e. Storage
Describe your archival storage facilities (including temperature and humidity levels) and confirm that any new preservation masters created through the project will be stored under archivally acceptable conditions. If your organization does not have an archivally acceptable storage area for film, please include your plans for off-site storage.

f. Access plans

	Does your institution have permission to show this material for on-site researchers, Internet viewing, and/or on-site public screenings at which no admission is charged? Be sure to indicate if there are any other relevant donor restrictions regarding public access to the proposed material. (These are important considerations, given the public access mission of the NFPF.)
	Has your archive plans for sharing the completed access copies outside of your institution? Do you plan exhibition loans or dissemination on video, television, or the Internet?

g. Public service mission
Briefly summarize your institution's mission, collections, and public programs; include your Web site address and any brochures.

h. Tax-exempt status
Nonprofits, list your institution's tax identification number; government/public sector archives, provide some record or a letter demonstrating that your institution is part of state, regional, or local government.

i. Supplemental funds
Please indicate if your institution is prepared to provide supplemental funds to complete the project, should it go over budget.

j. Contact information
Provide the name, title, phone number, fax, e-mail, and professional biography of the project coordinator (one paragraph).

4. Submit application
All applications are due in hard copy by March 20, 2009:

National Film Preservation Foundation
870 Market Street, Suite 1113
San Francisco, CA 94102

The proposals will be read by NFPF staff and outside reviewers. Awards will be made by a grant panel serving on behalf of the NFPF Board of Directors.

NOTIFICATION
Applicants will be notified regarding grant decisions in June 2009.

TERMS
Successful applicants must sign an agreement affirming the responsibilities of the grant. Nonprofit grant winners may be asked to provide a copy of the IRS determination letter verifying their status as a publicly supported 501(c)(3) organization.