Local Government Records Management
Improvement Fund
Disaster Recovery Grants
Disaster Recovery grants are available to all local governments in New York State, except New York City municipal agencies*. There is no set annual deadline for disaster recovery grants; you may submit an application whenever a disaster occurs. However, you must expend or encumber all funds by June 30.
For the purposes of disaster recovery projects, a disaster is definied as: Damage caused by a sudden, unexpected event involving fire, water, man-made or natural phenomena where a timely response is necessary to prevent the irretrievable loss of vital or archival records, or to ensure reasonable, timely access to vital records. The maximum amount for a disaster recovery grant is $20,000.
When you experience a disaster, it is critical that you contact your State Archives Regional Advisory Officer (RAO) immediately for assistance or email ARCH_SOS@mail.nysed.gov. The RAOs and other State Archives staff are trained to offer technical advice on how to mitigate the effects of a disaster on your records. They can also determine whether you are eligible for disaster recovery funding and assist with identifying apporpriate grant project activities.
The complete Disaster Guidelines provide further information on the LGRMIF, preparing the application, administering the project, and reporting requirements. They also provide instructions for RAOs in conducting the site visit.
*As part of the LGRMIF grant program for New York City's municipal agencies, the Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS) offers disaster recovery grants. New York City municipal agencies that experience a disaster as defined here should contact DORIS for further information and assistance.
