FEDERAL Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has welcomed opportunities offered under the 2014 Community Heritage Grants program.

He said the grants, which were valued at up to $15,000 were available to assist in preserving cultural heritage collections of national significance.

Mr Joyce said not-for-profit community organisations such as libraries, archives, museums, genealogical and historical societies, as well as multicultural and indigenous groups were encouraged to apply.

“There are a wide range of activities that may qualify for grants,” he said.

These could include the preservation of significant collections, the purchase of archival quality storage materials and preservation training projects.

Other conservation activities the funding could assist might include cleaning, treatment or rebinding or the purchase and installation of environmental control and monitoring equipment.

Mr Joyce said applicants should carefully read the 2014 Community Heritage Grants program guidelines before submitting an application.

Guidelines and an application form are available at www.nla.gov.au/chg/guidelines

Applications for the grants program close on Friday 2 May, 2014 at 5pm.