"The donation is very much a game changer," said the foundation's Executive Director Gerald Seligman in a press release. "It is our first and therefore provides the welcome opportunity to go from talk about the needs and priorities of audio preservation to concerted action. With this contribution we can now put up our basic structure, begin enacting the preservation plan � and give out our first grants. We're committed to doing that right away, and certainly within the coming months."

The NRPF was created by the U.S. Congress in 2011 "for the purpose of supporting archives, libraries, cultural institutions and others committed to preserving America's radio, music and recorded sound heritage," according to their website.

"I hope that Mr. White's extraordinarily generous donation inspires many others," added Sam Brylawski, Chairman of the National Recording Preservation Board, an affiliated project.