While we at Elmore are saving American music, it looks like Jack White is saving America’s sound history. White has donated $200,000 to the National Recording Preservation Foundation. White’s charitable gift is the first donation the group has received.

“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,” said Executive Director Gerald Seligman.

The foundation, established as part of the National Preservation Act, is a nonprofit charity that works in affiliation with the Library of Congress in order to preserve radio, music and recorded sound in libraries across the nation. White’s contribution will allow the foundation to start awarding grants.

White is also a board member in the foundation. Chairman Sam Brylawski hopes that White will inspire others to do their part “to help ensure that we are able to preserve and make accessible recent and historical recordings at risk of loss.”

Earlier this year, White also paid $143,000 to save the Detroit Masonic Temple from foreclosure.