Two Grant Opportunities
Good morning,
The following are notices of grant opportunities from the RPA and NEH:
Register of Professional Archaeologists
The Register values exceptional and ethical archaeological practice. Thus, we seek to support specialty analyses of archaeological materials that contribute to a robust understanding of the human past.
The preamble to our Standards of Research Performance states:
The professional archaeologist has a responsibility to design and conduct projects that will add to our understanding of the past and/or that will develop better theories, methods, or techniques for interpreting the archaeological record, while causing minimal attrition of the archaeological resource base. It is recognized that archaeological research takes place in a variety of local, regional, and national contexts where applicable laws and guiding standards of practice vary.
It is also recognized that archaeologists design and conduct research in various contexts of employment and levels of responsibility. These Standards are designed to outline the minimum standards that must be followed in the conduct of any research project, recognizing that each standard should be evaluated by the researcher in the specific contexts under which the work is being undertaken and to the level of responsibility commensurate with their role on a project.
The Register recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has created unique challenges for archaeological research and cultural resource management. We also recognize that research endeavors often require the expertise of specialists in particular classes of material culture and archaeological data. Thus, we are offering five $2,000 grants to support individuals and entities seeking professional services for the specialty analyses of archaeological data.
Who is eligible? Any Register-certified archaeologist in good standing with the Register and up to date with their annual dues. Eligible archaeologists might include, but are not limited to, Principal Investigators in CRM, graduate students undertaking dissertation research, independent scholars, and archaeologists working in contexts where financial support is often limited (e.g., historical societies, small museums). Any professional archaeologist is eligible as long as they are Register-certified.
What is supported? Any specialty analysis that is considered a disciplinary standard is eligible for funding. These analyses could include pottery, stone, metallurgical, faunal, invertebrate, and botanical (e.g., phytoliths, wood, pollen), among others.
How do I apply? Submit a proposal of no more than two pages that addresses:
(a) The archaeological analyses for which funding is requested;
(b) the research endeavor to which the results of analysis will contribute;
(c) how the endeavor connects to the Register’s Code of Conduct and Standards of Research Performance (https://rpanet.org/code-and-standards);
(d) A proposed timeline for the project;
(e) a budget and justification for what the grant will support; and
(f) what metrics you will use to measure your success. Please supplement your proposal with a one-page vita for the Register-certified archaeologists involved in the undertaking.
When does the grant money need to be spent? All projects must be undertaken in 2021.
What is the deadline? 5 pm EST on Monday, June 28, 2021.
How do I submit my proposal? As single attachment with the attached cover sheet via email to executivedirector@rpanet.org.
How will my proposal be evaluated? An ad hoc grant review committee will review proposals and make recommendations to the Executive Team, who will choose which projects will be supported.
When will I be notified? Notification will be sent to all who submitted a proposal by July 12, 2021.
Are there other expectations of which I should be aware? The Register will announce the grant winners via social media. Awardees will be expected to share their project via social media as well. All activity promotions, materials, and updates must acknowledge the Register’s support for the endeavor. A high-resolution Register logo will be provided to all recipients for this purpose.
Who should I contact if I have questions? Executive Director Deb Rotman will be happy to answer your questions. She can be reached at executivedirector@rpanet.org.
Download a copy of these directions and the Register grant cover sheet.
National Endowment for the Humanities
The National Endowment for the Humanities is now accepting applications for our Archaeological and Ethnographic Field Research program. Please share this information with your membership. The application deadline is September 29, 2021.
The Field Research program makes awards to institutions and organizations conducting empirical field research to answer significant questions in the humanities. Supported projects can use a variety of methodologies, including archaeological excavation, documentation, participant observation, and surveys, that provide observational and experiential data on human history and culture. Projects can be led by individuals or teams of scholars, and awards can be for up to three years, with award amounts up to $150,000. More information on the program, including the Notice of Funding Opportunity and links to the application package, is at:
https://www.neh.gov/program/archaeological-and-ethnographic-field-research
In a few weeks we will offer a live webinar for prospective applicants and grant administrators, introducing the program, describing the application process, and offering application-writing suggestions. There will be a chance to ask questions, captions will be available, and the webinar will be recorded so others can watch it later.
Date: Monday, June 21
Time: 2-3 PM (Eastern time)
To watch the presentation, click on this link.
If you or potential applicants have questions, please direct them to fieldwork@neh.gov or 202-606-8200. We will also respond to draft applications if we receive them by August 12. Submitting a draft is optional but helpful for applicants.
Daniel Sack
Program Officer, Division of Research Programs
National Endowment for the Humanities
202-606-8459 dsack@neh.gov