[Archaeological Institute of America](https://www.archaeological.org)

July 1, 2026 (Application deadline for the Golden Trowel Award)

Recognition award; no cash prize specified.

Honors the AIA Local Society with the highest proportional membership growth over the past fiscal year.

--- ## Description The Golden Trowel Award, presented by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA), recognizes the AIA Local Society whose membership has proportionally increased the most during the past fiscal year (July 1–June 30). The award aims to commend Society Officers for their effective management and efforts to attract new members, thereby supporting the growth and vitality of the AIA community. --- ## Due Dates - July 1, 2026: Application deadline for the Golden Trowel Award --- ## Funding Amount - The award is a recognition honor; no cash prize or direct funding is specified. --- ## Eligibility - Only Local Societies of the Archaeological Institute of America are eligible. - The primary criterion is the highest proportional increase in membership during the previous fiscal year (July 1–June 30). - Societies must provide membership data as part of the application or consideration process. --- ## Application Process - Societies should ensure their membership records are up to date and accurately reflect growth. - Submit required documentation or data on membership increases by the application deadline. - The award decision is based on proportional membership growth, not absolute numbers. --- ## Additional Information - The award is announced annually, and past recipients are listed on the [Golden Trowel Award page](https://www.archaeological.org/grant/golden-trowel-award/). - The recognition supports local Societies' ability to host lectures and create programs. --- ## External Links - [Golden Trowel Award Program Page](https://www.archaeological.org/grant/golden-trowel-award/) - [AIA Grants & Awards Overview](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/) - [Archaeological Institute of America Home](https://www.archaeological.org) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Contact Page | |----------------------|------------------------------------|---------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | AIA General Contact | ebailey@archaeological.org | 857-305-9350 | [Contact AIA](https://www.archaeological.org/contact/) |

Golden Trowel Award - Archaeological Institute of America

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