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

July 2026 (Golden Trowel Award)

$100 cash prize; recognition at the AIA Annual Meeting.

Recognizes the AIA Local Society with the highest proportional membership growth in the previous year, encouraging society engagement and expansion.

Awarded to one society annually; based on membership data from July–June.

--- ## Description The Golden Trowel Award is presented annually by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) to the Local Society that achieves the highest proportional membership growth during the preceding fiscal year (July 1–June 30). The award aims to incentivize societies to actively recruit new members, foster engagement, and strengthen their capacity to host lectures and programs. This recognition supports the AIA’s broader mission to advance archaeology and promote cultural heritage awareness at the community level. --- ## Due Dates - Anticipated deadline: July 2026 - The application/nomination period covers membership growth from July of the previous year through June. - The award is presented at the AIA Annual Meeting in January. *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Cash prize of $100 to the winning society. - Recognition at the AIA Annual Meeting. - The winning society may also be eligible for an extra national lecture in the following year. --- ## Eligibility - Open to all AIA Local Societies in good standing. - Societies must maintain a minimum of 35 active members to be considered active and eligible. - Award is based on the highest proportional increase in membership over the fiscal year (not absolute numbers). - Only one society is selected each year. --- ## Application Process - Membership data is tracked by the AIA office; societies do not submit a formal application. - Society officers are encouraged to actively recruit new members and maintain accurate membership records. - The AIA determines the winner based on official membership statistics as of June 30. - The recipient is announced and honored at the Annual Meeting. --- ## Additional Information - The Golden Trowel Award is part of a suite of AIA Society Awards and is intended to encourage healthy competition and growth among local societies. - Past recipients include societies from across North America, reflecting a range of sizes and regions. - Winning societies may be eligible for additional incentives, such as an extra national lecture (if they apply). --- ## External Links - [Golden Trowel Award Program Page](https://www.archaeological.org/grant/golden-trowel-award/) - [AIA Society Grants & Awards](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/societies/awards/) - [AIA Society Operational Guidelines](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/societies/resources/operation-guide/) - [Find a Local Society](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/societies/find/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Web Form | |------------------------------|----------------------------------------|---------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | AIA Societies Coordinator | ebailey@archaeological.org | 857-305-9350 | [AIA Contact Page](https://www.archaeological.org/contact/) | ---

Golden Trowel Award - Archaeological Institute of America

Sign in to see full grant listing