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

November 1, 2025

Up to $4,500 per project; single-year awards

Supports innovative archaeological field survey projects worldwide, prioritizing early-career archaeologists and creative uses of technology.

Applicants must be AIA members at the time of application; preference given to those within 8 years of PhD.

--- ## Description The program provides grants for archaeologists to launch new field survey projects that employ innovative technologies and address significant questions about the human past. The focus is on projects utilizing on-the-ground survey methods or a combination of field survey and remote sensing (rather than remote sensing alone). Geophysical survey projects are also eligible. Projects may be conducted anywhere in the world and from any time period. Preference is given to early-career archaeologists (within 8 years of receiving their PhD). The program encourages creative technological approaches that will make meaningful contributions to archaeological knowledge. --- ## Due Dates - Application deadline: November 1, 2025 - Award notification: By March 1 following the deadline --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $4,500 per project - Funding is for a single year and is intended to support new archaeological field survey initiatives. - AIA funds cannot be used for overhead or PI salaries. - Reasonable expenses for dependent or elder care are allowable. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be members of the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) at the graduate student or professional level at the time of application. - Applicants must hold a PhD in archaeology or a related field and have an academic affiliation. - Preference is given to early-career archaeologists (within 8 years of PhD). - Projects must involve field survey (or a combination of field survey and remote sensing); projects based solely on satellite imagery or remote sensing are not eligible. - Applicants should be the primary permit holder for the proposed project. If not, a letter of support from the primary permit holder is required, and the awardee must have the permit in hand before funds are disbursed. - The AIA welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and is committed to equal opportunity. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the [AIA online form](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/applications/herzig-desnick-endowment/). Applicants must log in or create an account to access the form. - All supplementary documents should be uploaded as PDFs. - Applicants must submit a budget using the [AIA budget template](https://www.archaeological.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/AIA_grants_budget_form.xlsx) (converted to PDF). - Required documentation includes proof of AIA membership, evidence of academic affiliation, and (if applicable) a permit or letter of support from the permit holder. - Awardees must provide a brief project description and photo for AIA publicity, submit a final report suitable for a general audience, and are expected to present at the AIA Annual Meeting (submission does not guarantee acceptance). - Review criteria include project fit, impact, feasibility, permitting, innovation, applicant qualifications, and dissemination plans. --- ## Additional Information - The AIA allows reasonable expenses for dependent or elder care as part of project budgets. - The program does not provide support for overhead or PI salary costs. - See examples of past funded projects and reports on the [AIA website](https://www.archaeological.org/grant/herzig-desnick-endowment/). --- ## External Links - [Program Overview and Requirements](https://www.archaeological.org/grant/herzig-desnick-endowment/) - [Application Form](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/applications/herzig-desnick-endowment/) - [AIA Membership Information](https://www.archaeological.org/join/) - [Budget Template (Excel)](https://www.archaeological.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/AIA_grants_budget_form.xlsx) - [Follow-Up Checklist for Awardees](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/fellowship-follow-ups/) - [Past Recipients and Project Summaries](https://www.archaeological.org/grant/herzig-desnick-endowment/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Webpage | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------|---------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | AIA Fellowship Coordinator | [fellowships@archaeological.org](mailto:fellowships@archaeological.org) | 857-305-9350 | [AIA Contact Page](https://www.archaeological.org/contact/) |

Julie Herzig Desnick Endowment for Archaeological Field Surveys

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