Shepard Urgent Action Grants
The Shepard Urgent Action Grants fund emergency conservation and documentation at Mediterranean and Middle Eastern archaeological sites facing immediate threats.
Funder: American Society of Overseas Research
Due Dates: Rolling (all 2026 funds awarded; future cycles expected annually)
Funding Amounts: $2,500–$10,000 per grant (preference for $5,000 or less); $15,000 total awarded in 2026
Summary: Supports emergency conservation, stabilization, excavation, and documentation at archaeological sites in the Mediterranean and Middle East facing urgent threats.
Key Information: Only for urgent, non-deferrable actions; not for routine research or travel.
Description
The Shepard Urgent Action Grants program provides rapid-response funding for emergency conservation, stabilization, excavation, and documentation at archaeological sites across the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. Established in 2020, the program is designed to address immediate threats such as looting, vandalism, conflict, natural disasters, or sudden environmental changes. Grants are intended for interventions that cannot be postponed and are not suitable for regular or deferrable research activities. The application and review process is streamlined to enable quick decision-making and fund disbursement.
