Richard C. MacDonald Iliad Endowment for Archaeological Research Grant

Richard C. MacDonald Iliad Endowment for Archaeological Research Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Archaeological Institute of America
Amount: Up to US $20,000
Last Updated: August 10, 2025

Summary

The Richard C. MacDonald Iliad Endowment for Archaeological Research Grant supports innovative projects that explore the context of Troy and the Trojan War's influence on ancient Mediterranean civilization. Open to PhD holders in archaeology, the grant encourages the use of advanced technologies such as GIS and LiDAR. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the mission, project feasibility, and potential impact. AIA promotes inclusivity and does not discriminate based on personal attributes, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants.

Overview

Mission Statement The AIA promotes archaeological inquiry and public understanding of the material record of the human past to foster an appreciation of diverse cultures and our shared humanity.  The AIA supports archaeologists, their research and its dissemination, and the ethical practice of archaeology.  The AIA educates people of all ages about the significance of archaeological discovery and advocates for the preservation of the world’s archaeological heritage. Richard C. MacDonald Iliad Endowment for Archaeological Research Purpose The Richard C. MacDonald Iliad Endowment for Archaeological Research will be awarded to projects that support research in regions that supply context to the study of Troy and generally help elucidate the Trojan War and its impact on ancient Mediterranean civilization. This can include but is not limited to Anatolia (modern Turkey), southeastern Europe, the Aegean and Crete during the third to first millennia B.C.E. The grant may be used for the purchase of innovative technologies as part of the research, including but are not limited to remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), geophysical techniques, LiDAR, global positioning systems (GPS), and space imaging radar. Criteria Proposals will be reviewed according to the following criteria (roughly in this order of importance): The fit between the project and the mission of the MacDonald Iliad EndowmentThe impact the research will have on our understanding of the past and on the use of technology in archaeologyThe level of innovation in the use of technologyThe feasibility of the project itself (how realistic its methods and goals are, in conjunction with its budget and timeline)The possession of, or the documented ability to acquire, the necessary permits (if applicable)The impact support from the Boochever Endowment will have on the overall success of the project (we assume that few projects will derive all their support from this source alone)The qualifications of the applicant (training, demonstrated research productivity, knowledge of/experience in the research region)The quality and feasibility of the publication plan, and (if digital data are involved) of the data management plan

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must have a PhD in archaeology or a related field.The grant is open to all professionals working in the field. Applicants must be the director or co-director of the proposed research project.Permits must be obtained before funds are dispersed. To be successful, applications must clearly demonstrate the impact of the project and the critical need for AIA funding. Although combining AIA funds with other sources of support is allowed, a MacDonald grant should be central to the success of the project.Awardees should submit a photo and a brief project description (one to three sentences) for inclusion on the AIA website and social media at the time the award is made.Awardees must make a formal report to the AIA at the conclusion of the award period.This report should include a brief illustrated summary, written for a general audience, that can be published on the AIA’s website.A final report with a reconciled budget is due within 6 months of the completion of the field season.Awardees are expected to submit poster or fieldwork abstracts for presentation at the Annual Meeting (submissions will be evaluated in the general pool, and acceptance is not guaranteed).Winners are also encouraged to become an Interactive Dig on the AIA website. Full publication of the project results is encouraged, and plans for publication should be included in the grant application.The AIA welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and is committed to equal opportunity for all. Under no circumstances will the AIA discriminate against qualified individuals on the basis of race, color, religious creed, retaliation, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, disability, mental illness, genetics, marital status, age, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law.As part of the Archaeological Institute of America’s ongoing commitment to fieldwork and families, reasonable line items for the care of dependent and elderly family members are allowable expenses for AIA grants, fellowships, and scholarships. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. Applicants must be AIA members at the graduate student or professional level at the time of application.

Ineligibility

Current officers and members of the Governing Board, staff, members of the Fellowships Committee and members of their immediate families are prohibited from applying for or receiving fellowships, grants, and other financial awards that may be offered by the Archaeological Institute of America.