ARC Opportunity Grants
ARC Opportunity Grants are offered annually to support research opportunities and/or needs that emerge outside of the normal ARC Research Grant application timeline.
These small grants (normally $500, but up to $1.000 maximum) can be used to support research/training undertaken by enrolled UCSC graduate and undergraduate students in archaeology or closely related disciplines during the academic year in which the application is submitted.
These grants should be used to capitalize on new opportunities that emerge as you are working on an established project; a flight to your research community to discuss key issues that have emerged, top-off funds to complete a laboratory analysis, shipping costs for artifacts, etc.
These grants are offered on a rolling basis while funds are available, and we anticipate supporting 2 – 3 such grants per year. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Application Requirements
Opportunity Grant Requirements
1) A Project Proposal (3,000 characters max): Your proposal should include: 1) a discussion of the research, 2) the methods to be used, 3) a timeline and plan for completion of the project, and 4) an explanation of the urgency of the request. Be as specific as possible in the space allowed.
2) A Project Budget: Your budget should summarize the expenses funded specifically by the funds requested, with a justification for why the expense is necessary.
3) An up-to-date curriculum vitae.
4) An unofficial transcript indicating academic good standing.
5) If you have an outstanding report from a previous ARC grant, your project report for that project is required.
Successful grantees are expected to produce a brief report on their research activities by the end of the academic year.
ARC Research Grants
These small grants (up to $2,000) can be used to support research/training undertaken by enrolled UCSC graduate and undergraduate students in archaeology or closely related disciplines during Summer 2023 and the subsequent academic year.
For graduate students, funds may be used to top off funds secured for an existing research project, as seed money to conduct preliminary dissertation research, or to provide funds to complete a project related directly to the PhD or the researcher’s long-term career goals.
For undergraduates, this award may be used to defray costs associated with a field school or participation in an archaeological project led by a faculty or graduate student mentor.
Application Requirements
Research Grant Requirements
1) A Project Abstract (200 words max): Briefly summarize your project objectives, and how they will contribute to your overall academic goals
2) A Project Proposal (2,000 words max): Your proposal should include: 1) a discussion of the research questions asked, 2) the methods to be used, 3) a timeline and plan for completion of the project, and 4) the significance of the project for your career plans. Be as specific as possible in the space allowed.
3) A Project Budget: Your budget should summarize the total expected project costs, specifically identifying which expenses will be supported by an ARC Research Grant. If your project will depend on additional sources of funded, please indicate the sources to which you have applied, and which have been received.
4) An up-to-date curriculum vitae.
5) An unofficial transcript indicating academic good standing.
6) If you have an outstanding report from a previous ARC grant, your project report for that project is required.
Successful grantees are expected to produce a brief report on their research activities by the end of the academic year.
All the requested documents should be submitted by 5 p.m., Friday, March 8th, 2024. Applications received after the deadline cannot be guaranteed consideration.
External Grants
Embark on your archaeological journey with the support of grants tailored to fuel your passion for exploration and field research. Here is a list of external small and large grants, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of your academic pursuits. Visit each link to see the most current deadlines, application requirements, and more.
Small Grants (Up to $5,000)
1. Lewis and Clark Fund ($5,000)
2. PaleoWest Research Grants ($5,000)
3. Rust Family Foundation ($5,000-$6,000)
4. SAA: Student Excellence in Archaeology Scholarships ($3,000)
5. Sacramento Archaeological Society Student Scholarships ($500-$1000)
6. AIA Kathleen And David Boochever Endowment For Fieldwork And Scientific Analyses ($4500)
Large Grants ($5,000+)
1. Wenner Gren Dissertation Fieldwork Grant ($25,000)
2. National Geographic Level I ($20,000)
3. NSF Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant (~$20,000)
4. SSRC International Dissertation Research Fellowship Competition ($23,000)
5. Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans (up to $90,000 for graduate school)
6. Ford Foundation (Predoctoral/Dissertation Fellowship) ($27,000)