Shepard Urgent Action Grants

The Shepard Urgent Action Grants provide emergency funding for conservation, stabilization, documentation, or excavation activities at archaeological sites in the wider Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with a preference for smaller awards ($5,000 or less). The programme prioritizes truly urgent or emergency interventions rather than routine excavation work and aims to deliver rapid decisions and disbursement of funds.

Direct grant funds for emergency conservation/stabilization/documentation/excavation activities (awards typically $2,500–$5,000; up to $10,000 possible). Rapid review (response within 4–6 weeks) and prompt disbursement of funds.

Applications should be submitted by the director of the excavation project and should include the project conservator or another conservation professional. Applications are accepted from any excavation project in the wider Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions; preference is given to projects with current ASOR affiliation.

Applications submitted by project director via ASOR online application form; include project conservator and documentation of urgent need, permissions, and feasibility. Non-affiliated teams may apply for ASOR affiliation concurrently.