PROGRAM IN SUPPORT OF
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
FIELD RESEARCH IN THE DEVELOPMENT
OF
EARLY CIVILIZATIONS
GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSALS
The
Curtiss T. Brennan & Mary G. Brennan Foundation, a non-profit organization,
was established in 1988 to provide funding support for archaeological field
research, emphasizing in particular those regions of the world in which early
centers of complex culture or civilization originated.
Support of active field archaeology, particularly excavation, is
emphasized. Post-excavation
analysis, processing and publication, or other archaeological activities
supportive of field research will only be considered in connection with
previously funded field projects.
The
Brennan Foundation views its grants as seed money, as a catalytic agent enabling
especially significant archaeological projects to initiate or dramatically
expand work and progress to the point where traditional sources of major funding
may be approached. Of particular
importance in selecting applications to be funded in full or in part is the
significance of the project in increasing an understanding of the origin and
subsequent development of early cultural complexity and civilization in that
particular region of the world in which the project is undertaken.
Other
factors of particular importance include the perceived leverage our funding
would provide in gaining further support for the project in terms of matching
funds or other support, the need for rescuing threatened archaeological
resources of particular importance, the professional standing of the individuals
and institutions involved and their experience in those regions and
countries where work is proposed, the degree of cooperation established
with existing national archaeological institutions, and the degree of funding
and other support previously and currently evidenced by other research and
funding institutions.
Application
must be made by the sponsoring institution through the principal investigator.
Grants are not available for dissertation research.
Grants can only be made to tax-exempt nonprofit organizations that
qualify under Section 501 ( c ) ( 3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or to non
US-based institutions that can demonstrate similar qualifications.
No grants will be made to individuals, or to religious or political
organizations. No portion of the
grant award may be used for salaries or fringe benefits of the principal
investigator. As a matter of
policy, the foundation supports no overhead or other indirect costs for the
sponsoring institution.
Proposals
should be made in letter form. Proposals
qualifying for further consideration will be submitted to selected professional
archaeologists for review. The proposal and comments will then be considered by the
Foundation’s board. If funds are
awarded, a report from the institution detailing the expenditure of the
Foundation funds, and a report from the principal investigator discussing the
results of the investigations should be submitted within six months of the end
of the grant period.
Proposals should include the following specific information:
1.) Abstract: An initial paragraph or abstract summarizing the project as a whole and how those activities funded by the proposed grant would fit in.
2.)
Background: A more detailed account of the project’s background
including research accomplished to date, projected research beyond the current
field season, and details and significance of activities to be funded by the
Brennan Foundation. Special
emphasis should be placed on how Foundation-funded work would benefit and
enhance future project activity in general.
Any leverage Foundation funding would provide in terms of matching funds
or in making possible subsequent larger, more comprehensive applications to
other institutions should be mentioned. The
significance of the project’s results to a broader understanding of the region
and/or time period should be considered, including tie-ins with prior research
of others.
3.)
Budget:
Budget details should be appended, both for the funding requested
from the Brennan Foundation and for the project as a whole.
For field projects
this should include both a breakdown of field season expenses and
post-season processing
and analysis. Currently established
funding should be described.
Sources of additional funding applied for should be named.
4.)
Personnel: List organizations and institutions presently involved or
proposed to be involved, including host country governmental and private
institutions, and explain their roles. Pay
special attention the project’s relationship with the host country, including
training professionals and students, conservation and educational work, etc.
Include curriculum vitae of the principal investigator and immediate
subordinates, plus details of the professional experience and qualifications of
other important staff and specialists.
5.) Permits: Include the status of excavation and any other research permits required by the host country.
6.) Bibliography: Append a list of works useful in understanding the project’s background, both general works covering region and time period, and more specific articles on the project’s results to date. Copies of articles of particular significance are appreciated.
7.) References: Includes names of several professionals willing to be contacted who are familiar with the subject in general and the project in particular, but who are not themselves part of the project.
8.) Deadlines: Application may be made throughout the calendar year, with deadlines of April 15 and October 15. Due to the review process it is advisable to submit well in advance of the proposed inception of work.
Please submit applications to: Curtiss T. & Mary G. Brennan Foundation, 551 W. Cordova Road, #426, Santa Fe, NM 87505 USA. E-mail: brennanfoundation@comcast.net. Fax: 505-983-5120.
