CFAs: Honor Frost Foundation’s Small Grants Program

Deadline: 01-Sep-2026

The Honor Frost Foundation Small Grants support small-scale maritime archaeology projects, pilot studies, early-career research, and innovative technologies or methodologies in underwater cultural heritage. Grants of up to £10,000 are available, with priority given to research in the eastern Mediterranean, regional partnerships, local training, and projects that advance the wider discipline of maritime archaeology. What Is the Honor Frost Foundation Small Grants Programme? The Honor Frost Foundation Small Grants programme supports research and capacity development in maritime archaeology and marine cultural heritage. The programme reflects Honor Frost’s pioneering contribution to underwater archaeology and focuses particularly on strengthening maritime archaeological research in the eastern Mediterranean. It also supports the development of new technologies, methods, and approaches that can advance maritime archaeology internationally.

The programme is designed for:

Small-scale maritime archaeology projects Pilot studies that could lead to larger research projects First projects undertaken by early-career researchers Regional archaeological research Development and testing of new technologies or methodologies Projects that strengthen regional research capacity and partnerships What Funding Is Available? Applicants can request up to £10,000 per project. The Small Grants programme awards funding twice each year. Applicants should check the Foundation’s current application deadlines before preparing a submission. The grant can support activities that contribute to: Projects should contribute to understanding, documenting, protecting, or promoting maritime archaeological heritage in the region. The Foundation particularly values projects that involve regional collaboration and provide opportunities for local researchers, students, or heritage professionals to develop practical skills. Developing the Discipline This category supports the advancement of maritime archaeology worldwide through new technologies and methodologies. Applicants developing pilot studies for larger projects Researchers working on eastern Mediterranean maritime archaeology Applicants developing new archaeological technologies or methodologies Researchers collaborating with regional institutions and specialists Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate meaningful partnerships, particularly when working in the eastern Mediterranean. Projects that provide local training and skills development can be particularly relevant because the Foundation seeks to strengthen regional archaeological capacity. Why Does This Grant Matter? Maritime archaeology provides important evidence about historic trade, migration, settlement, technology, cultural exchange, and human interaction with the sea. However, underwater cultural heritage can be difficult and expensive to research because it requires specialized equipment, technical expertise, conservation skills, and marine survey capabilities. The Honor Frost Foundation Small Grants help address these challenges by supporting targeted research and methodological development. The programme is especially valuable for early-career researchers because small grants can provide an opportunity to establish an initial research project, generate preliminary evidence, develop partnerships, and potentially build a foundation for larger projects. Regional collaboration is also important because strengthening local expertise can help ensure that maritime archaeological research produces lasting benefits beyond an individual project. What Activities Can the Grant Support? A strong proposal should clearly connect its activities to maritime archaeology or marine cultural heritage.

Potential areas include:

Archaeological research and field studies Pilot research projects Development of new research methods Testing innovative technologies Marine geophysical investigations Archaeological documentation Conservation-related research Development of archaeological databases Research capacity building Regional collaboration Skills development linked to a research project Activities that improve the visibility of marine cultural heritage For training workshops or conferences specifically, applicants should use the Foundation’s separate Training & Capacity Building Grant application rather than the Small Grants form. How to Apply Applications must be submitted through the Honor Frost Foundation’s grant management system.

Step 1: Identify the Appropriate Funding Category

Determine whether the proposed project falls under: Regional Research – maritime archaeology in the eastern Mediterranean. Developing the Discipline – new technologies or methodologies for maritime archaeology worldwide. Selecting the correct category helps demonstrate that the proposal directly matches the programme’s objectives.

Step 2: Define the Research Problem

Clearly explain:

What maritime archaeological issue will be addressed? What will the project contribute to the discipline or region?

Step 3: Explain the Methodology

Describe the research methods and activities in practical terms. For technology or methodology projects, explain what is innovative and how the approach could improve maritime archaeological research. For regional projects, explain how the research will contribute to understanding eastern Mediterranean marine cultural heritage.

Step 4: Demonstrate Collaboration

Where relevant, identify:

Regional research partners Archaeological institutions Universities Heritage organizations Local researchers Conservation specialists Technical experts Explain each partner’s role rather than simply listing organizations.

Step 5: Prepare the Budget

The requested amount can be up to £10,000. The budget should be realistic and directly connected to project activities. Applicants should explain why each major cost is necessary to achieve the proposed research outcomes.

Step 6: Submit Through the Grant Management System

Applica