A core aim of the SPMA is the promotion of the archaeology of the late medieval to modern world, and the Community Engagement Award is designed to support individuals, groups and societies in developing new public-facing initiatives, whether one-off events, programmes of activities, digital archaeology or other creative outputs. We welcome proposals which seek to develop innovative forms of engagement and proposals which demonstrate the potential to engage non-traditional audiences. Please note that the Society’s existing lecture bursary has now been discontinued and subsumed within this new grant. 

Funding of up to £500 can be applied for. The deadline for applications each year is 15 September, and a decision will be made within two months of the closing date. 

Eligibility:

  • Applicants need not be members of the Society
  • Applicants can apply on behalf of any group, institution and organization
  • Applicants can be amateur or professional archaeologists
  • Post-medieval archaeology (late medieval to the present day) must be a core aspect of the proposal
  • Community engagement must be a core aspect of the proposal

Priority will be given to the development of new initiatives rather than the funding of established activities.

Applications could concern, but are not limited to:

  • Seed funding for community based initiatives
  • The development of digital post-medieval archaeology
  • The development of educational resources
  • Payments for talks, lectures or workshops
  • A one-off event such as a walk or open day
  • Development of creative outputs in a variety of media

Applicants are encouraged to define the types of audiences which they are targeting and to describe expected outcomes and outputs, including the development of skills and expertise. A timetable and itemised budget should be included. Please provide adequate detail to demonstrate justification of proposals and costs. 

Your can apply for a Community Engagement Award by filling out an application form and emailing it to the Grants Co-ordinators, grants@spma.org.uk

Award holders can download a copy of the Society logo for use on reports and publicity associated with their funded activities.