CFAs: Honor Frost Foundation’s Small Grants Program

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:

• Maritime archaeological research
• Marine cultural heritage documentation
• Archaeological fieldwork
• Development of research methodologies
• New technology for underwater archaeology
• Conservation-related capacity
• Dive training and archaeological skills
• Marine geophysics
• Database development
• Regional research partnerships
• Research environment development
• Activities that increase awareness of marine cultural heritage

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

The programme has two broad funding categories.

Regional Research

Regional Research supports maritime archaeology projects focused on the eastern Mediterranean.

Priority areas include:

• Cyprus
• Lebanon
• Syria
• Sicily
• Malta

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.

Projects may explore innovative approaches to:

• Underwater archaeological research
• Marine surveying
• Archaeological documentation
• Conservation
• Marine geophysics
• Digital databases
• Research technologies
• Methodological development
• Underwater cultural heritage management

The geographic focus is broader under this category, allowing innovative approaches that can contribute to maritime archaeology internationally.

Who Is Eligible?

The Foundation accepts applications from researchers and organizations whose proposals meet the objectives of the Small Grants programme.

The programme is particularly suitable for:

• Early-career researchers undertaking their first projects
• Researchers conducting small-scale maritime archaeology studies
• 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:

1. Regional Research – maritime archaeology in the eastern Mediterranean.
2. 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?
• Why is the research needed?
• What knowledge gap does it address?
• Why is the proposed approach appropriate?
• 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

Applicants must create an account in the Foundation’s grant management system.

The same system is used for application and reporting purposes.

Applicants should submit well before the deadline where possible, particularly because the Foundation encourages early submission and may provide feedback on applications.

Step 7: Await the Decision

Funding decisions are typically made within three months of the application deadline.

The Small Grants programme operates twice annually, so applicants who miss one deadline may have an opportunity to apply in a subsequent funding round.

What Makes a Strong Application?

A competitive proposal should demonstrate a clear connection between the project and the Foundation’s maritime archaeology objectives.

Key strengths include:

• A clearly defined research question
• Strong archaeological or heritage relevance
• A realistic and appropriate methodology
• Clearly explained expected outcomes
• A feasible project timetable
• A justified budget
• Strong regional partnerships where relevant
• Opportunities for local training and skills development
• Potential to strengthen future research
• Contribution to the visibility and value of marine cultural heritage

For eastern Mediterranean projects, applicants should clearly demonstrate why the research is important to the region and how local partners will benefit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid several common weaknesses.

• Submitting the wrong application form: Training workshops and conferences should use the separate Training & Capacity Building Grant form.
• Weak connection to maritime archaeology: The proposal should clearly demonstrate its relevance to maritime archaeology or marine cultural heritage.
• Overly broad research questions: Small grants are better suited to focused and achievable projects.
• Unclear methodology: Explain how the research will actually be conducted.
• Poorly justified costs: Every major budget item should relate directly to project delivery.
• Ignoring regional capacity building: Eastern Mediterranean projects should consider opportunities for local collaboration and training.
• Submitting at the last minute: Early submission is encouraged to allow time for feedback and corrections.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Grant programme: Honor Frost Foundation Small Grants
• Maximum funding: £10,000 per project
• Frequency: Twice annually
• Main focus: Maritime archaeology and marine cultural heritage
• Regional priority: Eastern Mediterranean
• Key countries/areas: Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Sicily and Malta
• Global focus: New technologies and methodologies in maritime archaeology
• Suitable projects: Small-scale research, pilot studies and early-career research
• Priority: Regional collaboration and local training
• Application system: Honor Frost Foundation grant management system
• Typical decision period: Within three months of the deadline
• Separate funding: Training workshops and conferences should use the Training & Capacity Building Grant form

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Honor Frost Foundation Small Grants programme?

It is a funding programme supporting small-scale maritime archaeology research, pilot projects, early-career researchers, and innovative technologies or methodologies related to underwater cultural heritage.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Applicants can request up to £10,000 per project.

What regions are prioritized?

The Regional Research category particularly focuses on the eastern Mediterranean, including Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Sicily and Malta.

Can projects outside the eastern Mediterranean apply?

Yes. Projects outside the eastern Mediterranean can be relevant under the Developing the Discipline category when they advance maritime archaeology through new technologies or methodologies.

Are early-career researchers eligible?

Yes. The programme specifically supports first projects by early-career researchers, making it suitable for researchers seeking to establish an initial research track record.

Does the Foundation support training activities?

Training can be relevant when it contributes to research capacity and the project’s objectives. However, applicants seeking funding specifically for training workshops or conferences should use the separate Training & Capacity Building Grant application.

When are funding decisions made?

Decisions are typically made within three months after the application deadline.

Conclusion

The Honor Frost Foundation Small Grants provide targeted funding for researchers and organizations working to advance maritime archaeology and marine cultural heritage. With grants of up to £10,000, the programme is particularly suited to focused research projects, pilot studies, early-career researchers, eastern Mediterranean archaeology, and innovative technologies or methodologies.

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by presenting a focused research question, practical methodology, realistic budget, strong regional partnerships, and clear benefits for maritime archaeological knowledge and capacity building.