Apply Now: Mary Jaharis Center Project Grant Program

The Mary Jaharis Center Project Grant Program supports focused conservation, preservation, and documentation projects for Byzantine archaeological sites and monuments dating from 300–1500 CE, primarily in Greece and Turkey. For the 2026–2027 cycle, up to two grants of USD 6,000 are available for professionally led projects with activities conducted between July 2026 and June 2027, with applications due by 1 February 2026.

Overview

The Mary Jaharis Center Project Grant Program funds discrete, professionally driven projects that advance the conservation, preservation, and documentation of Byzantine archaeological sites and monuments.

The program prioritizes focused interventions that address urgent needs, contribute original knowledge, and protect at-risk Byzantine heritage dating from 300 CE to 1500 CE, with a primary geographic emphasis on Greece and Turkey.

What the Grant Supports

Projects may be stand-alone initiatives or clearly defined components of larger projects, provided they are discrete, feasible, and well justified.

Eligible project activities include both research and hands-on conservation actions that directly benefit Byzantine sites or materials.

Eligible Project Types

Funded activities may include:

• Archaeological investigation, excavation, or survey

• Documentation, recovery, and analysis of at-risk materials

• In situ documentation of architecture, mosaics, and wall paintings

• Preventive preservation measures, such as:

  • Protective shelters

  • Fencing and controlled access

  • Walkways

  • Water management systems

• Conservation involving physical, hands-on treatment of:

  • Archaeological sites

  • Buildings

  • Objects and architectural elements

Funding Amount and Timeline

For the 2026–2027 grant cycle, the Mary Jaharis Center will award:

• Up to two grants

• USD 6,000 per grant

Key dates and timeframe:

• Application deadline: 1 February 2026

• Eligible activity period: 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027

What the Grant Does Not Fund

The Project Grant Program does not support:

• Overhead or indirect costs

• Salaries for principal investigators

• Purchase of computers or other equipment

• Projects intended solely for travel

• Research conducted toward an academic degree

• Publication of catalogues

• Library- or archive-based research without field components

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility is limited to individual professionals with appropriate qualifications.

The program does not award grants to academic or other institutions.

Required Credentials

Applicants must hold suitable professional qualifications, such as:

• A PhD or equivalent professional experience for archaeologists

• An MA or MS in a relevant field for conservators

Project Leadership and Permits

Applicants must:

• Serve as director or co-director of the proposed project

• Normally be the primary permit holder

If the applicant is not the primary permit holder, a letter of support from the permit holder is required.

All required permits must be secured before grant funds are disbursed.

How the Grant Works

1. The applicant prepares a focused project proposal with a clear scope and methodology.

2. The application is submitted by 1 February 2026.

3. Proposals are evaluated by the Mary Jaharis Center.

4. Successful applicants are notified and carry out approved activities during the grant period.

5. Final reporting and publication requirements are completed by 1 September 2027.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on three core criteria:

• Significance

  • Importance of the site, materials, or intervention

  • Contribution to Byzantine studies and heritage protection

• Approach

  • Sound methodology and professional standards

  • Clear objectives and feasible work plan

• Need

  • Urgency of the work

  • Demonstrated conservation or documentation priorities

Particular attention is given to original contributions and projects that enhance documentation, protection, conservation, or public accessibility of significant Byzantine sites and monuments.

Reporting and Publication Requirements

Grant recipients must submit final documentation by 1 September 2027, including:

• A final report with a reconciled budget

• Documentation of expenditures

• A separate illustrated report of 400–500 words for publication on the Mary Jaharis Center website

Acknowledgment and Dissemination

Recipients are expected to:

• Formally publish project results

• Acknowledge the Mary Jaharis Center in all publications and publicity

• Notify the Center of any significant changes to the approved project scope or activities

Why This Grant Matters

Many Byzantine archaeological sites and monuments face ongoing risks from environmental exposure, deterioration, and limited resources for conservation.

This grant enables targeted, expert-led interventions that preserve vulnerable heritage, generate original documentation, and strengthen long-term stewardship of Byzantine cultural landscapes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting institution-led rather than individual applications

Proposing projects focused only on travel or academic degree research

Including ineligible costs such as PI salaries or equipment purchases

Failing to secure permits or permit-holder support

Proposing overly broad projects without a discrete, achievable scope

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are projects outside Greece and Turkey eligible?

The program primarily supports projects in Greece and Turkey, but proposals elsewhere must clearly justify relevance and significance.

2. Can institutions apply for this grant?

No. Grants are awarded only to qualified individuals, not institutions.

3. Can the grant fund excavation equipment or computers?

No. Equipment purchases, including computers, are not eligible expenses.

4. Is this grant intended to fund academic research degrees?

No. Research toward a degree is not supported.

5. When must project activities take place?

All funded activities must occur between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027.

6. What reporting is required after the project ends?

A reconciled financial report and an illustrated 400–500 word project summary are due by 1 September 2027.

7. Is publication of results mandatory?

Yes. Formal publication and acknowledgment of the Mary Jaharis Center are required.

Conclusion

The Mary Jaharis Center Project Grant Program provides essential support for focused, high-impact conservation and documentation projects that protect Byzantine archaeological heritage. By funding expert-led interventions with clear professional and scholarly value, the program helps safeguard significant sites and monuments for future research, preservation, and public understanding.