Richard C. MacDonald Iliad Endowment for Archaeological Research

About this program

The Archaeological Institute of America offers the Richard C. MacDonald Iliad Endowment for Archaeological Research, providing up to $20,000 for projects investigating regions and cultures that contextualize Troy, the Trojan War, and their impact on ancient Mediterranean civilization. Eligible research may focus on Anatolia, southeastern Europe, the Aegean, or Crete during the third through first millennia B.C.E., including innovative technologies such as GIS, LiDAR, remote sensing, and geophysical methods. Applicants must be AIA graduate student or professional members, hold a PhD in archaeology or a related field, and serve as director or co-director of the proposed project; required permits must be secured before funds are distributed. Applications are due November 1, 2026, and should demonstrate project impact, feasibility, technological innovation, and the critical importance of AIA support.