The Mediterranean Archaeological Trust invites applications for  grants, made on a competitive basis, for expenses in 2026, in the preparation for final publication of material from archaeological excavation or fieldwork, excluding:

  • subventions to publishers;
  • publication of material not from specific excavations;
  • publications in symposia;
  • projects which are entirely for the purposes of PhD work; and
  • expenditure which has already been made.

Within the terms of the Trust, priority may be given to projects concerning the Bronze Age in particular, and Mediterranean sites in general, however the trust funds research from a diversity of sites and eras and grant making is within the complete discretion of the Trustees (for examples of funded work, please see the Featured work section).

For the 2026 grant cycle, MAT Trustees will continue making grants at two levels: small (any amount, up to £4,999) or large (from £5,000 to £10,000). In this way, the Trustees hope to facilitate some more substantial projects, while continuing to support smaller projects. Please note the following:

  • Grants must be used to expedite publication.
  • Small grants and large grants have slightly different application forms (with large grant applications requiring more information and more references).
  • All applications and their associated references must be submitted by the 27th February 2026 (23h59 UTC/GMT).

Applications should be submitted via completing one of the following forms:

For small grant applications (for any amount, up to £4,999): MAT Application Form 2026 – small grants

For large grant applications (for amounts from £5,000 to £10,000): MAT Application Form 2026 – large grants

Please provide all the information requested on the form and send it by e-mail attachment no later than 23h59 UTC / GMT on 27 February 2026, to:

  1.  The Trust Secretary – Jaime Hobday – jhobday@vwv.co.uk
    and
  2. The Trust Administrator – Claire Hanke – chanke@vwv.co.uk.  

Please follow the instructions on the form, taking care to indicate the importance of the site, your qualifications, other sources of support, and the present or planned status and place of publication. References should be sent directly by the referees to the same e-mail addresses and must meet the deadline of 26 February 2026 (23h59 UTC / GMT).

Successful applicants will be informed in March / April 2026, and it is essential that a report on the use of the grant is submitted by 31 December 2026. Failure to do so will mean that grant applications for the following three years will not be considered.

Additional guidelines for applicants and referees are available on the application form and are summarised below.

Applicants and their referees are encouraged to:

  1. Be succinct.
  2. Explain the importance of the material.
  3. Record any existing publication.
  4. Give a detailed breakdown of necessary costs; economical programmes will be favoured – e.g., not expensive ‘inking-ins’ or unjustified photography and analyses.
  5. Mention any sources of grants received for the project, past and current.
  6. Give a brief account of the applicant’s credentials.
  7. Give a realistic programme for publication.
  8. Ensure that referees respond with comment on the importance of the project and qualifications of the applicant.

Timeline for the 2026 grant cycle:

    • 18 December 2025:   Grant applications open for the 2026 grant cycle.
    • 27 February 2026:     Deadline for all applications and references to be submitted.
    • March / April 2026:  All applicants notified of the outcome of their application.
    • 31 December 2026:    Deadline for written progress reports to be submitted by grantees awarded grants in the 2026 grant cycle.