Deadline Extended: Date Due: Thursday, December 23, 2021
Contact Information: info “at” arisc. org
Project Description:
The American Research Institute of the South Caucasus invites proposals from collaborative teams in support of the preservation and conservation of the Republic of Armenia’s archaeological and historical heritage. This ARISC program, generously funded by private donors, seeks to foster joint work between American and Armenian scholars and institutions dedicated to the proper curation and preservation of heritage materials such as artifacts, sites, and manuscripts. Successful applications will demonstrate substantive collaborations that not only contribute to heritage conservation but also demonstrate efforts to build capacity and enhance local knowledge of current techniques and approaches to heritage management. These grants require active participation of both American and Armenian principal investigators (PI) in all aspects of the collaborative project.
Examples of potential projects include:
- Restoration of threatened archaeological remains
- Stabilization of historical resources
- Long-term protection for archaeological sites or historical monuments
- Curation and permanent exhibition of heritage materials
- Cataloging and recording of collections
- Digitization of heritage materials for wider public access
- Enhancement of conservation lab facilities
- Advanced training for specialists
Given the level of funding, these awards can also be used as seed grants to demonstrate the feasibility of a pilot program and/or in concert with funds from parallel sources.
Grantees will be required to either give a talk or run a workshop pertinent to the subject of the grant while in Armenia.
Special notes during Coronavirus pandemic:
Applicants are encouraged to submit two project design and methodologies sections with matching budgets for each:
- Scenario A: scenario with travel to Armenia; and
- Scenario B: scenario with both PIs working remotely and separately, and without travel to Armenia. Scenario B allows for the project to be conducted in the case that travel to Armenia cannot be carried out during the project timeline due to the pandemic. In this scenario, consider the following questions: How can the project be implemented if both cannot be in Armenia? How will you effectively and equally collaborate on the project remotely? Please be certain to adhere to appropriate safety protocols.
For Scenario B, instead of funding travel costs (transportation, lodging, M&IE), the budget may cover costs such as rent, childcare, etc. so that the fellow/s may focus on their research during the time period of their fellowship. The Scenario B option budget may include translation costs, digital research projects, or publication fees for research. Publication fees could include website registration/server fees, or open access fees. Think of this the same way you would think about the costs of a project in another country: What are the costs that would allow you to focus on and collaborate on the project in the context of the pandemic? Attach a separate sheet to address Scenario B.
If awarded and fellows may to travel to Armenia, then Scenario A will be in effect. If not, then Scenario B comes into effect.
Note that due to the current COVID-19 crisis, grant travel will resume when travel restrictions are lifted. Please list a tentative travel plan and dates in your application. ARISC will continue to monitor the situation and will work with awardees to confirm travel plans when the grants are awarded.
Eligibility:
Proposals are submitted jointly by a team of two or more scholars and/or specialists. At least one must be a citizen of the U.S. and one a citizen of the Republic of Armenia. Proposals must show evidence of endorsement from all relevant institutions in Armenia in order to demonstrate the feasibility of the undertaking. These grants are not intended for primary research. The participants must demonstrate that the project requires true collaboration between both PIs, as well as active participation by both PIs in all aspects of the work required to complete the project.
Late, incomplete, or ineligible applications will not be reviewed.
Award Information:
Awards are usually made for a period of 12 months during which the work described in the proposal must be completed. Extensions will be granted only with the explicit approval of ARISC. Award checks will be sent to the US collaborator. Awardees are responsible for tax payments in association with this award, both in the US and in Armenia. Grants will typically not exceed $4000.
Grant recipients are eligible to reapply for a second CHM grant two years after completion of their most recent award.
Application Information:
Applicants are encouraged to contact ARISC in advance of submitting an application in order to confirm eligibility. A complete application will include the following materials:
- Application Form (This form must be downloaded to be completed.) You will need to use Adobe Reader (free) to complete the form. This link shows how to type into the document using the free Adobe Reader DC.
- Narrative description of the project (not to exceed 3 double spaced pages).
- Supporting documents: up to 2 pages of illustrative materials such as photos or maps.
- Itemized budget and budget summary (must show funds requested from ARISC as well as other current and pending support).
- CVs for all participants, including associated personnel (limit to 2 pages each including most relevant experience and publications).
- Evidence of endorsement from all relevant institutions in Armenia.
Additional Terms:
A portion of the grant stipend will be withheld until the recipient submits their Final Report on their grant.
Funds may not be used to pay the PIs’ salaries.
Funding from this award cannot be used to cover visa expenses or the purchase of insurance.
Meals and Incidental expenses may not exceed the rates set by the US Department of State.
If any item of equipment or supplies purchased with grant funds at an original cost in excess of $750 still has monetary value, the resale value must be returned to ARISC; or, upon approval by ARISC, such equipment may be donated to an educational or research institution in the South Caucasus in the name of ARISC.
Proof of Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval must be provided, if relevant, upon receipt of grant.
Fellows must acknowledge ARISC in any publications and presentations.
Award recipients are responsible for ensuring proper medical and evacuation insurance coverage during their time in the field in the South Caucasus. Proof of insurance coverage will be required before disbursement of fellowship funds.
Applications must be written in English and submitted electronically to info “at” arisc.org.
ARISC does not provide tax advice on fellowship payments. Fellowship stipends are not considered income in the US. Fellows are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors prior to filing.
Given changing travel restrictions and/or travel warnings to many countries, fellows must contact ARISC prior to purchasing airfare.
ARISC reserves the right to adjust the amounts and types of awards given under this program, as well as the general terms and conditions, before award agreements are reached with each recipient.
Application Review:
Proposals will be evaluated by ARISC’s fellowships panel according to the following four primary criteria:
- Contribution to the preservation of Armenia’s heritage
- Promotion of local skills in current techniques of heritage management and curation
- Development of substantive collaborative ties
- Advancement of public understanding
Notifications of awards will be sent out by March 2022.If you would like to receive any updates to this funding call, please email info@arisc.org with your name, contact information, and the subject “Updates to CHM Grants 2021-22.”
ARISC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or status as a covered veteran.