Brennan Foundation Program in Support of Archaeological Field Research in the Development of Early Civilizations

The Curtiss T. & Mary G. Brennan Foundation provides funding support for archaeological field research, emphasizing regions of the world in which early centers of complex culture or civilization originated. Support of active field archaeology, particularly excavation, is emphasized. Post-excavation analysis, processing and publication, or other archaeological activities supportive of field research will only be considered in connection with previously funded field projects. The Brennan Foundation views its grants as seed money, as a catalytic agent enabling especially significant archaeological projects to initiate or dramatically expand work and progress to the point where traditional sources of major funding may be approached. Of particular importance in selecting applications is the significance of the project in increasing understanding of the origin and subsequent development of early cultural complexity and civilization in that particular region of the world. Other factors include the perceived leverage funding would provide in gaining further support, the need for rescuing threatened archaeological resources, the professional standing of individuals and institutions involved, the degree of cooperation established with national archaeological institutions, and the degree of funding and other support previously and currently evidenced by other research and funding institutions.