Dumbarton Oaks makes a limited number of grants to assist with scholarly projects in Byzantine Studies, Pre-Columbian Studies, and Garden and Landscape Studies. Support is generally for archeological investigation, as well as for the recovery, recording, and analysis of materials that would otherwise be lost. The normal range of awards is $3,000–$10,000. Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• non-destructive investigation, excavation, and/or on-site study of a (Byzantine, Pre-Columbian, Garden) site or component of one
• surveying or photographing monuments and objects that are at risk (e.g., architecture, gardens, paintings, mosaics, and sculptures in situ), as well as objects that have already been collected but are largely unrecorded and endangered.

Funding may only be used to cover direct costs for which original documentation must be submitted for reimbursement. Examples of eligible expenses include transportation (excluding students), meals, housing, vehicle rental, workpeople’s wages, and technical analysis (as part of the overall project). Grants are not made for the purchase of computers or other equipment, or to cover the salaries of the principal investigators. Project grants are not given purely for the purpose of travel, or for work associated with a degree, library or archival research, catalogues, nor for conservation and restoration per se. Priority is given to applicants who have not previously received support from Dumbarton Oaks.

For Byzantine project awards, priority is given to small projects, as well as start-up support for new projects, or for the final push for completion.

Funds can only be disbursed to individuals, not academic or other institutions, and only on a reimbursement basis (upon submission of receipts). Submission of a final report is obligatory. Funds are available July 1 – June 1 of the award year. Funding is non-recurring.

Project grants are limited to applicants holding a doctorate or the equivalent.