Society Grants & Awards

Each year the Archaeological Institute of America presents awards to our societies and their members in recognition of the important work they do to support the Institute and its mission. Our over 100 Local Societies are the backbone of the AIA and their work is irreplaceable. Winners of these awards and prizes are honored at the Annual Meeting.

Life Saver Award

This award recognizes those individuals who persevere and show that even when things go wrong, it can all work out right!

Golden Trowel Award

The Golden Trowel Award honors the society whose membership proportionally increases the most during the past fiscal year (July 1st to June 30th).

International Archaeology Day Grants

Grants for AIA Local Societies for International Archaeology Day

AIA Society Outreach Grant Program

The AIA Society Outreach Grant encourages AIA societies to undertake activities such as a teachers' workshop, a kids' archaeology fair, a symposium or event in a local library, or other project that promotes archaeology and the AIA's objectives for local community outreach.

Lecture Flyer, Website, and Local Media Contests

Every year the AIA rewards the societies that produce the best flyer and website, as communicating information to the public about upcoming events is one of the main goals of each society.

Foot Soldier Award

This award recognizes dedicated members who provide years of service in multiple capacities at the Local Society level.

support Us

The AIA is North America's largest and oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to archaeology. The Institute advances awareness, education, fieldwork, preservation, publication, and research of archaeological sites and cultural heritage throughout the world. Your contribution makes a difference.