The 2017 BAAS Membership Survey highlighted a desire amongst BAAS members for a wider range of activities beyond traditional conferences to support career development, to discuss pedagogy, to workshop grant applications, provide writing support, develop networking, hold localised meetings, and so on, as well as traditional conferences.

BAAS invites scholars in any field of American Studies to apply for grants of up to two years in duration. Grants may be requested for up to a maximum of £2000 for a range of American Studies academic activities, including (but not limited to):

• The organisation of conferences, meetings and events, including honoraria for speakers
• The establishment of new networks or other organisations
• Workshops, writing retreats, and reading groups
• Schools outreach and activities
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives of established networks or other organisations
• Sustainability initiatives of established networks or organisations

Applications for activities that reach scholars currently under-represented in American Studies in the UK, seek to support postgraduates or early career academics, and/or enhance diversity and inclusion or sustainability are particularly welcome.

The Development Fund is not intended to cover the costs of individuals’ attendance at events or individual research. Please see our Awards for support for individual research activities.

For more information and to download a copy of our application form please visit: BAAS Development Fund – British Association for American Studies | British Association for American Studies

Completed application forms to be received by 1st November 2025.