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 that seek to develop American Studies scholarly communities, 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 other 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.

Applications are welcome from both BAAS members and non-members, though applications from members may be prioritised. Non-members are expected to join BAAS if they receive a grant from the Development Fund.

Applicants are expected to review the BAAS Funding Guide when developing their budgets.

BAAS is committed to promoting best practice in matters of diversity and inclusion and applicants are expected to demonstrate similar consideration when submitting applications to this Fund.

BAAS have developed guidance on running an inclusive conference.
This guide contains detailed guidance for Chairs, Speakers, and Audiences at such events.

It can be accessed by clicking the following links:

Inclusive Conference Appendix – PDF version (external PDF)

Inclusive Conference Appendix – Word version (external Word Doc)

Applications will be assessed on their individual merits by a panel made up of members of the BAAS Executive Committee. Applications for grants lower than the maximum of £2000 allowed are welcome.

Successful applicants will be required to report regularly on the progress of their activities and to submit a final report at the completion of their grant. The final report will be published on the BAAS website. Applicants are encouraged to further disseminate the results of their activities in BAAS outlets such as The Journal of American Studies, U.S. Studies Online, or at the annual BAAS conference.

BAAS must be acknowledged in all publicity relating to the grant and in any future publications arising from it.

Additionally, successful applicants who receive funds for events, should note that it is imperative that they check that the intended venues are compliant with Martyn’s Law governing safety and
emergency guidelines upon receipt of funds.

If you have questions about this in advance please contact the mailto: rebecca.stone@baas.ac.uk.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications within six weeks of the closing date.

Applications will be competitive. Applications and enquiries should be sent to Katie Edwards,
BAAS Development Fund Administrator at mailto: development@baas.ac.uk.