Collections Study Grants

Collections study grants provide financial assistance for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers to study the collections of the University of Washington Burke Museum (UWBM). Special consideration will be given to projects related to natural history or cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest, as well as to interdisciplinary projects spanning more than one collection. For more information about collections, contact the relevant collections manager or search the relevant database online.

Applications are due December 15, 2025.

Grant recipients will be notified by January 15, 2026.

Apply now

How it works

Funding through this grant has the following stipulations:

– Typical awards range from $500 to $2,000
– Awards cover travel, housing, and subsistence while visiting the UWBM
– Housing costs are limited to $150/day
– Projects of three days or longer are encouraged
– This grant is not available to researchers within daily commuting distance of the UWBM

Instructions

A two-page (maximum) project description, including:
– Title of project
– Proposed start and end dates of collections
– Project narrative (including all text, references, and figures)
– Reference to specific UWBM specimens or collections to be studied
– Contact information for the student's advisor or research sponsor

A one page (maximum) budget proposal, including:
– Travel costs
– Housing costs
– Subsistence costs
– A short budget justification

PLEASE NOTE: Applications to study Heritage collections (Archaeology and Arts & Cultures) must also complete a research request form. Permission from Tribes, or other culturally-affiliated entities, may be required to access certain collections.

Other Requirements

– A one-to-two page report detailing grant-funded activities must be submitted within six months of visiting the Burke Museum.
– Grant recipients from the United States are required to complete a W-9 tax form prior to funding.
– Grant recipients from outside of the United States must submit original receipts for all expenses related to their visit.

Deadline

Applications are due December 15, 2025.

Grant recipients will be notified by January 15, 2026.

Apply now