Black Trowel Collective Microgrants

The Black Trowel Collective Microgrants is a unique initiative established in June 2020, fostering mutual aid within the archaeology field. Composed of archaeologists ranging from PhD students to faculty, the collective actively supports students from working-class and historically looted communities, addressing systemic exclusion within the discipline. Their microgrant program directly addresses financial barriers faced by these students, enhancing accessibility and diversity within the field. With over 195 members and 165 paid patrons, generating an estimated $1962 in earnings, the Collective has demonstrably built a strong and impactful community. The Collective's success highlights the power of peer-to-peer support and models a more equitable future for archaeological research and education, thereby filling a critical gap in existing funding models for underrepresented students.