Archaeology is a fascinating field that involves the study of human cultures through accessing, documenting and analysing material remains and environmental data.  It is a wide field of study and has many different goals depending on who you talk to.  There are many different experts within the discipline of archaeology who specialise in different fields, some of which are Historical archaeology, Ethnoarchaelogy and Archaeometry.  What all of these fields have in common is a desire to better understand the nature of humanity through a study of how certain societies have and still continue to function.  Because archaeology can have such profound implications for our society, a lot of effort goes into ensuring that the scientists and specialists involved can continue their work.  At times this effort may go towards the research and development of new fundraising ideas for archaeological projects.

A lot of Archaeological work goes on in the field as well as the laboratory, indeed this is probably the more well known and publicised part of the process.  A ruggedly handsome middle aged man involved in an archaeological dig is the stereotypical view of archaeological endeavours, and the dig is the first and perhaps most important part of this process of discovery.  Archaeological digs or excavations can be huge projects that go on for years and cost millions of dollars, and coming up with the ideas for fundraising is almost a science in itself.

While archaeology can still be a pure science that operates directly from educational and research institutions, more and more often it is not.  Archaeology as an applied science has become increasingly important today as many possible sites are threatened by development.  What this means is that many archaeological digs in Europe and America are taking place under the guidance of an organisation called Cultural Resources Management (CRM), also known in the United Kingdom as the Heritage Movement.  Like in a lot of other nations, most archaeology digs are financed through government organisations and the CRM is one such group working to preserve our heritage.  Not all nations have a large government funded body though and there are many other ways to receive the necessary money for an archaeological dig.

Because of the importance and romanticism of archaeology there is no shortage of people who want to act as private sponsors as well.  Each country around the world will have a centre or group that will be able to link together archaeologists, universities and individual sponsors who want to help.  There are a number of research institutes around the world who function with a mixture of government and private funding.  There are also some slightly more unusual solutions to a funding shortfall due to certain publications like the National Geographic offering grants for archaeological research, and some philosophical societies offering allowances as well.

Fundraising for an archaeological dig can be difficult;  but because it is such an important and well known part of the discovery of our human heritage, there is no shortage of opportunities and people out there to make sure that a particular excavation will take place.