Awards may be from US$100 to a maximum of US$750, although amounts in the range of US$100–300 are more likely to be funded. Recipients will be granted a 12-month timeframe for completing activities and spending attached to their award. It is expected that expenditure will be tied to the draft budget or outline submitted in the application.

The following conditions for the award must be met:

• The event/activity must be related to SHARP’s constitution as a non-profit organization serving as a global network for the promotion of teaching and research in book history. “Book History” is defined as the interdisciplinary study of the composition, mediation, reception, survival, and transformation of written communication in material forms, from the ancient world to the present day.
• The organizers should take SHARP’s values and Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization Statement into account when designing and delivering the event.
• The event/activity cannot be for an individual only (e.g., illustration subvention funds or archival visits) but should involve a group of people. 
• You may apply only once per year. 

Please note that, whenever possible, these grants will be made directly to the SHARP member making/leading the application via PayPal. Unfortunately SHARP cannot pay these grants to institutions due to the time and labour involved.

Applications

To apply for a Lightning Grant you must write a proposal of no more than 500 words for submission to president@sharpweb.org

• A short description of the event/activity
• Who the participants will be; who the likely beneficiaries will be; anticipated audience numbers
• How the event will help promote SHARP and SHARP membership in a particular region of the world and/or community

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and awards are made accordingly, as funds allow. If successful, funds will be transferred via PayPal. Please note that SHARP is a US-registered organization and is required to adhere to banking and sanctions law in the distribution of grants.

Proposals will be reviewed by a small group taken from the Executive Council. 

Those awarded a Lightning Grant will be required to write a short report upon completion and to submit scans of receipts.