The mission of the American Society of Overseas Research (ASOR) is to initiate, encourage, and support research and public understanding of the history and cultures of the Near East and wider Mediterranean world, from the earliest times. ASOR aims to achieve its mission in a manner that is apolitical and without any religious affiliation.
ASOR's grant program focuses on supporting its members through membership and Annual Meeting Scholarships, especially highlighting the importance of involving students in the field. Due to COVID-19, ASOR offers 25%, 50%, or full scholarships for annual meeting registration to current members in need, with a preference for those who have not received a scholarship in the past two years. Efforts are made to accommodate requests from non-members and past scholarship recipients as well. Applicants must be members of ASOR to apply for this award, emphasizing the organization's commitment to its community and the advancement of research in its fields of interest.