 |
Grants
Grant and Fellowship Opportunities for Graduate Research in Plant Biology and Conservation and Related Fields are listed below. Also visit The Graduate School and the Garden Club of America for further information.
Deadlines: January | February | March |April| May | July | September | October | November | December | Rolling
JANUARY DEADLINES
The GCA Zone VI Fellowship in Urban Forestry provides financial aid to advanced undergraduate or graduate students to study urban forestry and related subjects. Work in this field will be far-reaching, as it will include the planning, management, and horticulture in urban forests and the effect of healthy urban forests on the environment. Awards are up to $4,000 and the deadline is January 31.
The Northwestern University Award in Plant Biology and Conservation
This award is available to currently enrolled graduate students in the Program for Plant Biology and Conservation. Funds of up to $1500 will be awarded for research expenses including equipment, supplies and/or travel. To apply, fill out the application and write a 2-page statement about your research along with your budget request. Also include one letter of recommendation addressed to the PBC Awards Committee. Applications and accompanying materials should be turned into Susan Black in Hogan 2-144 by January 31 or July 31 of each year.
Dr. John N. Nicholson Fellowship (for master's and doctoral students at Northwestern)
This fellowship supports outstanding students enrolled in PhD and MS programs in the sciences or engineering and the PhD programs in Management.
ELIGIBILITY: MS or PhD students in the following areas: basic sciences, such as chemistry and physics; biotechnology; engineering; and PhD programs in Management.
RESTRICTIONS/CONDITIONS: Recipients of the fellowships must be US citizens, with preference given to those of Greek extraction or descent.
AWARD NOTIFICATION: The announcement of the Nicholson Fellowship will be made in May.
AWARD AMOUNT: The Nicholson Fellowship usually provides full tuition payment and a stipend for 9 months at the same rate as a University Fellowship.
DEADLINE: The last application deadline was January 4, 2007.
CONTACT: Mary Pat Doyle, The Graduate School, 633 Clark Street, Crown 1-502, Evanston Campus 847/491-8497; mdoyle@northwestern.edu
The GCA Fellowship In Ecological Restoration
Supports specialized graduate study and research in ecological restoration, the active healing of the land, at an accredited university in the United States. The goal of this fellowship is to support research that will advance knowledge and increase the numbers of scientists in this important field. The proposed study should conform to the Society of Ecological Restoration's definition of ecological restoration: "The process of assisting the recovery and management of ecological integrity [which] includes a critical range of variability in biodiversity, ecological processes and structures, regional and historical context, and sustainable cultural practices." A selection panel is composed of faculty members at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum.
. Funds one or more scholars annually at $8000
. Deadline January 15
The Douglas Dockery Thomas Fellowship In Garden History and Design
Established to further the study of history and design in the American garden. It is intended, also, to look to the future of gardens and their unique place in our environment. The art of the garden increases in importance today with the growing restraints on all open spaces. Project study would have wide scope. This unique award, administered by the Landscape Architecture Foundation, provides a fellowship to a graduate student for study and research at an institution in the United States. Selection is by a panel appointed by the Landscape Architecture Foundation.
. Funds one scholar annually at $4000
. Deadline January 15
The Loy McCandless Marks Scholarship in Tropical Ornamental Horticulture
Fosters the study of tropical ornamental plants and their use in horticulture and landscape architecture. It affords a graduate student, or advanced undergraduate, an opportunity to study at a leading foreign institution that specializes in the field of tropical plants. The Loy McCandless Marks Scholarship is administered by the GCA Scholarship Committee.
. Funds one student annually at $2000
. Deadline January 15
The Frances M. Peacock Scholarship For Native Bird Habitat
Grants financial aid to advanced students to study areas in the United States that provide winter or summer habitat for threatened and endangered native birds. Awarded in cooperation with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the scholarship offers scholars the opportunity to pursue habitat-related issues that will benefit bird species and lend useful information for land management decisions.
. Funds one or more scholars annually at $4000 each.
. Deadline January 15
FEBRUARY DEADLINES
The Joan K. Hunt And Rachel M. Hunt Summer Scholarship In Field Botany
Provides financial aid toward a summer study of field botany. The purpose of the scholarship is to promote the awareness of the importance of botany to horticulture. It does not support lab work. The summer projects may be pursued beyond the regular course of study to gain additional knowledge and experience and may award credit. Study must be in any one of the 50 states of the U.S. College undergraduates and graduate students up to the Masters degree may apply. Preference is given to undergraduates. Application for the GCA Summer Scholarship in Field Botany and the application for this scholarship are the same and will be considered together. Selection and administration by the GCA Scholarship Committee
Areas of study: The specific course of study and the location are chosen by the student. Some suggested studies include:
. assisting a botanist with field studies
. assisting a botanist with plant inventories
. plant monitoring in a national forest
. internship on a special project in a botanical garden
. Funds one or more scholars annually at $1500
. Application Deadline: February 1
The GCA Summer Scholarship in Field Botany
Provides financial aid to students following their undergraduate years or graduate students up to the Masters degree level wishing to pursue summer studies doing work in the field specifically related to field botany. This award addresses the need to promote the study of botany to the horticulture public and increase the awareness of the importance of botany to horticulture. Field work may be done in North America, Central America or South America, but with equally qualified candidates, preference is given to students studying in the United States. All candidates must be enrolled in a U.S. college or university. The summer project may be pursued beyond the regular course of study to gain additional knowledge and experience, and may award credit. Selection and administration by the GCA Scholarship Committee and members experienced in botany.
. Funds one or more scholars annually at $1500
. Deadline February 1
The GCA Award In Coastal Wetlands Studies
Seeks to promote wetlands conservation through the support of young scientists in their field work and research. Recognizing the growing value placed on wetlands, the GCA created this award to encourage sound scientific knowledge of coastal wetlands (defined as those tidal or nontidal wetlands found in the coastal states, including those of the Great Lakes). Applicants may propose a wetlands program of their choice at a leading educational institution within the United States that specializes in wetlands studies. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) of The College of William & Mary, is the selector and administrator for this award.
. Funds one student annually at $5000
. Deadline February 10
The Katharine M. Grosscup Scholarships
Established to encourage the study of horticulture and related fields by providing financial assistance to students who wish to pursue these academic endeavors. Preference is given to young men and women who are college juniors, seniors, or graduate students from Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky. Selection is by the Grosscup Scholarship Committee.
. Funds several students annually up to $3000 each
. Deadline January 25
The Land Institute Fellowship
Objectives of the Fellows Program:
1. To train young scientists in Natural Systems Agriculture and alternative approaches to science.
2. To fund important research that might otherwise not take place because it is perceived to be high risk, long term, or unnecessary for today's dominant forms of agricultural production.
3. To help develop NSA prototypes for the prairie and other ecosystems, taking advantage of resources at the major universities.
4. To promote the development of an interdisciplinary network of research groups interested in Natural Systems Agriculture in many bioregions worldwide.
No new fellowships will be offered in 2008. Application information for 2009 will be posted by December 2008.
BSA Karling Graduate Student Research Award
The purpose of this award is to support and promote graduate student research in the botanical sciences. To be eligible, one must be a member of the Botanical Society of America (BSA), a registered full-time graduate student, have a faculty research advisor who is also a member of BSA, and not have won the award previously. Each award is $500.
Deadline: March 1, 2008
Graduate Research Environmental Fellowships (GREF)
The GREF program began in June 1999 to support graduate students in the Office of Biological and Environmental Research-funded collaborative global change research at universities and national laboratories. All qualified students are encouraged to apply, but minority and female students are particularly encouraged. The fellowship program makes three-year appointments, renewable annually, and pays an annual stipend of $19,200 ($1,500 monthly plus a $600 Research Education Supplement in March and October), and tuition and fees. Graduate students selected for GREF are encouraged to participate in the SURE 2004 orientation and research focus sessions. If you decide to participate, GREF will pay transportation, per diem and lodging. Applicants must have completed their first year in graduate school, unless they have participated previously in SOARS or SURE. Applicants are required to complete the application form, and submit a five-page description of proposed research, letters of recommendation from the two mentors and an outside individual, and undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
Deadline February 4, 2008
Society of Systematic Biologists
The purpose of these awards is to assist students in the initiation (first two years) of their systematics projects and in the collection of preliminary data needed by them to pursue additional sources of support (e.g., Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants from the National Science Foundation) or to enhance dissertation research (e.g., by visiting additional field collection sites or museums). Applicants may be from any country, but must be members of SSB, and are advised to join the Society as soon as possible to facilitate their applications. Previous awardees may not re-apply, but other previous applicants are encouraged to re-apply. Budgets and awards will range between $1,000 and $2000. Up to six awards will be made.
Deadline: March 31, 2008
MARCH DEADLINES
American Society of Plant Taxomomists (ASPT)
Support is available for graduate students conducting field work, herbarium travel, and/or laboratory research in any area of plant systematics. ASPT Graduate Student Research Awards do not include support for institutional overhead or stipends. No award will exceed $1000; it is unlikely that proposals from previous recipients will be funded. Proposals will be funded on the basis of merit, regardless of the research area within systematics (e.g., if all of the best proposals emphasize field work, grants will only be made in that area).
Deadline: March 14, 2008
National Garden Clubs (NGC)
NGC's scholarship program offers financial aid to students and promotes study in horticulture, floriculture, landscape design, botany, biology, plant pathology, forestry, agronomy, environmental concerns, city planning, land management, and allied subjects. Thirty-four stipends of $3,500 will be awarded. Citizenship: US
Deadline: March 1, 2008
Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research
The Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research program has been providing undergraduate and graduate students with valuable educational experiences for more than 80 years. The program awards grants of $1,000 or less to students from all areas of the sciences and engineering. Students use the funding to pay for travel expenses to and from a research site, or for purchase of non-standard laboratory equipment necessary to complete a specific research project.
Deadline: March 15 and October 15 annually
APRIL DEADLINES
Anheuser-Busch and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
The Budweiser Conservation Scholarship Program supports and promotes innovative research or study that seeks to respond to today’s most pressing conservation issues. The Conservation Scholarship Program is designed to respond to many of the most significant challenges in fish, wildlife and plant conservation in the United States, whether it is the sustainable use of natural resources, including sportfish and game, recovery of an endangered species, or control of invasive exotic species, by providing scholarships to eligible graduate and undergraduate students who are poised to make a significant contribution to the field of conservation. Awards are up to $10,000 each. This scholarship will not be offered in 2008.
MAY DEADLINES
Elmhurst Garden Club
The Elmhurst Garden Club offers an annual scholarship to college juniors, seniors and graduate students majoring in Horticulture or one of its related fields. The student must be a resident of Illinois with at least a 3.0 GPA.
Last deadline date was May 31, 2006. The 2008 date is to be determined.
JULY DEADLINES
The Northwestern University Award in Plant Biology and Conservation
This award is available to currently enrolled graduate students in the Program for Plant Biology and Conservation. Funds of up to $1500 will be awarded for research expenses including equipment, supplies and/or travel. To apply, fill out the application and write a 2-page statement about your research along with your budget request. Also include one letter of recommendation addressed to the PBC Awards Committee. Applications and accompanying materials should be turned into Susan Black in Hogan 2-144 by January 31 or July 31 of each year.
SEPTEMBER DEADLINES
Fulbright Program
Offers a variety of grants for one year of study or research abroad to over 100 countries. Applicants must have proficiency in the written and spoken language of the host country. Campus information and applications are available in May each year for the upcoming academic year.
Deadline: For deadline information, go to Office of Fellowships website
OCTOBER DEADLINES
EPA STAR (Science to Achieve Results) Fellowships
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is offering Graduate Fellowships for master's and doctoral level students in environmental fields of study. The last deadline for receipt of pre-applications was October 23, 2007. Master's level students may receive support for a maximum of two years. Doctoral students may be supported for a maximum of three years, usable over a period of four years. The fellowship program provides up to $37,000 per year of support per fellowship.
Environmental Leadership Program
The Environmental Leadership Program offers the Environmental Leadership Fellowships, as part of ELP's highly experiential and innovative national initiative that aims to build the leadership capacity of the environmental movement's most promising emerging professionals. Each year, a new class of 20-30 fellows is chosen to receive intensive training, institutional support, and mentoring for a three-year period. Fellows gain access to funding to pursue further skill training and develop new projects. Applicants must commit to participating in four retreats. ELP will provide $2,000 participation stipend, travel and accommodations for training retreats, as well as $1,000-$10,000 to support leadership-building activities and projects. Citizenship: US
ELP hopes to launch a Midwestern Regional Network in 2009. More information will be distributed as they move ahead.
Deadline: TBD
Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research
The Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research program has been providing undergraduate and graduate students with valuable educational experiences for more than 80 years. The program awards grants of $1,000 or less to students from all areas of the sciences and engineering. Students use the funding to pay for travel expenses to and from a research site, or for purchase of non-standard laboratory equipment necessary to complete a specific research project.
Deadline: March 15 and October 15 annually
NOVEMBER DEADLINES
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Also visit NSF for further information.
The Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) awards fellowships for graduate study leading to research-based master's or doctoral degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) relevant to the mission of the National Science Foundation. NSF Graduate Research Fellowships are intended for individuals in the early stages of their graduate study. Applicants may pursue graduate study at an institution in the United States or affiliate with a foreign institution. The Graduate Research Fellowship Program supports a comprehensive holistic plan for graduate education and takes into account the individual interests and competencies of the Fellows. Thus, an applicant must provide a detailed profile of his or her relevant educational and research experiences and plans for graduate education in such a way as to demonstrate the potential to become an emerging knowledge expert in STEM disciplines.
Deadline: November 7, 2007
The GCA Interchange Fellowship & Martin McLaren Scholarship
Provides a reciprocal exchange of British and American graduate students in horticulture, landscape architecture, or related fields. The intent of the program is to foster cultural understanding, promote horticultural studies and exchange information in this field. The Martin McLaren Horticultural Scholarship provides a noncredit work/study program in Great Britain for an American recipient, selected by the GCA Scholarship Committee.
. Funds one U.S. student and one British student
. Deadline November 15
DECEMBER DEADLINES
The Catherine H. Beattie Fellowship
Created to promote the conservation of rare and endangered flora in the United States through the programs of the Center for Plant Conservation headquartered at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The research grant enables a student in biology, horticulture, or a related field to conduct field research. Preference is given to students whose projects focus on the endangered flora of the Carolinas and the southeastern United States. Selection is by a panel of botanists appointed by the CPC.
. Funds one or more students annually up to $4000
. Deadline December 31
Explorer's Club
The Exploration Fund of The Explorers Club provides grants in support of exploration and field research. Grants in amounts up to $1,200 are made primarily to graduate students. Applicants do not have to be members of The Explorers Club and do not have to reside in the United States to qualify for an award.
Deadline March 1, 2008
The Torrey Botanical Society 2006 Student Fellowship Award supports student research with an annual award of $2,500.00. The award, limited to graduate students in botany who are members of the Society, must be used to help pay the costs of field work. Applicants will be judged by the Council of the Society and recipients will be announced before 1 April each year. Deadline is December 31.
ROLLING DEADLINES
Leopold Schepp Foundation
Awards are made based on character, academic ability, and financial need. The Foundation grants approximately 200 individual awards each year to both full time undergraduate students enrolled in four year bachelor programs and to full time graduate students. Applicants must either be currently enrolled or must have completed one year of undergraduate work at an accredited college or university. High school seniors are not eligible to apply.
The Foundation also grants a small number of fellowship awards for independent study and research, usually post-doctoral, based on the recommendation of a recognized institution. These fellowships are intended to encourage research that will improve the general welfare of mankind. Because funds for such grants are limited, interested applicants should inquire as to the availability of funding for fellowships in their chosen field of study.
They begin taking applications in the summer usually until January of the following year for awards in the following Fall.
The Northwestern University Travel Award in Plant Biology and Conservation
This award is available to currently enrolled graduate students in the Program for Plant Biology and Conservation. Awards of up to $500 will be awarded to help fund travel and registration expenses to academic conferences or workshops. Only students who have not previously received this award should apply. Students presenting will be given priority. To apply, fill out the application. Applications will be due 3 months prior to the conference date and should be turned into Susan Black in Hogan 2-144.
The Northwestern University Conference and Workshop Travel Award in Plant Biology and Conservation
This award is available to currently enrolled graduate students in the Program for Plant Biology and Conservation. Funds of up to $500 will be awarded for travel expenses related to attending professional conferences and workshops. These may include costs for the travel to the location, conference registration fee, and accommodations. Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received this award. To apply, fill out the application and submit a proposed budget. Applications should be turned into Susan Black in Hogan 2-144 two months before the date of the conference or workshop.
National Geographic Young Explorers Grants (YEG)
YEG grants offer opportunities to individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 to pursue research, conservation and exploration-related projects consistent with National Geographic's existing grant programs, including: the Committee for Research and Exploration (CRE), the Expeditions Council (EC), and the Conservation Trust (CT).
- Deadline: rolling, but must apply at least 8 months before funds are needed
- Awards between $2,000 and $5,000
