Small research grants available for bird study in South Dakota

[Chris Merkord]

Nathaniel R. Whitney Jr. Memorial Research Grant Program
Administered by the South Dakota Ornithologists’ Union
 
SMALL RESEARCH GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR BIRD STUDY IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Grants may be awarded to qualified graduate and upper division (junior or senior year) students majoring in ornithology, avian ecology, avian wildlife management, or an appropriately-related scientific discipline at an accredited college or university in South Dakota offering 4-year degrees in ornithology or related fields.  Whitney research grants may also be awarded to other ornithologically or scientifically-qualified individuals, including amateur ornithologists.  Whitney Small Grants are payable up to $500.

SDOU invites applications for the 2013 summer field season.  Deadline for applications is April 20, 2013.  The winner will be notified by May 15, 2013.
The application process is as follows

The application must include:

• The applicant's name, address, and telephone number, and information about the applicant's background and qualifications for doing the research.
• A statement of the purpose(s) and objective(s) of the research project, the methods, techniques (including any analytical techniques that may be used),and materials needed for the project.
• A statement of the amount of funding requested and the specific use of the funds in the project.
• The applicant's assurance that the grant will be used solely and specifically for the designated research project.
• The applicant's assurance that the results of the research will be presented at a paper session at the SDOU Fall Meeting or in an acceptable article to be published in SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES or in a major ornithological or related scientific journal, within three years of the research.

Other requirements:

• The application should be no longer than three typed pages.
• The applicant must arrange for two individuals to send letters of recommendation directly to the SDOU Whitney Small Grants Committee Chairman.  Letters of recommendation should include an appraisal of the applicant's personal qualities and qualifications for pursuing the advancement of knowledge about the birds of South Dakota.
• Applications and letters of recommendation may be sent by e-mail to the committee chairman: Todd Jensen, gyrfalcon@midco.net, or in triplicate by mail to: Todd Jensen, 920 South Holt Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57103. Inquiries are welcome by phone after 6:00 pm, (605) 431-2442.

Successful applicants will receive a check for the grant's authorized amount from the SDOU treasurer on or before May 25, 2013.