Melanie Colón

The Taronga Conservation Society offers conservation field grants for wildlife research, breeding, and field conservation in Australia and internationally. Grants are mainly to conservation NGOs and wildlife societies, university researchers, and zoos. The majority of grants are for projects in the Asia-Pacific region and Sub-Saharan Africa. Average grant size is about A$10,000. Annual application deadline.

Guidelines for Preparing Short-term Fellowship Proposals The following information is intended to help applicants prepare their proposals. Note that incomplete applications, or those that fail to follow the guidelines, will not be considered. Support is provided to carry out short-term research projects in the tropics in areas of STRI research, under the supervision of STRI Staff Scientists. STRI research associates, STRI postdoctoral fellows, and STRI Senior Lab Managers may also serve as consultant, in collaboration with a staff scientist. Projects usually are complete in themselves and their maximum duration is 3 months; extensions are awarded only in exceptional circumstances. Smaller projects that are part of a larger thesis or dissertation are encouraged, in which case the specific proposal should also briefly sketch how the research project fits into the broader study. Exceptional exploratory projects or pilot studies with well-defined goals and methods will be considered. Most fellowships are awarded to graduate students, but awards are occasionally made to outstanding undergraduate. Fellowships may provide a modest stipend to cover living expenses while at STRI (currently $800/month); a modest research allowance that does not exceed $2000 and is usually less; and round-trip coach airfare. Applicants are encouraged to seek additional sources of funding, and partial awards are often given. The deadlines for submitting applications are the 15th of January, April, July, and October. Proposals may be submitted in English or Spanish: Before submitting a formal application all applicants should consult with STRI scientific staff, who will serve as potential advisors, to confirm that they are willing to supervise and support the proposed project. Proposals without the support of named advisors will not be funded. When corresponding with advisors we strongly encourage applicants to ask for advice on the scientific merit of the proposed research, methodology and logistics, and for written comments on preliminary drafts of the proposals. Main advisors MUST be members of the STRI scientific staff (list available at www.stri.org). Consultants (also called co-advisors) may be STRI Research Associates (list available at www.stri.org), STRI Post-doctoral Fellows, and/or STRI Senior Lab Managers.

The Fund has been established to provide targeted grants to individual species conservation initiatives, recognize leaders in the field and elevate the importance of species in the broader conservation debate. Its focus is global and eligibility for grants will extend to all plant, animal and fungi species conservation efforts, without discrimination on the basis of region or selected species. Grants will be awarded based on their ability to meet criteria pre-determined by the Species Fund. To cover a wide spectrum of species conservation efforts, two types of grants are available; $5000 or those between $5000 and $25,000. For any questions regarding the application, or to be added to the Fund's contact database, please use the "Contact Us" details provided, or send an email to enquiries@mbzspeciesconservation.org. The Fund will consider grants for the conservation of any threatened or poorly known animal, plant or fungus species.

Taronga aims to make a significant positive impact on the conservation of all species, particularly those under threat of extinction, including but not limited to those in its collections. Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoos’ diverse collections and research strengths, provides an opportunity to monitor changes in population and habitat viability and help provide information needed to guide management of habitats and wildlife. Healthy ecosystems provide food and materials for shelter, control pests, purify water, recycle nutrients to the soil and convert carbon gases to oxygen. These services are essential to our own health, the health of all other species, the global economy and our resilience to climate and environmental change. Taronga uses scientific excellence, collaboration and education to: increase knowledge of basic animal biology and requirements determine species role in habitats identify threats to species health, well-being and conservation status inform best practise for conservation action to preserve ecosystem health

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institution (STRI) in Panama, is a bureau of the Smithsonian Institution based outside of the United States, is dedicated to understanding biological diversity. What began in 1923 as small field station on Barro Colorado Island, in the Panama Canal Zone, has developed into one of the leading research institutions of the world. STRI’s facilities provide a unique opportunity for long-term ecological studies in the tropics, and are used extensively by some 900 visiting scientists from academic and research institutions in the United States and around the world every year. The work of our resident scientists has allowed us to better understand tropical habitats and has trained hundreds of tropical biologists. STRI aims to offer research facilities that allow staff scientists, fellows, and visiting scientists to achieve their research objectives. The 38 staff scientists reside in the tropics and are encouraged to pursue their own research priorities without geographic limitations. The continuity of their long-term programs enables in-depth investigations that attract an elite group of fellows and visitors. Active support for fellows and visitors leverages resources further and attracts more than 900 scientists to STRI each year. Although STRI is based in Panama, research is conducted throughout the tropics. STRI's Center for Tropical Forest Science uses large, fully enumerated forest plots to monitor tree demography in 14 countries located in Africa, Asia and the Americas. More than 3,000,000 individual trees representing 6,000 species are being studied. STRI's Biological Diversity of Forest Fragments project created experimental forest fragments of 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 km 2 to study the consequences of landscape transformation on forest integrity in the central Amazon region. STRI marine scientists are conducting a global survey of levels of genetic isolation in coral reef organisms.

The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund is a significant philanthropic endowment established to do the following: Provide targeted grants to individual species conservation initiatives Recognize leaders in the field of species conservation; and Elevate the importance of species in the broader conservation debate. The Fund’s reach is truly global, and its species interest is non-discriminatory. It is open to applications for funding support from conservationists based in all parts of the world, and will potentially support projects focused on any and all kinds of plant, animal and fungus species, subject to the approval of an independent evaluation committee. In addition, the Fund will recognize leaders in the field of species conservation and scientific research to ensure their important work is given the attention it deserves and to elevate the importance of species in global conservation discourse. Vision An elevated place for species in the global conservation debate and a thriving global community of well-resourced species conservationists. Mission Elevate the importance of species in the conservation debate by: Providing timely support for grass-roots initiatives which are making a real difference to species survival Supporting those whose passion, dedication and knowledge is the key to saving species, and assisting conservation of species in-situ, that is, in their natural habitat Elevating awareness of species conservation and stimulating renewed interest among young people in natural sciences Attracting further contributions to species conservation from across the globe.

The mission of the USGS is to provide reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; to minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; to manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and to enhance and protect our quality of life. The vision of the USGS is to become a world leader in the natural sciences through scientific excellence and responsiveness to society’s needs. The Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program provides an opportunity for postdoctoral fellows to conduct concentrated research in association with selected members of the USGS professional staff, often as a final element to their formal career preparation. The Program is also intended to provide research experiences that enhance their personal scientific stature and credentials. The Mendenhall Program is envisioned to bring current scientific expertise to assist in the implementation of the USGS Strategic Plan and the science strategy of its programs (refer to http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/2007/1309/, http://pubs.usgs.gov/circular/c1172/, http://geography.usg...scienceplan.php), and http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/circ1195/). Mendenhall Fellows are expected to publish their results in peer-reviewed scientific outlets. Mendenhall Fellows are appointed to the USGS for two years and receive full salary and benefits at the GS-12 level. The 2010 base salary for a GS-12, step 1 is $60,274. This amount might be higher depending on the amount of locality pay or cost-of-living allowance (COLA) for the geographic area of the assignment. The appropriate Human Resources Office contact can provide further information upon request. PROGRAM CONTACTS Overall Program and Science: Dr. Rama K. Kotra Office of Science Quality and Integrity 703-648-6271 - rkotra@usgs.gov

Mission The USGS serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life. Who We Are The USGS employs the best and the brightest experts who bring a range of earth and life science disciplines to bear on problems. By integrating our diverse scientific expertise, the USGS is able to understand complex natural science phenomena and provide scientific products that lead to solutions. Every day the 10,000 scientists, technicians, and support staff of the USGS are working for you in more than 400 locations throughout the United States. What We Do As the Nation's largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collects, monitors, analyzes, and provides scientific understanding about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems. The diversity of our scientific expertise enables us to carry out large-scale, multi-disciplinary investigations and provide impartial scientific information to resource managers, planners, and other customers.

The Pamela and Alexander F. Skutch Research Award supports minimally invasive research into the life histories, especially social relations and reproduction, of little known birds of the continental Neotropics, including Trinidad and Tobago. This award is supported by a fund that was established by Dr. and Mrs. Skutch following the joint meeting of the Association of Field Ornithologists, Asociacion Ornitologica de Costa Rica, and the American Birding Association in San Jose, Costa Rica, in 1997. At that meeting, Dr. Skutch was honored by AFO for more than sixty years of contributions to Neotropical ornithology. Dr. Skutch is known for his hundreds of scientific papers and more than forty books, which focused on the behavior and life histories of birds. His intention in establishing the Skutch Fund was to support the kind of research to which he devoted his life, and especially, to encourage studies by people who live in the Neotropics. For this reason, preference will be given to Neotropical-based applicants proposing research projects that involves a substantial amount of observation of birds in the field. Eligibility: The Association of Field Ornithologists welcomes applications for funding from amateur or professional ornithologists of any nationality. Preference will be given to applicants that have had some previous experience with the geographic region (and if possible, the specific locality) as well as the bird species involved in the proposed study. Applicants and/or their primary research supervisor must be members of the Association of Field Ornithologists (prior to the application deadline) to be eligible for an award. To become a member of the AFO, please visit http://www.osnabirds.org/. Preference will be given to applicants proposing studies that are expected to produce results that can be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. All awardees are encouraged to consider publishing at least some of their findings in the Journal of Field Ornithology. In addition, publication of less technical accounts in popular magazines or books is encouraged. Awardees are also strongly encouraged to present the results of their research at an annual meeting of the Association of Field Ornithologists. Awardees can apply to the AFO for assistance with travel expenses. Frequency and value: One award of up to $10,000 US is offered annually. Applying for an award: Applications may be submitted in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Application requirements are described in detail in the Skutch Award Application Form (MS Word or PDF). En español (MS Word o PDF). Em português (MS Word ou PDF). Please direct any questions you may have about the awards or application process to Elissa Landre: elandre@massaudubon.org.

Future Conservationist Awards The Conservation Leadership Programme offers Future Conservationist Awards of up to $15,000 to high potential teams who aim to develop their skills through practical conservation projects. These awards are highly competitive and winners are selected from among the best quality applications. Successful applicants will: 1.) develop the knowledge, skills and experience of team members; 2.) implement a focused, high-priority conservation project combining research and action; 3.) contribute to the long-term success of local conservation efforts; and 4.) contribute to the education and awareness of local stakeholders. As part of the award, one member from each team is selected to represent their project at an international training course presented by the CLP. The course is aimed at developing innovative project management, education, facilitation and communication skills. Additionally, participants have the opportunity to share their experience and build a global network. On top of this, winning teams are able to access expertise from within each of the four conservation partner organizations and via our Alumni Network that includes past award winners. Programme staff are also available to help with the implementation of projects, including guidance required during the planning and team training stages. Award applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a member of the programme staff well before the application deadline for advice or input on your proposal. Staff members can help teams determine if their project fits within the specified criteria, offer advice on methods and project activities, and put teams in touch with local partner offices or other experts who can offer advice. Additional awards are available to alumni after completion of the Future Conservationist Award

The Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) was initiated in 1985 in response to the need for additional scientific data on threatened species. The programme focused on sponsoring UK university students to collect data on biological diversity overseas during their summer break. Over time, the programme has evolved to address changing conservation needs, and has become an international capacity building programme supporting young conservationists, the majority of whom are working in their own countries, to undertake applied biodiversity projects in less developed countries. The Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) is a partnership initiative that includes four conservation organisations – BirdLife International, Conservation International, Fauna & Flora International, the Wildlife Conservation Society - and BP plc. The mission of the Conservation Leadership Programme is to promote the development of future conservation leaders and provide them with the capacity to address the most significant conservation issues of our time. To achieve this mission, the CLP has the following key objectives: Identify, train and mentor future conservation leaders who demonstrate a commitment to conservation and sustainable development Support practical conservation projects that address priority issues, deliver and communicate conservation results and build local capacity Facilitate a global conservation network to support continued professional development, promote collaboration and ensure long-term sustainability

Scope The Lewis and Clark Fund (initially supported by the Stanford Ascherman/Baruch Blumberg Fund for Basic Science, established by a benefaction from the late Stanford Ascherman, MD, of San Francisco) encourages exploratory field studies for the collection of specimens and data and to provide the imaginative stimulus that accompanies direct observation. Applications are invited from disciplines with a large dependence on field studies, such as archeology, anthropology, biology, ecology, geography, geology, linguistics, paleontology, and population genetics, but grants will not be restricted to these fields. Applicants should ask their academic advisor to write one of the two letters of recommendation, specifying the student’s qualifications to carry out the proposed work and the educational content of the trip. Budgets should be limited to travel and related expenses, including personal field equipment. Proposals that are archival in nature or museum based will not normally be considered. The proposed work should be dissertation directed to the extent possible given the applicant’s year in the doctoral program.

An eminent scholarly organization of international reputation, the American Philosophical Society promotes useful knowledge in the sciences and humanities through excellence in scholarly research, professional meetings, support of young scholars, publications, library resources, a museum and community outreach. This country's first learned society, the APS has played an important role in American cultural and intellectual life for over 250 years.

The David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship Program seeks to develop future world leaders and entrepreneurs who are successful at linking conservation science and application. Smith Fellowships provide two years of postdoctoral support to outstanding early-career scientists. This post-doctoral fellowship program identifies and supports early-career scientists who will shape the field of applied conservation biology. David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowships are available to post-doctoral researchers (of any nationality) affiliated with a United States institution, proposing research that addresses pressing conservation issues for the United States. Conservation biology as a discipline experienced dramatic growth over the past two decades and a growing body of academic research focuses on conservation applications. Nonetheless, post-doctoral opportunities for conservation biology graduates have been very limited. In 1998, to help address this need, the foundation for David H. Smith (The Cedar Tree Foundation) and founding partner The Nature Conservancy established the David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship Program, devoted exclusively to applied conservation research problems. By fostering the development of promising conservation scientists, the Smith Fellowship Program helps encourage this rapidly expanding field of scientific inquiry and link it to the practice of conservation. In 2005, the Program moved to the Society for Conservation Biology. The Society for Conservation Biology’s relationships with leaders from a diverse constituency of conservation organizations world-wide will offer Smith Fellows a broad range of research, application, and policy experiences. Fellowship Benefits Two year annual salary of $50,000, research funds of $32,000 and an $8,000 travel budget. Targeted professional development workshops and training events. Lifetime membership in the Society for Conservation Biology including subscriptions to Conservation Biology, Conservation Letters, and Conservation magazine

The Howard McCarley Student Research Fund provides up to eight awards annually, up to $1000 each, to support student research. Applicants must be students (undergraduate or graduate) currently enrolled in an institution of higher education, sponsored by a faculty member, and a member of the Southwestern Association of Naturalists. Awards will be made in support of any aspect of research on biota of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America, except for travel to meetings. Individuals may receive a maximum of two grants from the Association. All qualified students are encouraged to apply, especially those in developing countries. Only grant applications that adhere to the format described below will be considered. Two letters of recommendation must be submitted in support of the application. One must be from the research advisor and the second from someone familiar with the student's academic career and proposed research project. All materials must be received by the Chair of the Student Awards Committee no later than 1 February each year. Awards will be announced at the Annual Meeting of the Association. Grant applications may be in either English or Spanish. Prepare applications in the following format: Header: GRANT APPLICATION: HOWARD McCARLEY STUDENT RESEARCH AWARD Name of Student Institution, Department Status (Undergraduate, Masters , Ph.D.) Telephone, FAX, Email address of student Mailing address Education and Degrees (provide degree, institution, and dates of attendance) Pertinent Work Experience (provide job title, employer, location, and dates) Publications Research Advisor Second Reference Do all aspects of this project meet standards of ethical care and treatment of organisms, and comply with acceptable field methods for studying these organisms? Have necessary permits been obtained, or have they been applied for? Project description: Include project title, dates, and location. Limit narrative to TWO single-spaced pages NOT including the literature cited section (font no smaller than 11 pt) Itemized budget (total not to exceed $1000) Additional support (provide amount, source, and status [requested or granted]) Have you previously received a student research award from SWAN (if so, provide date and title)? Submit proposals and letters of support by 1 February, to Loren Ammerman, Chair of the Student Awards Committee, email: Loren.Ammerman@angelo.edu (preferred form of submission), Department of Biology, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX 76909.

The Wilks Award is presented to the student giving the best oral presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Association. The Wilks Award includes $1000, a certificate, and a set of all available back issues of The Southwestern Naturalist. Students (including those who received their degree within the last year) who are members of the Society are invited to submit a written summary of research (in the format described below) to the President-Elect by 1 February each year. The student must also submit an abstract in standard format (described in the annual Call for Papers), making sure to check the box denoting competition for the Wilks Award, to the Local Committee for the Annual Meeting. The abstract and summary may have multiple authors, but the research must be primarily the work of the student (first author), not that of the major professor or other authors. From the submissions, a judging panel will select up to 4 finalists to make oral presentations (15 minutes in length) in the plenary session at the beginning of the Annual Meeting. An allotment of $250.00 will be granted to each of the 4 finalists to help defer travel costs. The recipient will be selected from this group based on the quality of the oral presentation and the significance of the results. The winner will be announced at the annual banquet. Format for research summary, not to exceed TWO single-spaced pages (font 11 pt or greater) including tables, figures, and literature citations: Student name Institutional address and phone number Email address of student Statement that the research presented is that of the student Summary of research including a brief introduction, methods, results, and conclusions Submit the research summary to the President-Elect by 1 Febrary each year. Email submission is preferred. Also submit the standard abstract to the Local Committee for the Annual Meeting. Research summaries, abstracts, and presentations may be in either English or Spanish. Submit materials for competition for the Wilks Award to Philip D. Sudman, President-Elect, email: SUDMAN@tarleton.edu.

The Southwestern Association of Naturalists was founded in May 1953 to promote the field study of plants and animals (living and fossil) in the southwestern United States, México, and Central America and to aid in the scientific activities of its members. The Association holds an annual meeting and publishes THE SOUTHWESTERN NATURALIST. Membership is open to all persons interested in natural history.

Annually, grants are given for one or more of the following purposes: 1. To enhance or assist wild animal preservation, native and exotic, threatened and endangered, and their habitat management. 2. To enhance or improve captive animal management including environmental design. Note: Grants are not awarded for exhibit development or graphics for AZA accredited zoos or zoo in North America. 3. To assist in the development of education programming in concert with the above purposes. Contact: Brenda Stringer, John Ball Zoological Society, 1300 W. Fulton, GR Mi 49504, 616-336-4303, bstringer@johnballzoosociety.org

For more than twenty years the John Ball Zoo Society’s Wildlife Conservation Fund has helped fund over 100 projects. These projects have helped conserve wildlife and wild places in more than 30 countries. Many projects funded by the Wildlife Conservation Fund have been education based with an eye to helping communities learn about the wildlife around them. In addition, the fund has lent support to help conserve some of the lesser known taxa such as endangered reptiles and amphibians. Animals native to Michigan have garnered special attention from the Wildlife Conservation Fund and conservation fund monies have supported projects ranging from installing interpretive graphics at Palomita Reserve in Grand Haven, Michigan to characterizing what bacteria are normally found in salamander habitats in the Great Lakes region. When John Boyles had the insight in 1985 to start the Conservation Fund here at John Ball Zoo he was truly visionary. Over the years his vision has been turned into a wonderful reality of support for conservation throughout the world.

IDEA WILD will only review and approve complete proposals, so please follow these guidelines carefully. 1. You must include the following items: a. IDEA WILD application form b. Project proposal in your native language (please also include an English version if available) c. One page summary of your project proposal in English d. Your resume or curriculum vitae e. A letter of recommendation from your advisor (only if you are a student) 2. Your proposal must relate to biodiversity conservation, research or education. For the IDEA WILD application form: − A current email address is absolutely necessary so we can confirm arrival of your proposal, communicate after we have accepted or rejected your proposal, or ask additional questions. − Due to the uncertainty and cost of international shipping, IDEA WILD uses a relay method for delivering equipment. Please provide the name, United States address, email address and telephone number of a person (such as a visiting professor, friend or relative) who will be traveling to your country. We will mail your equipment to this person in the United States for them to deliver to you. − IDEA WILD encourages the use and reuse of equipment and gives preference to proposals that clearly explain how the equipment will be used when the project is finished. − The total cost of your equipment must be below $1500. − It is important to include detailed descriptions of requested equipment, as well as the name, telephone number and website address of the company that sells each item. These are some suggested websites for frequently requested items: o AFO Banding Supplies: http://catalog.manomet.org/catalog/cart.cgi o Amazon.com: www.amazon.com o B & H Photo: www.bhphotovideo.com o Forestry Suppliers: www.forestry-suppliers.com o Wildlife Materials, Inc.: www.wildlifematerials.com 4. Your original project proposal can be the one prepared for your BS, MS, Ph. D., independent research, etc. This can be submitted in your native language, although English is preferred. Also include a one-page summary of your proposal in English. 5. You can email your proposal to ideawild@ideawild.org depending on where you are conducting your work. At this time, we only accept application materials by email from the following countries: Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Belize, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Madagascar, African nations, and Southeast Asian nations. Emailed applications originating from countries not on this list will not be reviewed for approval. Applications from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile, the Philippines, China and any other country not listed must be received by mail. At this time we still rely on paper copies of proposals for the review process. We spend considerable resources on the few proposals we do accept electronically. Until we are able to establish a more resource and staff friendly remedy, this is how we must proceed. We look forward to reviewing your proposal!

Who We Are Biodiversity by definition is the variety of life on earth including all plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms. IDEA WILD believes all life forms have intrinsic value and likely benefit humankind in numerous ways. Diverse life forms benefits humankind by providing 79% of the natural products found in the top 150 prescriptions, food from both wild and domesticated plants and animals, and fiber for building, clothing and paper. Diverse life forms also help maintain complex ecosystems so we can enjoy clean air and water. Biodiversity, in fact is the very foundation of human existence and “like every other species, ours is dependent on others for its own survival.” Unfortunately, in the last four centuries humankind has caused the extinction of 484 animals and 654 plant species. Habitat destruction, introduced species, population growth, pollution and over-consumption continue to contribute to the demise of others. Work conducted by the UN Environmental Program estimated over 30,000 (5,400 animal, 26,000 plant) species are now threatened with extinction. Needless to say, this accomplishes little to benefit our own kind, let alone those species faced with impending demise. IDEA WILD’s efforts conserve biodiversity by providing biologists and educators working in developing countries with equipment and supplies to aid in their conservation efforts. Since our beginning fourteen years ago, we have aided over 2500 projects in 82 developing countries. Recipients often share equipment with at least 3 other conservation projects. Consequently, the actual number of people using equipment and supplies provided by IDEA WILD is over 7500. The average cost per project is around $720. With IDEA WILD, a nominal conservation investment goes a very long way! IDEA WILD is a 501© 3 non-profit organization All contributions are tax-deductible: Tax ID # 83-0299770

Grant Amount SGP grants are made directly to community-based organizations (CBOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in recognition of the key role they play as a resource and constituency for environment and development concerns. The maximum grant amount per project is US$50,000, but averages around US$25,000. In this way, SGP complements the large and medium-sized GEF project funding by providing a window for the direct participation of NGOs, local communities, and other grassroots organizations. Eligibility requirements All project proposals submitted to SGP country teams need to demonstrate: How the proposed project proposal meets the GEF SGP criteria by articulating how project objectives and activities would have an impact in the SGP areas of work -GEF focal areas-. For more information on this please visit our areas of work section. How they respond or are aligned to the targets and objectives of the SGP Country Programme Strategy(CPS) of their country. Please visit your coutry page to download a copy of the CPS or contact the NC. Be proposed by national CBOs and NGOs.

Mission Established in 1992, the year of the Rio Earth Summit, the GEF Small Grants Programme embodies the very essence of sustainable development by "thinking globally acting locally". By providing financial and technical support to projects that conserve and restore the environment while enhancing people's well-being and livelihoods, SGP demonstrates that community action can maintain the fine balance between human needs and environmental imperatives. SGP recognizes that environmental degradation such as the destruction of ecosystems and the species that depend upon them, increasing levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, pollution of international waters, land degradation and the spread of persistent organic pollutants are life-threatening challenges that endanger us all. However, poor and vulnerable communities –SGP's primary stakeholders- are most at risk because they depend on access to natural resources for their livelihoods and often live in fragile ecosystems. The programme provides grants of up to $50,000 directly to local communities including indigenous people, community-based organizations and other non-governmental groups for projects in Biodiversity, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Land Degradation and Sustainable Forest Management, International Waters and Chemicals.

PBR funds individuals with grants up to $1000 in our competitive annual Small Grants Program. We support the study of any species in U.S. prairies and savannas. Over ten years PBR has funded 117 grants totaling $111,436 to researchers in 26 states. More than half of these grants supported graduate students. What makes this activity so urgent is that these habitats and the species that live there are vanishing. We are gathering information that may slow this terrible erosion of our natural heritage, while fostering the development of these researchers, thereby sustaining our cultural heritage. We can be only as successful in this effort as we are in raising the money that we give away. PER THEIR WEBSITE: "Our 2019 Small Grants Program began in October, 2018, and concluded in March, 2019. This is the last time we'll offer this Small Grants Program, at least for some years, as we have no time to run it." However, you can join their mailing list to be contacted should they revise this grant opportunity. To join, go to https://prairiebioticresearch.org/PBRPage.aspx?pg=13

Our Mission Prairie Biotic Research (PBR) formed in 2000 as a non-profit corporation devoted to basic field biological research in prairies and savannas. PBR enables researchers to write grants to other funding agencies and we administer our own Small Grants Program. Whereas many attempt to restore prairies, we aim to restore prairie natural history -- to keep the practice of natural history alive in our culture. We cultivate an ethic of thoughtful inquiry.