Applications are now being accepted for the three grants sponsored by WSO: the Steenbock Award, the Nelson Award, and the WSO Grant.
The Steenbock Award, which is intended for beginners, amateurs, and independent researchers, has been used to fund a wide variety of independent bird-related research projects. Graduate students and professionals in ornithology may apply for personal projects only. In general, one to three grants of up to $200 each are awarded per year. Applicants need not include recommendations or references.
The Charles and Mary Nelson Award, established through a 1993 bequest from the Nelson family, is reserved for ornithological research involving wetlands. One or more grants up to $500 apiece are presented annually.
The WSO Grant is usually awarded to provide additional support for work that is being carried out and funded through, for instance, a university graduate program, or in conjunction with state or federal government or other sponsor. Several grants in the $150 to $500 range are presented each year.
All applicants should send their name, address, phone number, occupation, and a short proposal along with an itemized budget (including amount requested and how it will be used), and list of expected amounts and sources of other funding. Applicants for the Nelson Award and WSO Grant should include names and addresses of two references. Application may be made for a specific grant, or applicants may let the Grants Committee decide which grant would be most appropriate. In general, only projects conducted in Wisconsin will be considered for funding . Grant money may be used for such things as travel expenses, usable supplies, minor equipment, etc.; more costly equipment will be funded if ultimate ownership resides with an organization or institution (museum, university, etc.). Winners will be notified by mail and announced at the annual WSO convention. Winners of the Nelson Award and the WSO Grant (and some Steenbock winners) are required to have their research findings published at some point in The Passenger Pigeon. Grants recipients may also wish to present a paper at a WSO convention.
Applications can be sent either electronically or via snail mail, and should arrive or be postmarked by January 31.
Janine Polk, WSO Grants Chair
1407 Frederic
Eau Claire, WI 54701
715-839-9265
j_l_polk@yahoo.com
