SCB supports botanical research by its members through grants given on an annual basis. Only a limited number of proposals can be funded with preference being given to proposals focused on southern California. It is possible to apply for a subsequent grant to support a continuing project provided that reporting requirements have been met. There is a maximum of three awards if the project and progress are deemed satisfactory by the SCB Board. Currently the maximum funding for each of these grants is one thousand dollars ($1,000) per award per year. Funds are to be used for direct costs only. Application of any portion of a SCB grant to indirect costs is not acceptable. Unused funds should be returned to the Treasurer of the SCB. No portion of the grant funds may be transferred to any other person, entity or project without the approval of the SCB.
SCB is offering up to four grant opportunities in 2024. The SCB Annual Grant established in 1982, the Susan Hobbs Field Research Grant, established in 2005, and the Alan Romspert Grant for Desert Botanical Research, established in 2009, and the SCB Conservation Grant, established in 2016. Proposals may be considered for one or more of the SCB grants at the discretion of the Grants Committee.
Completed grant proposals must be turned in by Friday December 6, 2024. See descriptions of the grants and requirements for a complete proposal below.
- SCB Annual Grant: This grant is to support a broad scope of botanical research in southern California.
- Susan Hobbs Grant for Field Research: This grant honors Susan Hobbs, former SCB Secretary and avid field botanist. It is specifically for the support of field research.
- Alan Romspert Grant in Desert Botany: This grant honors Alan Romspert, long time SCB Treasurer, desert botanist and naturalist. It is specifically for desert botanical research.
- The Jessica Mae Orozco Diversity Grant: This grant is to support research or projects being implemented by underserved and underrepresented individuals in the botanical community. The research or project must be related to the plants or plant communities of southern California.
- The SCB Conservation Grant: This grant is to support research or projects that contribute to the understanding and conservation of rare plants in southern California.
Application instructions for the SCB Grants:
- Title Page to include the title of the project, the grant or grants for which the proposal is submitted, date of preparation of the proposal, applicant’s name and contact information including email address, snail mail address, and phone number
- Description of proposed research, an explanation of why the research/project is necessary, primary objectives, the anticipated impact of the research/project, and relationship of the research to researcher’s goals (two page limit).
- Anticipated timetable for research, including dates for beginning and completion and discuss any anticipated permit/access issues.
- Budget with specifications and justifications for line items, and statement of current and past funding for the project from other sources.
- Brief resume including current position, education, affiliations, and qualifications regarding the taxa or techniques described in the proposal, and anticipated address at completion of research.
- A letter of recommendation from an academic advisor (if student application), or employer or professional able to state your qualifications and history of completing similar projects.
- A check for membership if you are not a current member.
Submission info
Proposals should be submitted electronically as a word document or pdf to grants (at) socalbot.org. The subject line of the e-mail should include your last name, the year, and the grant for which you are applying. A letter of recommendation may be submitted separately. The proposal, resume, and letter of recommendation combined with membership verification will be considered a complete application. Only complete applications received by the application deadline can be considered.
Proposals for continuing support must include both a progress report and a forecast for the following year’s research with a budget.
Notification
Applicants will receive email notification of receipt of completed proposals. The Committee may decide that a proposal is better suited for consideration for a different grant than the one for which it was submitted. Committee recommendations are for the recipient as well as the dollar amount of the award. The full amount of $1,000.00 is not automatically awarded.
Reporting Requirements
Recipients of any SCB grant must send the SCB Grants Committee an annual progress report and one copy of any final report, thesis, dissertation, or journal article resulting from supported work. Recipients must acknowledge SCB’s support in any resulting reports, publications, or programs. Recipients are encouraged to publish an article describing the nature, impact, and results of their work to SCB’s journal, Crossosoma. Progress reports are due to the Grants Committee on or within the month before the one year anniversary date of the grant award.