Deadline: 01-Mar-2026
The Neotropical Grassland Conservancy (NGC) Memorial Grant Program provides one-year, unrestricted research funding to support high-impact grassland conservation research in Latin America. With awards ranging from USD 2,000 to USD 10,000, the program prioritizes scientific merit, conservation impact, and alignment with NGC’s mission, with applications due by March 1.
Program Overview
The Neotropical Grassland Conservancy (NGC) invites applications for its Memorial Grant Program, a competitive funding opportunity created to directly promote grassland conservation research.
These grants are designed to support meaningful, science-based projects that contribute to the protection, understanding, and long-term management of Neotropical grassland ecosystems.
All Memorial Grants are awarded for a one-year period and are structured to provide researchers with a high degree of flexibility in how funds are used.
Purpose of the Memorial Grant Program
The program aims to:
• Advance conservation-focused research on Neotropical grasslands
• Support scientists working in underfunded research environments
• Encourage continuity within NGC-supported research pathways
• Enable projects with long-term conservation relevance
While most grants are unrestricted, some named awards may focus on specific taxa or be intended to support new research initiatives, making alignment with each grant’s purpose essential.
Funding Structure and Allowable Costs
Grant Duration and Flexibility
• Funding period: 1 year
• Funds are generally unrestricted
Eligible Uses of Funds
Grant funds may be used for both direct and indirect costs, including:
• Fieldwork and research expenses
• Data collection and analysis
• Equipment and consumables
• Travel related to research
• Salary or stipend support
This flexible structure allows researchers to design projects that are realistic and context-appropriate.
Named Memorial Grants Available
Several named grants are offered under the Memorial Grant Program, each honoring individuals who made lasting contributions to conservation and science.
Peter Rittenhouse Kellogg, Jr. Memorial Fund Grant
• Maximum award: USD 10,000
• Frequency: Annually
• Focus: Exceptional projects with lasting conservation impact
This is the largest NGC Memorial Grant and supports high-quality research with strong, long-term relevance.
Halsey M. Marsden Memorial Research Grant
• Award amount: USD 5,000
• Frequency: Annually
• Focus: Outstanding grassland conservation projects
The grant commemorates a dedicated naturalist and researcher with a deep connection to prairie ecosystems.
Sue Wijdenes Memorial Research Grant
• Award amount: USD 5,000
• Eligibility: Scientists in the American tropics
• Focus: New grassland conservation research initiatives
This grant honors Sue Wijdenes’ legacy as a birder, traveler, and conservation advocate.
Derald G. Langham Memorial Research Grant
• Award amount: USD 2,000
• Eligibility: Scientists in the American tropics
• Focus: Research featuring grassland plants
The award reflects Dr. Langham’s lifelong commitment to plant genetics and innovation in botanical research.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
• Latin American researchers
• Affiliated with:
– A university
– A museum, or
– A conservation organization
• Conducting research aligned with grassland conservation
Preference Criteria
Preference is given to applicants who:
• Previously received support from:
– NGC Student Grant Program, or
– NGC Research Equipment Program
• Have submitted all required final reports from prior NGC funding
This reinforces NGC’s emphasis on accountability, continuity, and long-term research development.
How Applications Are Reviewed
Review Process
• Applications are evaluated by external reviewers
• Additional review by NGC Board members
• Final funding decisions are made during the annual NGC Board meeting
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
• Scientific merit and rigor
• Conservation relevance and potential impact
• Feasibility of the proposed research
• Alignment with NGC’s mission and priorities
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Process
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Identify the Memorial Grant that best aligns with your research focus
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Ensure eligibility and institutional affiliation
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Prepare a proposal aligned with the specific grant’s purpose
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Highlight conservation impact and scientific merit
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Submit the complete application before the deadline
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Applications undergo peer and board review
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Funding decisions are finalized at the annual board meeting
Important Deadline
• Application deadline: March 1
Early preparation is strongly recommended, especially for applicants targeting grants with specific thematic or geographic focus.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Applying for a named grant without aligning to its specific purpose
• Failing to demonstrate conservation impact
• Submitting incomplete applications
• Overlooking eligibility requirements
• Missing the March 1 deadline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the NGC Memorial Grant Program?
It is a funding program that provides one-year grants to support grassland conservation research in Latin America.
2. Are the grants restricted in how funds can be used?
Most grants are unrestricted and may be used for both direct and indirect costs, including salary.
3. Who can apply for these grants?
Latin American researchers affiliated with a university, museum, or conservation organization.
4. How much funding is available?
Awards range from USD 2,000 to USD 10,000, depending on the specific Memorial Grant.
5. Are early-career researchers eligible?
Yes, especially those who have previously participated in NGC’s Student or Research Equipment programs.
6. How are applications evaluated?
They are reviewed by external reviewers and NGC Board members based on merit, impact, and mission alignment.
7. What is the application deadline?
All applications must be submitted by March 1.
Conclusion
The Neotropical Grassland Conservancy Memorial Grant Program offers flexible, mission-driven funding to support impactful grassland conservation research across Latin America. By honoring conservation legacies and investing in scientific excellence, the program strengthens long-term research capacity and delivers meaningful outcomes for threatened grassland ecosystems. Researchers with aligned, well-developed proposals should prepare early to meet the March 1 deadline and maximize their chances of success.
For more information, visit Neotropical Grassland Conservancy.
