SCIENCE FUND

Science Fund
The Science Fund funds projects that conduct and/or support forestry research, conduct and/or support continuing education activities and the transfer of knowledge, and promote collaboration and relationships with other SAF entities and external groups. 

Deadlines
Applications are due February 15 and August 15 for three types of funding:
    • Loans (up to $5,000) 
    • Regular Grants (up to $2,500) 
    • Special Grants (up to $5,000) 

Those submitting proposals are encouraged to contact SAF prior to developing and submitting a proposal to inquire whether funds are available. Projects that have already been completed are not eligible for Science Fund grants. Proposals received after a review period deadline will be eligible for consideration in the next review period.


Eligibility and Requirements
    • Any SAF member is eligible to submit a proposal for the Science Fund with an endorsement letter from one or more working group chair(s). 

    • Requests for loans must demonstrate a viable plan for reimbursing the Science Fund for the amount of the loan plus interest within two years.

    • Projects will normally be completed within 1 to 2 years of the application date. Projects may not be extended beyond the initially specified deadline

    • A grant or loan secured in the first year of a multi-year project is not a guarantee of future grants from the Science Fund in later years of the same project. 

    • Funds cannot be used for professional salaries (e.g., university faculty, summer salary), office supplies, or overhead.  The Fund will support up to 50% of the cost for technical/analytical equipment.  Loans are to be repaid to the Science Fund within 2 years at an interest rate of 3%.


Criteria
Loans and grants will be awarded to projects that meet one or more of the Fund’s goals to conduct and/or support forestry research, conduct and/or support continuing education activities and the transfer of knowledge, and promote collaboration and relationships with other SAF entities and external groups. Specific projects could include, but are not limited to, the following examples: 

    • Forestry Research: examples include graduate student funding, identification/prioritization of research needs, literature reviews, and seed money to collect preliminary data to develop a larger proposal.

    • Continuing Education, Outreach, or Collaboration: Examples include conferences, publications, panel discussions at the SAF National Convention, special issues of the Journal of Forestry, workshops, and website postings. 

    • Special consideration will be given to projects that include matching funds from corporations, universities, foundations, etc.  


Proposal

Science Fund Grant Applications must clearly convey that the project manager has the capability, skills, and methods, as well as a realistic timetable and budget to ensure a well-executed project and a well-defined final product.  Requests for loans must demonstrate a viable plan for reimbursing the Science Fund for the amount of the loan plus interest within two years. They must also contain the following:
    A. Summary of Project: A brief project summary (up to 200 words) that captures the goals, methods, and final products of the project. 

    B. Objectives:  A clear statement of the specific objectives of the project.  

    C. Methods:  A detailed description of the specific steps that will be used to accomplish the stated objectives.  If the project involves a meeting or conference, describe how learning outcomes will be measured.

    D. Products:  A clear statement of the anticipated final product(s) of the project.  

    E. Recognition:  A description of how SAF will be credited for the project.

    F. Budget: Please use the provided budget form.  Provide an overall project budget and detailed list of items or services for which the requested funds will be spent.  List any confirmed project collaborators, other funding, or in-kind support. Requests for loans must include a plan for reimbursement to the Science Fund.

    G. Project Duration: Project completion dates should typically be within 1 to 2 years of the date of the grant application.
Science Fund Grant Application
(Microsoft Word Document)