Call For Applications For Funding - 2009/10

Applications for funding

WDCS currently has a large number of high quality projects running around the world and has received many more high quality requests for support. However, please note that at this time, and until further notice, we will not be accepting any unsolicited applications. If you have any questions please contact nicola.hodgins@wdcs.org

WDCS provides funding for marine mammal researchers to conduct cetacean conservation science projects around the world. Forms to apply for funding can be found at the bottom of this page.

Who can apply?
WDCS invites individual scientists, university affiliated researchers and non-governmental organisations to apply for funding. All applications will be treated on a case-by-case basis however preference will be given to applicants seeking funding for conservation research to be conducted in their country of nationality.

(There are of course exceptions, e.g. – areas where local expertise is lacking; however in these cases a capacity-building element for local researchers must be incorporated into the project.)

When can I apply?
There are 2 funding cycles per annum: -

Application Deadline (1) – 1st June
Notification (on or before) – 1st September
Funding available from – 1st October

Application Deadline (2) – 1st December
Notification (on or before) – 1st March
Funding available from – 1st April

NB. Applications for Emergency Funding will be accepted at anytime.

How much can I apply for?
WDCS grants are in general, small. There is however, no minimum or maximum amount that can be applied for. Please include a full budget as it is important to provide a complete overview of the project’s financial commitments.

Can I apply for multi-year funding?
Multi-year applications are encouraged, however WDCS will only commit to funding on an annual basis. Continued funding is reliant on several factors.

Does WDCS cover salaries?
In general, no, however we do cover basic living expenses. There are obviously exceptions and each project is considered on a case by case basis. Please include a salary component in your budget even if it is being paid by an alternative organisation/foundation.

Does WDCS fund Invasive Research Techniques?
WDCS strives to ensure that benign research methods are promoted as a guiding principle, both for the organisation and the researchers that we fund. WDCS takes the use of invasive research techniques very seriously and expects researchers operating through funding supplied by WDCS supporters to act accordingly. ALL alternatives should be considered before deciding on the inclusion of an invasive method and long-term monitoring of the impacts of any invasive research must be considered.
 
However, WDCS acknowledges that  there may be extenuating circumstances where invasive methods may be considered as part of a solution, but only where they are likely to result in swift , long-term and significant conservation or welfare benefit. If your project plans to utilise methods which contain an invasive element, please ensure that you complete the “Invasive Research Questionnaire”.

In addition to the normal “funding process” (see below), projects that include the use of an invasive research technique will also be externally assessed by an Ethics Committee.

Is there anything that WDCS does not fund?
Yes: -
(a)    International flights.
(b)    WDCS will not fund captivity-based projects.
(c)    WDCS will not joint-fund projects directly with THE CAPTVITY INDUSTRY or any organisation that has direct links to the captivity industry.

N.B. – “Captivity Industry” relates to all establishments that keep cetaceans in captivity, this includes swim-with programmes.

What is the application process?
(1) All applications must be on a WDCS Application Form.
(2) If the project is to include an invasive research technique, an Invasive Research Questionnaire must also be completed.
(3) If the project is to include in-water research, an In-water Questionnaire must also be completed.

Completed applications should be returned (by the appropriate deadline date – see above), preferably by e-mail to nicola.hodgins@wdcs.org, however postal applications will also be accepted, please send to: -

Nicola Hodgins
WDCS International Projects Co-ordinator
38 St Paul Street
Chippenham SN15 1LJ
Wiltshire, UK

(4) All applications will engage in the “funding process” which includes: - (a) an internal review – relevant regional, campaign and/or programme lead; and (b) an external review – conducted by an advisory panel of leading cetacean experts.

WDCS Application Checklist
(1)    Completed Application form
(2)    If necessary, completed Invasive Research Questionnaire
(3)    CV
(4)    All relevant publications, supporting documents etc.

Thank-you and Good Luck!

Forms in Word Format

Project Proposal Form
In-water questionnaire
Invasive research questionnaire

Forms in PDF Format

ProjectProposal Form
In-waterquestionnaire
Invasiveresearch questionnaire