Sources of Funding

Assistantships

A typical Conservation Biology student has a Graduate Assistant position - either as a Research Assistant (RA) or as a Teaching Assistant (TA). The pay range for Graduate Assistants varies by department but is typically $15,000 to $18,500/year for a 50% appointment. In addition, Graduate Assistants receive comprehensive health and dental insurance and are eligible for tuition benefits-a 50% assistantship (20 hours/week) results in a 100% tuition waiver. Out-of-state residents who have worked 2 semesters as a graduate assistant are eligible to receive a maximum of 4 semesters of resident tuition rate once they no longer are graduate assistants.

University of Minnesota Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship

The purpose of the Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship (DDF) program is to give outstanding final-year Ph.D. candidates who are making timely progress toward the degree--typically those entering their fifth year of graduate study--an opportunity to complete the dissertation within the upcoming academic year by devoting full-time effort to the research and writing of the dissertation. Candidates must be nominated by their graduate program's Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) to an all-University competition. Up to 50 Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships are awarded annually.

University of Minnesota Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant

Grants of up to $2,500 are available to support dissertation research, such as domestic travel and expenses for fieldwork, postage, and photocopying. Application will be made available in July.

ICGC/MacArthur Scholars Fellowships

The Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change (ICGC) offers fellowships for both incoming and current graduate students. These fellowships, for incoming students, give first-year and often fourth-year fellowship support, and the student's program provides second-year and third-year assistantship support. Nominees for ICGC-MacArthur Scholar Fellowships should have backgrounds and interests which identify them as outstanding students who are clearly committed to the interdisciplinary study of the global south in the contex of global change.

Consortium/Joint Degree Program Funding Opportunities

The Consortium provides funding for intramural projects related to the societal implications of problems in health, environment, and the life sciences. Since 2000, the Consortium has awarded more than $1 million to University of Minnesota faculty and students. Grant opportunities will be announced on November 5, 2012 for work during the Summer 2013 and academic year 2013-14.

Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Fellowships

The Graduate School Diversity Office administers the DOVE Fellowship. The fellowship is awarded to approximately 10-15 first-year students from under-represented groups (U.S. citizens or permanent residents). The fellowship provides a $21,000 stipend, tuition and subsidized health insurance for one academic year.

Mark and Judy Yudof Fellowship

Open to graduate students (Master's or Ph.D.) pursuing interdisciplinary work whose content is focused in the areas of science policy and ethics. One award per year. Stipened: $21,000, plus tuition.

Boren Fellowships

Boren Fellowships provide up to $30,000 to U.S. graduate students to add an important international and language component to their graduate education through specialization in area study, language study, or increased language proficiency. Boren Fellowships support study and research in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests, including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded.  For a complete list of countries, click here .

Conservation Biology Summer Fellowships

The Conservation Biology Graduate Program usually makes 4 awards for graduate student summer support. The priority for these awards is students who are in the early stages of their research - in the first two years of their programs. These fellowships are intended for students to launch their research, making them more competitive for other support.

Process: The DGS makes announcement for the fellowships on the first week of March and request proposals to be submitted by third week of March. Proposals are then send out for review by the faculty and decisions are made by first week of April.

Eligibility: Conservation Biology students in the first two years of his/her program, who are in good academic standing, have an approved degree program, and have met with their advisory committee within the past year are eligible. First-year students are eligible if they submit programs and receive preliminary approval by the proposal due date. Students cannot be supported by another fellowship or assistantship that covers summer salary while on this award. Proposals to cover research expenses (travel, supplies, technicians) will not be considered. A student can only receive a Conservation Biology summer fellowship once during their program.

Outside funding

The ability to successfully obtain grant funds for research is extremely important for professional conservation biologists. Thus, all students are expected to actively seek financial support for their research with the help of their advisors. Each year, CB students apply for and are awarded fellowships from organizations outside the University of Minnesota . For example, in the past, Conservation Biology students have been awarded fellowships from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Security Council. In addition, there are hundreds of smaller grant competitions. Students should seek advice about potential funding sources from their advisors, fellow graduate students, and the Program DGS. Grant competitions also are advertised through emails on the cb-student list server, posted fliers, in the Conservation Biology newsletter, and on the internet.

Click here for link to these funding sources.

Potential Fellowships and Scholarships for Conservation Biology Students

American Association of University Women
Deadlines
Dissertation Fellowship: $20,000
Summer/Short-Term - Research Publication Grant: $6,000
American Fellowships support women doctoral candidates completing dissertations or scholars seeking funds for postdoctoral research leave from accredited institutions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of scholarly excellence, teaching experience, and active commitment to helping women and girls through service in their communities, professions, or fields of research.

Association for Women in Science
The Association for Women in Science offers various Graduate Fellowships for women students pursuing careers in science. Each fellowship can be used for any aspect of education, including tuition, books, housing, research, equipment, etc. Citizenship: unrestricted. INQUIRIES: Cindy Simpson

American Indian Graduate Center
To be considered for an AIGC fellowship, the applicant must be: An enrolled member of a U.S. federally recognized American Indian tribe or Alaska Native Group, or possess one-fourth degree (federally recognized) Indian blood; Pursuing a master's or doctorate degree as a full-time graduate student at an accredited graduate school in the United States; and In need of financial aid. Applicants must apply for federal financial and campus based aid at the college financial aid office.

American Museum of Natural History - Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Grant
Description: The American Museum of Natural History offers the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Grants to offer financial support to individuals for research on North American fauna in any phase of wildlife conservation or natural history related to the activities of the American Museum. Citizenship: unrestricted.
INQUIRIES: Fellowships-rggs@amnh.org

The American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
The ASM Awards are dedicated to acknowledging the best in microbiology. They are administered by the American Academy of Microbiology and encompass the many subspecialties of microbiology, including biotechnology, clinical microbiology, environmental microbiology, antimicrobial chemotherapy, immunology, and virology, as well as education and service to the profession. Opportunities for individuals to travel to and participate in meetings, conferences, and other professional development activities. Students, postdoctoral fellows, and early and mid-career scientists are eligible for fellowships to conduct research and participate in activities that encourage professional growth in a new area. Funds may be available for stipends, housing, travel, and ASM membership.

American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing sponsors awards and scholarships to facilitate graduate-level studies and career goals adjudged to address new and innovative uses of remote sensing data/techniques that relate to the natural, cultural, and agricultural resources of the Earth. Citizenship: unspecified.
INQUIRIES: scholarships@asprs.org

Alexander & Lydia Anderson Fellowship
Students must be registered for credit in the University of Minnesota Graduate School at the time of application. Applicants must designate either the Anderson or Crosby competition. Alexander Anderson and Lydia Anderson Fellowship is a summer fellowship stipend of up to $3,000, and/or research grant of up to $3,000 for students in the plant or animal sciences- e.g., animal sciences, ecology, forestry, and plant pathology- with preference given to students involved in basic research.

American Society of Plant Biologists
RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROGRAMS - EPA STAR Graduate Fellowships for masters and doctoral level students The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is offering Graduate Fellowships for masters and doctoral level students in environmental fields of study. The deadline for receipt of pre-applications is October 23, 2007 at 4:00 PM EST. Subject to availability of funding, the Agency plans to award approximately 65 new fellowships by July 31, 2008. Master's level students may receive support for a maximum of two years. Doctoral students may be supported for a maximum of three years, usable over a period of four years. The fellowship program provides up to $37,000 per year of support per fellowship. For example, molecular biology is listed among the eligible areas of study. Click here for further information on eligibility and other aspects of the program.

Alexander Bergstrom Memorial Research Award

To promote field studies of birds, by helping to support a specific research or analysis project. In judging among proposals of equal quality, special consideration will be given to those either focused on avian life history, using data collected all or in part by non-professionals, or employing banding or other marking techniques. Both Domestic (U.S. & Canada) and Latin American work is eligible for support. Approximately five Domestic awards (maximum $1000 each) and approximately three Latin American Awards (maximum $1500 each) will be awarded annually. Applications may be made for a grant of AFO mist nets in lieu of a cash award.

American Ornithologists' Union - Research Awards

The Josselyn Van Tyne Memorial Research Fund, Alexander Wetmore Memorial Research Fund, Margaret Morse Nice Fund, Donald L. Bleitz Fund, Herbert and Betty Carnes Fund, and AOU Research Grants Fund were established to provide research funds for students and post-docs who are members of the American Ornithologists' Union or other members without access to funds from major granting agencies. The Van Tyne, Bleitz, and Research Grants funds provide support for research in all areas of avian biology. The Wetmore Memorial Fund supports research in avian systematics, paleo-ornithology, biogeography, and especially neotropical biology. We encourage Latin American students to apply. The Margaret Morse Nice Fund is designated to encourage ornithological research by female graduate students. In addition, research awards from the Carnes bequest to the AOU are available. As stipulated in Betty Carnes' will, recipients of this award must be females and non-smokers (i.e., have not smoked for at least the previous six months). Awards are made in amounts up to a maximum of $2,500.

Carolyn M. Crosby Fellowship
This award is open to graduate students doing study/research in the botanical sciences. Students must be registered for credit in the University of Minnesota Graduate School at time of application.$16,000 for the academic year, plus tuition and health insurance for the academic year. Summer health insurance will be provided if the Fellow remains eligible.

Community of Scholars Program (COSP-University of Minnesota )
The Community of Scholars Program (COSP) has travel grants available for students actively participating in COSP. To continue the process of professional development for all graduate and professional students who participate in the program, up to $1,000 per student is budgeted by COSP for students to present a paper at a national or international conference or workshop. Priority will be given to first-time applications. A second award may be funded at 75% of an initial grant award. A third award may be funded at 50% of the initial award.

Council of Graduate Students (COGS) Travel Awards
The COGS Endowment allows COGS to give Travel and Educational awards every year to graduate students at the University of Minnesota. Students must apply no later than April 1st to be eligible for that year's fund.

College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Sciences Fellowship (CFANS-U of M)
This fellowship will provide support for a mid-program Ph.D. student for one semester (stipend, tuition and health).  The nominated student must be advised by a faculty member in CFANS (Plant Biology Faculty are a part of CFANS).   Eligible students must have passed the preliminary oral examination, completed 24 thesis credits and registering for one credit. This award can be used in either Fall '07 or Spring '08.

The Department of Energy/Computation Science Graduate Fellowship
The Department of Energy provides the Computational Science Graduate Fellowship Program, administered by the Krell Institute, to support highly capable students pursuing graduate study at US universities in scientific or engineering disciplines with applications in high-performance computing. Fellows also participate in off-campus research at DOE laboratories. Annual stipend is $28,000, plus payment of tuition and fees, and is renewable for up to four years. Citizenship: US and permanent residents.
EMAIL: csgf@krellinst.org

Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants in the Directorate for Biological Sciences
The National Science Foundation awards Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants in selected areas of the biological sciences. These grants provide partial support of doctoral dissertation research to improve the overall quality of research. Allowed are costs for doctoral candidates to participate in scientific meetings, to conduct research in specialized facilities or field settings, and to expand an existing body of dissertation research.
INQUIRIES: ddig-deb@nsf.gov

Environmental Leadership Program
The Environmental Leadership Program offers the Environmental Leadership Fellowships, as part of ELP's highly experiential and innovative national initiative that aims to build the leadership capacity of the environmental movement's most promising emerging professionals. Each year, a new class of 20-30 fellows is chosen to receive intensive training, institutional support, and mentoring for a three-year period. Fellows gain access to funding to pursue further skill training and develop new projects. Applicants must commit to participating in four retreats. ELP will provide $2,000 participation stipend, travel and accommodations for training retreats, as well as $1,000-$10,000 to support leadership-building activities and projects. Citizenship: US
INQUIRIES: 413/268-0035, info@elpnet.org ;

Fulbright Program
Offers a variety of grants for one year of study or research abroad to over 100 countries. Applicants must have proficiency in the written and spoken language of the host country. Campus information and applications are available in May each year for the upcoming academic year.

The Garden Club of America Scholarships and Awards
The Garden Club of America offers a selection of unusual and excellent opportunities for further study to college and graduate students, doctoral candidates and recent Ph.D.s, as well as to landscape architects.
INQUIRIES: 212/753-8287, scholarship@gcamerica.org ;

CGA/Catherine H. Beattie Fellowship
Research grant to graduate students through the Center for Plant Conservation. Preference to students whose projects focus on the endangered flora of the Carolinas and southeastern U.S. Funds one student annually up to $4000.

GCA/Fellowship in Ecological Restoration
Annual grants of $8000 to support study and research in ecological restoration as well as advance knowledge and increase the numbers of scientists in this field. Study should conform to the Society of Ecological Restoration's definition: ? The process of assisting the recovery and management of ecological integrity (which) includes a critical range of variability in biodiversity, ecological processes and structures, regional and historical context and sustainable cultural practices". Open to graduate students pursuing an advanced degree.

Global Change Education Program/ Graduate Research Environmental Fellowships (GREF)
The GREF program began in June 1999 to support graduate students in the Office of Biological and Environmental Research-funded collaborative global change research at universities and national laboratories. All qualified students are encouraged to apply, but minority and female students are particularly encouraged. The fellowship program makes three-year appointments, renewable annually, and pays an annual stipend of $19,200 ($1,500 monthly plus a $600 Research Education Supplement in March and October), and tuition and fees. Graduate students selected for GREF are encouraged to participate in the SURE 2004 orientation and research focus sessions. If you decide to participate, GREF will pay transportation, per diem and lodging. Applicants must have completed their first year in graduate school, unless they have participated previously in SOARS or SURE. Applicants are required to complete the application form, and submit a five-page description of proposed research, letters of recommendation from the two mentors and an outside individual, and undergraduate and graduate transcripts.

Grants for Research in Natural History, including ecology, evolution, behavior, wildlife management, conservation biology

The Bell Museum administers three funds that are used to support research by graduate students at the University of Minnesota. In general, the funds are used to support field studies in natural history. However, these funds consider requests for laboratory supplies and equipment related to research that includes a significant field component. However, the research proposed must be directly related to the thesis or dissertation project.

Graduate Women in Science

The SDE/GWIS National Fellowships Program offers fellowships to help increase knowledge in the fundamental sciences and to encourage research careers in the sciences by women. Endowment funds, mostly generated from bequests, provide the annual income that supports scientific research done by SDE/GWIS award winners. For the 2011-2012 funding cycle, SDE/GWIS distributed nearly $70,000 in fellowships funds to ten deserving women scientists.

Philip C. Hamm Memorial Scholarship Program
Two nonrenewable scholarships of $1500 each are available to graduate students in the plant sciences and related disciplines from the Philip C. Hamm Memorial Scholarship Program. To be eligible for nomination, a student must have: 1) completed a minimum of one academic year in the University of Minnesota Graduate School, 2) registration during the current academic year, and 3) demonstrate promise as a research scientist through original research.

Juran Fellowship Program
In addition to the potential of earning cash awards to further research, applicants get direct feedback from an esteemed panel of faculty and industry reviewers; gain valuable experience in grant writing; and receive coaching throughout the application process. WEB:

International Foundation for Science (IFS)

IFS is a research council with international operations and the mission to build the scientific capacity of developing countries in sciences related to the sustainable management of biological and water resources. International students from developing countries might be able to get funding from IFS for their research.

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and Dept of Energy (DOE)
The Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) invite applications for the Graduate Research Program, a year-round educational program that provides students with relevant research experience while they are pursuing a graduate degree. Most appointments are in the technical and scientific disciplines, and are available for 90 days to one year, with options for renewal based on program requirements. Stipends range from $29,000 to $41,000 annually, including benefits, travel, and moving expenses.
INQUIRIES: Carol Hogsett 505/667-0870, 505/665-519, progsinfo@lanl.gov

Link Energy Fellowships
The Link Foundation invites applications for the Energy Fellowship Program. Fellowships are awarded for research proposals related to the aims of the foundation: fostering energy research, enhancing both the theoretical and practical knowledge and application of energy research, and dissemination of the results of research through lectures, seminars, and publications. Preference will be given to proposals dealing directly with energy and exploring ideas not yet fully tested. Awards include $25,000 for the academic year.
INQUIRIES: 603/646-2231

Link Foundation
The Link Foundation invites applications for the Fellowships in Advanced Simulation and Training Program designed to foster advanced study in simulation and training research; to enhance and expand the theoretical and practical knowledge of how to train the operators and users of complex systems and how to simulate the real-world environments in which they function; and to disseminate the results of that research through lectures, seminars, and publications. The stipend is $25,000.
INQUIRIES: Marybeth Thompson 407/658-5059(fax), thompson@ist.ucf.edu ;

The Minnesota Center for Community Genetics
A research training group including students and faculty from the College of Agricultue, Food, and Environmental Sciences and the College of Biological Sciences, invites gradaute students to submit (1) research proposals for projects that address both the genetics and ecological dynamics of multi-species interactions, (2) travel rquests, and (3) nominations for a 9-month CCG Fellowship. Contact the Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Department at 612-625-5700.

Minnesota-Norway Fulbright Program
The University of Minnesota Graduate School has an exchange program with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), whereby one U of M graduate student selected by the Graduate School automatically receives a Fulbright Scholarship to study at NTNU, and one NTNU graduate student spends a year at the University of Minnesota as a Fulbright Scholarhip.

NASA Graduate Student Fellowships in Earth System Science
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) invites applications for the NASA Graduate Student Fellowships in Earth System Science which support continued training of interdisciplinary scientists in M.Sc. and/or Ph.D. programs to study the Earth as a system. NASA's Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) supports basic and applied research in the following areas: Biology and Biogeochemistry of Ecosystems and the Global Carbon Cycle; Atmospheric Chemistry, Aerosols, and Solar Radiation; Global Water and Energy Cycle; Oceans and Ice in the Earth System; and Solid Earth Science. The maximum period for which a student may receive NASA support is three years.
INQUIRIES: 202/554-2775 or 202/358-0855, acrouch@hq.nasa.gov

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) invites applications for the Graduate Student Researchers Program. Science and engineering students pursue studies at their home institution and at a NASA facility. Awards of up to $24,000.

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
The National Science Foundation (NSF) solicits applications for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowships, including Women in Engineering and Computer and Information Science Awards. Fellowships are awarded for graduate study leading to research-based master's or doctoral degrees in the following fields supported by NSF: engineering; mathematical sciences; computer and information science and engineering; chemistry; geosciences, physics and astronomy; psychology; life sciences; and behavioral and social sciences. Awards are also made for work toward a research-based Ph.D. in science education that requires a science competence comparable to that for Ph.D. candidates in scientific disciplines. Applicants must be near or at the beginning of their graduate study. In most cases, an individual has three opportunities to apply: during the senior year of college, the first year of graduate study, and the beginning of the second year of graduate school. The stipend is $27,500 for a 12-month tenure, plus $10,500 plus cost-of-education allowance per tenure year.
INQUIRIES: 866/353-0905 or nsfgrfp@orau.gov ;

National Science Foundation East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes for U.S. Graduate Students
The East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes (EAPSI) provide U.S. graduate students in science and engineering:  1) first-hand research experiences in Australia, China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore or Taiwan; 2) an introduction to the science, science policy, and scientific infrastructure of the respective location; and 3) an orientation to the society, culture and language. The primary goals of EAPSI are to introduce students to East Asia and Pacific science and engineering in the context of a research setting, and to help students initiate scientific relationships that will better enable future collaboration with foreign counterparts. All institutes, except Japan, last approximately eight weeks from June to August. Japan lasts approximately ten weeks from June to August

Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Applicants must either be a resident alien, hold a green card, be a naturalized U.S. citizen. Annual award to encourage and support the contribution of new American-to-American life and culture. All fields of study are eligible. Continuing graduate students are eligible as long as they have completed no more than two years of graduate study.

P.E.O. Sisterhood. International Peace Scholarship Fund
Annual award to provide grants-in-aid for selected women from other countries for graduate study in the United States and Canada.

Resources for the Future Walter O. Spofford Jr. Memorial Internship
The Resources for the Future (RFF) invites applications for the Walter O. Spofford, Jr. Memorial Internship. RFF is offering a paid internship for graduate students with a special interest in Chinese environmental issues to spend time at RFF in Washington, DC to work with one or more RFF researchers on a variety of ongoing projects, or assist in the development of entirely new areas of research and policy. RFF's three research divisions are the Center for Risk Management, Energy and Natural Resources, and Quality of the Environment.

Sigma Delta Epsilon and Graduate Women in Science
Sigma Delta Epsilon (SDE) and Graduate Women in Science invite applications for three SDE/GWIS fellowships (SDE, Eloise Gerry, and Vessa Notchev Fellowships) and the Eli Lilly Travel Award in support of scientific research done by women.
INQUIRIES: Regina Vidaver, 202/496-5002, regina.vidaver@verizon.net

Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research
The Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research program has been providing undergraduate and graduate students with valuable educational experiences for more than 80 years. The program awards grants of $1,000 or less to students from all areas of the sciences and engineering. Students use the funding to pay for travel expenses to and from a research site, or for purchase of non-standard laboratory equipment necessary to complete a specific research project.

Torske Klubben Fellowship for Minnesota Residents
This fellowship award has been established to support outstanding students currently enrolled in the Graduate School in any field, who are Minnesota residents. Applicants must have outstanding academic achievement, excellent leadership potential, and an interest in or connection with Norway. The stipend is $10,000 for the academic year 2004-05, plus full tuition. Recipients may supplement the stipend with funds in any amount from any source. Sponsored by the Torske Klubben of Minneapolis.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Science to Achieve Results Program
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is offering graduate fellowships for master's and doctoral level students in environmentally related fields of study. The fellowship provides up to $37,000 per year of support. Citizenship: unrestricted
INQUIRIES: Virginia Broadway 202/564-6923, broadway.virginia@epa.gov

Personal funds

Sometimes students enter the program on personal support. For example, some students are employed and want to continue to work part time and go to school. Occasionally, students enter the program using student loans or other personal funds.