Grant Information
As a result of a generous bequest made by Blodwen Lloyd Binns in 1992, funds are available to individuals and groups who make application for assistance in carrying out projects of natural history interest.
Objectives
GNHS grants from the Blodwen Lloyd Binns Bequest are focused towards supporting projects that increase understanding and public awareness on topics with significant natural history interest. Whilst there is a preference for projects taking place within Scotland (especially Glasgow and west of Scotland) and those most likely to generate publications in The Glasgow Naturalist or elsewhere, contributions may be made for research and expeditions within other parts of the UK and overseas.
Who can apply?- Individuals - though undergraduate and postgraduate students, please note further guidance below
- Groups and organisations
Applicants, individuals or representatives of a group/organisation, MUST hold current GNHS membership. Membership of a group with GNHS membership, such as University of Glasgow ZooSoc, is acceptable.
Award LimitsThe maximum amount available for Scottish natural history projects is generally £2,000, although greater amounts may be considered for exceptional projects.
Different maximum amounts will generally apply to the following cases:- Up to £1000 for UK/overseas undergraduate student expeditions from west of Scotland universities (the maximum is for the expedition group as a whole and not for each student); to be applied for by one student from the group
- Up to £200 towards costs of undergraduate natural history research projects (in the UK or overseas); to be applied for by the student
- Up to £600 towards overseas natural history research by individuals
- Up to £300 to support postgraduate students, but only to report the results of their natural history research at an international conference; to be applied for by the student
Awards MAY support various project expenses that are directly related to projects including:
- Temporary accommodation
- Travel to project location and local transport
- Equipment and materials
- Project preparation costs (including licences, training sessions)
- Costs of post fieldwork analysis
- Public engagement resources
Awards are NOT awarded towards salaries and NOT to support research projects at universities by academic staff.
When to applyGrant applications may be submitted at any time, but the Administrators normally make three allocations each year following a committee meeting, and there are strict application deadlines associated with each allocation. The closing dates are as follows: 15th January for awards in February; 15th April for awards in May; and 15th August for awards in September. Applications missing these deadlines will not be considered until the subsequent grant-awarding event.
How to applyThe application form is available to download here. All sections of the form must be completed and preferably submitted in Rich Text Format (RTF).
The form includes additional guidance for applicants and the email address to which completed forms should be sent. All applications from undergraduate and postgraduate students seeking support for projects related to their studies MUST be accompanied by a letter of support from their project supervisor.
Grant publicitySuccessful applicants MUST allow GNHS to publicise the project title and award amount in the GNHS newsletter and The Glasgow Naturalist. An appropriate project image to accompany the newsletter listing will be requested.
End of grant reportingAll grant recipients MUST report back to GNHS no later than six months after the end of project date as stated on their grant application form. Short reports may be submitted for the GNHS newsletter but presentations for publication in The Glasgow Naturalist are encouraged. If an external publisher is sought GNHS must be kept informed. Advice about publishing in The Glasgow Naturalist is available here. Authors of articles featured in The Glasgow Naturalist may qualify for consideration for The Blodwen Lloyd Binns prize - more