Aimed at original and innovative start-up projects, the grant presents early-career scientists, conservationists or educators with an opportunity to prove themselves. It targets local projects conducted by local project leaders. Whether or not the project is part of a larger endeavor, SOSF Small Grants are for specific and finite projects. Only projects concerned with marine chondrichthyan species (sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes, and chimaeras) will be considered.
The SOSF will consider small grant applications that, inter alia, aim to undertake the preliminary investigations necessary before a larger, longer-term project can be developed.
The Foundation requires all grant holders to undertake public awareness and environmental educational activities (giving talks, issuing press releases, etc.) as part of their project. Foundation staff (including the dedicated SOSF Communications team) is available to assist grant holders in such public relations work, and grant holders are expected to collaborate with them in preparing public awareness materials.
The costs of short-term employees or the short-term extra costs of an individual’s participation in a project may be eligible if justified. Travel, field costs, capital equipment (list all items costing more than US$100), consumables, administrative costs (insurance, telephones, permits, etc.), and specialist services (e.g. film editing, laboratory testing, library facilities) may also be eligible.
