Application open period
The Western Division currently has project funding available for Division Chapters, Subunits, and other fisheries-related groups. Grants are usually modest but can help get a project started or be used to complement other funding sources. This year, the WDAFS Executive Committee approved a budget of $5,000 to fund as many small projects as appropriate. Applications must be received by the Western Division Past President no later than January 5, 2017 cob Mountain Time. Questions should be directed to WDAFS Past President Jim Bowker ([email protected]).
Evaluation Criteria and Application Procedures
The mission of the American Fisheries Society is to “improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals”. Western Division AFS objectives are to provide a forum for exchanging technical and policy information, promote understanding by regional, Federal, and state policy-makers of the nature and extent of fishery matters of concern to the membership, facilitate timely exchange of information to chapters and the general membership, and provide a vehicle for the active participation of individual members in Society business and professional activities. Projects that clearly help achieve the AFS mission and Western Division objectives, either individually or collectively, will be prioritized for Division Grant funding over those that do not. To realize the greatest value from limited Division resources, projects addressing AFS goals and objectives, those with high visibility, those with other funding sources to cover some of the cost, and those with a greater fishery resource impact, will be given priority.
The Executive Committee will consider the following project elements when scoring grant applications and making grant funding decisions:
Does the Proposal:
1. Promote the AFS mission and WDAFS objectives (described above)? Suggest reviewing the AFS Strategic Plan and describe how the project addresses one or more strategy.
2. Incorporate and promote science-based management, conservation or understanding of fisheries resources?
3. Elevate the visibility of fisheries issues to a broad audience?
4. Need Division funding for completion of the project relative to other funding sources?
5. Have potential for generating revenue to the Division?
Application Process (TOTAL PAGES = 3) Applications over 3 pages will be disqualified. The applicant MUST include all of the information requested in #3.
1. A Western Division AFS member or sub-unit must submit the application.
2. Applications must be received no later than January 5, 2017 (cob Mountain Time) for consideration.
3. Applications must include the following information:
a. Project Titles
b. Name of requesting subunit or AFS member
c. Applicant’s AFS member number
c. Name, address, phone number, fax number, and email address of contact(s)
d. Project description (limit project description to 1 page). Address how the project fits into AFS and/or WDAFS mission and objectives.
e. Estimated time to completion
f. Amount requested
g. Other funding sources and amounts provided
h. Disposition of unused funds
4. Submit applications directly to WDAFS Past President at [email protected]
Direct questions to WDAFS Past President Jim Bowker at [email protected]
The Executive Committee will review applications and notify successful applicants by March 1, 2017.
The grants funding process is contingent on the availability of funds. Anyone wishing to donate to the grants fund is urged to contact the Division President, Cleve Steward at [email protected].