Rice Creek Associates (RCA) invites proposals from scholars, scientists, educators and students for the 2009 Rice Creek Associates Small Grants Program. RCA's small grants program is intended to support and encourage research, education and public service projects at Rice Creek Field Station (RCFS), particularly in areas of field biology and the natural sciences.
RCFS is a unit of SUNY-Oswego dedicated to the support of academic instruction, research and public service, especially in the natural sciences and environmental education. The mission of Rice Creek Associates is to support the educational, research and service aims of Rice Creek Field Station.
Located about 2.4 km south of Lake Ontario and the main campus, RCFS properties include approximately 121 ha of varied habitats with open fields, mature forests, and land in various stages of succession. The property is bisected by Rice Creek and 10.5 ha Rice Pond. Facilities include a weather station, labs, a classroom, a small library, collection storage, small boats and overall the field as a natural outdoor laboratory. Lodging is available on the main campus.
Proposals oriented toward basic and applied research in field biology, the natural sciences, earth sciences, education, social sciences, and/or service projects will be considered. Past projects have included such things as small mammal surveys, non-invasive subsurface geological exploration techniques, identification and flight season determination of butterfly populations, turtle population surveys, breeding bird surveys, and collection renovation. Areas of special interest are proposals that help increase the past and current knowledge of the ecological processes in Rice Creek. Possible topics suggested but not limited to, could be analysis of climate parameters in Rice Creek, history of the use of land in Rice Creek, GIS analysis of habitat changes since Rice Creek was created, and studies of biodiversity.
ELIGIBILITY:
Applicants need not be affiliated with RCFS or SUNY Oswego. However, the work must be done at Rice Creek Field Station.
FUNDING:
Most awards will be between $500 and $1,000. Additional funds in support of living expenses for visiting scholars may be available at the discretion of the RCA Board of Directors. Grant funds may be used for stipends, travel, supplies, equipment, publication costs or secretarial support. No indirect costs will be considered. RCA encourages grant applicants to seek matching funds from appropriate sources.
SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS:
An original and 5 copies of each proposal should be submitted by mail to:
Rice Creek Associates
Small Grant Review Committee
Rice Creek Field Station
SUNY-Oswego
Oswego, N.Y. 13126
Proposals are due by March 13, 2009. Awards will be announced on or about April 17, 2009.
CONTENTS OF PROPOSALS:
Proposals should consist of a cover page, text, and vitae of the Principal Investigators. The text should include the following sections:
1. Background and Need: Indicate the rationale for the project. Include a review of literature, if relevant, to show your clear understanding of the subject matter and grasp of related research.
2. Objectives: Clearly and succinctly state what will be accomplished.
3. Method: Indicate the steps and techniques that will be followed, the experimental research design or project management plans and the expected data sources.
4. Schedule: Indicate the date work will begin and the schedule for its completion.
5. Personnel: Describe the role of study participants.
6. Significance: Detail how the project will further the educational and scientific mission of Rice Creek Field Station.
7. Literature Cited in Proposal:
8. Itemized Budget: The budget should include:
A. Amount requested from RCA.
B. Matching funds applied (if applicable).
Proposals may be of any length necessary to describe the proposed project but may not exceed 15 double spaced pages, excluding vitae.
PROPOSAL REVIEW:
All proposals will be reviewed by the Small Grant Review Committee of Rice Creek Associates. The Board of Directors of Rice Creek Associates will make the final determination of awards. The Small Grant Review Committee &/or the Board of Directors of RCA may solicit peer review. Applicants are encouraged to suggest reviewers.
For more information about this program, contact:
