Purpose

The Utah Native Plant Society provides grants-in-aid of up to $1,000 as a contribution toward projects that further the mission and goals of the society (see however below re: our current areas of focus). These projects may involve research or education or both. UNPS funding should be considered as seed or matching money to be used in combination with funding from other sources, rather than as a primary source of support.

The purpose of this program is normally not to fund the purchase of tangible items such as equipment, personal property or plants/seeds but rather to provide funding for activities that increase, for example, knowledge or educates the public. This program is not available to fund the purchases of native plants whether for restoration, reclamation, school/heritage gardens or similar projects. For projects primarily concerned with native plantings of some kind, please instead contact our horticultural committee chairperson as we may be able to provide expertise and small donations of either plants or, occasionally, money (e.g. $250 or less) towards those projects.

Grants will also generally not be awarded for travel costs and/or time relative to the attendance of meetings nor for overhead amounts.

Currently we have no formal submission cycles. For the past several years we have focused on projects that directly concern Utah rare and endangered plants, and educational projects that try to engage students in activities that increase awareness of them. If you have a project that falls into one of these categories and that fits clearly into one of these two areas, please e-mail us a synopsis only of what you have in mind.

Proposal requirements:

Introductory section containing a succinct purpose/objective of the project

Narrative description of the project not more than 2-3 pages in length indicating how goals/objectives will be accomplished and when

If not included in the narrative description, a description of who will be involved both directly or indirectly with the project including participation of any other agencies or organizations as well as anyone who may be supervising the project as well as any/all subcontractors

A budget section (typically not more than one page in length) outlining any and all funds that will be spent on the project including how the requested grant funds would be spent if possible. This should include a breakdown of how the funds will be used by activity, category or item with an indication of exactly when the funds will be spent.

If not explicitly clear in the budget section, a statement within the proposal specifically indicating the dollar amount of the grant request

A publication section (paragraph) indicating exactly how the results of the project will be published if applicable. In addition, UNPS expects some sort of final report when the project is complete and requests that grantees at a minimum write a newsletter article relating to the project to be submitted to the Sego Lily editor.

A biographical sketch page (one page maximum)

A transmittal letter containing a date, clearly identifying that a grant proposal is attached and which includes the name, affiliated company or organization if any, mailing address, phone number and E-mail address of the grantee

To avoid delay or rejection of your proposal, please make sure it meets these requirements!

Proposals should be submitted to:

Applications may also be submitted via E-mail to grants@unps.org. Attachments should preferably be in PDF, RTF, Micrsoft Word or text format.

These criteria are used in evaluating research and other proposals:

Does the proposal support or promote the purposes of the Uath Native Plant Society?

The proposal improves our knowledge and understanding of the distribution, life history and conservation of native plant species.

The proposal improves our knowledge of the cultivation and other apppropriate uses of native plant species.

The proposal educates the public about native plant species.

The proposal supports local chapter activities that promote the purposes of the Utah Native Plant Society.

Is the application technically and logistcally capable of accomplishing the project goal?

Applicant is, or is affiliated with, an organization or agency with special expertise and/or responsibility for native plant species.

Applicant has demonstrated experience in conducting the type of work proposed.

Applicant has demonstrated that adequate logistical support is available to accomplish the work proposed.

Are the methods and budget sound and appropriate to the project goal?

The methods are necessary and sufficient for accomplishing the project goal.

The budget and staff are necessary and sufficient for accomplishing the project goal.

Is there matching support?

Matching support is available (in-kind, cash, combination)

Matching support is what percent of project budget?

Additional issues/considerations

Availability of UNPS funds and budget for the current year

How/when payments will be made

Termination for default or convenience

Whether project has or has not already commenced

Insurance/liability

Overhead

Will any subcontractors be involved?

Publications and theses

Photographs

Reports -drafts and final

Report of completion to UNPS and publication in Sego Lily and/or via a presentation to members

Designated UNPS board member contact for project

Project reports from completed grants

Some examples of reports related to past completed projects involving UNPS grants:

 

The Botanical Parts of the Patterson Bundle