What Global Warming? Funding to visit the coldest place on earth.

It is hard for me, someone living in WI where we spend 6 months waiting for warm weather and sun, to imagine why anyone would want to spend their free time in Antarctica, where mean temperatures in the warmest month range from 5° to -49°F. Yes, you read correctly – the warmest month. For you amply bronzed, vitamin-D saturated, curious folk just dying to get a taste of misery, consider yourself lucky: I can't imagine this grant has too much competition.

Antarctic Artists and Writers Program

• PURPOSE: To enable serious writings and works of art that exemplify the Antarctic heritage of humankind. To increase public understanding of the Antarctic region, including the continent and the surrounding oceans, as well as the associated research and education endeavors. Opportunities for professional artists and writers to travel to Antarctica — at research stations, field camps, and aboard ships — to make the observations necessary to complete their proposed projects.

• AMOUNT: Travel and field support.

• ELIGIBILITY: Established artists and writers as well as early career artists and writers in an effort to broaden participation.

• DEADLINE: June 13, 2006.

Jurassic Funding Opportunity

You grew out of the dinosaur pajamas around age 8 and 14 you stopped sleeping with your tattered T-Rex (or at least stopped admitting it), but the fascination with dinosaurs rests.  Here is a perfect opportunity for you to spend days digging in the dirt and get paid for it. 

The Jurassic Foundation Research Grants

• PURPOSE:  To undertake research on aspects of dinosaur paleobiology.

• AMOUNT:  Up to $5,000.  Most grants are $1,000 – $3,000.

• ELIGIBILITY:  Qualified research scientists and students.  Preference will be given to students, postdoctoral researchers, and other researchers with limited funding opportunities. International researchers encouraged to apply.

• DEADLINE:  March 15 and October 15

Teachers Take Over Korea

Did you became a teacher to have the summers off and then realized your meager salary wasn’t enough to actually go on vacations more than 60 miles from your hometown? Well, look no further: now is your chance to visit Korea, spend 12 days there and have your only responsibility be sharing the good times you had when you get back. You need not know anything about Korea, nor speak the language.

Korean Studies Workshop

• PURPOSE: To enhance mutual understanding between the people of Korea and the United States by inviting educators to visit Korea and then share their experiences with fellow Americans upon their return.

• AMOUNT: Fully-funded trip to Korea

• ELIGIBILITY: Employed full-time as a secondary (6 thru 12)teacher of social studies, OR a secondary school principal or assistant principal, OR a curriculum coordinator with influence over social studies curriculum in secondary schools, OR a textbook writer with influence over social studies curriculum or textbooks for secondary schools. Must be a US citizen and a resident of the US at the time of application.

• DEADLINE: May 4th, 2006.

Live in a Cabin in the Woods in Montana and get paid?

Even though we are afraid it will brand us as potential Unabombers, a part deep down in many artists really would love to live deep in the nature of Montana while working on personal projects.  Well, here is your chance to do just that – and get paid to do it.  I would hurry up and apply for this because with the "war on terror" it is only a matter of time before the Department of Homeland Security investigates it as a training ground for domestic terrorists.

•  NAME: Montana Artist Refuge

• PURPOSE:  The Refuge offers affordable short and long-term living and studio spaces for artists of all disciplines.

• AMOUNT: The Refuge provides some fully funded residencies each year. In addition to the fully funded residencies, scholarships and financial assistance with rent are available.

• ELIGIBILITY: Artists of all Disciplines are eligble.  Fully funded programs exist for American Indians, Writers, and MFA students.  

• DEADLINE: June 15, 2006

• MORE INFO:  www.montanaartistsrefuge.org

NYC Social Justice Fellowship

Are you passionate about social justice and have a great idea about how you can transform that passion into real change? Check out the NYC Social Justice Fellowship, now accepting applications.

• PURPOSE: Support for change agents who have innovative public interest projects that address critical issues such as immigrants’ rights, environmental justice, health, the arts, workers’ rights, civic participation, education, and equitable economic development.

• AMOUNT: Stipend in the amount of $42,500 over 15 months. Project support in the amount of $2,000. Contribution towards health insurance and tuition reimbursement up to $13,000, depending on demonstrated need.

• ELIGIBILITY: Applicants from diverse backgrounds and at all stages of life who wish to employ their skills in creating innovative public interest projects aimed at transforming and empowering communities. Must complete work in New York City. Age is not a factor.

• DEADLINE: May 1st, 2006.

• MORE INFO:NYC Social Justice Fellowship

The Watson Fellowship

Do you have a dream to go around the world and braid hair, study basketball as a force for change in three continents or hang out with Punk kids in Europe? Well, the Waston Fellowship seems to think ideas like that are worthy of up to $25,000. You must be a college senior graduating from one of the almost 50 participating institutions.

• PURPOSE: Grant for independent study and travel outside the U.S.

• AMOUNT: $25,000 ($35,000 if you are traveling with a spouse or dependent child).

• ELIGIBILITY: Must be a graduating college senior from one of the 50 participating institutions.

• DEADLINE: Local deadlines vary. Completed application to Watson must be submitted electronically by the fist Tuesday in November, annually.

• MORE INFORMATION: www.watsonfellowship.org

Five Steps to Success in Contacting Potential Funders

Contacting a potential funder before submitting an application is a great way to be sure that you qualify for their grants, and to get an inside perspectiveon what makes an application competitive.  Follow these steps for success in contacting funders.

Tips for Submitting a Successful Proposal

Many funders say that up to 80% of grant applications arrive with careless mistakes that could have been easily avoided. Follow these hints to increase your chances of success.