Charles P. Bell Conservation Scholarship Grant

The Charles P. Bell Conservation Scholarship honors a dedicated conservationist who aimed to inspire future generations. Established in memory of Charles P. Bell, this scholarship supports students involved in managing natural resources such as fish, wildlife, and water. Preference is given to applicants from Missouri schools, ensuring local talent is nurtured for the conservation field. The program is bolstered by matching funds from the Conservation Federation of Missouri, enhancing financial support for aspiring conservationists.

Background
Charles P. Bell of Columbia, Missouri was a dedicated volunteer conservationist. His father taught him to hunt and fish at a very early age and he developed a passion for the outdoors that never waned. He worked all his life to insure that future generations could share his wonderment of the natural world. He became an avid trout fisherman. After retiring from the post office he obtained his real estate broker’s license and opened a realty company. Mostly, he gave his time and financial resources for the betterment of Missouri’s conservation programs.
For 17 years he served as the treasurer for the Conservation Federation of Missouri and also as a Trustee and Treasurer for the Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust.  He served as President of the Conservation Federation from 1988 to 1989.  Following his death in 1989, his family established a conservation education grant and scholarship program in his memory.  The money available annually from the Foundation is matched by the Conservation Federation of Missouri.
The Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust is an important ally of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the state's largest conservation membership organization and most effective voice for conservation in the Missouri Legislature and before state natural resource agencies.

Eligibility

Applicant must be involved in or plan to be involved in the management of natural resources, specifically fish, wildlife, forest, soil, or water.Graduate applicantsmust be enrolled in a field of study related to conservation, natural science or earth resources at an accredited college or university. Undergraduate applicantsmust have at least 60 credit hours and must be enrolled in an area related to conservation.Applicant must be a Missouri resident.