Walter F. Coxe Research Grants

Alabama Audubon's Walter F. Coxe Research Grants provide up to $3,000 per award to support scientific research directly applicable to the exploration and conservation of Alabama's plant and animal life.

Geographic Scope: Priority is given to field-based projects performed at Alabama localities and/or by researchers at Alabama-affiliated institutions. Other applicants working on research applicable to conservation issues in Alabama are also encouraged to apply.

Focus Areas:

• Wildlife conservation research
• Plant and animal research
• Conservation issues in Alabama

Eligibility:

• Graduate students (primary focus)
• Exceptional undergraduates
• Individuals without access to traditional research funding
• All applicants welcome to discuss project suitability prior to submission

Funding Purpose:

• Intended to serve as seed money for initiation of larger projects
• Facilitation of applications to major funding agencies
• Generally anticipates funding several projects per year depending on merit of proposals

Award Decision Process: Selection committee reviews applications and makes recommendations within 2-3 months of the annual submission deadline (December 15). Committee recommendations are reviewed by Alabama Audubon Board of Directors, who make final funding decisions. Final award amounts may be adjusted at discretion of Alabama Audubon.

Selection Criteria:

• Importance of project and relevance to Alabama's wildlife/conservation issues
• Scientific merit and methodological quality
• Appropriateness of budget
• Perceived ability of applicant to carry out proposed work
• Potential of funding to contribute to larger project or act as seed money

How to Apply

Application Requirements: Each application should be written in language aimed at scientifically literate members of the lay public and must include:

1. Project Information:
   • Project title
   • Applicant name and contact information (mailing address, phone, email)
   • Name and contact information of institution through which work will be performed (mailing address, website)
2. Cover Letter: Brief cover letter with statement: "I have read and understood the terms and conditions of the Walter F. Coxe research grants, as given in the Instructions. I confirm that my supervisor and institution are aware of my application, and can receive an award (if made) without imposing any form of overhead costs or administrative fees."
3. Project Description (up to 1 page): Brief description of significance of project and its relevance to wildlife and/or conservation issues in Alabama
4. Detailed Project Description (2-3 pages): Concise description of project and methods, with illustrations if appropriate
5. Reference List (up to 1 page): Brief reference list citing relevant scientific literature
6. Budget: Detailed budget featuring itemized justification and list of any additional secured funding sources necessary for project completion
   • Note for travel funding: If applying for car-based travel funds, must provide: estimate of miles to travel, source of estimate (e.g., Google Maps), and anticipated total fuel expenses. Calculate using formula: ATF = [(total estimated miles)/(miles per gallon)] * (AAA national gas average)
7. Applicant Qualifications (up to 1 page): Brief description of applicant's qualifications and research interests
8. Letters of Recommendation: Two letters required—one from student's academic advisor and another from someone independent of the proposed project

Submission:

• Submit electronically as single PDF to lianne@alaudubon.org
• In subject line include last name and "Coxe Proposal" (e.g., "Doe, Coxe Proposal")
• All applicants receive acknowledgement of submission via email

Eligible Expenses:

• Research and field supplies
• Essential, but otherwise unavailable, minor equipment
• Essential travel to visit field sites, including institutional and commercial car rentals
• Durable equipment must remain with applicant's academic institution as property thereof and be made available for future research projects

Ineligible Expenses:

• Salaries, stipends
• Indirect costs (overhead or "facilities and administrative" expenses)
• Publication expenses, thesis printing
• Conference attendance
• Personal items (clothing)
• Basic field equipment (binoculars, cameras)

Reporting Requirements: All Walter F. Coxe Grant recipients must report results in writing to Alabama Audubon within 2 years of award:

• Written in clear language aimed at scientifically literate lay public
• 2-3 pages in length
• Include essential references
• Include 1-2 tables or figures as appropriate
• Submit in Word or PDF format to lianne@alaudubon.org
• If publications result, recipients strongly encouraged to send bibliographic references and reprints/PDFs to Alabama Audubon
• All publications/presentations must acknowledge Alabama Audubon and Walter F. Coxe Research Fund by name
• Recipients agree, if asked and if schedules allow, to present findings at Alabama Audubon-sponsored meeting with modest travel expenses covered by Alabama Audubon
• If moving during project or before submitting reports, notify staff with updated contact information