#expeditionfund

A research fieldtrip can sometimes be expensive and I am often asked how I manage to fund overseas expeditions. I have always had some form of a part time job, but no matter how many Saturdays I spend stacking shelves the costs just don't seem to add up. Nevertheless, the money does allow you to purchase flights, or buy pre-trip essentials and is definitely worth your while if you can manage your time effectively during studies. I sometimes found it stressful to juggle work, deadlines, social life and internships during my degree and your studies should always remain a number one priority. I therefore began hunting down other resources and explored different avenues to fund my overseas research projects and expeditions. Some organisations will hand out thousands of pounds to successful applicants, as long as you can show them you are willing to work hard, determined to get results and are passionate about your subject.

I have presented these ideas to students and young adults on numerous occasions and they are always overwhelmed by the generosity of such organisations. However, gaining funding can sometimes be very competitive but this should not put you off! Keep focused on your particular passion, remain positive and be aspirational. Most organisations are flattered that you considered them and are often very willing to cooperate.

Below is a list of some organisations which are well known for expedition/research funding and awards:

Royal Geographical Society - A selection of various grants are available, ranging from a few hundred £’s to £10,000. http://www.rgs.org/OurWork/Grants/Grants.htm

University Funds - See Queen Mary Expedition Fund http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/students/finances/bursaries-grants-scholarships/expeditions-fund/index.html

Jeremy Wilson Charitable Trust - A trust dedicated to the memory of Jeremy Wilson which encourages young explorers to complete expeditions on behalf of Jeremy Wilson. Up to £1500 available. http://www.jwct.org.uk/Applying.htm

British Hydrological Society - Awards are available for numerous reasons. However, these awards are not directly related to overseas expeditions and are aimed towards those who want to fulfil a career in hydrology. Money could be used to help indirectly fund an expedition. http://www.hydrology.org.uk/awards_prizes.php

Nevel Shulman Challenge Award - A very broad application criteria, with an award of up to £8000 (on behalf of RGS). (http://www.rgs.org/OurWork/Grants/Expedition+fieldwork+and+independent+travel+grants/Neville+Shulman+Challenge+Award.htm)

Bill Wallace Grant - An award of up to £2000 for anyone who wishes to ‘go and do it’ in the spirit of Bill Wallace. (http://www.jmt.org/bill-wallace-grant.asp)

National Geographic Young Explorers Grant - A wide selection criteria ranging from geologists to marine scientists. An award up to $5000 is available. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/explorers/grants-programs/yeg-application/

National Geographic Society and Waitt Grants - Applicants from a range of backgrounds are welcomed including GIS, ecology, marine, physical and social research. An award of up to $15,000 is available. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/explorers/grants-programs/waitt-grants-application/

Saving Species Fund - A conservation trust which gives awards to applicants who can demonstrate the need for conservation of a particular species within a certain area. http://www.savingspecies.org/projects/submit-project/

The Explorers Club - A society which encourages young people to become actively involved in expeditions and environmental research. An Award of up to $5000 is available. https://explorers.org/expeditions/funding/expedition_grants

Captain Scott Spirit of Adventure Award - This award is available for applications who wish to complete expeditions on behalf of Captain Scott’s “spirit of adventure” with “adventurous firsts”. Awards are available of up to £2000. http://www.captainscottsociety.com/awards.html

The above list is NOT exhaustive and there are various trusts and organisations who will generously give money to aspiring young scientists/explorers. If you have a particular area of interest, do a little online research to see if any organisations are involved in your field. Drop them an email, you never know the outcome! Do not be put off by the extra organisation, effort and time needed to prepare an overseas fieldtrip. The experiences allows you to stand out from the crowd, have millions of benefits and look fantastic on your CV!! You also meet some amazing people and are often given an opportunity of a lifetime.

If you have any further questions, drop me an email via my website www.granttregonning.co.uk

Good luck!