Grants & Scholarships Program (Mini Grants)

Grants & Scholarships Program (Mini Grants) is sponsored by CNPS San Diego Chapter. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Grants & Scholarships - San Diego chapter - CNPS Seed funding to empower change Photo credit: Marc Gathmann CNPS San Diego Chapter Grants and Scholarships Program The San Diego Chapter’s Grants and Scholarships Program purpose is to help further our mission to conserve San Diego and Imperial counties native plants and their natural habitats.

The program includes three opportunities for applicants to receive research grants, mini grants, and educational scholarships. Research grants are intended to encourage research and projects on California native plants within San Diego and Imperial Counties by collegiate or post graduate students.

Qualifying topics include, but are not limited to: the ecology of native plants, plant communities, pollination ecology, seed dispersal, taxonomy, phenology, restoration, conservation, and more. The award amount totals $6,000. 00 USD, to be split according to award need between one, two, or three selected qualified applicants.

Application period: October 1 through November 30. Applicants will receive results in November, and funds will be sent in December. To apply, students must complete the application form and include a cover letter, brief project proposal, and a signed letter of support from a faculty member or advisor of an accredited institution of higher learning in the San Diego or Imperial County region.

Selected applicants are encouraged to consent to have their basic info such as name; current photo and/or representative photos of their research topic; secure contact info (optional); and educational goals/university program profiled in the San Diego Chapter newsletter.

In addition, we encourage the selected applicants to submit a report/summary version of their findings to the Chapter newsletter following completion of their thesis/dissertation/research project, or present their findings to the chapter at one of our monthly Chapter Meetings. For questions or additional assistance, please contact us at grantsandscholarships@cnpssd. org .

Individuals, schools, and nonprofits can apply for mini grants, which promote enhancement of public understanding, appreciation, and horticultural use of native plants.

Application period: Accepted year-round; reviewed and awarded quarterly Mini grants are available for many different needs and uses, including: Semi-public and public landscaping Competitive gardening events Supplies for educational & science projects Pass fees for project-required transportation Computer software and/or hardware Field tools may be considered if returned to the Chapter Treasurer with only normal wear and tear at the completion of the project.

Prohibited uses include: Payment to people and staff for their work, pay for food & drink, household bills, clothing, etc. Promote the public good and showcase native plants of San Diego and/or Imperial Counties. For botanical studies, promote factual science and sound botanical research.

For landscaping and garden projects, native plants must cover at least 1/2 (50%) of the planting area and be at least 2/3 (66%) of the total new plant count. For questions or additional assistance, please contact us at grantsandscholarships@cnpssd. org .

A limited number of educational scholarships are available to students enrolled in the Field Botany of San Diego County NC 0301 course, hosted by San Diego State University (SDSU) Global Campus in the Spring Semester, and covers full tuition for the class. This scholarship reflects the chapter’s commitment to botanical education, and supports students and professionals to foster passion for protecting our local biodiversity.

Tuition Coverage: $895 (full course cost). Reimbursement Timing: Scholarships are awarded as reimbursements after the Course Withdrawal deadline upon confirmation of continued enrollment. Eligibility: Applicants must first apply and register for the course through SDSU before applying for the scholarship.

To qualify, applicants must: Demonstrate financial need: Tuition cannot be covered by an employer, agency, or benefactor, and individual income must be under $84,900 (2024 median for San Diego). For married couples (filing jointly), the household income must be under $97,000; and, Be a First-Time Participant: Applicants must not have completed this course within the past 10 years.

For questions or additional assistance, please contact us at grantsandscholarships@cnpssd. org .