Grants Committee
The Grants Committee oversees the evaluation of grant proposals submitted to the Desert Tortoise Council, and awarding of funds for scientific research, management, and conservation actions. The Grants Committee accepts proposals for the following grant awards:
Regular Grants Program
This program funds activities and research that benefit desert tortoises and/or their habitats, provide information or service to the public, or address other appropriate conservation issues.
2020 Applications Now Available (see below)
David J. Morafka Memorial Research Award
The David J. Moraka Memorial Research Award was established in memory of the late Dr. David J. Morafka, distinguished herpetologist and authority on North American tortoises. The Morafka Award supports research that contributes to the understanding, management, and conservation of tortoises of the genus Gopherus in the southwestern United States and Mexico: G. agassizii, G. morafkai, G. evgoodei, G. berlandieri, and G. flavomarginatus. The award amount is US $2,500.
Application Deadline: December 2, 2019
Lockheed Martin Diversity Grant
The Lockheed Martin Diversity Grant is intended to fund research by minority and international students. The Council favors grant applications for research that contributes to the understanding, management, and conservation of tortoises of the genus Gopherus in the southwestern United States and Mexico but will consider proposals for similar research on other imperiled chelonian species across the globe. The grant amount is US $2,500.
Application Deadline: December 2, 2019
Glenn R. Stewart Student Travel Fund
The Glenn R. Stewart Travel Fund honors the DTC’s co-founder. This Fund supports students working with North American Gopherus tortoises by assisting with travel costs to attend and participate in the 2019 Desert Tortoise Council Symposia. The Fund will support up to US $500 (each) in travel costs for up to two students annually.
Application Deadline: November 22, 2019