Application process

Application must be made (before incurring the expense requested) using the pro-forma on the SHNH website. This must be downloaded, completed, and transmitted to the SHNH Secretary, who will then forward it to the Small Research-Fund Co-ordinator for assessment by the Sub-committee.

Qualifying expenses for funding

Examples are:

• Charges made for use of privately-owned or professional-association libraries or museums by non-subscribers.
• Charges made by libraries or museums for new scanning, photographing or photocopying essential materials.
• Fees for image-publication rights.
• Cost of travel by public transport for an essential visit to a unique location of essential material.
• Organisation of conferences and other events relating to the history of natural history

How to apply

• Any member of the SHNH may apply for a Small Research-Fund grant, up to £500 (or non-Sterling currency equivalent).
• Please download the pro-forma application form, complete it and send to the SHNH Secretary at secretary@shnh.org.uk.
• There will be two competitive rounds for applications per year.
  • The first round will close on 15 May.
  • The second round will close on 15 November.
• Applicants can expect to hear the outcome of their applications within a month of the application deadline.
• Applicants who are unsuccessful are welcome to re-apply in future rounds.

 Eligibility

• There is no upper age limit; no academic qualification is required; nor is any academic affiliation necessary. But no more than one application per person may be made in any financial year of the SHNH.
• Applicants must not already be in receipt of any grant that would cover the expenses applied for.
• Application must be made before the requested expense is incurred.

Further conditions

• The successful applicant must submit a brief, one-paragraph report of the achievements of the research to the SHNH secretary.
• It must be the applicant’s intention to publish in the scholarly press or on a website any images or information obtained through an award; the SHNH Secretary must be informed of publication when completed.
• Dated receipts must be obtained for expenses.
• The decision of the SHNH on an application for a Small Research Fund grant shall be final.
• The successful applicant must write a short piece for the Society for the History of Natural History Newsletter about the project, to tag us @SHNHSocNatHist in any tweets about the project and to acknowledge us in any publications that may arise from the research funded by the Society