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Research Grants
Venomous Reptile Conservation Grants
Understanding venomous reptiles, their ecology, and how humans interact with them, is important for informing our team on ways to plan and conserve rattlesnakes. Rattlesnake research is one of the most underfunded fields in science. To assist researchers in their quest to study rattlesnakes and other venomous reptiles in the wild, The Rattlesnake Conservancy formed a grant program that focuses on research that provides real on-the-ground conservation outcomes.
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In 2019, we kicked off our first year of funding projects by providing $5,000 to the Metcalf Lab at Florida Gulf Coast University. To learn more their research, click here. Every year we dispurse research grants, they may be provided entirely to one research project or split among several. Research grants are from $1,000 - $5,000. Priority for larger grants are for long term studies that may receive multiple years of funding.
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Species Focus
Crotalus durissus cascavella
Species Focus
Crotalus adamanteus
Sistrurus miliarius
Species Focus
Grant applications
Prospective grant recipients are encouraged to apply early in the planning stage of research projects. Our research committee will evaluate projects based on the following criteria, with priority given to projects that provide critical information to conservation of rattlesnake species, although other venomous reptile research may also be considered.
Covered costs for grants can be used for equipment, software, supplies, veterinary procedures, and travel.
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Criteria
Eligible Projects
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Clear conservation benefit and connection to The Rattlesnake Conservancy's mission to conserve rattlesnakes, and their habitat, through research and education.
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Located in North or South America.
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Involve research of venomous reptiles or anthropogenic factors impacting the species.
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Grant funds are used for direct costs, such as travel, research supplies, veterinary procedures (transmitter implants) equipment, etc.
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Projects that are shovel ready in calendar year 2025
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Priority Projects
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Projects involving research of rattlesnakes, though other projects are considered.
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Projects providing information about natural history, threats, and conservation recommendations for species with little or no scientific data available.
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Goals and outcomes of the study provide a clear connection to conservation of the species.
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Long term studies providing information on status of the species, such as population viability assessments.
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Projects with scientific vigor with clear objectives and outcomes.
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Ineligible Projects
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Projects whose goals are in conflict with The Rattlesnake Conservancy's mission
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Those projects focused entirely on venom toxinology, or genomics research, unless informing a larger conservation program and a clear connection to conservation of the species.
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Education programs that do not involve quantitative study of the project.
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Projects involving euthanasia of rattlesnakes, unless informing a disease monitoring program where euthanasia is the most humane method.
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Projects whose primary benefit is to an individual.
Conditions
Grant recipients will be required to agree to the following:
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Sign a research grant contract, which provides standard conditions for use of grant funds, identifies intellectual property, and reporting requirements.
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Information gained from the project will be made available to the public (less sensitive information on species locations or other items that may contribute to threats of the species).
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Participate as a Research Associate of The Rattlesnake Conservancy, where the recipient will help inform our conservation programs and assist with reviewing grant applications the following year. Being a Research Associate will not disqualify the recipient from applying for another projects, or continued funding, the next year; they will have to recuse themselves from review of their proposal.
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Grant recipient will provide regular updates on the project via email with photos and short updates that can be shared with our supporters.
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The grant recipient will acknowledge The Rattlesnake Conservancy as a financial supporter of the project in all publications, electronic, and written articles.
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Grant recipient will provide a final summary report of the project within 3 years of the funding date.
NOW focusing funding on the EASTERN Diamondback!
During our 2024 Get Buzzed For Buzztails! (GB4B!) annual fundraiser, our second-year competitive crowdfunding effort, "Battle of the Buzztails" saw Team Adamanteus fly past the competition and acheive a resounding victory! The sum of that fundraising effort is now earmarked for projects which work to conserve this species. Priority will be given to projects which focus specific geographic areas which are facing declines - OR projects which focus on novel elements of this species as a whole.​
Deadlines
Due date
Accepted on rolling basis, but yearly deadline is April of the following year. Decision generally made by May of the following year.
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Contact
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Response time
Applicants will be notified by mid-May the following year.
Grant submission form (Submit to info@savethebuzztails.org)