Introduction

Save-the-Redwoods League was established in 1918 to rescue from destruction representative areas of our primeval forest, with particular emphasis on the coast redwood and giant sequoia. It does this in the simplest manner possible: buying forestland and transferring it to state and national parks, many of which the League helped create. Since establishment the League has helped preserve over 6 of every 10 acres of redwood in protected ownership. These efforts continue, and have expanded to include the protection and restoration of second growth forests that that hold exceptional conservation values, buffer or provide watershed protection, or provide landscape scale connectivity between reserve areas. In parallel the League has worked consistently to foster a greater understanding of redwood forests by support and promotion of scientific research and through dissemination of information to the public.

The League’s Research Grants Program was established in 1997 to further these objectives, specifically by providing grants to organizations interested in the coast redwood and giant sequoia trees, forests, and ecosystems. A complete list of research grants awarded since 1997 may be found here.

Research proposals should seek to expand our understanding of the coast redwood, giant sequoia, or the ecosystems in which they are key components. Grants are awarded to study redwood biology, redwood ecosystem maintenance or restoration, potential effects of global climate change, and/or sustained public use for redwood areas. Applied research or research that informs redwood conservation, restoration and public use is welcomed.

One of the League’s objectives is to widely disseminate the results of completed studies. Applicants are expected to provide a final report, suitable for posting on the League’s web-site, plus a brief synopsis suitable for a broad public audience. Examples of completed reports may be found here.

Application Instructions

In 2007, applications must be received by the League on or before Tuesday, November 6th 2007. Individual requests to the League should not exceed $15,000 and matching funds are encouraged. Grant proposals will be reviewed in December and decisions announced shortly thereafter. Grant applicants will only be accepted from qualified organizations, for instance a school, university, or public charity. The League cannot provide grants to individuals, for-profit organizations, or organizations engaged in lobbying. Grant reports are expected not later than 13 months following commencement of the work. Proposals to take advantage of unanticipated events may be considered outside the regular grant cycle – please contact the League directly to discuss.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the League to discuss their project in advance of submitting a proposal. Please contact Dan Porter at (415) 362-2352 x308 or dporter@savetheredwoods.org.

All applicants should download and complete the application form: PDF | WORD Doc

Where possible, please submit completed applications in Adobe PDF format (MS-Word also acceptable). Application materials submitted by mail should be stapled in upper left hand corner. Application should be suitable for black and white reproduction.

W-9 form: Should be included in all application packages. Attach one completed Federal W-9 form "Request for Taxpayer identification Number and Certification" with an original signature. The form is attached to paper copies of these guidelines, or may be downloaded from: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf. Scanned PDF copies are acceptable.

Proof of Tax Exempt Status: Non-profit organizations must include their IRS letter certifying tax-exempt status in application package. The League may confirm the current status using IRS publication 78. All Non-Profits and other charitable organizations must be registered with the State Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trusts. Please include your CT Number on the application form (available online at http://caag.state.ca.us/charities/charit_giving.htm: click “CT Number Search”).

Proposals should be sent to Dan Porter at dporter@savetheredwoods.org. If necessary, proposals may also be mailed to:

Save-the-Redwoods League
114 Sansome Street, Room 1200
San Francisco, CA 94104-3823
Attn: Dan Porter / Research Grants

Receipt will be acknowledged by email or post-card within two weeks – if you do not receive an acknowledgment please follow up.

Checklist for application package:

___ Cover letter
___ Completed application form
___ Narrative pages
___ Budget Sheet
___ Completed W-9
___ Proof of non-profit status (if applicable)

(updated 8/23/07)