Andrew W. Mellon Grant

Application is currently open for Spring projects. The deadline is February 23rd at 5pm.

Overview

Now accepting applications for Spring term projects. Applications are due on February 23rd at 5pm.

In 1979 and 1983, the Trustees of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation gave grants to Dartmouth College to support student-initiated undergraduate research experiences in various fields relating to environmental and natural resource topics. We are fortunate that the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation appreciates the value of these experiences and has seen fit to support these opportunities in a unique way.

The fund underwrites student-initiated research projects rather than internships. Projects will not be given academic credit but may be related to an independent study, research project or senior thesis pending arrangement with the appropriate academic department. The committee expects students to have a faculty or staff advisor for each project and to submit a well-written documented report at the conclusion of the work.

Mellon Grants provide for room and board, travel, equipment and other project-related expenses. Costs for outside laboratory analysis and payment for work done by hired technicians or assistants will not be covered by this grant. Students may apply simultaneously for undergraduate grants available through other College centers. Students are also encouraged to work with the Financial Aid Office for assistance with planning for leave-term expenses.

Grant recipients will receive 90% of the approved budget in advance. The final 10% will be given upon receipt of two copies of the final report.

Preparing a Proposal

Application Deadlines

Application Review

Criteria for Reviewing Applications

In reviewing application, the committee will consider:

How well the project is related to the purpose of the grant (a student-initiated study with a direct relationship to an environmental issue/problem/solution).
Feasibility of the project within the timeline and the budget proposed, the methodology given, as well as the student's academic preparation.
Clarity of objectives for a proposal of this nature.
Quality of the presentation.
Facilities and resources needed and resources available.
Nature of the final report which the applicant will prepare upon completing the project.

The Mellon Grant Committee

A committee to award these funds to appropriate and worthy projects was established by President Kemeny. Currently, it consists of:

Professor Douglas Bolger, Environmental Studies Program
Professor Francis Magilligan, Geography
Associate Professor Ryan Calsbeek, Biological Sciences
Assistant Professor Caitlin Pries, Biological Sciences
Professor William D. Leavitt, Earth Sciences Department
The President of the Dartmouth Outing Club
The Chair(s) of the Environmental Studies Division of the DOC
Director, Outdoor Programs Office

Report

The final report is due within two weeks following the term in which the project was funded. If the project spans more than one term or is part of a larger project, a preliminary report is required at that time. The preliminary report should describe all progress to-date and emphasize the project's relevance to environmental issues.

A copy of the final report should be submitted to the Director of Outdoor Programs; the Director will circulate it to committee members.

Questions