Research grants will be considered for funding beginning in January, 2020.

Grant Proposal Form

CACSS Research Grant Program Guidelines

As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, one of the goals of the Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society (CACSS) is to increase the knowledge and conservation of cacti and succulents through education and support of research activities in both the field and cultivation.

Program Goal

To encourage the study of cacti and succulents by financially contributing to research projects approved by the CACSS.

Program Scope

  • Grant applications will be reviewed on the basis of merit of the proposal and the competence of the investigator(s) to conduct the proposed research.
  • The CACSS Research Grant Program is open to all applicants, without respect to gender, age, nationality, affiliation, or any other protected class.
  • Projects considered must involve cactus and/or other succulents.
  • Projects should generally have a projected end date no later than one year from date of grant funding; exceptions will be considered as requested.
  • CACSS encourages proposals for projects that are co-funded by other organizations as a way to facilitate larger projects. In these instances, longer projected project dates will be considered.
  • Project participants must execute their research in a manner consistent with any established conservation policies and regulations so that the research does not threaten or endanger the populations of the plants being studied or other components of their living environment. CACSS grant recipients are expected to carry out their studies in a manner consistent with the applicable laws of the country or countries where the studies are conducted.
    Maximum grant amount per project is $2,000.
  • The CACSS Research Program review committee and/or the CACSS Board reserves the right to reject any proposal.
  • Grant applications will be accepted and funded throughout the year; however, the CACSS reserves the right to suspend the program at any time; any pending applicants at the time of suspension will be immediately informed both of the suspension and at the time the program is re-instituted.

Proposal Requirements

 All proposals considered must use the template/format defined by the CACSS.

  • be written in English; English is also required for any subsequent correspondence with the CACSS.
  • clearly and concisely define the purpose and methodology of the project.
  • include a specific budget of projected expenses (including travel details, accommodations, hired help, etc.) NOTE: Travel will only be reimbursed in accordance with US government rates.
  • specify a timeline for project start up and completion.
  • include a proposed method of results dissemination.
  • include agreement to provide the CACSS with electronic copies of any publications or presentations resulting from the project.
  • include agreement to provide a progress report to the CACSS Research Grant Review Committee every six months for the duration of the project.
  • if the CACSS Research Grant is to be co-funded, provide a clear definition of the portion of the project to be funded by the CACSS grant, how it relates to the larger project, and how the CACSS portion meets the project and grant guidelines.

Budgetary Guidelines

  • No grant funds shall be used for salary support of the principal investigator.
  • No grant funds shall be used to pay indirect costs.
  • Budgets can include, but are not limited to: travel, lodging, meals, materials, supplies,operational expenses (both expendable and nonexpendable), equipment, and co-funding.
  • The amount to cover equipment and associated materials is limited to $200 of the total award amount requested

Society Acknowledgment and Commitments

Support by the CACSS shall be acknowledged in any papers, reports, and/or presentations. At the completion of the project, grantees agree to share the results of their research directly with CACSS members by one (or more) of the following:

  • Live presentation at a regular meeting of the CACSS
  • Detailed article for publication in the CACSS newsletter, The Central Spine
  • Educational Exhibit submission as a part of the Annual CACSS Show and Sale

Contact Information

For further information, contact Tristan Davis, CACSS Research Grant Chairperson, by email at: minime8484@hotmail.com.