Site Map  

Saratoga Horticultural Research Endowment 

Call for Proposals
Saratoga Horticultural Research Endowment
Call for Proposals
October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010
 
In December of 2006, the board of trustees of the renowned Saratoga Horticultural Research Foundation decided to transform its $1.15 million in assets into a new horticultural endowment at UC Davis. This gift established the Saratoga Horticultural Research Endowment (SHRE) to support research and educational programs that foster the introduction of new and improved plant materials for California gardens and landscapes. The endowment is managed by the chair of the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis but funds are available to researchers and educators throughout California.
 
Call for Proposals
The Saratoga Horticultural Research Endowment is pleased to invite representatives of California institutions of higher learning and California horticultural organizations to submit proposals for funding from the endowment for the period of October 1, 2009 - September 30, 2010. (Applicants not affiliated with an institution of higher education are encouraged to collaborate with a colleague at such an institution in applying for an Award.)
 
As stated above, the purpose of the Saratoga Horticultural Research Endowment is to support research and educational programs that foster the introduction of new and improved plants for California gardens and landscapes. Proposals for funding should address these goals and may include research or educational programs that enhance western ornamental horticulture through the introduction of shade trees, California natives or drought-tolerant plants. Introduction of new plant varieties or cultivars amenable to nursery production and suitable for landscape use in California and other Mediterranean-type climates is also encouraged.
 
Maximum Funding Amounts
The maximum project award will be $15,000. Awards will be made on an annual basis, with continued funding of any individual study to be approved only on the basis of a report of successful activities in the previous funding cycle, and a new proposal, which will be considered along with other new proposals at the annual meeting of the advisory committee.
 
Proposal Format
Proposals should be submitted in an electronic format, preferably as a Microsoft Word document or Adobe PDF file. Proposals should contain the following:
  1. executive summary
  2. introduction
  3. statement of goals and objectives and their relevance to the purpose of the endowment
  4. outline of the proposed research and/or education project
  5. detailed budget for the period of October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010
  6. other sources of funding and support
  7. relevant literature citations
  8. brief CVs for the principal investigators
 
Proposal Submission
Proposals must be sent via email to lldodge@ucdavis.edu
Proposals must be received by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, September 1, 2009.
Late proposals will not be considered.
Awards will be announced on or around October 15, 2009.
 
Proposal Review Process
Submitted proposals will be circulated to the members of the SHRE Advisory Committee consisting of 9-15 members representing California institutions of higher education, Cooperative Extension Advisors and various aspects of the California horticulture industry. The Advisory Committee will meet annually to review the submitted proposals and recommend projects for funding to the SHRE Fund Manager (UC Davis Plant Sciences department chair). The committee reserves the right to fund projects at less than the amount requested.
 
Evaluation Criteria
The Advisory Committee will use the following evaluation criteria to select proposals for funding:
  • Consistency with the purpose of the Saratoga Horticultural Research Endowment
  • Scientific and/or educational merit and likelihood of successful completion
  • Appropriateness of the budget and completeness of the experimental plan
  • If appropriate, satisfactory completion and reporting of projects previously funded by the Saratoga Horticultural Research Endowment.
  • Relevance to the historical interests and activities of the Saratoga Horticultural Research Foundation
 
Reporting
Applicants who receive an Award must submit a report to the SHRE Fund Manager and the Advisory Committee at the end of the award period that describes the results or outcomes of the research or education programs funded by the Award. 
In addition to this report, it is expected that the results of successful studies will be reported in appropriate scientific and popular venues.
 
Email proposals to:
Linda Dodge, SRA/Program Rep lldodge@ucdavis.edu
Saratoga Horticultural Research Endowment
Department of Plant Sciences
University of California
One Shields Ave.
Davis, CA 95616