1. May the restoration research be conducted outside of the USA?

    Yes, but preference is given for projects within the United States.

2. I am not a US citizen. May I apply? 

    Yes, if you meet the other requirements stated in the Guidelines.

3. Are there any restrictions on how the money is spent? 

    The fellowship is awarded to people of high standards and the GCA expects that the money

    will be spent appropriately. If you have doubt about the appropriateness of your budget,

    please contact Brad Herrick bmherrick@wisc.edu.

4. Can the award be given directly to my university?

    No. The GCA only writes checks to individual students. If you want the money to be                     administered by your institution, you must make those arrangements yourself.

5. Where can I read examples of previously funded proposals?

    These are not made available.

6. Does the five-page limit for proposals include the bibliography and figures?

    Yes, absolutely.

7. Are proposals considered that emphasize the social-science aspects of restoration?
    Yes.  Although the fellowships have gone, so far, for biological research, we welcome                   proposals for research into the social aspects as well.  Note that the SER definition includes          "cultural practices."

8. When can I expect to receive the money?

    The Garden Club of America usually mails checks in April.

9. What are some tips on improving my proposal?

a.       Choose a title that clearly and concisely describes your proposed work.

b.      Do not go over the five-page limit.

c.       Avoid terms that require value judgments (e.g., success).

d.      Include a rationale for how the proposed research will advance the science of restoration ecology and the practice of ecological restoration.