The Frazer Bequest Grants

As a result of a generous bequest made by the late Oliver & Dorothy Frazer in 2004, funds are available to individuals and groups who make an application for assistance in carrying out projects of natural history, geological or archaeological interest.

Applicants should submit their applications to the Society's secretary to be considered by the Frazer Bequest Committee, whose duty is the administration of the bequest. Grants will be given to projects which further the aims and objectives of the Society and preference will be given to members of the Society.

The Committee is empowered to make awards of up to £2,000. Where an application is for more than £2,000 and the committee are minded to make an award, the final decision shall be taken by the full Council of the Society. Grants may be awarded in one of three categories :-

1) Training and Education Fund

This fund is exclusively open to members of the Society. It has been set up to provide contributions towards training courses, particularly where the courses are accredited, and where attending such courses would further the aims and objectives of the Society. Applications for equipment and materials to carry out the functions of the Society would also be considered. Any items funded would remain the property of the Society. Section leaders and other office holders are particularly encouraged to apply.

Contributions will be made up to a maximum of £500 per course.

Ideally, applications should be sent to the Secretary at least 3 months in advance of the course, for decision by the Committee.

2) Research Grant Fund

This fund is open to members of the Society, and to students and to other interested persons. Students should be able to demonstrate that their institution is also contributing towards the costs.

It has been set up to support research to further our knowledge of the Island's natural history, archaeology or geology. A successful grant could cover travel, accommodation and equipment. Contributions up to a maximum of £2000 would be acceptable; under exceptional circumstances, applications for higher amounts may be considered. Applicants should submit a completed application form, naming two referees, by the closing date of 14th January or 31st July in any year. The Committee would aim to issue a decision within six weeks of these closing dates.

It would be anticipated that the findings would be published, if deemed appropriate, in The Proceedings. Where the work supported is likely to generate a publication elsewhere, a short report (up to 1000 words) should be submitted to the Editor of The Proceedings for inclusion.

3) Conservation Fund

This fund has been set up to assist other conservation bodies in the for the purchase and maintenance of land for conservation purposes. Applications will only be considered from organisations which have a reserve acquisition strategy and where that organisation is also actively seeking additional funding from other sources. Further details can be obtained from the chair of the Frazer Bequest Committee.