GUIDELINES FOR PROJECT PROPOSALS
The goal of the Catalyst Science Fund is to support proof-of-concept science that advances the development of new biotechnology tools for conservation. To be invited to submit a proposal, please follow these detailed guidelines.
HOW TO PROPOSE A PROJECT IDEA TO REVIVE & RESTORE
- First, review the guidelines provided on this page to see whether your project idea aligns with our focus areas, funding criteria, and preferences described below.
- If it does align, email any of our program managers or funding (at) reviverestore.org, to describe your project’s main goal and potential conservation impact in 400 words or less.
- If there is interest in reviewing your proposal, you will receive an application template to help you develop an invited proposal for review by our Science Advisory.
- Only invited proposals will be reviewed. It is our goal to complete the Science Advisory review process and inform proposers of a funding decision within 30 days of invited proposal submission.
FOCUS AREAS
Catalyst Science Fund proposals must be clearly linked to one of the following six focus areas, each an essential part of the Genetic Rescue Toolkit.
GENOMIC INSIGHT
A species’ genome can reveal ways to better manage populations, natural resources, and entire ecosystems.
SYNTHETIC ALTERNATIVES
Cell culture and bio-engineering techniques have the potential to replace the use of wildlife products.
FACILITATED ADAPTATION
Desirable traits like drought resilience or disease resistance may help species thrive into the future.
CONTROLLING INVASIVE SPECIES
Disruptive non-native species are a difficult and costly problem that calls for innovative intervention.
DE-EXTINCTION
Modern biotechnology offers the potential to develop hybrid, ecologically functional proxies of lost species.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Invited proposals are evaluated according to the following selection criteria:
- Technical merit: How likely the proposed approach will be successful, what the greatest technical risks are, and the likelihood they can be mitigated.
- Potential for conservation impact: If the project is successful, how it may improve, facilitate, and advance conservation efforts.
- Realistic budget and schedule: The proposed budget and timeline must feasibly meet the project’s goals.
FUNDING PREFERENCES
Funding preference will be given to invited proposals with the following characteristics:
- Pressing conservation need: Addresses a species with a clear conservation need or can serve many conservation needs.
- Non-technical challenges and mitigations addressed: Issues such as community acceptance and regulatory requirements should be carefully considered and planned for.
- Availability of matching funds: Other funding may include government agencies, universities, or private sources.
- Revive & Restore is happy to support indirect costs up to 10 percent of the total project budget.
