Webinar: GSA Research Grants - Steps to Success
The Chair of the GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Committee and a recent student grant recipient provided tips on how
to write a successful grant proposal. The webinar focused on the
GSA
Graduate Student Research Grant program, but many of the strategies discussed would be beneficial when applying
to other grant opportunities, including GSA's Undergraduate Research Grants.
Media
Sponsors: American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), Geoscience Alliance, National Association of
Black Geoscientists (NABG). Visit the GSA webinar library
to view a recording.
The primary role of the GSA research grants program is to provide partial support of master's and
doctoral thesis research in the geological sciences for graduate students enrolled in universities in the United
States, Canada, Mexico and Central America. In 2019, $812,000 was awarded to 392 graduate students (~52% of the 748
who applied), with an average grant of $2,071.
Goals
- Support graduate student research in the geosciences and ultimately enhance the
geoscience workforce.
- Provide career development opportunity for students by gaining experience with
grants writing, project development and research.
- Increase the diversity of the geosciences through opportunities for students of
underrepresented communities to achieve success in research
Specialized Awards: The Committee on Research
Grants selects recipients of special awards from applicants to the general research grants program. A student may
not apply directly for a specialized grant, however may indicate on the application if he/she would like to be
considered for an award. These are generally recognition awards only with no additional funding. However, some
specialized awardees may be funded for an amount greater than US$2,500.
GSA strongly encourages women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to participate fully in this grant program.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1712071.
Eligibility
- Eligibility is restricted to GSA members. How to Join
GSA.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in a North American or Central American university or
college in an earth science graduate degree program (with a geologic component).
- Applicants do not need to be a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien.
- The research focus can be any subject matter within the geological sciences, such as paleontology, karst,
geochemistry, stratigraphy, geoscience education, petroleum geology, and more. (See the full list of Subject Matter Categories .)
- Students may receive a total of two GSA graduate student grants in their entire academic career, regardless of
what program currently enrolled in.
Deadlines
- 2020 application deadline: 3 February, 11:59 p.m. (MST).
- Results are reported to applicants via email in late May.
- All students chosen to receive a grant will need to confirm acceptance and provide their Social Security Number
(SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN), if they have one. Failure to respond promptly may result in the
forfeiture of the grant.
- Grant checks will be mailed sometime in June.
Applications
Appraisal Forms
- Appraisal forms are due 5 February, 11:59 PM (MST).
- One appraisal from the primary advisor is required with each application. Advisors do not have to be members of
GSA or come from the same institution as the applicant.
- The Appraisal Forms must be submitted by the advisors electronically through the online
application system .
- Applications missing the appraisal form will not be eligible. The applicant is responsible for ensuring their
advisor submits the appraisal form.
- Appraisal Worksheet: Advisors
may use this to compose their responses to all appraisal questions.
- Advisors/appraisers may learn more on the Information
for Advisors page.
Progress Report Forms
- All grant recipients are required to submit a progress report by 1 February of the following year.
- A progress or final report (MS Word
format) for any previous GSA research grant must be included with a current proposal regardless if one has
already been submitted to GSA.
Taxation
- The Geological Society of America is required to issue 1099 forms shortly after the end of each calendar year
according to
rules set by the IRS. Issuance of a 1099 does not necessarily mean the income is taxable to the recipient. You
need to make that determination which may require professional advice. GSA cannot offer such advice.
- It is the student's responsibility to forward
any change in address to GSA before 31 December (in the same year they received their grant) to
ensure timely delivery of 1099 forms.
Contact
Matt Dawson
Geological Society of America
P.O. Box 9140
Boulder, CO 80301-9140
Phone: +1-303-357-1025
researchgrants@geosociety.org
Thank you for your interest in our program.