A reminder that the deadline for the application for Ikala STEM Small Grants is on 8 March. The announce of the grant is available here, with the application forms.
Further details about the grants are also available below, and can be downloaded here in form of a FAQ.
Ikala STEM Small Grants FAQ
1- How do I know if I am eligible for Ikala STEM Small Grants?
Ikala STEM Small Grant is open to these categories of persons:
- Must be associated with Ikala STEM in any capacity, registered as member, permanent member or “friend” of Ikala STEM for at least 6 months.
- Malagasy student enrolled in a university in Madagascar,
- Malagasy researcher with an ongoing research within a university or research institution [based in Madagascar]
- Malagasy student or researcher attending a conference
- Malagasy student enrolled in a university at Master and PhD levels and their equivalent, finishing a thesis
2- I am enrolled / doing a research related to science, is it eligible under STEM category?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Check your eligibility at Ikala STEM website
3- What do I need to provide in my application for being considered?
Each candidate must refer to the details in the call for application at Ikala STEM website
4- Who should write my recommendation letter?
Your reference letter should be written by someone who is familiar with your work. Make sure that the sender follows the instructions on the website
5- If I get funded, what is the grant timeline?
It depends on the type of funding awarded to you.
If you applied for travel funding, your funding must only be used for that specific program you mentioned in your application, and you should provide to Ikala STEM USA Chapter a written report about your use of money, the experience you gained during the travel, etc.
If you applied for dissertation funding, you must complete writing and defending your thesis the same year as you apply for the funding, otherwise, you will be asked for reimbursement (unless special circumstances).
If you applied for research, the deadline may vary depending on your research, but we expect your to comply with the tentative timeline you outlined in your application.
6- What can I use the money for?
a. Research
This can be used to pay for local transportations to field sites, purchase of materials and supplies, salary for field guides, park entrance fees, research permit fee and lab fees. It cannot be used to pay for university fee, tuition and personal stipend.
b. Travel
This can be used to support any expenses related to the applicant’s travel to attend and/or participate in a local, regional, national or international professional development activity (workshop, conference, short term training); for example: transportations, registration fee, room and board, membership fee.
c. Dissertation
This category is intended to pay for the expenses related to dissertation writing-up and editing phases, for a master’s and doctoral degrees (and their equivalents); this includes photocopying documents, editing and printing.
7- When do I receive notification of approval?
All applicants will be notified by May 1, 2019.
8- Is there a budget template that I must follow?
No, there is no specific template for the budget but the budget description must comply with the type of grant application, and the amount must not exceed the maximum allowed (i.e. 800 USD for Research, 500 USD for Travel, and 300 USD for Dissertation). Please note that you are required to write a report about your use of the funds with all receipts as proof.
9- If I am attributed a grant, do I have to report to Ikala STEM?
Yes. You are required to write a technical and financial report for Ikala STEM upon completion of the project.
10- How is my application reviewed?
Each application will be reviewed by an external reviewer committee, composed of experts within your specific discipline and from across the STEM fields
11- I am Malagasy, but I am based in an institution outside of Madagascar; am I eligible?
No, this grant is opened only to those who are enrolled in an institution in Madagascar.
12- Will I be paid in USD or Malagasy Ariary?
Each award will be in Malagasy Ariary. We will notify you of the total amount awarded if your application is approved.
13- How will I receive payment?
Ikala STEM will write you a check. We will give you instructions on where to pick it up in the offer letter, if your application is approved.
