The mission of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is to conserve native plants and their natural habitats, and increase understanding, appreciation, and horticultural use of native plants. The East Bay Chapter, which serves Alameda and Contra Costa counties, offers grants to college students from our Myrtle Wolf Scholarship Fund for the study of California native plants.
The Myrtle Wolf Scholarship Fund honors the late Myrtle Wolf (1913-2012), a longtime Oakland teacher who in retirement devoted herself to California’s native flora. For over 30 years, she was a member of the CNPS, where she worked on annual fundraising plant sales and promoted the use of native plants in the California landscape. She was honored as a Fellow of CNPS in 1987. She also supported the UC Botanical Garden, which named its library for her in 2000.
Application Deadline
The deadline for receipt of applications for 2024 grants is February 9, 2024. Awards will be made by the end of February, 2024.
Project Requirements
The Myrtle Wolf Scholarship review committee will consider proposals from students at accredited East Bay colleges and universities, including community colleges, for grants for the study of California native plants. Projects may involve taxa from anywhere in the state, but all else being equal, preference will be given to projects involving taxa that are native to the East Bay (Alameda and Contra Costa counties). Both biological and horticulture projects will be considered.
Applicants may request funds for research, travel, supplies, and minor equipment. We are unable to consider requests for major equipment (more than $500). The proposed budget should not exceed $1,000, and applicants are encouraged to prioritize budget items as only partial funding may be available.
Applicants must be registered students at accredited East Bay colleges or universities, including community colleges, and the proposed project must be supervised by a faculty advisor.
Application Process
To apply, provide the following:
- a resumé
- a one- to two-page description of the goals, methods, and significance of the proposed project, detailing its connection to California native flora
- a letter from the faculty advisor approving the project
- a budget and budget justification that details what the grant funds will be used for
- evidence that required permits will be obtained before the grant is awarded.
Requests for travel funding should adhere to the following guidelines:
- Land transportation in private vehicles should be stated as mileage, using the rate of $0.67/mile.
- For travel within the U.S., estimate your anticipated expenses (meal allowance may not exceed $50/day).
Reporting Requirements
Recipients of grants should acknowledge the Myrtle Wolf Scholarship Fund of the California Native Plant Society, East Bay Chapter in any publications that result from research, travel, or equipment supported by the grant. When the grant period is over, recipients must send a report of what they accomplished to the California Native Plant Society, East Bay Chapter.
Address for Applications and Questions
Please mail or email all applications and any questions regarding the Myrtle Wolf Scholarship Fund to:
Myrtle Wolf Scholarship Fund
CNPS East Bay Chapter
P.O. Box 5597
Berkeley, CA 94705
wolf-scholarship@ebcnps.org
—David Margolies, Wolf Grant Adminstrator, CNPS East Bay Chapter
January 2024
