Grants & Scholarships
Supporting research and education in paleontology
The Western Interior Paleontological Society (WIPS) sets aside funds from the proceeds of its annual auctions and biennial Symposia to fund grants for research, scholarships, and outreach/service in paleontology.
Both members and non-members may apply for a grant to help fund their research and education in paleontology. Applicants are no longer required to be active WIPS members, though preference may be given to members. It is strongly encouraged that applicants join WIPS prior to applying for a grant. Proposals from first-time applicants may also be given priority over previous awardees in an effort to diversify the types of work WIPS supports.
The maximum award amount is $1,000 per grant. Applications are evaluated in three categories (research, scholarship, outreach/service) by the WIPS Science Committee, with final approval of all awards made by the WIPS Board.
Applications are now being accepted for our 2026 grants and scholarships and are due to the Science Committee Chair by 5 p.m. MST on January 31, 2026.
Research and Outreach Grants
These grants honor the memory of Karl Hirsch, a WIPS member who reached the acme of amateur paleontology. His contributions to the study of fossil eggs were recognized and honored by several paleontological organizations, including WIPS, The Paleontological Society, and the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. The Karl Hirsch Memorial Grants are given to support novel research in paleontology or a closely related field. Funds for successful past projects have been used to support museum travel and supplies for paleontological research, fieldwork to collect significant specimens, and external analyses (e.g. CT scanning, geochemical analyses).
Reporting Requirements for Karl Hirsch Memorial Grant Recipients
All Karl Hirsch Memorial Research and Outreach/Service grant recipients are required to report on how the funds were used and the results of their studies to the WIPS membership, either by making a short presentation at a regular WIPS meeting, by submitting a short note for publication in the WIPS newsletter,Trilobite Tales, or by submitting a poster at a WIPS symposium or meeting. A published paper or abstract for a conference presentation can be submitted as a report. WIPS should be acknowledged as partial or full funding of the grant. Selection of each grant recipient will be based on scientific merit, originality, how the funds will be used, and overall benefit to WIPS.
Recipients have two years to fulfill the reporting requirements. Previous grant or scholarship recipients who have not fulfilled the reporting requirements will not be considered.
To apply for a research grant, please complete the Grant Application Cover Sheet and include the following attachments:
1. Project description (no more than two pages), including what, where, when, objectives anticipated, completion date, and where collected specimens will be accessioned.
2. CV or résumé detailing the qualifications and/or paleontological experience of the applicant
3. Brief itemized budget and justification
4. For field work, proof of permission or applicable permits for fieldwork on private or Federal, State, County or City land. Provide a copy of the permit application with the application for the grant (deadline January 31), and a copy of the completed permit by March 1.
5. If the research requires destructive analysis of conserved specimens, give proof of permission for the analysis from the institution(s) at which the specimen(s) are conserved.
Jordan Sawdo Memorial Outreach & Service Grants honor the memory of the WIPS’ co-founder.
Grants to support paleontology-related activities that significantly enhance the accessibility of the paleontology or specimens to a wider audience are regularly considered. Generally, these awards support WIPS member trips to improve the curation of regional fossil collections or support educational programs that introduce new audiences to the excitement of paleontology.
Grants to support outreach or service-related activities are typically used to support supplies for programs, travel (lodging, food) to host institutions for service activities, or other related costs. Proposals should describe in detail the project and how it will enhance paleontology to a general audience. It should also detail expected outcomes including the number and types of people impacted.
Reporting Requirements for Jordan Sawdo Outreach & Service Grant Recipients
All Jordan Sawdo Outreach/Service grant recipients are required to report on how the funds were used and the results of their studies to the WIPS membership, either by making a short presentation at a regular WIPS meeting, by submitting a short note for publication in the WIPS newsletter, Trilobite Tales, or by submitting a poster at a WIPS symposium or meeting. A published paper or abstract for a conference presentation can be submitted as a report. WIPS should be acknowledged as partial or full funding of the grant. Selection of each grant recipient will be based on scientific merit, originality, how the funds will be used, and overall benefit to WIPS.
Recipients have two years to fulfill the reporting requirements. Previous grant or scholarship recipients who have not fulfilled the reporting requirements will not be considered.
To apply for an outreach/service grant, please complete the Grant Application Coversheet and include the following attachments:
1. Project description (no more than two pages), including what, where, when, objectives anticipated, completion date, and where collected specimens will be accessioned.
2. CV or résumé detailing the qualifications and/or paleontological experience of the applicant
3. Brief itemized budget and justification
4. For field work, proof of permission or applicable permits for fieldwork on private or Federal, State, County or City land. Provide a copy of the permit application with the application for the grant (deadline January 31), and a copy of the completed permit by March 1.
5. If the research requires destructive analysis of conserved specimens, give proof of permission for the analysis from the institution(s) at which the specimen(s) are conserved.
Scholarships
WIPS members and non-members pursuing a degree in or other training in paleontology or a related field are invited to apply for the John Jenkins Scholarship. The scholarships honor the memory of John Jenkins, a former WIPS President whose enthusiasm and leadership helped make WIPS the successful organization it is today.
Scholarships are given to fund tuition and other educational costs in paleontology, geology, or related sciences at any accredited university or college for the purpose of furthering the applicant’s paleontological education. Course work may come from a number of disciplines that can contribute to the applicant’s paleontological skill set. It is expected that the applicant will use the scholarship for a specific purpose (e.g., field course, external workshop), rather than for general tuition or educational expenses. The Board particularly encourages elementary and secondary teachers who can make use of paleontological training in their classrooms to apply for a scholarship.
Reporting Requirements for John Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Recipients
All scholarship recipients are required to report on how the funds were used and the results of their studies to the WIPS membership, either by making a short presentation at a regular WIPS meeting or by submitting a short note for publication in the WIPS newsletter,Trilobite Tales.
To apply for a scholarship, please complete the Scholarship Application Cover sheet and include the following attachments:
- A brief description of the applicant’s program of study, scholarly goals, and a description of the specific course/program that these funds would support (no more than two pages).
- CV or résumé detailing the qualifications and/or paleontological experience of the applicant
- Brief itemized budget and justification
- Selection of each scholarship recipient will be based on merit, how the funds will be used, and overall benefit to WIPS.
Recipients have two years to fulfill the reporting requirements. Previous grant or scholarship recipients who have not fulfilled the reporting requirements will not be considered.
To apply for a scholarship, please complete the Scholarship Application Cover Sheet and include the following attachments:
1. A brief description of the applicant’s program of study, scholarly goals, and a description of the specific course/program that these funds would support (no more than two pages).
2. CV or résumé detailing the qualifications and/or paleontological experience of the applicant
3. Brief itemized budget and justification
4. Selection of each scholarship recipient will be based on merit, how the funds will be used, and overall benefit to WIPS.
For more information
For questions or more information on grants and scholarships, contact the WIPS Science Committee Chair.
WIPS grants and scholarships have helped support the work of early career and established scientists, undergraduate and graduate students, and avocational paleontologists for over three decades.
