Arts & Sciences Scholarships
Overview
The Fur-Bearers Arts & Science Scholarship was created in 2021 to support individuals who are committed to improving co-existence with wildlife in Canada. As human and non-human animal environments have become inextricably linked, it is vital that we continue to find innovative ways to live peacefully among wild animals and develop non-lethal alternatives in addressing perceived human-animal conflict. Part of this also includes creating wildlife-minded communities and amplifying the message of coexistence within our society.
The scholarship will be awarded to successful applicants to support projects designed to promote coexistence with wildlife. We are specifically interested in projects that involve fur-bearing animals. Applicants will choose from one of two streams when submitting project proposals for the scholarship. The Arts stream should be chosen for projects that use the arts to engage with their communities and share the message of coexistence. The Science stream should be chosen for projects that are primarily research-driven and work towards empirical solutions to human-animal conflict. Project proposals in either stream should have a clearly defined plan that outlines how objectives will be achieved, measurable outcomes, and what is the overall expected impact.
Additional Information
Two recipients will be awarded the scholarship: one recipient for the Arts stream and one recipient for the Science stream. At the discretion of the Scholarship Evaluation Committee, if strong applications are submitted in one of the two streams, two scholarships may be awarded in that stream for that year.
The Fur-Bearers Arts & Science Scholarship is awarded annually. Two successful applicants will be awarded $1,000 each. Completed projects that meet expected outcomes will be profiled on The Fur-Bearers website to help share the message of coexistence to wildlife advocates across Canada and beyond. View the links at the bottom of this page to learn more about previous projects supported by the scholarship.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a resident of Canada. Enrolment in a post-secondary program is not a requirement.
- Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Applications must include a description of the proposed project and the desired outcomes.
- Art scholarship applicants must include a portfolio of past or current works.
- Successful applicants are expected to complete their projects within one year of receiving the scholarship and the project proposal must include estimated time frames for completion. If projects might exceed one year, this should be indicated in the application. Extensions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Projects and their development must be carried out in accordance with all applicable laws; recipients must ensure that their projects do not negatively impact animals in any way, including (but not limited to) collaring, tagging, or capturing animals.
- Applicants must agree to the terms included in the scholarship application.
How to Apply
Download and complete the application form by clicking the button below. Please email completed applications to info@thefurbearers.com. The deadline for applications is October 4, 2024.
Selection Criteria
Decisions will be made by The Fur-Bearers Scholarship Evaluation Committee and will be primarily assessed on the project’s alignment of the overall goal of promoting coexistence with wildlife. Applications will be assessed on a project’s originality and innovation, its contribution to the public and wildlife populations, and its beneficial impact on the human-animal relationship. Strong applications will engage community members and/or organizations in the process of achieving the projects outcomes. All decisions made by the evaluation committee are final.
Past Recipients and Projects
Read about past projects supported by The Fur-Bearers’ scholarship program.
