San Francisco Orchid Society
Conservation
Our Conservation Mission
The San Francisco Orchid Society Conservation Committee was established in 2012 to support projects that contribute to the conservation of orchids and orchid habitat. Any member of the SFOS is invited and welcome to participate in the Conservation Committee.
Our approach is closely based on the plan of the San Diego County Orchid Society, which has in the last 20 years raised more funds to support orchid conservation than any other similar organization in the country.
One hundred percent of funds raised by the Conservation Committee will go to support conservation of orchids in the wild.
Our Three-Stage Business Plan
Stage 1: Raising Funds Through Donated Plants
Fundraising involves obtaining donated plants, caring for plants, and selling plants. We ask the SFOS membership at society meetings and through our newsletter for their extra plants and divisions, explaining the purpose for which we are raising money. Please support our efforts by donating plants, and by purchasing plants at the sales. The SFOS also accepts cash donations earmarked for conservation efforts.
Stage 2: Soliciting Conservation Grant Proposals
We will solicit and review grant applications at least once a year, however applications are accepted year-round. Applications should include a one-page summary of the project, a budget, a resume for the principal researcher, and a letter of recommendation from a recognized authority or institution in the orchid world.
Stage 3: Awarding Grants
Applications will be distributed to the members of the Conservation Committee in advance of our award meeting. Committee members grade the applications according to their individual interpretation of our guidelines. Most of our grants will be in the range of $2,500 or less. In many orchid-rich parts of the world, even these modest funds can help to move conservation efforts forward.
Grant Criteria
When considering grant criteria, we will take into account our goals. Successful applicants must agree to write a report / give a talk for the society, publicize their results, and acknowledge our support in their publication(s).
- Protect orchids in the wild.
- Conduct studies related to orchid conservation.
- Educate the public about conservation in general, orchid conservation in particular, and encourage public participation.
If no submitted application reasonably meets the above criteria, we hold funds over until the next application season.
Submit a Grant Application
Inquiries and applications can be sent to our Conservation Committee. Applications are accepted year-round.
[email protected]Support Orchid Conservation
Make a tax-deductible donation to SFOS and 100% of conservation-earmarked funds go directly to orchid conservation projects.
Make a Donation