Apply for Plant Conservation Fellowships

Catherine H. Beattie Fellowship

Each year, The Garden Club of America (GCA) and the CPC together award the Catherine H. Beattie Fellowship to graduate students in biology, horticulture, or a related field. The purpose of the award is “to promote conservation of rare and endangered flora in the United States, with preference given to students whose projects focus on the endangered flora of the Carolinas and southeastern United States.” The fellowship was established to honor Catherine H. Beattie who served as a director and board member of the GCA and served as president from 1981 to 1983. The first fellowship was given by the Fullerton Foundation in 1983.

Provisions: Provides one annual research grant of up to $4,500, regarded as compensation for work at a botanical garden by the student, who jointly serves the mission of the Center for Plant Conservation and his/her/their curricular studies through the study and conservation of rare and endangered plants.

Eligibility: Open to graduate students in biology, botany, ecology, horticulture, or a related field. Preference is given to students whose projects focus on a specific rare plant species native to the United States, with special consideration for the endangered flora of the Carolinas and southeastern United States. Eligibility is limited to U.S. Citizens and permanent residents who are enrolled in a U.S. – based institution.

To apply: Please submit a project narrative detailing proposed research. Items to submit:

• one page cover letter (~400 words)
• two page (maximum) project narrative (the page limit excludes citations)
• one page project budget and timeline
• curriculum vitae
• letter of recommendation from major advisor or equivalent

Applications format: Items should be compiled in a single pdf document with items in the order listed above. Name the file “2025_Beattie_Fellowship_Application_LastName_FirstInitital.pdf” (e.g., 2025_Beattie_Fellowship_Application_Smith_J.pdf).

Deadline and email instructions: Applications should be submitted by January 31, 2025 and emailed to info@saveplants.org with “2025 Beattie Fellowship Application” in the subject line.

Selection: Selection is by a committee appointed by the Center for Plant Conservation and is approved by the GCA Scholarship Committee. Applicants will be notified by mid-March 2025.