White Desert Foundation

White Desert Foundation is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charity number 1210682).

White Desert Foundation, a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charity number 1210682), exists to progress climate change action through scientific research, Blue Carbon projects and education. It supports scientific research in Antarctica using White Desert's infrastructure, restores blue carbon ecosystems, and makes monetary grants to projects combatting climate change further afield. It also runs a guest education programme that champions Antarctica and global environmental stewardship. Its annual giving was £355,488.

Priority Areas

The Foundation supports climate-related scientific research in Antarctica, including logistical support for scientists who need to collect data in the field. Its Science Grant seeks research directly related to climate change or its impacts on the Antarctic environment, with innovative work capable of delivering outcomes from the support. It also provides monetary grants to projects further afield that combat climate change. Its Blue Carbon work backs coastal and marine habitat restoration to restore ecosystem balance and store carbon, including work on salt marshes, peatlands and seagrass. Alongside research and restoration, it develops education to champion Antarctica and global environmental stewardship. Its approach combines scientific support, habitat restoration and education, and uses White Desert’s infrastructure to assist field research.

Themes

• Antarctic science
• Blue carbon restoration
• Environmental education

Geographic Focus

Dronning Maud Land. Priority: Western Cape.

For the Science Grant, scientists email the application document and a one-page CV for each investigator to the Foundation by the closing date.

Deadlines: Applications must be submitted by the published closing date.

Application windows:

• Science Grant: Applications close on 31 July.

What to send:

• Science Grant
  • A synopsis of the project explaining why the applicant should be awarded the Foundation’s Antarctic support grant.
  • A Word or equivalent document answering the listed application questions, including project details, methods, expected outputs, benefits, open access, investigator capability and experience, environmental impact, funding source and end date, and the National Antarctic authority and permit authorisation.
  • A one page CV for each investigator, including the top 5 peer-reviewed publications and a link to a Google Scholar or equivalent open access scholarly profile.
  • Proof of funding for completion of and delivery of outcomes from the project.
  • Proof of insurance.
  • A valid environmental research permit for entry into Antarctica from the applicant’s own country, as required by the Antarctic Treaty.

What the charity says:

• The Science Grant favours innovative research directly related to climate change or its impacts on the Antarctic environment that can deliver outcomes from its support.
• The Foundation’s internal panel advises it on applications.
• It supports studies whose academic grant is secured but which lack funds to get into the Antarctic field.