***DRAFT*** WAA Demonstration Trial Funding Program Application

Goal:

In an effort to expand the WAA’s mission of improving the understanding of trees and the practice of arboriculture, the Research Committee has created the Demonstration Trial Funding program.  The main goals of this grant are to support and disseminate Wisconsin relevant scientific research and demonstration trial studies in the field of arboriculture for the WAA membership.

Purpose:  Assess and disseminate new and innovative in-field arboriculture practices and technology based on the foundation of research and its relevance to Wisconsin.

Who can apply?

Wisconsin based entities including: City, Village, Town, County, tribal governments, state agencies like universities, technical colleges, 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organizations, or companies who have WAA members in good standing.

Budget: Demonstration Trial Funding Program supports up to $5000 per project for the duration of the project.

Eligible/Ineligible costs:

Funds should be used only for purchasing appropriate materials to meet the objectives of the trial projects. All project costs should be properly documented with appropriate receipts.

Funds should not be used for salaries, travel reimbursement, compensations, pay or lease of the land/ plots, purchasing costs incurred before or after the project period, or for fines and penalties due to violations of federal, state or local law/regulations.

Minimum Criteria for In-Field Demonstration Trial Projects:

• Demonstration Trial study project shall be conducted and analyzed for no more than four years in Wisconsin.
• In-field testing projects should have multiple treatments and/or replications for comparison as well as a control group
• The demonstration trial should be evaluated on regular intervals with detail record keepings
• Should document all stages of the demonstration trial projects with relevant photographs/videos
• Members of the Research Committee and/or designated appointee will be permitted to be on site for a scheduled demonstration during the trial period.

Reporting requirements:

Provide written summary of the trial updates to the WAA BODs annually.

Full report will be submitted to the WAA membership within one year of the completion of the project.

Disseminate the demonstration trial results and interpretations at the end of the project time frame in 2 of the following outreach modes – poster or oral presentations at WAA conference/ workshops and publish an article in WI Arborist Newsletter. WAA will also post the demonstration trial information on the website and social media.

Application Process:

Applications may be submitted between July 1st-October 31st and will be accepted only through a written request submitted to the WAA Chapter TREE Fund Liaison (via email at WILLIAMS.L.THERESA22@GMAIL.COM). Funds will be disbursed in January. Applications must include the following information:

• Project goal, objective, summary
• Project time period
• Project description and onsite demonstration methodology (include but not limited to site location, plot map, number of treatments, evaluation method)
• Project outreach plans (listed in reporting requirement)
• Project budget (detail costs)
• Signed letter of agreement

Selection Process: 

• There is a scoring matrix that will be used to justify the selection. This matrix will be filled out by the Research Committee Members and the scores averaged.  There will be at least 3 people scoring each proposal. Each of the bullets below is scored from 0-5 (0=unacceptable; 5=exceptional)
• Purpose of the Project: What is the research question? What is the importance of the question?
• Potential Impact of the Topic: Does the project address a problem/issue within the WAA’s mission? Does the project address topics that benefit the everyday work of arborists and urban foresters? Will this project have applications to the Wisconsin arboriculture and urban forestry communities? Will measurable outcomes occur as a result of this project?
• Rigorous Approaches to the Process and Problem: Are the methods and proposed analysis appropriate for the scope of the project?
• Feasibility of the Proposed Scope of Work: Has the applicant demonstrated appropriate qualifications and resources to accomplish the project? Can the project be completed within the given time frame?
• Budget: Is there a clear explanation of how grant funds will be used in the context of the total project budget? Are additional sources of funding for the project being pursued?
• Planned method of outreach: How will the applicant disseminate the work?

Award Process and Funds Distribution

The WAA Chapter TREE Fund Liaison will submit all requests for review to the WAA Research Committee. The Liaison will reply to the grantee’s request within 14 calendar days of the WAA Board of Director’s approval. The awarded Demonstration Trial funding amount will be determined at the discretion of the Committee. The award will be published in the WAA quarterly newsletter.

Funds will be available January of the year following the approved application. Funding will be given out based on quotes or receipts provided by the awardee.  It is preferred that the funds be paid directly to the vendor.  Alternatively, receipts can be reimbursed after the awardee purchases materials or supplies.

Signed Letter of Agreement

Upon the approval of the project, the awardee will receive a letter of agreement that states that the WAA is providing funds for the approved project.  It also states that the funds are only to be utilized in ways that are approved in the description above.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the applicant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Wisconsin Arborist Association, their officers, directors, shareholders, partners, representatives, agents and employees against damage, loss, claims, suits, actions, expense, liability or obligation of any kind whatsoever by reason of or arising from any actions of the applicant, its agents, employees or sub-subcontractors, or from any liability or obligation imposed by law upon the Wisconsin Arborist Association for property damage or bodily injuries, including death at any time resulting therefrom, sustained by any person or persons, on account of or in consequence of the performance of this Agreement by the applicant, its agents, employees, or subcontractors.

Below is the application information needed.  Items can be submitted as separate documents.  The application must be signed and dated to be considered.