North America Chapters
The Society for Conservation Biology North America supports a diversity of local chapter initiatives and events; facilitates participation in local policy work; promotes chapter member travel to sectional and global meetings; and provides organizational structure to local chapters. SCBNA’s Board includes a Chapters Representative who chairs the Chapter Committee within the North America Region.
Resources for New & Existing Chapters (ABCs)
Chapter Funding Opportunities from SCBNA
SCB North America Chapters in good standing are able to submit an application for grant funding during the following funding cycles: Fall Funding (Aug – Sept) and Spring Funding (Jan – Feb). Decisions for each funding cycle will be announced prior to, and during the corresponding Chapters Business Meeting in Fall & Spring. Chapters whose funding request has been approved will need to have a representative present at Chapters Business Meeting in order for funding to be disbursed. If no representative is able to attend, then the Chapter will need to submit a letter to the SCBNA Chapters Representative (chapters@scbnorthamerica.org) with a detailed explanation as to why that’s the case.
Funding requests can be made in the $250-500 range, with up to $1000 disbursed per funding cycle. All applications will be reviewed by the SCBNA Chapters Committee, and additional funding outside of the aforementioned range may be approved by the Committee on a case-by-case basis. Examples of activities/projects that can be funded via SCBNA grants can be found on pages 6-7 of the Revised SCBNA Chapters Guide.
To ensure that your Chapter is in good standing prior to submitting an application, please reach out to the SCBNA Chapters Representative (chapters@scbnorthamerica.org) or mail@scbnorthamerica.org.
How to Start a New Chapter
All new chapters are formed by formally completing – and submitting – the above ABC documents to the SCBNA Chapters Representative and Board of Directors for consideration. New chapters can send their completed forms to chapters@scbnorthamerica.org or mail@scbnorthamerica.org and can reach out to either email with questions.
How to Remain in Good Standing as a Chapter
All current Chapters need to complete the ANNUAL CHAPTERS REGISTRATION FORM by January 31st of each calendar year in order to remain in good standing. If a Chapter is unable to complete the form on time, they will need to send an email to chapters@scbnorthamerica.org or mail@scbnorthamerica.org with a detailed explanation. Moreover, in order to receive funding support from SCBNA, Chapters will need to send a representative to the biannual Chapters Business Meeting, held in early Fall and Spring of each calendar year (specific dates/times will be posted in advance to this page and SCBNA’s Upcoming Events page).
A Chapter is considered inactive if it has not been registered two years in a row, and dormant if unregistered for four consecutive years.
