Funding Questions

[neominois]

Hello!  I'm not sure I am posting this in the correct place, however I have a question for you all.

This summer I am taking a group of college students to Peru to research, photograph, and collect Lepidoptera.  We had a setback of sorts last week when we learned that the required vaccinations were not located in our area due to a yellow fever outbreak that occurred in Brasil.  Our students now have at least a 250 mile drive to receive a series of vaccinations that cost upwards of $250-$300.

The short of it is that it is causing a burden in cost for our students, who are already stressed with the initial costs for the trip.  My University, Biology Department, and admin refuse to help out with any costs, hell I could not get my Dept. Chair to finance one collection permit to bring back specimens for the school.  All of these extra costs I'm picking up myself.

My question is...  Do any of you know potential grants or funding I can look into to help lessen the burden of cost for my students?  The class would involve documenting and photographing Leps for a publication on ecology and conservation.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated,


Thank you!

Matt  

[Paul K]

As far as I know Yellow Fever vaccination was always mandatory to travel to Amazonian region. I actually wouldn’t risk to go there with out vaccine. There is no cure for this sickness.


Sorry I can not help with funds issue.
I believe as long as no one high on top will participate in share of the grant somehow it will be hard to get it.

[bandrow]

Greetings,

I have no personal experience with the GoFundMe process, but this sure sounds more responsible and credible than most requests that I've seen associated with that kind of on-line fundraising! Is that a possibility? While it would be crucial for your needs, it sounds like it would be a fairly small amount to request...

Cheers!
Bandrow 

[luehdorfia]

You should look at some papers and reports of university expeditions. I once looked at a report about an insect expedition to South America by oxford or Cambridge university, and they listed everyone who helped funding it at the end of the paper, it was at least 200 different organisations, societies and individuals, there you should find the right address to go to, a little bit internet research and you can send an email to a few dozen perfect organisations that support insect research.

[neominois]

Thank you all for the ideas. I know Yellow Fever is required, as why my students must get it. I have never attempted a gofundme venture, perhaps I should look into in. I wouldn't need a lot of money, you are correct, just enough to lessen the financial burden of the students.

Luehdorfia, thank you for your idea, perhaps looking into some local organizations, or businesses would be a possibility.

I am just very frustrated in the lack of interest the University itself has given us. I thought the possibility of promoting the college through this trip and potential publication would be a great incentive, but I guess I'm not a priority.

Thanks again guys!

[neominois]

With Bandrow's advice, I started a GoFundMe account. I've never done this before, so I don't know how it will work but please check it out!

www.gofundme.com/scientific-study-in-peru

[cabintom]

For yellow fever vaccines, some countries in Africa are set-up to administer them at the airport. Perhaps that's a possibility in Peru?

Edit: Or if not at the airport, perhaps at a Peruvian clinic/hospital. The cost should be less of a burden that way as well.

[exoticimports]

Check the local CDC or county health office. I have never paid for YF vaccine it was always free. You will also want DPT booster.

[Paul K]

Feb 21, 2019 7:28:05 GMT cabintom said:

For yellow fever vaccines, some countries in Africa are set-up to administer them at the airport. Perhaps that's a possibility in Peru?

Edit: Or if not at the airport, perhaps at a Peruvian clinic/hospital. The cost should be less of a burden that way as well.

Yellow fever vaccine should be taken 10 days before travel to be effective so the risk would be still high. It could work though if the trip is planed for long period of time and you would stay first 10 days in Pacific coast or high in the mountains in uneffected areas.

[jmg]

In French Guyana (part of the Amazon rainforest), the yellow fever vaccine is mandatory and the vaccination record is checked at airports in France before boarding to Cayenne. However, control is less severe on land borders. Thus, two or three months ago, a Swiss citizen went from Suriname to French Guiana, crossing the Maroni by boat. He was not vaccinated. Strolling not far from Cayenne, in a fairly swampy area (near the estuary of the Comté River), he lost his way and was only able to return to his accommodation at night, covered with mosquito bites. He passed from life to death a couple of weeks later.
Sad story ! Yellow fever is really an endemic threat.

I point out that this endemic zone of yellow fever is rich in Heliconius melpomene (many forms) and Heliconius ricini. There was also a wonderful corner for various species of Parides but the "spot" (the Parides are often very localized) was deforested stupidly two years ago (to widen a track to a house weekend!).That's why, nevertheless, I frequent it regularly. But, I am vaccinated. 

[wollastoni]

neominois, I have edited your link which was wrong, the good one is : www.gofundme.com/scientific-study-in-peru

I hope you will find enough funds, won't be easy.
My experience from funding is that you should contact each companies of your cities, newspapers and even big US firms. You will get much more money than asking to individuals.

Congrats for organizing such trips, I hope it will be a success !

[neominois]

Feb 22, 2019 9:47:34 GMT wollastoni said:

neominois , I have edited your link which was wrong, the good one is : www.gofundme.com/scientific-study-in-peru

I hope you will find enough funds, won't be easy.
My experience from funding is that you should contact each companies of your cities, newspapers and even big US firms. You will get much more money than asking to individuals.

Congrats for organizing such trips, I hope it will be a success !

Thank you, would it be okay for me to re-post the GoFundMe link as a new thread in the forum? Perhaps some fellow Lepidopterists would be interested in donating.