"Amateur" entomologists, arachnologists, and others contribute significant knowledge through their biological recording and collections work, recording species occurrences, range shifts, and documenting shifts in biodiversity. However, many methods used for biological recording may have negative welfare consequences for the animals and some could be candidates for potential improvements via the 3Rs (replace, reduce, or refine). We believe amateur recorders are the people best equipped to innovate on these methods and test them, but often lack the means: this award is intended to help with supplies and travel costs associated with that process of innovation, and provide support in designing a sound study and reporting the results so others can make informed decisions about refining their practice.

Up to $2,000 USD of funding may be provided. Funds are not intended to be used for salary.

To be eligible, recorders must be amateur or non-professional, meaning they cannot be employed by, studying at, or retired from a research institution, university, or museum in an invertebrate zoology capacity. Additionally, they must have at least two years of prior experience participating in invertebrate recording or collecting initiatives.

Please read our ‘Applicant Handbook’ and FAQ on how to apply, funding restrictions, acknowledging our support, reporting on results, and more. Any further questions not covered in the handbook can be directed to grants@insectwelfare.com.

Awards are due December 1, 2025 at midnight your local time