The GCA Ecological Restoration Fellowship funds graduate research advancing scientific knowledge of restoring ecosystems, supporting both biological and social science projects.
Funder: Garden Club of America
Due Dates: December 31, 2026: Full application deadline | December 31, 2026: Letters of recommendation deadline
Funding Amounts: $8,000 annual fellowship; single-year award for graduate research in ecological restoration
Summary: Supports graduate research advancing ecological restoration through an annual fellowship for students at accredited U.S. universities.
Key Information: Only one GCA scholarship, fellowship, or award may be applied for annually.
This annual fellowship is designed to support graduate students conducting research in ecological restoration, broadly defined as the active healing of land and ecosystems. Established by the Garden Club of America (GCA) and funded by the John B. Young Charitable Trust and GCA members, the fellowship aims to advance scientific knowledge and increase the number of specialists in ecological restoration. The program aligns with the Society for Ecological Restoration’s definition, supporting both biological and social science research relevant to restoration. Preference is given to projects with field research in the United States, but international fieldwork is not excluded.