Research Grants

Mazamas Overview

The Mazamas are a mountaineering organization based in Portland, Oregon, and were organized on the summit of Mt. Hood in 1894. The purposes of the Mazamas are to explore mountains, disseminate authoritative and scientific information concerning them, encourage the preservation of forests and other features of mountain scenery in their natural beauty, and enhance the enjoyment and safety of outdoor recreation. Anyone who has climbed to the summit of a mountain on which there is a living glacier is eligible for membership. The word “Mazamas” is derived from a Native American term for the mountain goat.

The Mazamas are dedicated to the exploration and preservation of mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest.  Mazamas activities include gathering and disseminating scientific information concerning the natural features of mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes.  Investigations of geologic features, biotic communities, and human endeavors pertaining to the enjoyment and safety of outdoor recreation are all relevant research topics.

Previously Awarded Research Grants

Check this link to see previously awarded grants.

Eligibility

Any individual or organization conducting nonprofit research consistent with the interests and activities of the Mazamas is eligible to submit a proposal in any of the categories listed above.  Most successful applicants are graduate students or experienced scientists performing field studies in the Pacific Northwest.  Applicants need not be Mazamas members. 

The suggested category for faculty and principal investigators is the “Standard Research Grant”. The maximum award in this category is $3500.

Graduate students are encouraged to apply for the “Graduate Student Grant” which has a maximum award of $1500. Graduate students may submit a “Standard Research Grant” application if they wish, but have to be aware that this category is much more competitive.
 
Note: Proposals cannot be submitted simultaneously under the Standard Research Grant and Graduate Student Research Grant programs.  Any proposal simultaneously submitted to both will automatically be disqualified from both programs.

Proposals concerning implementation of conservation activities should be directed to the Mazamas Conservation Grants.

The Mazamas grant program will offer the following grant categories.  (Some grants given in previous years, such as travel scholarships, are not currently being offered.)  See the links below for complete details.

• Standard Research Grant
• Graduate Student Research Grant
• Youth Grant