Breaking Barriers Grant

​

The Breaking Barriers Grant was established with the first Victorian Biodiversity Conference in 2017 following a small but important donation, and has grown from there. The Grant has become part of the culture of the conference – through it we hope to ensure that the event is as inclusive, supportive and diverse as possible.

 

Who is eligible?

Anyone presenting at the conference (either a talk or a poster) can apply. We will consider applications from individuals based at organisations in Victoria or close-by in neighbouring states (e.g. Albury-Wodonga).

 

What are grounds for applying?

It’s not always easy to get to conferences – they can be expensive, inaccessible, and intimidating. The Breaking Barriers Grant hopes to address that. People who might consider applying could:

 

• Be based in regional areas

• Have caring responsibilities

• Identify as being part of a minority group

• Be experiencing physical or mental health barriers

• Be experiencing financial hardship

• Just be having a tough time.

 

What type of support can I ask for?

We will consider applications up to the value of $500. Applications of over $500 may be considered if suitable justification is provided. You might request funds for:

 

• Conference registration

• Workshop fees

• Childcare

• Travel or accommodation

• Anything else that might make your attendance at the conference possible.

 

This list is not exhaustive, and everyone’s situation is different: our philosophy is that it doesn’t hurt to ask, and any reasonable and justified requests will be respectfully considered.

 

How do I apply?

We'll ask you to give us a brief summary of your situation and why you are applying for the grant – this can be up to 200 words, but shorter is also OK. We'll also ask you to tell us how much you are applying for, and what you will use the funds for, including cost estimates. If you have travel and accommodation options in mind (modest but comfortable), then quotes/website links are also appreciated. Don’t feel you need to apply for the full $500 – applications both small and large will be considered.

 

Who will see my application?

We understand that some of the issues you raise in your application may be of a personal or sensitive nature. A panel of three people from the VicBioCon Organising Committee will read your application, and then the Conference Chair will notify you of the outcome - it will otherwise be kept completely confidential. All applications will be deleted once a decision has been made.

​

Please note: Due to the way university financial systems operate, this grant must be provided as a reimbursement. Successful recipients will need to make their required purchases (e.g. conference registration, travel, childcare), and then supply receipts or tax invoices. We apologise for any inconvenience.

​