UCCLAN Travel Fund

Context

The Masters received a gift to strengthen and enhance the delivery of our ten-year strategy, of which the second pillar aspires to catalyse the impact of the growing University of Cambridge Conservation Leadership Alumni Network (UCCLAN). 

Members of the UCCLAN are equipped with unique skills and knowledge that can drive significant change in conservation practices and policies globally. However, financial constraints often limit their ability to plan and participate in crucial events or initiatives and, also importantly, to join UCCLAN teams attending events such as global decision making platforms and key in person conservation practice and policy exchanges, conferences, and dialogues. Establishing a travel fund will not only empower alumni to expand their network and knowledge but also enhance the visibility and reputation of the programme.

We will offer a pilot phase for implementation and focus on the large Global events happening over the next 12-24 months, following which the criteria and process will be assessed and reevaluated as needed.  

Framework:

  1. Eligibility: Alumni of the Cambridge Masters in Conservation Leadership.
  2. Application process: an online application portal where alumni can submit proposals detailing their intended travel, objectives, expected outcomes, and other sources of funding available to support travel, stay, etc.
  3. Funding amount: We expect most grants will range from £500 to £2,000, with a provision to apply for more (up to a maximum of £4,000) based on specific circumstances (visa costs, distance of travel, etc). 
  4. Funded activity:Flights, registration and conference fees, accommodation, subsistence, travel insurance, visa costs (where applicable). Salary and wages are not covered by this grant. 
  5. Deadlines: Rolling monthly - applications must be in before the 27th of each month to be considered in that month or it will roll to the next. Applications must be submitted three months prior to the event taking place. 
  6. Reporting: Recipients will be required to submit a report on their experiences and outcomes (including pictures), which will be shared with the alumni network to inspire others.

Criteria:

  • Travel Fund for alumni of the MCL only 
  • For a UCCLAN priority events: Examples include COP 29, Azerbaijan, November 11-23 with priority given to individuals taking on a leadership or coordination role for UCCLAN participation, but also applications for travel to events that will increase impact, awareness of, and grow the UCCLAN network
  • Applicants must have approval to attend the event from the organisers and employer (if applicable)
  • UCCLAN Collaborative applications are allowed, with a detailed budget and justification for each member required as part of the application. Collaborative applications should be submitted by one person on behalf of the team and will be treated as one application as per the framework above and with the same funding amounts applicable. Partial funding may be awarded in the case of larger applications.

Decision-making:

  • Decisions will be made by the UCCLAN Travel Fund working group and agreed with the CL Team, criteria will be value for money (cost vs capacity and impact), collaborations made, and anticipated outcomes
  • Repeat funding for individuals should be offered only in exceptional circumstances. Priority will be given to those who have not previously been funded through the UCCLAN Travel Fund. As the process is developed, the Travel Fund WG may set a recommended timeline for reapplication
  • Members of the working group who are applying for funding will not be part of the evaluation process for that funding round

Expected Outcomes:

  • Enhanced professional development of alumni.
  • Increased collaboration and networking among conservation policy and practice professionals both within the UCCLAN and the wider sector.
  • Greater visibility for the Cambridge Masters in Conservation Leadership programme.
  • Direct contributions to global conservation initiatives, dialogues, policy developed and intersectional approaches (i.e. across biodiversity, climate change, pollution, land degradation and drought, human rights and gender equality and other interconnected issues) through alumni activities.

Evaluating impact:

Successful applicants to submit a short report that assesses the following:

  1. Achievement of Objectives: against stated goals and objectives as outlined in the application.
  2. Networking and Collaboration: new professional connections made / collaborations initiated, anticipated next steps post the event 
  3. Conservation Outcomes: outcomes or impacts resulting from attendance; including but not limited to meaningful contribution to important and current policy and in-practice dialogues, or providing expert insights during negotiations.

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