Grants Awarded

" Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life." Rachel Carson
	Grant awarded: Meteorite Exhibits, 2013- Recipients: Multiple Purpose: Distribute large Campo del Cielo meteorites to public venues for hands-on exhibits. Outcome: Ongoing See: Campo del Cielo Meterorite Exhibits
	Grant awarded: Lowell Observatory, 2013 Project Coordinators: Samantha Christensen, Kevin Schindler, Ralph Nye, Antoinette Beiser, Jeff Hall Purpose: The Toomey Foundation is the lead sponsor for the restoration of the famous Clark refracting telescope at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. The Clark telescope played important roles in the study of Mars (Pervical Lowell), the nature of the expanding universe (V. M. Slipher), and the mapping of the Moon in advance of the Apollo Program. Since its transition to an outreach telescope, more than 1 million visitors have looked through the Clark telescope. Outcome: Fundraiser was completed in the Spring, 2013. Restoration began in 2013. Restoration completed in 2015. More information: The Clark Refractor
	Grant awarded: North Carolina State University, 2012 Project Coordinator: Edwin Cadena Purpose: Molecular paleontology of Mesozoic and Cenozoic marine turtles of Columbia. Outcome: Research published in 2015.
	Grant awarded: University of Wyoming, 2012 Project Coordinator: Emma Stewart Purpose: Botanical Study of Beaverhead National Forest Outcome: Conducted a floristic inventory of vascular plants on the Madison Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in southwest Montana. Collected over 8000 botanical specimens, identified collections to species or infraspecific level, mapped rare plant populations, used ArcGIS for data management.
	Grant awarded: Florida Museum of Natural History, 2010-2011 Project Coordinator: Douglas S. Jones, Ph.D. Purpose: Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway temporary exhibit promoted the history of Florida and increased awareness of fossils, fossil sites around the United States, evolution and extinction. The Toomey Foundation for the Natural Sciences was one of the lead sponsors of this exhibit. Outcome: Exhibit ran from February 4 through September 3, 2012. Over 40,000 visitors attended.
	Grant awarded:Tallahassee Museum, 2009 Project Coordinator: Russell Daws Purpose: Funding for the exhibition Alien Attack: Target Everglades Purpose: To promote education about the top ten most invasive plants and animals in the Everglades and southern United States. This program will allow for the identification of invasives locally as well as give an understanding of how to prevent their spread.
	Grant awarded: University of Nebraska Trailside Museum of Natural History Excellence Fund, 2007 Project Coordinator: N/A Purpose: Funding for the continuation of museum exhibits. Outcome:
	Grant awarded: Sue and Steve Hutchens Collection, 2007 Project Coordinator: Bruce J. McFadden, Ph. D. Purpose: Curation of the private collection of fossils donated by Steve and Sue Hutchens Outcome: Fossil specimens collected in Florida and Nebraska were donated to the Florida Museum of Natural History and have been incorporated into the collection.
	Grant awarded: University of Florida; Museum Bulletin Endowment Researcher(s): Dana J. Ehret, 2007 Purpose: Funding granted to the Museum Bulletin Endowment to help supplement the costs of publishing research involving fossil tortoises. Outcome: See: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/bulletin/bulletin_vols.htm
	Grant awarded: University of Florida; Ben B. Coffey, Jr. Endowment Researcher(s): David Steadman, 2007 Purpose: Contribution made for further investigation of the Thomas Farm, Florida fossil site operated by the Florida Museum of Natural History. Outcome: Ongoing
	Grant awarded: University of Florida, 2006 Project Coordinator: Florida Museum of Natural History Purpose: Funding for the “Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived” exhibit. Outcome: The exhibition features a 60-foot-long walk-through shark sculpture and highlights the evolution, biology and misconceptions regarding giant prehistoric sharks. See: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/megalodon
	Grant awarded: New Mexico Museum of Natural History, 2005 Researchers: Gary S. Morgan, Nicholas J. Czaplewski Purpose: Collection of small bats and other micro-vertebrate fossils to gain knowledge of early evolutionary history of bats, as well as other samples from the midwestern badlands. Outcome: The participants continue to gather specimens and research material from Midwestern Oligocene deposits.
	Grant awarded: University of Florida, 2003 Project Coordinator: Bruce J. McFadden, Ph.D. Purpose: To support informative talks with fossil clubs within the Florida area and facilitate proactive collaboration of events between groups. Outcome: As of 2006, Dr. Bruce McFadden has conducted numerous talks with fossil clubs as well as prepared and emailed an electronic brochure.
	Grant awarded: University of Florida, 2002 Project Coordinator: Florida Museum of Natural History Purpose: Supplement funding for the traveling exhibit “Tusks! Ice Age Florida’s Mammoths and Mastodons”. Outcome: The specimen – rich exhibit provided educational opportunities about ice age mammals and information revealed through fossil discovery. See: Florida Museum of Natural History
	Grant awarded: City of Gainesville, 2001 Recipient: Alachua Astronomy Club Purpose: Create a scale model of the solar system to aid as an educational tool for conceptualizing the solar system and beautify the city of Gainesville, Florida. Outcome: The project was completed in 2001 and can be used by elementary schools and the general public. See: Alachua Astronomy Club, Inc.