FMC Expedition Scholarship criteria

Thank you for considering applying for an FMC Expedition Scholarship. The criteria for our scholarships are as follows:

The Applicant

  • Applicants must be a member of an FMC affiliated club or associate organisation or an FMC Individual Supporter.
  • Youth Scholarship Applicants must be under the age of 30 on the day of the specified closing date. There are no age restrictions on the Simon Bell Memorial Scholarship.
  • Previous winners of an FMC Expedition Scholarship are not eligible to reapply for the same scholarship on subsequent occasions.
  • Applicants must be prepared to publicise the Expedition both before and after its completion, including providing agreed material such as photos and a written report to FMC, and where requested, speaking to local clubs.

The Expedition

  • The Expedition must be led by the applicant.
  • The Expedition members can be of any age, mentoring is encouraged for young leaders.
  • The Expedition must be a multi-day expedition (five or more nights’ duration) within mainland New Zealand or its offshore islands.
  • Expeditions that venture into Wilderness Areas or New Zealand’s more forgotten corners are especially encouraged, as are Expeditions that display imagination and a thirst for exploration.
  • Evidence of permissions/permits required for the expedition must be provided to FMC on request. Eg Drone permits, Helicopter landing permits, private land access etc…

The payment

  • The maximum amount of all scholarships is $1,500.
  • The scholarship must be used for Expedition expenses, it cannot be used for individuals gear.
  • Successful applicants will have up to one year after receipt in which to spend their scholarship.
  • If the scholarship is not used within the stipulated period or if conditions are not met, it must be repaid to FMC.
  • FMC may choose to split the scholarship and complete payment once the expedition is completed.
  • The FMC Expedition Scholarship can be held in conjunction with other external funding.

Endorsement

For members of FMC affiliated clubs or associated organisations: a written endorsement from the applicant’s supporting organisation must be provided. This should include their reasons for endorsing the applicant, including their experience in the outdoors and their commitment to the club or organisation, as well as how the Expedition will be of benefit to both the applicant and the club or affiliate organisation (e.g. nurturing future leadership and equipping them with suitable skills).

For Individual Supporters: a written endorsement, including contact details, from a suitable referee (e.g. school teacher, sports coach, community leader, an employer) that provides an appropriate character reference of the applicant. Previous outdoor experience, particularly in Expedition-type settings, should be documented. The endorsement should also outline how receipt of an award will assist in developing the applicant’s character in the future (e.g. building leadership and organisational skills).

 

Download an application form now!