The Tan Kean Cheong Bird Conservation Memorial Fund (TKCF from hereon) has been generously set up by the family of the late Mr Tan Kean Cheong to commemorate his memory.
An enthusiastic birdwatcher, K.C. Tan (left), as he was popularly known, was one of the founding members of the Bird Group of MNS Perak Branch. He passed away in 1994 and willed part of his estate to MNS for the conservation of the birds that had given him so much joy.
Over the years, the TKCF has assisted several individuals and organizations in carrying out various bird conservation projects. These range from supporting publications such as the Birds of Perak book, the Directory of Important Bird Areas in Malaysia and posters on the threatened Milky Stork to financing field studies on the birds of the North Selangor Peat Swamp forest and the Whistling-thrushes of Malaysia.
The Perak Branch of the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), administrators of the TKCF, invites applications for financial assistance to carry out bird conservation projects in Malaysia. Enquiries and application guidelines are outlined below.
Objective
The Tan Kean Cheong Bird Conservation Memorial Fund, hereinafter referred to as Tan Kean Cheong Fund (TKCF in short), provides financial assistance to individuals, academia and NGOs to implement bird conservation projects in Malaysia, preferably in Perak.
Eligible applicants
Any Malaysian citizen, permanent resident or non-profit organization based in Malaysia can apply for financial assistance from the Tan Kean Cheong Fund. Applications will only be considered for bird conservation projects to be carried out in Malaysia.
Project Scope
Any project involving bird conservation, in its widest sense, may be eligible for financing from the Tan Kean Cheong Fund. However, particular attention will be given to projects in the following areas:
– Public awareness
– Education
– Threatened species
– Threatened habitats
Educational poster on hornbill species partly funded by TKCF
Available funds
The amount per grant is up to a maximum of RM10,000, subject to approval by the Perak Branch of MNS.
Non-eligible Project Expenses
Capital items such as major equipment, binoculars, generators etc, salaries and administrative operating costs of the organization are not eligible for financing
Application Period
Applications for grants are to be submitted between 1st August and 30th September of each year.
1. A special TKCF Application Assessment Committee set up by the Bird Group shall evaluate each application and shall put forward its recommendation to the Branch Exco for final decision. The same committee shall also be responsible for monitoring the progress of the project to its completion.
2. The Branch Exco shall review the recommendations of the TKFC Application Assessment Committee and will decide whether to approve or reject the application in part or in full.
3. Application outcome: The Branch Chairperson or Secretary shall inform the applicant of the Branch decision. The decision of the Branch is final.
4. Grant contract: Perak Branch MNS and the grant recipient shall sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
5. Disbursement of funds: Approved grant shall be disbursed in phases according to the MoU schedule of the project. Disbursements shall depend on satisfactory progress or interim reports received.
6. Reports: At the discretion of the TKC Application Assessment Committee, the grant recipient may be asked to provide an interim or progress report during project implementation. A final report is required at the end of the project. A financial statement and receipts showing how the funds were used must accompany the final report.
7. Other requirements
7.1 Funds received must be used exclusively within the framework of the implementation of the project. The MNS Perak Branch Committee reserves the right to claim a refund of the grant if the funds are used for any purpose other than for the implementation of the project
Blue Whistling Thrush with coloured bands on its legs for identification
7.2 If the grant recipient finds that it has to modify the project plan for any unexpected reason, it must consult the MNS Perak Branch Committee and seek its prior approval if the modifications deviate significantly from the original objectives.
How to apply
To facilitate the assessment by the TKCF Application Assessment Committee, the applicant shall include (where appropriate) the following information in the application proposal:
1. Project title
2. Name of Applicant (individual/organization)
3. Contact person / project coordinator – Include name, address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address
4. Project team – Include names of key persons involved in your project and their expertise and experience
5. Description of project – State main activities of the project
6. Project objectives – Describe what the project hopes to achieve
7. Project outputs – State what outputs you expect to have
8. Project beneficiaries – State who or what will benefit from your project
9. Budget details – State the amount requested for and provide breakdown of expenditure budgeted. If the fund is requested to carry out part of a larger project, please indicate the title, duration and total cost of the main project. The applicant must provide a project timeline and disbursement schedule.
11. Project work plan – State the duration and include the expected date of commencement and completion of the project. Include also the activities to be undertaken and the techniques to be used.
12. Project reporting – State how you would report back to the Perak Branch of MNS on the progress of your project
Submission of application
Please submit a signed copy of your application to:
The Chairperson,
Malaysian Nature Society (Perak Branch),
No. 8 Jalan Virgo, Star Park,
31400 Ipoh, Perak,
MALAYSIA
An electronic copy of the application must also be submitted to MNS Perak at mnsperak at gmail dot com. The applicant is encouraged to furnish as much details as possible to facilitate assessment.
Review and revision
This guideline may be subjected to reviews and changes at the discretion of TKCF administrative board. The latest revision is available on MNS Perak Branch website.