JCLSP Emerging Leader Awards
The JCLSP is a new organization that furthers the work of the late farmer and conservationist Paul W. Johnson.
The Center seeks applications for awards to support emerging leaders considering careers related to the furthering of a private land ethic, a National Private Land Conservation Act, or any landowner-government partnerships to conserve private lands. We welcome proposals that address private land conservation policy and advocacy; academic research and teaching; agricultural innovation on private land (including advances related to climate change); the arts; journalism and communications.
Applications for funding will be accepted beginning January 15, 2025. Awardees are expected to build on Paul’s writing and experiences as an Iowa state legislator, Chief of the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service, Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and writer and activist advancing a private land ethic.
TO APPLICANTS We will provide honoraria or paid internships for up to one year to enable successful recipients to devote themselves to a supervised project or activity related to Paul W. Johnson’s work. A maximum of three awards are available for 2025. We seek creative thinking in the proposals.
TO MENTORS Our Center seeks to support mentors—faculty and non-profit organization leaders—in identifying, sponsoring, and supervising emerging leaders.
WHAT WE REQUIRE All applications must include: 1) a 2–5-page proposal; 2) a CV limited to two pages; and 3) a support letter from the student’s supervising professor or non-profit advisor. Support is limited to $3,500 per award.
Award recipients will be required to provide a report on the results and lessons learned from their work. We also require the recipient to participate in a fall forum sponsored by the Center. (We don’t expect the presentation to the forum will be a final report, but it should describe the work and any initial findings.)
TO APPLY While developing a proposal, applicants are urged to read a collection of Paul Johnson essays and reflect on his views on the need for a “private land ethic.” See the JCLSP web site and the booklet Steward of the Land.
Because the Center aims to spur innovative thinking, it will be very flexible in the projects it supports. However, the work must be tied to advancing and building upon Paul Johnson’s work and thinking. The scope of work must show how the sponsored project fits into the applicant’s career goals.
Due date for applications: April 1, 2025.
Address for submission:
… or …
David Osterberg
318 2nd Avenue NW
Mount Vernon, IA 52314
ADVICE TO MENTORS AND APPLICANTS If you are unsure if a proposal will meet our intentions or would like more information, please discuss your proposal with one of us:
Charlie Bruner bruner@childequity.org 515-988-4457
Dennis Keeney drkeeney@gmail.com 515-232-1531
David Osterberg osterbergd@gmail.com 319-210-0570
Mark Rasmussen markras8888@hotmail.com 763-242-4727
