Scholarships & Grants
Helene Van Doninck Memorial Scholarship
The Helene Van Doninck Memorial Scholarship helps wildlife rehabilitators advance animal welfare and conservation through wildlife coexistence education. Veterinarian and wildlife rehabilitator, Dr. Helene Van Doninck was passionate in her education of the public, especially regarding the dangers of lead ammunition. The wildlife rehabilitation community has come together to remember Helene by creating and contributing to a fund which supports public education. IWRC is pleased to manage this fund on behalf of the larger community.
Applicants are encouraged to nominate themselves for this award. The purpose of this scholarship fund is to advance public education and wildlife coexistence advocacy through a variety of avenues, including funding wildlife rehabilitators to:
- Learn and gain skills in wildlife rehabilitation, public education, and wildlife conservation (for example through books or attendance at trainings or conferences)
- Share information, motivate change, and advocate for wildlife conservation and animal welfare (for example through teaching, creating educational displays or events, or projects to collect and share data around the mitigation of anthropomorphic harm)
Dr. Van Doninck leaves a legacy of dedication, creativity, and practicality – she was known to purchase non-lead ammunition and distribute it to help convince hunters to adopt its use. Applicants are encouraged to think outside the box and propose uses for this fund that will promote real change in their own communities.
The Helene Marie Van Doninck scholarship is funded through community contributions and the award(s) granted each year may vary depending upon donor support. This year, award(s) will be between $50 and $300.
Applications for 2025 close AUGUST 31, 2025.
For more details, including application criteria, click here. To apply, click here.
Honor Dr. Helene Van Doninck and support wildlife rehabilitators by contributing below!