The Lindbergh Foundation is accepting applications for the Lindbergh-Lycoming aviation grant. The Lindbergh-Lycoming aviation grant program began in 2006, and as a result, studies in  reducing fuel inefficiencies through continuous descent approaches, eliminating the need for leaded fuel in piston engines, and noise pollution have been explored.   Lindbergh grants are given in the amount of $10,580 (the cost of building the Spirit of St. Louis) and may not be used for tuition.  This program is open to anyone conducting an aviation/aerospace research project that will foster the environment by balancing technology and nature. The deadline for applications is Oct. 30, 2008.

"In the 1960s, Charles Lindbergh became very interested in environmental conservation, but believed deeply in balancing the knowledge of science with the wisdom of wildness," said Foundation Chairman of the Board John King, Co-Chairman of King Schools, Inc.  "The Lindbergh Foundation's mission is centered on this theme of 'balance' and the Lindbergh Grants program is the single most effective opportunity we have to put the concept of a nature/technology balance into action."

"As a relative unknown in aviation at the time, Charles Lindbergh initially struggled to find the financial backing he needed to pursue his dream of making a non-stop, solo flight from New York to Paris. The Lindbergh Foundation Grants Program identifies and supports highly creative and dedicated researchers from around the world and provides them with the same opportunity for success as Charles Lindbergh received.  That's why the Lindbergh Grant is set at $10,580," said Gregg Maryniak, Chairman of the Grants Committee and Vice Chairman of the Foundation (pictured below).  "Many of our grant recipients are 'unknown' in their fields, too. For them, receiving a Lindbergh Grant provides much-needed credibility to their work and typically enables our recipients to secure additional funding, providing them with valuable leverage."

Over the years, Lindbergh Grants have become increasingly well known, supporting innovative ideas at earlier stages of development and establishing pilot projects that often subsequently receive extensive funding from other sources. Since the first Lindbergh Grants were made in 1978, the Lindbergh Foundation has awarded nearly $3 million to 294 men and women around the world.

FMI: www.lindberghfoundation.org