The Vern Parish Fund was established in memory of Vern Parish, one of ALA's early stalwart members and a great friend and benefactor to many aquarists during his lifetime.  Who was Vern Parish?

The VPF Committee is a permanent committee of ALA whose purpose is to seek voluntary donations to the VPF, invest the donations and once per year to solicit and select one or more grant recipients whose research and future potential contributions will add to the knowledge about and/or assist in the conservation of livebearing fishes. Such applicants can be agencies or college-student researchers working with livebearing fishes. The grantee will receive a cash grant toward their research expenses. In 2012 $1,500 was given and a similar or larger amount ($2,000) will be awarded in 2013.

The Vern Parish Award not only helps to subsidize and to encourage conservation and student research of livebearing fishes but also gives status and visibility to the American Livebearer Association as a legitimate member of and contributor to the hobby and ichthyological communities.

Applications are being accepted for the 2013 award.  Applications are due by April 1, 2013.  The award recipient will be announced at the ALA Annual Convention, in Grand Rapids, Michigan from April 25-28.   Click here for instructions on applying for the 2013 award.