This fund was established in 2001 for the purpose of supporting research in malacology/IVP collections in the Florida Museum of Natural History.

In 1945, J. H. Beal donated a collection of rare seashells to Rollins College, along with $8,000 cash to create an endowment for its care. In 1987, Rollins trustees decided maintenance and exhibit of the seashells was best served in a dedicated setting and transferred the collection to the Florida Museum of Natural History. B. L. Maltbie, former mayor of Altamonte Springs, also contributed to this endowment to house the famous collection of seashells.