Multiple Short Profiles -- Grant makers are listed in alphabetical order by name of organization.

The world is fortunate to have people who are deeply passionate about birds, wildlife, and habitat conservation – sometimes through professional interests, and other times as amateurs.

Numerous societies, associations, and networks connect persons who share such interests.  Quite a few of them are grant makers, and many operate internationally.

Each organization below makes grants at the international level in one or more of its programs.  We make no effort to distinguish professional groups from amateur groups.  Eligibility for some categories of grants is restricted to members; other grants are open to a wider set of applicants.  Many grants are for university students and young professionals.    

Note: The Terra Viva Grants Directory also offers  short profiles of Zoos, Botanic Gardens, and Museums. 

The African Bird Club is represented in the UK and over 30 other countries, mainly in Africa. 

• The ABC Conservation Awards support small and medium-sized bird conservation projects in Africa for training courses, research on threatened species, and promotion of conservation and environmental awareness   Applicants should be resident in Africa.  The maximum grant is £1,500.

• The ABC Expedition Awards take place within continental Africa or adjacent islands, with a strong focus on conservation and birds.  Expeditions can originate inside or outside of Africa.  Expedition grants are up to £2,000.

AOU offers several categories of awards, including research support for students and post-doctoral researchers in avian biology.  It also makes grants to strengthen ornithological societies in the Americas.  Both categories of grants are open to applicants from Latin America. 

• Research grants are limited to US$2,500. 
  

• Grants to strengthen ornithological societies (i.e., Competitive Grants Program) are US$1,000 to US$3,000 for one year. 

Grant seekers should review AOU’s other award categories.

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The ASM makes grants in several categories to support research of students and young professionals, including for work in Latin America.  

• The Latin American Student Field Research award supports field projects by Latin American graduate students (grants are US$1,500). 

• The Oliver P. Pearson award supports young professionals who hold academic positions in Latin American institutions (grants are up to US$7,000). 

Other ASM grant programs may also be relevant.

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ASP’s Research Grants are for capacity building, start-up funds, supplementary funding for students, and innovations in animal care and research technology. 

• Most Research Grants are awarded to university students for international projects.  Research Grants are up to US$1,500 for one year.  There are no restrictions by nationality. 

• Conservation Awards and Grants support field projects in countries of primate habitat.  Conservation Awards are US$750, and Conservation Small Grants are up to US$1,500. There are no restrictions by nationality.

ASP also offers scholarships, legacy awards, student awards, and awards for recognition and service.    

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The ABS is a nonprofit scientific society with worldwide membership; most current members are in North, Central, and South America.  ABS offers Student Research Grants; Developing Nations Research Grants; Latin America Travel Awards; and several other grants and awards.

• Student Research Grants range from US$500 to US$2,000 each.  Applicants must be enrolled in graduate university programs, and must be ABS members. One category of research is specific for cetacean behavior and conservation. 

• Developing Nations Research Grants range from US$500 to US$800 for one year.  These grants fund studies of animal behavior by graduate students and established research professionals.  Applicants are graduate students as well as established researchers who reside and conduct research in an institution in a developing country.

• Latin America Travel Awards help Latin Americans to participate in ABS meetings.   Awards vary according to funds available.  

Administered by WWF in Hong Kong, the Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund provides financial support to waterbird conservation projects in the East Asia – Australasian Flyway.

• The Fund supports groups such as NGOs and community organizations, and academic and research institutes.   Grants do not exceed US$5,000 per project. 

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The AAV makes research grants that address clinical aspects of exotic and wild birds (diagnostic tests, drug doses, practice management, and conservation).   

• Past grants include many on tropical bird species.  Grants are limited to US$10 thousand per project.   

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The Association of Field Ornithologists offers grants for field studies of birds through the Bergstrom Research Award and the Skutch Research Award. 

• The Bergstrom Award is for work in North America and Latin America; the Skutch Award is for work in Latin America. Grants are made to students, amateurs, and professional ornithologists (see specific eligibility criteria for each Award). 

The Bergstrom award is up to US$1,500.  The Skutch award is up to US$10,000.    

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Grants and Scholarships – annual application deadlines vary by program area.  Link

BCI offers grants and scholarships for bat research and conservation.  The categories of support are:  Student Research Scholarships; Global Grassroots Bat Conservation (outside North America); and the North American Bat Conservation Fund.

• Research Scholarships:  BCI invites qualified university graduate students worldwide to apply for the Research Scholarships.  Grants are up to US$5,000 for one year.

• Global Grassroots Grants:  The Global Grassroots grants are for conservationists and researchers outside North America.  Grants are up to US$5,000.  Applications are accepted continuously (i.e., no deadline).

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Research Fund for Endangered Birds – annual application deadline.  Link

The British Birdwatching Fair (Birdfair) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) collaborate to provide grants for research on globally endangered birds (IUCN's red list). 

• Grants support local ornithologists to undertake research on the world's most threatened birds, and to publicize their findings.  Priority is for researchers working in their own countries, particularly in partnership with BirdLife’s partners. 

Grants are up to of up to US$2 thousand. 

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• Small Ornithological Research Grants:  Grants up to £1,000 (exceptionally up to £2,000) support small projects outright, and to partly fund medium-sized programs.  Applicants are amateurs and professionals in the UK and other countries.

• Career Development Bursaries:  BOU supports short-term research support for young or early-career ornithologists between a first and higher degree, or immediately after completion of a higher degree.  Awards of up to £2,500 fund 6-10 weeks of work on a scientific research project in collaboration with a professional research group.  There are no nationality restrictions.

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The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society established the HKBWS China Conservation Fund to make grants for projects on bird studies and bird watching in China. 

• Grants are up to HK$10,000.  Application information is in Chinese.

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The Club 300 Foundation for Bird Protection manages a bird protection fund, financed mainly by Swedish bird watchers. 

• The Foundation makes grants for bird conservation worldwide. Maximum grant size is US$5,000.  There are no nationality restrictions.

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COS makes a variety of research prizes and grants to amateurs, university students, young professionals, and senior professionals for bird research and conservation in a global context.

• Most grants range from US$1,000 to US$2,500.  Some awards are for COS members only. 

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The Hawk Watch Fund makes grants for field studies relating to raptor migration ecology and behavior, population monitoring, and conservation. 

• Monitoring sites include regions of Mexico and Central and South America.  Grants are up to US$1,000.

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Grants for Bird Conservation – applications may be submitted at any time.  Link

The Hima Fund makes grants to conserve Important Bird Areas in the Middle East.  In the Arabic language, “hima” is a traditional way to conserve natural and cultural heritage by leaving uncut areas of trees and forage.   

The Fund works in cooperation with Birdlife International.  Eligible organizations for grants are Birdlife’s partners in the Middle East, and other groups and organizations (including community-based organizations) in accord with Birdlife’s principles.

• Grants up to US$20 thousand are made for one year, renewable for a second year. 
  

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IIF promotes and enables iguana conservation through partnerships with scientists, educators, and organizations committed to preserving the Earth’s biodiversity.  Priority is for projects contributing to the survival of endangered iguanas and their habitats.

• IIF gives preference to projects that are part of established conservation programs; that have matching funds; and that have participation from iguana range countries.  Most grants are less than US$10,000. 
  

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IOF makes grants to individuals for research on ospreys, other raptors, and environmental topics related to birds and wildlife in general. 

• Grant recipients include many whose research focuses in the developing countries.   There are no restrictions by nationality.  Grants are US$1,000.
  

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IPS makes grants to support primate care in captivity; primate conservation in the field; conservation education; conservation training; and research.

• Applicants for the Southwick Award (conservation education) and the Galante Award (education and training) must be residents of habitat countries. Most grants are up to US$1,500 (except the Galante grants, which are up to US$2,500).

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The National (UK) Birds of Prey Trust makes grants for the conservation of birds of prey and their habitats.   The Trust supports raptor conservation around the world.

• Projects are for habitat/prey protection in range countries; educational activities in support of raptor conservation; scientific techniques in support of raptor conservation; and conflicts and partnerships between birds and humans.

• Applicants are students, researchers, and conservationists of any nationality.  The Trust makes small grants (under £5,000) and large grants (over £5,000). 
  

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The Neotropical Bird Club’s Conservation Fund makes research grants of US$500 to US$1,500.

• Awards are to nationals and/or residents of countries in the Neotropics (i.e. the Caribbean region, Central America, and South America).  Priority is for research projects that have a conservation focus in relation to globally threatened bird species on IUCN’s global red list.
  

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OBC’s Conservation Fund encourages studies of globally threatened birds and their habitats in Asia.

• Major conservation awards are up to £2,000 each year for a period of 3-5 years; small conservation awards are £1,000 (exceptionally £1,500).  The OBC also offers special and emergency awards. 

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• The three-year pilot program (from 2012) will provide up to US$7,500 per year for one or more projects in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.  Preference is to projects focusing on resident species, but the OC will also consider projects that provide benefits to migratory birds.

OSME makes research grants to support bird survey, research, and education in the Middle East, the Caucasus region, and Central Asia. 

• Priority is for projects conducted by nationals in the regions of interest.  There is no limit on grant size, but most grants are £1,000 or smaller.  
  

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The Pacific Seabird Group is dedicated to the study of Pacific seabirds and their environment.  The PSG manages the Craig S. Harrison Conservation Fund.  The Fund makes grants for conservation of seabirds in the Pacific Ocean, and for expanding seabird expertise in developing countries within or bordering the Pacific Ocean.

• Priority for grants is to citizens of developing countries in the Pacific region.  However, other applicants also qualify for grants under certain circumstances (see explanation on PSG’s website).  Most grants are between US$250 and US$2,000. 
  

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The Raptor Research Foundation offers several categories of awards and grants in support of research on raptors, as well as for student recognition and travel. 

• The Leslie Brown Memorial Grant is for research and/or dissemination of information on African birds of prey.  There are no nationality restrictions.  Grants are up to US$1,400. 

• The Dean Amadon Grant supports work on the distribution and systematics (taxonomy) of raptors worldwide.  There are no nationality restrictions.   Grants are up to US$1,000.

Other categories of RRF funding may be relevant for international research projects. 

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Small Grant Program – annual application deadline.  Link

The Rainforest Biodiversity Group (RBG) is a nonprofit charitable organization in the USA that works for biodiversity conservation, with a focus on habitat for the Great Green Macaw and migratory birds. 

RBG makes small grants for the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat in the Neotropics.   Grants are to university graduate students and nonprofit organizations and associations. The funding can be used to support scientific research, environmental education, sustainable economic development (e.g., eco-tourism), and other conservation activities.

There are no nationality restrictions.  Grants are up to US$2,000.

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SCA supports conservation research and management of saiga antelopes in Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia.   A small grants program is open to researchers, government wildlife inspectors, environmental educators, and others active in saiga conservation. 

• Most grantees are nationals of the saiga range countries.  The maximum grant size is US$2 thousand. 
  

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SI makes small grants to sponsor research, conservation, and education on manatees and/or dugongs.  The priority is to support projects in developing countries.

• Grant recipients include researchers, manatee scientists, university graduate students, and local conservation networks and NGOs.  Typical awards are US$500 to US$1,000.
  

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SLN promotes conservation of the endangered snow leopard through collaboration among individuals, organizations, and governments.  In support of the Snow Leopard Survival Strategy, the SLN manages a grants program.

• Grant recipients are scientists and educators in the snow leopard range countries; international professionals working closely with (or hosted by) range-country counterparts; and graduate students of many nationalities.  Most grants range from US$1,000 to US$8,000.
  

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The Society makes grants for field research on marine mammals in emerging and developing countries.  Funds are for the purchase of equipment; travel to field sites; and other fundamental components of conducting research.

• The program is open to all researchers of marine mammals, Preference is for nationals of emerging and developing countries, particularly students and early career researchers, who are conducting research in their home countries.  Applications are particularly welcome from nationals of Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, countries of the former USSR, and Latin America.  Grants are up to US$1,500. 

The Society also offers conference grants to full SMM members in developing countries for attendance at the SMM’s biennial conferences.

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SSAR makes grants to individuals and organizations engaged in herpetological research, education, and conservation at the international level. 

• Grant categories include conservation projects; field research; laboratory research; herpetological education; and travel to field sites.  Some grant categories are restricted to SSAR members and students.  Grants are US$500.
  

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Grants for Bird Conservation – applications may be submitted at any time.  Link

The Sound Approach Bird Fund to bird conservation projects around the world.  Grants support bird research and surveys; projects to reduce threats to bird populations; campaigns and awareness raising to protect birds; and other actions for bird conservation.

Priority is for projects on threatened bird species, or taking place at a globally or nationally important site for bird conservation. 

• The Fund prefers to work with small, grassroots organizations.  Grants are up to £10,000.

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The Turtle Conservation Fund is a consortium of conservation organizations and individuals focusing on the long-term survival of tortoises and freshwater turtles. 

• The Fund makes grants for projects on tortoises and freshwater turtles that are critically endangered or endangered  (IUCN’s Red List), or which may be highly threatened but not yet officially classified on the Red List. 

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The Waterbird Society is an international organization of biologists, researchers, conservationists, students, and others interested in the behavior, ecology, and conservation of waterbirds.  The Society periodically makes grants for waterbird research.

• The Nisbet Research Award focuses on research and conservation on terns and gulls. 

• The Kushlan Research Award supports scientific advances in the biology, ecology, and conservation biology of wading birds. 

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The Western Bird Banding Association makes up to two grants each year for projects using marked birds in the New World (i.e., the Americas broadly defined). 

• One grant is for research, and the other is for monitoring.  Applicants may be individuals or organizations. Grants are US$1,000. 
  

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The Wilson Ornithological Society offers three categories of research grants.  Applicants may be citizens of any country.  Membership in WOS is encouraged, but not required. 

• The Louis Agassiz Fuertes Award is available to all ornithologists, with preference for graduate students and young professionals.  The grant amount is US$2,500.

• The George A. Hall / Harold F. Mayfield Award is for independent non-professional researchers without other access to funds or facilities.   The grant amount is US$1,000.

• The Paul A. Steward Awards are for studies of bird movements based on banding, analysis of recoveries, and returns of banded birds – with emphasis on economic ornithology.   The grant amount is US$1,000. 
  

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