Bird Grants

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This site provides informationabout organisations providing funding for bird conservation and ornithologicalresearch.

Use the links on the right tonavigate the site.

Summary of application deadlines:

31 January

SOC Endowment Fund (ResearchGrants)

28 February

African Bird Club ConservationProgramme

WOS Small Grants

31 March

Oriental Bird Club ConservationFund

30 June

African Bird Club ConservationProgramme

31 October

African Bird Club ConservationProgramme

Birdfair/RSPB Research Fund forEndangered Birds

30 November

British Ornithologists' Union SmallResearch Grants

British Ornithologists' UnionCareer Development Bursaries

31 December

BTO Research Grants

No deadlines

Sound Approach Bird Fund

BTO Research Grants

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The BTO provides grants of up to £500, to support ornithological research projects by BTO members, members of Garden BirdWatch, and holders of BTO ringing permits.  

We welcome applications relating to projects on all aspects of field ornithology, with preference for those most relevant to the BTO’s core research activities. Priority will be given to well designed research projects that are likely to produce publishable results. Support may also be provided for expeditions and other data gathering activities that will contribute to major long-term or large-scale datasets held by the BTO. Preference is given to work in Britain, Ireland and other parts of the Afro-Palaearctic flyway; work elsewhere is more likely to be supported if it involves species that migrate to Britain and Ireland or if it is otherwise relevant to British and Irish ornithology. Ethical criteria will be taken into account in judging whether a grant will be made.   

Our priority is to support work by amateurs but we encourage collaboration with professionals, including BTO staff. The lead applicant should normally be an amateur but applications incorporating professional co-applicants who have undertaken to assist with study design and analysis are encouraged. Applications by professionals are given lower priority unless the work is carried out as a spare-time activity or involves substantial participation by volunteers. If you are a professional you must complete the additional questions on the application form concerning the extent of any linkages between the project and work undertaken as part of your job.  

Student projects are not normally funded under the BTO Research Grant scheme but the committee may exceptionally award grants to projects that are inadequately supported from educational sources. If the project is to be used in part fulfilment of the requirements for a degree or similar professional qualification, you should state that under point 10 of the application form and explain why your university, college of funding body is not covering the costs.  

BTO staff are not eligible to be lead applicants, but they may be co-applicants as noted above.   

Applications may be for projects lasting up to three years. We are happy to consider applications for the continuation of projects that have received support previously. Such applications should explain the benefits of continuing the project for a further period and what additional findings are likely to be produced. Whether or not a project has been supported previously will not influence the success or failure of subsequent applications, since what is awarded in a particular round of applications depends largely on the level of competition in that round.  

Funding is not provided for food, accommodation or educational fees.

All grantees are required to submit a report of the work undertaken in electronic format. Reports presented in the form of draft or published manuscripts are encouraged. Reports must be submitted within six months of the end of the project period for which support has been provided. Further details of requirements concerning the timing and general content of reports will be given to successful applicants.  

Published papers, reports to other organisations and any other outputs should include an acknowledgement of the support from the BTO. Other specific conditions may be included in the award letter.  

Applications are considered annually with a closing date of 31 December, by a committee comprising the Chairman of the Ringing Committee, a scientist from BTO Council, and two members of staff appointed by the Directors of Science. Current members of the Committee are Dr Stuart Newson (Convenor), Professor David Parkin, Dr Ken Smith and Kate Risely.  

Applications should be submitted electronically using the form available here. They should occupy no more than four sides of A4 paper; further supporting documents may be submitted but will not necessarily be circulated to the committee.   If you wish to discuss your plans, or how to word your application, with a member of the BTO staff, please contact the appropriate staff member well in advance of the closing date.

If you need advice but are unsure who to ask, please email Mandy T Andrews or Stuart Newson in the first instance.

Application form here.

Applications should normally be submitted by email to Mandy T Andrews.

Alternatively you may submit your application by post to:

Mandy T Andrews, BTO Research Grants, BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford IP24 2PU

2010-09-20T21:02:00.001+01:00

This site provides information about organisations providing funding for bird conservation and ornithological research.

Use the links on the right to navigate the site.

OSME Conservation and Research Fund

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Projects should be directed to one or more of the following subject areas:

1. investigating the status of threatened or near-threatened species

2. attempting to further knowledge of existing Important Bird Areas (e.g. undertaking breeding censuses, visiting out-of-season to conduct systematic counts)

3. investigating potential new Important Bird Areas or little-known areas

4. conducting ecological studies of little-known species

5. educational projects

Priority will be given to projects involving nationals from the region and applicants are required to write up the results of their project for possible publication.

Amounts available: awards up to £500 to support research projects in the region.

Application deadline: applications are considered three times each year, with submission deadlines of 31 January, 31 May and 30 September.

Further information from the conservation awards pages of the OSME website.

Scottish Ornithologists' Club - grant details

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The SOC offers two different grants sources -

The Birds of Scotland Fund

The SOC Endowment Fund

Further details are available by clicking on the two links above.

RSPB5

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RSPB4

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The Birdfair/RSPB Research Fund for Endangered Birds

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In 2005, the Birdfair (formerly the British Birdwatching Fair) and the RSPB joined forces to set up a fund to support researchers working on the world's most rare and threatened birds.

For further details see here

RSPB3

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RSPB2

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ABC5

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ABC4

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ABC3

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BOU - Research Grants - guidelines

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GUIDELINES

Please read these guidelines carefully.

They contain important information relating to your application for funding and not following these guidelines may jeopardise your application.

The next round of applications are for awards made in March 2012 for projects commencing or wholly running between 01 April 2012 and 31 March 2013. Applications for projects taking place outside this period will not be considered. Deadline for applications 30 November 2011.

Application is by email only.
Application forms are available here or from the BOU Office.
Please email your completed application form to the BOU Office by 30 November 2011.
When completing your application, please note the following carefully:

1. Size of BOU grants
BOU Small Ornithological Research Grants are aimed at funding small projects in their entirety or part-funding small-to-medium sized projects. Such projects will be prioritised ahead of larger projects and expeditions.
The BOU has limited funds at its disposal and grants are normally awarded to a maximum of £1000. The BOU may occasionally award a grant of up to £2000 for an exceptional application.
The BOU receives more applications than we can afford to support. Competition is strong, but this should not deter applicants with good projects. See here for details of past awards.

2. Research areas
The BOU tries to support as wide a range of research projects as possible, and welcomes applications from both amateurs and professionals.
Applications may be on any aspect of ornithology but the BOU will look especially favourably on areas where there are particular difficulties in funding research from national or local sources.
The BOU will look favorably on projects following up previous BOU-funded projects.
Funding will not be provided for salaries (of the applicant – salaries for local participants can form part of the request) or to cover course fees.

3. Expeditions
It is essential that you make clear what specific aspects of the expedition the BOU funds are requested for. If the application is from a multi-disciplinary expedition, the application must be made by the ornithologist(s) and must describe the ornithological research that will be undertaken.

4. Species
As part of your application, you are required to provide details of the key species your project aims to study, including the conservation status of each species (globally and regionally/nationally if applicable). You must provide references for the conservation status you are quoting. Up to date global conservation status (IUCN Red List category) for all species, and regional conservation status (SPEC category) for European species, can be found on the BirdLife International website here.

5. Project costs/budgets
As part of the application form you will be asked to details of the total projects costs, the amount requested from the BOU, any funds already obtained and any other funds applied for. Please be as transparent as possible, cost your project as carefully as possible, and cost the items for which funding is being sought as carefully as possible. The Committee has knowledge of project costs and can often easily calculate if a project, or an individual component for which funds are being sought, is not accurately costed.

Total project costs must include all costs of running the entire project/expedition and not just the total for the items for which funding is being sought from the BOU. The BOU needs to be able to accurately assess the size of any contribution it may wish make to a project.

Some past applications have been jeopardised by a lack of transparency and accurate costing of project costs and/or for the amount being requested from the BOU.

6. UK-based applicants
Applications are welcome from anyone in any country, but UK-based applicants seeking funding for overseas projects should note that the funds being sought should only be used towards defined project requirements outside the UK.

7. Graduate and undergraduate studies
Undergraduate and graduate research will be considered, but only if the research meet the following three criteria –

(a) the research is self- or part-funded;
(b) the funds being sought are for expenses incurred outside the UK;
(c) the funds are being sought for a well defined or specific aspect of your research.
The BOU may also consider applications for funding exceptional requirement(s)/opportunities which were unforeseen at the planning/start of a project, but which arise during the work.

Students should check the BOU’s other funding scheme, Career Development Bursaries, which aim to support short-term research positions for young (or early career) ornithologists, between a first and higher degree programme or immediately after completion of a higher degree. Successful proposals will combine the applicant’s development of skills that will be useful for their future career in ornithology with sound science.

8. Conferences and meetings
Funding will not be given for attending conferences or meetings.

9. Publications
Funding will not be given to publish work from an existing project, for books (if you want to submit a book proposal to the BOU please contact the BOU Office) or for work on a title to be published commercially.

10. BOU Mission Statement
Applicants should note the BOU’s objectives and mission statement.
The British Ornithologists’ Union will promote understanding and conservation of the world’s birds, advance ornithology within the scientific community and promote scientific ornithology to the wider birdwatching public.
- The BOU’s mission will be achieved by the following objectives:
- To maintain the publication of the Ibis as a leading international journal of ornithological science.
- To continue the publication of the BOU Checklist series, together with other publications.
- To organise and/or hold an active programme of meetings and conferences.
- To make available grants for ornithological research.
- To facilitate liaison between those actively engaged in ornithological research.
- To provide, as a representative of the scientific community, ornithological information and advice to government and other policy makers.
- To maintain and publish the official British List of birds.

11. BOU Ethical Policy
You should note the Union's ethical policy which is set out below:
“The Union expects all authors of papers submitted to Ibis and recipients of BOU research grants to act within the law of the land in which the work is conducted. They must ensure therefore that they have the necessary licences for whatever they are doing. Investigators should abide by the spirit as well as the letter of relevant legislation. Where work is carried out in places lacking relevant legislation, or where this is not adequately administered, the work should conform to the ethical standards expected in the UK.
“The Union expects researchers to have proper regard for conservation considerations and humane practice. Attention is drawn to the guidelines for the use of animals in research published most recently in Animal Behaviour 2003, 65: 249-282.
“The Union is not opposed in principle to the taking of birds for valid scientific purposes. However, studies should not involve unnecessary risks or stress to individual animals nor impact significantly upon populations of plants or animals. Research workers should be aware that even field observations of free‑living birds can cause significant disturbance. The impact of any particular study should be evaluated in terms of possible gain in knowledge against possible adverse consequences for individuals or the population.
“Papers may be rejected and research grants may be refused solely on ethical grounds.”

Your application should indicate that the work conforms to this policy.
Also, please make clear whether your work will include the collection of specimens (for which copies of any appropriate licenses are required).

12. Fulfilling BOU policy
In order to fulfil the above, the following factors will be considered in judging applications, but it is recognised that any one project should not be expected to fit all of these:
Scientific quality of the research
Feasibility in terms of resources and time allocated
Involvement of local people, where appropriate
Support of local organisation/insititute, where appropriate (e.g. see www.birdlife.org for contact details of BirdLife International Partners in each country)
Likelihood and means of dissemination of results
Utility, interest and significance of results to pure and applied aspects of ornithology

13. Timing of applications
Applications are for awards made in March 2012 for projects commencing or wholly running between 01 April 2012 and 31 March 2013. Applications for projects commencing or wholly running outside this period will not be considered.
The deadline for grant applications to be awarded in 2012 is 30 November 2011. Applicants are informed of their success in March 2012 and awards are paid to successful applicants in March/April 2012.
Applications for projects which start in the early part of the year (January-March) can be applied for the year before the project is due to start, i.e. for projects starting January to March 2012 can be applied for award in 2011 (deadline 31 December 2010).
We will not support projects which run or are completed during January-March 2011 or are completed by 30 April 2011 in this round of applications.

14. Submitting your application

Use the application form provided. Complete the fields requested and save as –

‘BOU grant application - (e.g. BOU grant application – Dudley) and send by email to the BOU Office.
Your application must be accompanied by two references (see below).

Your application must be accompanied by an up to date CV which includes publication history (of most important papers if extensive).
Applications are only accepted via email, do not post or fax your application.
The BOU will acknowledge (by email) receipt of your application. Any correspondence will be undertaken by email.

15. Referees

All applications must be supported by two referees who must send letters of support (by email) direct to the BOU Office.

Please ask your referee to include the following in the subject header of the email –

‘BOU grant application – reference for (e.g. BOU grant application – reference for John Smith).

References should not come from anyone actively participating in the project, but where possible should come from a partner organisation (e.g. local BirdLife partner, local institute) and an independent referee.

Applicants should include the name, address, telephone number and email address of these referees on their application form.

Please note that it is up to the applicant to arrange for references to be submitted by the above deadline. The BOU will not normally write to referees except in exceptional circumstances.

16. Consideration of your application
Applications are circulated to members of the BOU’s Grants Committee who then make their recommendations to BOU Council (March meeting). Applicants are contacted after this meeting (late March) to inform them if they have been successful.

17. Taking up an award
If your application is successful, awards must be taken up by the end of the calendar year in which they are awarded (i.e. taken up by 31 December 2012 for awards given in 2012).
If an award is not taken up by the deadline, and the award is still required, the recipient must write to the Chairman of the Ornithological Affairs Committee requesting special dispensation and explaining why the award has not been taken up and when it will be required. Failure to take up an award by the end of the calendar year after the year the award was given (i.e. by 31 December 2010 for awards given in 2010) will render the award void and will have to be refunded.

18. Reporting back to the BOU
A strict condition of accepting an award is that successful applicants will submit a report on the results of their work within three months of the completion of the project. This report should clearly state the background to the work, the main findings and their implications, and whether or not the work will be submitted for publication in Ibis or another ornithological journal. Photographs that can be used by BOU to promote the grants scheme are welcomed. For an example of the format required for publication in Ibis please contact the BOU Office. these reports take the form of a Short Comm item in Ibis.
A copy of the final report and reprints of any papers published be deposited with the BOU library. Also, a 1000 word report suitable for publication, stressing the ornithological relevance of the work, should be submitted to the BOU Office within six months of conclusion of the study. These reports may be edited by the Union for publication in Ibis. From January 2010 these reports will appear as Short COmmunication-style pieces and no longer form part of the BOU's News & Notices section providing both the project and report increased exposure and benefit. The reports will be available free to view online via the Ibis journal website and this website (see here)
IMPORTANT NOTE - acceptance of an award is acceptance of the condition to adequately report back to the BOU. The BOU is a charity and in order to comply with charity regulations we need to illustrate where our funds have been spent. Failure to adequately report back to the BOU within six months of the conclusion of the work will render yourself, and any other person from your institute, ineligible to apply for future funding from the BOU.

19. Loss of an award / return of award

If the BOU is not satisfied that the funds it has awarded have been spent as per the application for which funding was sought, then the BOU reserves the right to request for the award to be returned.

20. Unsuccessful application

If your application has been unsuccessful, then you will receive notification of this by email. We will normally provide brief feedback as to why your application was unsuccessful. No correspondence will be entered into with regards an unsuccessful application and/or the feedback offered to the applicant.

The BOU look forward to receiving your proposal.

BOU grant application form

Previous BOU awards and project reports

BOU | IBIS | Conferences | Conference Proceedings | British List

BOU - previous awards and reports

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PREVIOUS AWARDS

& PROJECT REPORTS

Below are details of projects the BOU has funded back to 1996. Those projects for which we have an online report available are detailed.

2011 small ornithological research grants

Wintering farmland bird assemblages in west Hungary. András Báldi (Hungary), £1010.

Migration behaviour and winter distribution of a declining long-distance migrant: the Pied Flycatcher.Malcolm Burgess (UK), £1000.

Phylogeography of the Black Harrier Circus maurus. Jerome Fuchs (USA), £500.

Is the strong smell of Kakapo an honest signal for mate choice? Anna Gsell (New Zealand), £2000.

Winter migration of Cape gannets from Namibia. Katrin Ludynia (South Africa), £1100.

Feeding ecology and at-sea movements of Macaronesian Shearwaters in the North Atlantic. Vitor Hugo Rodrigues Paiva (Portugal), £2000.

Migratory routes and wintering areas of the European Roller Coracias garrulous. Juan Rodriguez Ruiz (Spain), £1477.

Detecting change in the habitat and status of Hinde’s Babbler Turdoides hindei: 2001 to 2011. Phil Shaw (UK), £845.

2011 career development bursaries

Jonathan Kennedy (unaffiliated, recently completed MSc at Imperial College). Supervisor: Trevor Price, University of Chigaco. Analysis of ecological diversification among Himalayan birds. £2500.

Rocío Moreno Carrillo (PhD student, University of Barcelona). Supervisor: Richard Philips, British Antarctic Survey. Diet flexibility and likely vulnerability of Antarctic seabirds to long-term krill decline. £2500.

Reinder Radersma (PhD student, Groningen University). Supervisor: Ben Sheldon, University of Oxford). Sex allocation and sibling interactions in birds. £2500.

Chantelle Kerr (MSc student, Durham University). Supervisor: Stephen Willis, Durham University. Simulating the changing population and range of UK birds 1970-2010. £2500.

2010 research awards

Action research and conservation of the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus in Bangladesh. Sayam Uddin Chowdhury (Bangladesh), £1900.

Developing a molecular phylogeny of Asian hornbills to test biogeographic hypotheses and clarify conservation priorities. Juan Gonzalez (UK) £800.

Determinants of variation in productivity, adult survival and recruitment in Whinchats Saxicola rubetra on Salisbury Plain. Ian Henderson (UK), £1600.

A Survey of the Critically Endangered Archer’s Lark Heteromirafra archeri of Somaliland. Claire Spottiswoode (UK), £2000.

Contribution to updating the population status of globally threatened Grey-necked Picathartes Picathartes oreas in Cameroon. Taku Awa II (Cameroon), £900.

Climatic impacts on productivity of Arctic Terns Sterna paradisaea in Iceland. Freydis Vigfusdottir (Iceland), £800.

Researching the effectiveness of White-shouldered Ibis Pseudibis davisoni nest protection. Hugh Wright (UK), £2000.

2009 research awards

Birds of prey of Kazakh upland. Anna Barashkova (Russia), £1000.

Phylogeny and evolutionary history of Steamer Ducks, Tachyeres, with particular focus on the species in the Falkland Islands. Brandon Letts (USA), £800.

Assessing bird diversity in shed trees of tea (camellia sinensis L.) gardens in Greater Sylhet region, north-eastern Bangladesh. Sharif Ahmed Mukul (Bangladesh), £920.

Abundance and diversity of raptors in surrounding unprotected area of Yankari Game Reserve Bauchi State, Nigeria. Joseph Daniel Onoja (Nigeria), £800.

Effect of habitat alteration on population density and distribution of Turner's Eremomela in south Nandi Forest, Kenya. Nickson Erick Otieno (Kenya), £1000. Report published Ibis 153: 436-437

Moult in migrant waders using African wetlands Magdalena Remisiewicz (South Africa), £1200. Report published Ibis 153: 433-435

Investigating the habitat requirements and preferences of the endangered Madagascar Pond Heron on Aldabra Atoll Jennifer Stockdale (UK), £685.

The impact of land use on the breeding Saker Falcons in VojvoDina, Serbia Marko Tucakov (Serbia), £1000.

Establishing a national monitoring programme for White-shouldered Ibis in Cambodia  Hugh Wright (UK), £1995. Report published in Ibis 152: 206-208.

2008 research awards

Radio-tracking research to aid conservation of the Critically Endangered Djibouti Francolin Clive Bealey (UK), £1000.

Evaluating the impact of land-use on resident and migratory raptors in West African savannas Ralph Buij (Cameroon), £1000.

Galliformes monitoring and conservation project in Pakistan’s Palas valley with special focus on Western Tragopan Francis Buner (UK), £1000.

Does Bean Goose have a distinct strategy for autumn versus spring migration in northeastern Ukraine? Mikhail Banik (Ukraine), £600. Report published Ibis 151: 615-17.

A comparison of the breeding ecology of East African and north temperate tit species (Paridae) Phil Shaw (UK), £795.

The impact of predation on populations and individuals of wintering waders Piet van den Hout (The Netherlands), £600.

2007 research awards

Using a common sister species to elucidate the origin of parasitic infection in the endangered Pink Pigeon Nancy Bunbury (UEA, UK). £250.

Some aspects of conservation biology of Papyrus Yellow Warbler Chloropeta gracilirostris in Kenyan sector of Lake Victoria A Owino ( Kenya Wildlife Service). £1000.

Survey of globally-threatened birds in the northern sector of Kinangop Grasslands IBA, Lake Ol Borossat Grasslands and Marmanet Forest Reserve, central Kenya W Wamiti (National Museums of Kenya ). £850. Report published Ibis 150: 439

Research on distribution and status of the Saker Falco cherrug in south-eastern Romania S. Daroczi (Transylvania University , Romania). £450.

Research on the contemporary distribution of species from order Falconiformes, Nesting in the rock biotopes in North-western Bulgaria G. Stoyanov (Bulgarian Society for Protection of Birds of Prey). £450. Report published Ibis 150: 438-439

Locating critical habitats for Bengal Florican in Cambodia: towards the sustainable management of Tonle Sap Grassland Tom Gray (UEA , UK). £1468. Report published Ibis 151: 801.

The status of a rare and recently described endemic bird species (the Príncipe Thrush Turdus [Olivaceofuscus] Xanthorhynchus) and a search for an as yet undescribed ‘owl' M. Melo (CEFE-CNRS , France). £1000.

Surveying breeding grounds of the critically endangered Sociable Lapwing in Southern Russia V. Morozov (Moscow State University , Russia ). £1000.

A research programme on the spring migration of Knots through Porsangerfjord, North Norway W. Dick (UK). £1000.

2006 research awards

Implications of winter habitat choice in migratory shorebirds J. Alves (UEA , UK ). £250. Report published Ibis 151: 617.

Territory size and population density of (moustached antpitta) Grallaria alleni G. Cadena–Lopez (Colombian research biologist). £750.

Characterisation of a hybrid zone between Manacus manacus and Manacus vitellinus in the lowlands of north-western Colombia D. Calderon Franco (Colombian undergraduate student). £750.

Nesting of the vulnerable Helmeted Woodpecker and other woodpeckers in Argentina's Atlantic forest K. Cockle (University of British Colombia). £570. Report published Ibis 150: 216

Minimising the impacts of palm oil production on birds and other biodiversity whilst sustaining livelihoods: a case study in the upper Guinea Forest Zone of Ghana B. Phalan (Cambridge Uni, UK). £525. Report published Ibis 151: 800-01.

Is the abandonment of traditional low intensity agriculture detrimental to bird co mmunities in Cyprus A. Symes (UEA, UK). £500.

Threatened species surveys in the Gola Forest Reserves, Sierra Leone S. Wotton (The RSPB, UK). £400. Report published Ibis 152: 205-206.

2005 research awards

Supplementary feeding and wild foods in the endangered Pink Pigeon.  Edmunds, K. (UK). £600.

The survey of Corncrake population in Medias Tableland, Romania M.J. Cosmin (Romania). £350. Report published Ibis 149: 446-447

Distribution, habitat use and breeding biology of the Bittern in the Fizes Basin, Transylvania, Romania A. David (Romania). £600.

Status and distribution of three raptor species in Western Romania I.S. Komaromi (Romania). £500.

Cambodia 2006 Ornithological Expedition Jez Bird (UK). £1000. Report published Ibis 149: 650-651

2004 research awards

Individual quality and at-sea distribution of the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross Richard Cuthbert ( UK ). £1000.

Macin Watchsite 2004: spring and autumn hawk count in southeastern Romania Zoltan Domahidi ( Romania ). £1000. Report published Ibis 147: 632-633

2003 BOU Research Grants

Pilot project for enacting the Spotted Eagle Action Plan in Belarus V. Dombrovski (Belarus). £750.

The ghost birds of Sulawesi: surveys and conservation of nightjars and owls I. Hunowu (Indonesia). £750.

2002 research awards

Observations and ringing study of Winter Ring Ouzels Turdus torquatus and their habitat in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco D. Arthur. (UK). £450.

Neglected and reconstructed territories of Central Russia as the core diversity of birds D. Bogomolov (Russia). £350. Report published Ibis 145: 711-712

The status and habitat requirements of the Karamoja Apalis Apilis karamojae in the Wenbere Stepp, Tanzania P. Shaw (UK). £550.

White Stork breeding success, foraging and survival in Romania Z D. Szabo (Hungary). £750.

2000 research awards

An avian survey of the Sumaca national reserve, Ecuador Stewart White (UK). £1000.

The importance of fish ponds for Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca in Western Ukraine Igor Gorban (Ukraine) £930.

Project CHAGRA’ 2000: Ukrainian project of conservation and studying chalk grasslands Mikhail Banik (Ukraine). £600. Report published Ibis 143: 523

Environmental predictability and sex allocation in the Saxual Sparrow Passer ammodendri Kate Oddie (UK) £400.

Hatching in captive Bali Starlings Leucopsar rothschildi. Do chicks need help? Trace Williams (Jersey). £300.

Are wader nest-scrapes adaptively located and designed to minimise the rate of heat loss from the clutch? Jane Reid (UK) £200.

1999 research awards

A search for the nesting colonies of Hornby's Storm-petrel Oceanodroma hornbyi. The nesting colonies of this species remains unknown Michael de L. Brooke (UK). £600.

Melanesian birds: conservation and taxonomy Guy Dutson (UK). £400. Report published Ibis 145: 175

The Vulturine Parrot Psittrichas fulgidus of New Guinea: habitat requirements and conservation implications Geoff M. Hilton (UK). £400.

Colombian EBA Project '99 Paul Salaman (UK). £400. Report published Ibis 142: 521-522

Conservation of birds of prey in Transylvania Robert Zeitz (Romania). £900.

The foraging ecology of Red-breasted Geese Branta ruficollis on staging grounds in Kazakhztan J. M. Rowcliffe (UK). £400.

1998 research awards

Doiadema ’98. An ornithological and conservation project in the forests of New Caledonia Jonathan Ekstrom (project leader) (U.K.) £400.

John Gould’s Australian birds; a re-appraisal of the taxonomic status of some of Gould’s important early 19th-century specimens in two British museums Clemency Fisher (U.K.) £100.

Surveys of post-breeding Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris, White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala and Sociable Plover Vanellus gregarius in Northern Kazakhstan Baz Hughes (U.K.) £400.

The West Greenland Goose Project: to investigate habitat exploitation by White-fronted Goose and Canada Goose in West Greenland Nigel Jarrett (U.K.) £400. Report published Ibis 141: 528-529

To monitor the Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca population in Bulgaria and to further the objectives of the International Action Plan for the species Nikoli Petkov (Bulgaria) £400.

Action Sampiri - the Sangihe and Talaud conservation project. An integrated conservation and awareness program studying endangered parrots and the key sitesfor their conservation Jonathan Riley (U.K.) £400.

Colombia ’98: Uncovering the Serrania de San Lucas. To investigate the avian diversity of this remote and virtually unknown tract of primary forest in northwestern South America in order to assess populations of species urgently requiring conservation attention Paul Salaman (U.K.) £400. Report published Ibis 141: 354-355

The status, ecology and conservation of Black-necked Lovebird Agapornis nigrigenis in Zambia. To ascertain the present distribution and status of the species, identify and evaluate all threats limiting its recovery and prepare a conservation strategy Louise Warburton (South Africa) £400.

1997 research awards

To determine the densities and large-scale habitat use of a range of endemic birds within the Guandera Reserve Will Cresswell (UK) £500.

A study of the spring migration of Greenland White-fronted Geese in Iceland Tony Fox (Denmark) £200.

A study of the ecology of hornbills and their role as seed dispersers in a poor-quality forest in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia Mauro Galetti £200

A study of the distribution and reproductive success of the Middle Spotted Woodpecker in fragmented and continuous oak-dominated forests of Nerussa woodland Serguei Kossenko £600.

A study of the Sichuan Hill-partridge within its known range in Sichuan, in order to produce a conservation action plan for the species and its forest habitat including management recommendations for future protected area managers.  Rod Martins (UK) £200. Report published Ibis 141: 172-173

A survey to collect data on distribution and abundance of Lesser Kestrels Falco naumanni in southeastern Kazakstan.  Stephen Parr (UK) £600.

A University of East Anglia Conservation Project in Indonesia to collect data on the relative biodiversity values of different forest habitats at Riung (north Flores) John Pllgrim (UK) £200. Report published Ibis 140: 559

Continuation of a diurnal taped-call playback survey of breeding storm petrels on the Island of Annet. Scilly, combined with an examination of breeding phenology Peter Robinson (UK) £200.

A study of plant/pollinator relationships and morphological convergence using Neotropical hummingbirds and rainforest flowers Bruno Walther £500.

1996 research awards

The taxonomy of the Mirafra assamica complex Per Alstrom (Sweden) £200.

The status of the Ethiopian population of Chough Anne Delestrade £200.

A faunal survey of the Austral Islands David Holyoak (UK) £600.

The use of staging areas by Sanderlings in Iceland Paul Mitchell (UK) £200.

A census of the breeding numbers and distribution of the Ferruginous Duck in Bulgaria Nikolai Petkov (Bulgaria) £400.

Project Ortalis '96 – a conservation expedition to the threatened dry forests of western Ecuador Robert Pople (UK) £150.

Site fidelity and short-distance movements of Corncrake males in the Snmara Mountains, Czech Republic Jiri Pykal (£500).

Action Sampiri – The University of York Exploration Group's Talaud and Sangihe conservation project Jonathan Riley (UK) £200.

An assessment of the population status and viability of endemic bird species in Namibia Tony Robertson (UK) £400.

A study on the importance of wetlands in the Upper Thracia lowland for the migration and wintering of globally and European threatened and rare waterfowl species Kalin Velev £100.

BOU grant application guidelines

BOU grant application form

BOU home | IBIS | Conferences | Conference Proceedings

BOU - Research Grants

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Localities benefiting from BOU support since 1972

The BOU has a long tradition of providing financial support for research and expeditions. It administers the David Lack and Landsborough Thomson Trusts, funded by bequests and donations, from which research grants are awarded annually to sponsor scientific and conservation projects.

Most of the BOU’s support is in the form of small grants (max. £2000, but usually awards of £1000 are given), but the BOU does from time to time sponsor much larger projects, e.g.the BOU supported a 3-year project jointly with BirdLife International in Malaku, Indonesia, with a contribution of £48,000. The deadline for applications is 30 November for projects running from April the following year.

BOU grant application guidelines

BOU grant application form

Previous BOU awards and project reports

BOU | IBIS | Conferences | Conference Proceedings | British List

BOU - available funding schemes

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The BOU offers two different award schemes for those undertaking ornithological research.

BOU Small Research Grants

Awards of up to £2000 per project aimed at supporting small projects outright and to part-fund medium-sized research programmes.

2011 awards will be announced in March.

Further information, guidelines and application form.

BOU Career Development Bursaries

These aim to support short-term research positions for young (or early career) ornithologists, between a first and higher degree programme or immediately after completion of a higher degree. Successful grant proposals will combine the applicant’s development of skills that will be useful for their future career in ornithology with sound science.

2011 awards will be announced in March.

Further information, guidelines and application form.

Previous BOU awards and project reports

BOU home | IBIS | Conferences | Conference Proceedings

African Bird Club

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ABC runs two award schemes - ABC Conservation Awards and ABC Expedition Award.

For further details see here.

BOU Ethical Policy

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You should note the Union's ethical policy which is set out below:

“The Union expects all authors of papers submitted to Ibis and recipients of BOU research grants to act within the law of the land in which the work is conducted. They must ensure therefore that they have the necessary licences for whatever they are doing. Investigators should abide by the spirit as well as the letter of relevant legislation. Where work is carried out in places lacking relevant legislation, or where this is not adequately administered, the work should conform to the ethical standards expected in the UK.

“The Union expects researchers to have proper regard for conservation considerations and humane practice. Attention is drawn to the guidelines for the use of animals in research published most recently in Animal Behaviour 2003, 65: 249-282.

“The Union is not opposed in principle to the taking of birds for valid scientific purposes. However, studies should not involve unnecessary risks or stress to individual animals nor impact significantly upon populations of plants or animals. Research workers should be aware that even field observations of free‑living birds can cause significant disturbance. The impact of any particular study should be evaluated in terms of possible gain in knowledge against possible adverse consequences for individuals or the population.

“Papers may be rejected and research grants may be refused solely on ethica1 grounds.”
Your application should indicate that the work conforms to this policy.

Also, please make clear whether your work will include the collection of specimens (for which copies of any appropriate licenses are required).

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BOU Career Development Bursaries

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The aim of the BOU's Career Development Bursary Scheme is to support short-term research projects for young or early career ornithologists, between a first and higher degree programme or immediately after completion of a higher degree. Successful proposals will combine the development of skills useful for a future career in ornithology with a sound scientific research proposal.
The bursary scheme is aimed at researchers intending to follow a career in ornithology and who wish to develop their skills during or after completion of a first or higher degree. Awards will not be given to projects that form part of a degree programme, or for expeditions.
Awards of up to £2500 will be provided to cover a period of career development lasting 6-10 weeks, during which a scientific research project will be conducted. The bursary award may include a weekly allowance for the participant and expenses. In exceptional circumstances, an award over this amount may be considered.
Applicants should have completed a first or higher degree within the previous two years.

DOWNLOAD full bursary guidelines and application form
BOU Research Grants
BOU | IBIS | Conferences | Conference Proceedings

Oriental Bird Club

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OBC runs two funds, offering grants for bird conservation projects in the Oriental region.

The Conservation Fund provides small grants once each year. Emergency funding is also available to respond to urgent conservation problems.

The Smythies Fund provides discretionary funding for larger projects.

Further details and guidance on OBC’s funding priorities can be found on the OBC website.

Welsh Ornithological Society

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We can only help support Wales' birds if we understand where and how they live. Conservation work based on well-disseminated, good quality research work is crucial, and we are fortunate in the UK that such activities are undertaken by both professional organisations and expert, unpaid volunteers.  

In order to support such work, WOS offers small grants. In 2011, two grants not exceeding £500 are available for bird conservation projects in Wales.  To qualify for the grant, your project should benefit red or amber-listed species in the Population Status of Birds in Wales 2, with highest priority given towards red-listed species that are also Principal Biodiversity Species. However, consideration will also be given to research into species for which there is a significant gap in knowledge. These are listed at the end of the application form.   

Your project should aim to improve: 1. Current knowledge of status, trends, distribution or species requirements 2. Habitat conditions at specific sites (the work undertaken will need to be sustainable) 3. Production and dissemination of species information to assist others in conservation action  

NOTES TO APPLICANTS 

• Deadline for Applications: 29 February 2012. 

• Projects must take place within Wales. 

• The grant can pay for costs of the project such as materials, research and surveys including travel expenses, habitat management and technical advice. It should not pay for core funding for a group. 

• The funding must be used for biodiversity conservation work and not to fulfil any existing agreements such as SLAs, agri-environment works, planning obligations. 

• Any individual or non–profit group or organisation may apply. If you are applying on behalf of a non-constituted group and therefore do not have a bank account (such as a Biodiversity Action Group), you may nominate an organisation to administer the project finances. Eligible organisations include Local Authorities, Registered Charities, and Government Organisations. 

• A nominated person must sign the application form accepting the conditions of grant on behalf of those involved in the project. 

• The applicant must supply adequate information to justify the project.

Go to WOS to download application form.

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Sound Approach Bird Fund

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NEW BIRD CONSERVATION FUND WELCOMES APPLICATIONS

Do you know of any bird conservation projects which could do with a little financial help to get them going?

The Sound Approach Bird Fund offers grants of up to GBP£10,000 (c. US$15,800 equivalent) to bird conservation projects around the world.

We are looking for projects that will have a significant conservation benefit, making a real impact on the survival of globally or nationally threatened species or globally important sites. We're particularly looking for small, grassroots groups, rather than large national or international organisations, and projects which are are difficult to raise funds for.

There are no deadlines; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

For further details, guidelines for applicants including eligibility criteria, and a downloadable application form, please either:

- visit: www.soundapproach.co.uk/funding.php or

- email: birdfund@soundapproach.co.uk