Funding projects that help conserve birds

Birds Canada provides one-year grants for projects that increase the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of birds in Canada. The Birds Canada Community Grant is funded with revenue generated by participants of the Birds Canada Birdathon. 

The Birds Canada Community Grant is built on the legacy of the James L. Baillie Memorial Fund for Bird Research and Preservation (i.e., Baillie Fund), which was established in 1976 to honour the significant contributions of James Baillie to the field of ornithology (click here to learn more about James Baillie). 

Note: Birds Canada is piloting a refreshed granting program this grant cycle and may make further changes to the program. Any changes will be clearly documented on this webpage.

The application window will open in mid-October. Applications must be submitted online by 15 November 2024 at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Applications may be submitted in English or French. Please ensure you review all of the information below before submitting an application, especially the eligibility criteria listed in the Applicant Guide.

Great Blue Heron photo: Deborah MacEwan

If you have questions about the Birds Canada Community Grant, please contact Liz Purves at lpurves AT birdscanada.org

Birds Canada commits to fostering a culture that values Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation, and Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA). These are integral approaches that shape all that we do in our organization, including our grant program. Read more about our commitment to inclusion here.

Remembering James L. Baillie

The original Baillie Fund was named in honour of James L. Baillie for his major contributions to ornithology. While our granting program’s name has evolved to reflect its national scope, Birds Canada recognizes the immense impact of Jim Baillie for birds and the ornithological community in Ontario and beyond. We encourage you to learn more about the life work of James Baillie with the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Field Naturalists, and more by reading the following articles:

Reflections on James L. Baillie by By Dr. H.J.M. Barnett  (link) 

Toronto Field Ornithologists’ tribute to James L. Baillie (link)