We are delighted to announce the upcoming launch of the Birds Canada Community Grant, a granting program designed to support projects that increase the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of birds in Canada.
The Birds Canada Community Grant builds upon the legacy of the James L. Baillie Memorial Fund for Bird Research and Preservation. Birds Canada (called the Long Point Bird Observatory at the time) established the Baillie Fund in 1976 to honour James Baillie for his major contributions to ornithology. Since then, the Baillie Fund has supported over 650 projects for birds across Canada.
In 2023, we paused making grants to take the necessary time to review, reflect, and make improvements to our long-term granting program. Now, we’re back with a refreshed program that we hope will better serve the conservation community, and most importantly, birds. Some of the improvements we made include clearer applicant guidelines, streamlined online application process, and fewer eligibility restrictions.
While our granting program’s name has evolved, Birds Canada recognizes the immense impact of James Baillie for birds and the ornithological community in Ontario and beyond. We would also like to recognize and thank all the past applicants and especially our dedicated volunteer grant reviewers and Baillie Fund Trustees over the years for all of your work for birds. Lastly, the Birds Canada Community Grant is funded with revenue generated by the Birds Canada Birdathon. We thank the Birdathon participants and donors for their generous support for bird conservation.
The Birds Canada Community Grant is funded by the revenue generated by Birdathon. Photo: Tara Hurley
Who can apply? Eligible applicants include registered charities, non-profit organizations, Indigenous Nations, governments, communities, or organizations, and educational institutions.
What types of projects are eligible? We welcome projects that align with at least one of our granting program’s objectives:
- Contribute to our understanding of birds in their natural environment
- Increase appreciation of birds and their habitats among people in Canada
- Advance the conservation of birds in Canada
Where can projects take place? Project activities must take place in Canada or in areas (e.g., wintering grounds or along migration routes) that are used by migratory bird species that spend part of the year in Canada.
How much funding is available? Up to $25,000 is available annually, with grants typically ranging in size from $2,000 to $8,000 for one-year projects.
How to apply? The application window will be open from 15 October to 15 November, 2024 at 5:00PM Pacific Time. Please check our website at this time for the applicant guide and online application form.
We invite you to be part of our mission to drive action to increase the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of birds in Canada!
