Global Raptor Research and Conservation Grant

Building Capacity and Conserving Raptors Globally

HawkWatch International’s Global Raptor Research & Conservation Grant supports projects addressing global raptor priorities. The grant aims to increase diversity and inclusivity in conservation while building local capacity.

This page provides information about the purpose of this funding opportunity, the types of projects we are willing to fund, and how to submit a compelling proposal. If you have questions that are not addressed here, please get in touch with us.

Grant Overview

In 2019, HawkWatch International led an effort to identify global raptor research and conservation priorities (Buechley et al. 2019). This research identified very stark discrepancies in raptor research efforts worldwide. Ten species (1.8% of all raptors) received nearly one‐third of all raptor research (32%), while over one‐fifth of all raptors (21%, 116 species) had zero research publications. Discouragingly, raptors at risk of extinction and those with declining populations are less studied globally. This effort identified tropical regions of Central and South America, Sub‐Saharan Africa and, particularly, Southeast Asia as the highest priority for investment because they host the highest number of total species, understudied species, and extinction‐prone species. These findings call for a shift in how we invest scientific and conservation resources.

The Global Raptor Research and Conservation Grant aims to provide support and resources to these areas where it is needed most. Applicants may apply for up to $2,500 USD; more than one applicant may be funded. Continued funding for prior grant recipients is possible if all reporting requirements are met. In addition to financial support, HWI supports successful applicants by providing scientific guidance, networking opportunities, and publicizing project results.

Minimum Requirements

  • Located in high-priority countries for raptor research and conservation, broadly Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia, as well as many island countries (see All Raptor Priority Figure)
  • Focused on a single species of raptor that is recognized as a high-priority species for research and conservation (>0.5 RCPI*)
  • Led by an applicant who is a citizen of the country and who is associated with a registered NGO and/or university in the country where the project will take place

Preferences

Applications will be scored based on the importance and/or impact of the proposed project, the overall quality of the application, and the applicant’s financial need. Furthermore, preference will be given to projects that:

  • Take place in low-income countries or those with a high country-level RCPI score (>=0.4);
  • Focus on filling knowledge gaps (i.e. research), on applied conservation actions, or both;
  • The maximum funding ($2,500) will make up a significant proportion (50%+) of the total budget;
  • Are undertaken by early career researchers;
  • Are undertaken by applicants with demonstrated financial need

Restrictions

Due to funding limitations, we are unable to review applications that…

  • Occur in the USA, Canada, or Europe 
  • Focus on a raptor species with RCPI* < 0.5
  • Occur outside of the country where the applicant is a citizen
  • Are submitted in any language other than English
  • Cannot complete all grant outputs within 18 months of receiving the grant
  • Lack a relationship with a registered NGO or university that has agreed to accept the grant and disburse it to the applicant
  • Require greater than 10% of grant funds be used for overhead to the sponsoring NGO or university

How to Apply

Applications are closed. To apply, please submit the application form linked below by December 31, 2023. If you have trouble accessing/submitting the form, you may email the application to conservation.grant@hawkwatch.org. A full list of requirements can be found here

Previous Awardees

1 out of 5 Raptors Have Zero Publications

Help us learn more about understudied species by supporting our international research

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