Melanie Colón

WHO CAN APPLY? Delta will consider research proposals submitted by any student currently enrolled in a recognized graduate school program. Delta may occasionally consider proposals from individuals that have not yet been accepted into a graduate program provided that a letter accompanies these proposals from the student’s prospective supervisor indicating that acceptance into a formal graduate program is forthcoming. Delta does not fund amateur, post-doctoral, or faculty research, although research facilities are sometimes made available provided that research objectives are consistent and compatible with Delta’s overall mission. WHAT SORT OF STUDIES WILL DELTA SUPPORT? Delta will consider research proposals addressing any aspect of the ecology or management of North American waterfowl and wetlands resources. The Delta Waterfowl Foundation is acutely concerned with the status of North American duck populations; hence, studies designed to address significant waterfowl or wetland conservation problems will be given highest priority. In addition, studies that attempt to test fundamental ecological or evolutionary hypotheses pertaining to waterfowl or wetlands are strongly encouraged. Delta also has a long history of supporting studies on non-game wildlife associated with prairie and wetland ecosystems. A new arena for Delta is socioeconomic and policy-related studies on issues that affect the conservation of waterfowl or prairie and wetland habitats. If in doubt about whether a research topic is appropriate for Delta funding, please consult first with Delta’s Scientific Director

The American Eagle Foundation (www.eagles.org) (AEF) is a 501 © (3) public charity, headquartered at Pigeon Forge, TN. It was established in 1985 to conduct public awareness and recovery programs directed toward national conservation of Bald Eagles. In 2004, the "Bald Eagle Commemorative Coin Act" authorized the U.S. Mint to create and market $5 gold, $1 silver and $0.50 clad commemorative coins during 2008. These Coins celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as well as the Bald Eagle's successful recovery in the U.S.A. The Act authorized surcharges collected from the sale of collectible Bald Eagle Commemorative Coins to be paid to AEF of Tennessee "to further its works," which includes grants for Bald Eagle Projects. The U.S. Mint's 2008 Eagle Coin sales yielded $7.8 million in surcharges. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the monies, $5.8 million, were earmarked in the American Eagle Fund, hereafter called the Fund. This Fund supports priority bald eagle projects within the USFWS Regions (http://www.fws.gov/where/) of the United States. Projects may be conducted by state, federal and private agencies.

The American Eagle Foundation (AEF) is a not-for-profit organization of concerned citizens and professionals founded in 1985 to develop and conduct bald eagle and environmental recovery programs in the United States and to assist private, state and federal projects that do the same. Our goal is to fully restore the bald eagle, the U.S.A.'s National Symbol, to America's lands and skies and to "Build A Nest-Egg" for their future care and protection. We are headquartered at the Dollywood entertainment park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

###NOTE - as of 11/20/2018##### The Kaytee Avian Foundation was not taking grant applications, but indicated that there was an ongoing effort to reinstate their research grant program in the future. We'll keep checking on this one and update this listing as we learn more. ########################### All projects must fit one or more of the following criteria: Wisconsin based companion or wild bird education, conservation or research project. U.S. based companion or wild bird education, conservation or research project. International based companion or wild bird education, conservation or research project. Education The Kaytee Avian Foundation supports educational programs that will teach people of all ages the importance of caring for birds and their environment. The programs are varied, but include curriculum development, audio-visual materials, manipulative materials, and other related support materials. Conservation The Kaytee Avian Foundation supports programs that will encourage positive avian conservation efforts. The programs encourage people to be environmentally conscious and aware of what is going on around them. Projects in this area encourage the conservation of avian habitat and key parcels of land. They must involve people in a positive and culturally appropriate manner. Research The Kaytee Avian Foundation supports programs that will conduct sound, scientific research on specific topics with a measure of predicted success or knowledge gained. Avian medical research projects are considered as well as avian research projects that are aimed at the protection of endangered species. Other programs supported must improve our understanding of pet birds and their counterparts in the wild. These programs will help ensure that people will be able to enjoy birds for future generations.

Mission Statement To enhance people’s knowledge and enjoyment of birds through education, conservation and research. Birds are an integral part of our world, through financial support of avian projects we strive to enhance the awareness, understanding and appreciation of birds and their habitats. The more we know about birds, the better we will be able to care for them whether they live in our homes as companions, in our backyards or in the many habitats of the world.

The American Federation of Aviculture (AFA) is a nonprofit national organization established in 1974, whose purpose is to represent all aspects of aviculture and to educate the public about keeping and breeding birds in captivity. AFA has a membership consisting of bird breeders, pet bird owners, avian veterinarians, pet/bird store owners, bird product manufacturers, and other people interested in the future of aviculture. AFA defines anyone keeping exotic birds in captivity as an "aviculturist" but AFA advocates that this designation carries with it certain responsibilities transcending those of the owners of domesticated pets like dogs and cats. AFA believes holders of exotic birds need to be aware of the special needs of the species they hold, be aware of their conservation status, up-to-date research findings enhancing the well-being of the birds, and the state and federal regulations pertaining to exotic birds. AFA History During an outbreak of Exotic Newcastle Disease in California, in the early 1970's, thousands of perfectly healthy exotic birds in private collections were euthanized by the USDA if even one bird in the collection was suspected of being exposed to the disease. As a result of the outbreak, the State of California proposed legislation that would narrowly restrict or ban the ownership of exotic birds. This proposed legislation to restrict private ownership was the catalyst that brought many Southern California bird owners and clubs together to form the AMERICAN FEDERATION OF AVICULTURE, INC. in March of 1974 to serve as an avicultural umbrella organization. The AFA is a non-profit 501©3 educational organization incorporated in the state of California, (business office located in Austin, TX) with a membership base of individual members both nationwide and worldwide. The AFA is also a federation, comprised of numerous affiliated bird clubs and organizations representing thousands of aviculturists. The AFA is dedicated to the promotion of aviculture and the conservation of Avian Wildlife through the encouragement of captive breeding programs, scientific research and the education of the general public. To promote the interests of aviculture , the AFA works to educate legislators within the U.S.A. The AFA also represents the avicultural community at CITES meetings.

The CBC provides grants to support research, education and conservation of birds of the Carolinas and their habitats. Grant applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. The CBC Grants Committee meets quarterly to review applications. An official representative of the conservation organization should send an application which includes: Details of the purpose of the grant request. Project plans (with dates) as appropriate. The name of the payee and the address to which a check should be mailed. Checks are made out to an institution or a department, not to an individual. Awardees must file a final report including an accounting of expenditures and a summary of the completed project no later than 30 days following its completion. Any unused funds must be returned to CBC. Important: Grants are awarded for specific purposes. Should the recipient of a grant wish to allocate any part of the grant to a purpose other than that defined in the original application, prior permission must be obtained from the CBC Grants Committee. In the event that such permission is denied the grant monies concerned must be returned to the CBC.

The CBC provides grants to support research, education and conservation of birds of the Carolinas and their habitats. Grant applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. The CBC Grants Committee meets quarterly to review applications. Applications should be made through an educational or non-profit institution. For student research projects, applications require the sponsorship of a faculty member. For secondary school programs, applications require a letter of support from the school principal. Applications should be prepared directly by the applicant and should include: A scope of work (preferably limited to two single-spaced pages), including species to be studied and the site where the work will be conducted. A detailed budget. Appropriate course work and other activities that would indicate that the applicant is capable of performing the described research. A letter of support from the faculty sponsor or school principal. Details of the starting date of the research and the time period for which funding is requested. The name of the payee and the address to which a check should be mailed. Checks are made out to an institution or a department, not to an individual. Allowable costs include, but are not necessarily limited to, laboratory supplies and limited travel to research sites. The Carolina Bird Club does not support institutional indirect costs. Awardees must file a final report including an accounting of expenditures and a summary of research or programming no later than 30 days following the close of the grant period. Any unused funds must be returned to CBC. Significant research findings will be reviewed for possible publication in The Chat, the ornithological journal of the CBC. Also, awardees may be invited to present their findings at a seasonal meeting of the CBC. In that case the CBC will cover all reasonable expenses incurred by the presenter.

The Carolina Bird Club is a non-profit organization which represents and supports the birding community in the Carolinas through its official website, publications, meetings, workshops, trips, and partnerships, whose mission is To promote the observation, enjoyment, and study of birds. To provide opportunities for birders to become acquainted, and to share information and experience. To maintain well-documented records of birds in the Carolinas. To support the protection and conservation of birds and their habitats and foster an appreciation and respect of natural resources. To promote educational opportunities in bird and nature study. To support research on birds of the Carolinas and their habitats.

This is the first re-appraisal in 50 years of concepts of development made in birds. This book is a case study in evolutionary diversification of life histories. Although birds have a rather uniform body plan and physiology, they exhibit marked variation in development type, parental care, and rate of growth. Altricial birds are fully dependent on their parents for warmth and nutrition and begin posthatching life in a more or less embryonic condition. At the other extreme, such superprecocial species as the megapodes are independent of all parental care from hatching, and the neonate, able to fly, resembles an adult bird. This book thus attempts to present an integrative perspective of organism biology, ecology, and evolution.

Most in-depth, complete study of the function and control of plumage coloration for any species of bird Over 100 original illustrations The first detailed review of carotenoid physiology in passerine birds A review of the history of the study of plumage coloration A personal view of the triumphs and hardships of field biology in the suburbs This is an account of studies of the function and evolution of colorful plumage in the House Finch. It is also an engaging study on the evolution of sexual selection in birds and a lively portrait of the challenges and constraints of experimental design facing any field investigator working with animal behavior. Part I sets the stage for modern studies of the function of plumage coloration with a review of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth centuries. Part II focuses on the proximate control and present function of plumage coloration. Part III takes a more explicitly evolutionary approach to the study of plumage coloration using biogeography and phylogeny to test hypotheses for why specific forms of plumage color display have evolved. It concludes with an account of comparative studies that have been conducted in the House Finch and other cardueline finches and the insight these studies have provided on the evolution of carotenoid-based ornamental coloration. Readership: Ornithologists and serious amateurs, evolutionary biologists, behavioural ecologists.

Biological invaders represent one of the primary threats to the maintenance of global biodiversity, human health, and the success of human economic enterprises. The continuing globalization of our society ensures that the need to understand the process of biological invasion will only increase in the future. There is also a growing recognition that the study of biological invaders provides a unique insight into basic questions in ecology and evolution. The study of exotic birds has had a particularly long history and has come to represent a fascinating intersection between the study of biological invasions, avian conservation biology, and basic principles of ecology and evolution. Avian Invasions summarizes and synthesizes this unique historical record and unravels the insights that the study of exotic birds brings to all three of these research strands. It includes chapters on the well-known contributions of exotic bird study to ecological science, and on the post-establishment evolution of introduced bird populations. The result is the most comprehensive picture yet of the invasion process. Avian Invasions is aimed at professional avian biologists and ornithologists as well as graduate students of avian ecology, evolution and conservation. It also appeals to a more general audience of invasion ecologists.

General Student Resources Searching for a Program Tips on using the pathwaystoscience.org website to search for programs. Student Information Form Use this form to sign up to receive internship, fellowship, and scholarship information. Tips on Creating a Winning Application General tips to assist you in your program and funding applications. Enhancing Your Fellowship Application Tips on fellowship applications

To aid the ACA in the delivery of its mission “ACA conserves, protects, and enhances fish, wildlife and habitat for all Albertans to enjoy, value and use.” Priority is given to projects that contribute to the funding priorities (see guidelines) and demonstrate a "self-help" attitude (e.g. partner contributions, in-kind support).

To support research projects that meet and further ACA’s mission "ACA conserves, protects, and enhances fish, wildlife and habitat for all Albertans to enjoy, value and use" and supports high quality research projects on wildlife, fish and habitat which inform the effective management of wildlife, fish populations and habitat in Alberta. Priority is given to projects that contribute to the funding priorities (see guidelines) and demonstrate a "self-help" attitude (e.g. partner contributions, in-kind support).

Goals This grants program is intended to: increase knowledge of Alberta’s heritage of living resources, specifically the flora and fauna, promote the development of highly qualified, Alberta-based conservation biologists, and support research and study in Alberta by graduate students. The Program supports research in fields of biodiversity, conservation biology, and ecology, all broadly construed; all kinds of organisms are covered. Support for the Program The Alberta Conservation Association provides up to $225,000 annually for support of graduate student research in Alberta in the areas of biodiversity, conservation biology, and ecology. Up to $20,000 is provided recipients, that money to be spent over 2 years. However, partial awards are more common and excessive requests for moderate proposals will jeopardize funding of the grant at all. Progress of the Program The Program is in its 15th year. To date, the ACA Grants in Biodiversity has awarded over 3.4 million research dollars to 341 graduate students from 18 universities. (Although graduate students do not have to attend universities in Alberta, their thesis research must be Alberta-based). Most recipients go on to careers in environmental and conservation biology. Many recipients remain in Alberta after completing their degree programs.

The program supports research in fields of biodiversity, conservation biology and ecology, and research on management of flora and fauna all broadly construed; all kinds of organisms are covered. Applications can deal with the study of Alberta's flora and fauna at any biological level, but such studies should be directly anchored in the real world. Thus, for example, experimental laboratory studies dealing with beetle chromosomes, must be tied directly to that organism in nature. Impact-type studies, such as those involving human-induced environmental change will be considered, but such manipulations must be process oriented and related to flora and fauna change. Geographic Area of Focus: Alberta ONLY

The Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative supports biodiversity related research on Nantucket, Tuckernuck, and Muskeget Islands through and annual Small Grants program. Funding is available for the purchase of research equipment, travel to the Islands for research, field supplies, sample processing, etc necessary to complete a specific research project. Additional information can be found in the grant guidelines and application. Grant requests of up to $1,500 will be considered for funding. Additional financial and in-kind support such as housing, vehicles, lab space, equipment, etc. may also be provided by participating NBI organizations. The NBI does not fund institutional overhead or researcher salaries. Proposals that include one or more of the following will be given the highest priority for funding: Projects that include Nantucket as a study site for regional biodiversity-related research; Research on non-native, invasive species and their impacts on the biodiversity of Nantucket; Research on understudied taxonomic groups on Nantucket; Research on more than one species of interest; Study sites located within the NBI’s established biodiversity plots; Species inventory work focused solely on under surveyed taxonomic groups.

Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative Mission Statement The mission of the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative (NBI) is to conserve the native biodiversity of Nantucket through collaborative research, monitoring and education. Objectives: To work in partnership with conservation organizations, educational institutions, governmental agencies, local businesses and individuals to further the mission of the NBI; To support and facilitate biodiversity research on Nantucket, Tuckernuck and Muskeget Islands and surrounding waters and share results with the scientific community and the general public; To develop a comprehensive inventory of island species and document population trends; To coordinate the cataloging of data and reports and organizae the deposition of biological species at appropriate institutions; To detect and manage invasive exotic species that pose a threat to biodiversity on the islands; To educate the pubilc about the significance of diverse biological communities and inspire them to become responsible stewareds of the environment; and To make biodiversity information available to conservation organizations, government agencies and the general public involved in decisions that affect Nantucker's environment.

The Ornithological Council (OC), a consortium of twelve scientific societies of ornithologists in the Western Hemisphere, has initiated a small grants program for projects that integrate ornithological research and conservation. Research projects that improve the likelihood of success of a specific conservation project in the region from Mexico in North America, through Central America and the Caribbean to South America are eligible to compete for funding. Preference will be given to projects focusing on resident species but benefits to migratory birds will also be considered. This three-year pilot program will provide funds up to US$7,500 per year for one or more projects. Grants will be made to members of any of the OC member societies. An applicant must be willing to join an OC member society if he or she receives an award and is not already a member. Check Ornithology Exchange after September 30 for announcement and instructions.

Applicants must be registered in a master's degree program (in even numbered years) or doctoral degree program (in odd numbered years) in wildlife biology, zoology, ecology or a related discipline at a university in North America, and must be a member of The Wildlife Society. Awards are based primarily upon project merit, but also consider the candidate's academic achievement, field experience, appreciation of hunting (personally and professionally), and career interests. Research projects must be endorsed by the candidate's academic supervisor. The award is intended to benefit students who show promise as wildlife teachers, researchers, and managers. A special TWS committee will select the recipient, and reserves the right to forego an award selection if no suitable candidates apply.

Connected by similar geography, natural and cultural resources, and resource protection challenges, the Coastal Southern California national parks: Cabrillo National Monument Channel Islands National Park Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area The parks work in collaboration to preserve the natural and cultural resources of the Mediterranean climate region. This collaboration includes the Mediterranean Coast Network Inventory and Monitoring (MEDN I&M) Program, and the Southern California Research Learning Center (SCRLC). The parks are also fortunate to have the support of numerous partner organizations. These parks represent one of the most outstanding examples of ecosystems supported by the Mediterranean climate region and each contain a rich and varied array of natural and cultural resources. The parks, together with their partners, are dedicated to understanding and preserving the region’s unique resources through science and education. Learn more about specific topics by exploring the links on the left or visit the park and protected pages to discover the particular resources found at each of these special places.

Each year Birds Queensland offers small grants for research relating to the conservation of birds and their habitats in Queensland, especially those under threat. BQ Research Grants cover the costs of items such as laboratory materials, field equipment and travel, but do not normally cover salaries or attendance at conferences. T

Birds Queensland is a non-profit organisation that finances its own activities. Our logo, shown on the right, is the brightly coloured and beautiful Sunbird which is normally found only between Normanton and Bundaberg. A major regular activity is the monthly meeting (except January) with a topic presented by a guest speaker. There are regular camps at convenient locations where we observe birds and learn from the more expert members. Birds Queensland usually conducts both a one day and half day bird walk each month.