Melanie Colón

Established in 1984, the Conservation Grants Fund (previously called the Conservation Endowment Fund, or CEF) supports the cooperative conservation-related scientific and educational initiatives of AZA, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, and their collaborators. Since 1991, the CGF has provided more than $7 million to nearly 390 projects worldwide. This is made possible through the generous donations of members and institutions. View the list of contributors from last year. AZA extends a special thank you to the Walt Disney World Company and the Disney Conservation Fund, which has provided significant financial support to the CGF since 1999, nearly doubling the number of proposals funded annually. CGF grants are awarded in six categories: Animal Health Animal Welfare Conservation Education Field Conservation Management / Captive Breeding Research AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums of all sizes have received CGF grants. Many grants have been awarded to collaborations among AZA-accredited institutions; state, federal and international wildlife agencies; academia; and major conservation NGOs. Annual disbursement amounts are determined by the AZA Board of Directors. Selections are made on the basis of a competitive review and approximately one-quarter of the proposals received every year are funded. The average project award is approximately $18,000. View the complete list of previously funded projects. Application materials will be available in January, with submissions due in mid-March.

The AZA is a nonprofit organinzation dedicated to the advancement of zoos and public aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. The organization is active in institution acceditation, animal care initiatives, education and conservation programs, collaborative research and political lobbying in order to achieve this goal. It serves as an accrediting body for zoos and aquariums and ensures that accredited facilities meet higher standards of animal care than are required by law. Institutions are evaluated every five years in order to ensure standards are met and to maintain accreditation. The association also facilitates both Species Survival Plans and Population Management Plans, which serve to sustainably manage genetically diverse captive populations of various animal species. In addition, the association sponsors the scientific journal, Zoo Biology.

The Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research (GIAR) program has been providing undergraduate and graduate students with valuable educational experiences for more than 80 years. By encouraging close working relationships between students and faculty, the program promotes scientific excellence and achievement through hands-on learning. The program awards grants of up to $1,000 to students from all areas of the sciences and engineering. Designated funds from the National Academy of Sciences allow for grants of up to $5,000 for astronomy research and $2,500 for vision related research. Students use the funding to pay for travel expenses to and from a research site, or for purchase of non-standard laboratory equipment necessary to complete a specific research project. While membership in Sigma Xi is not a requirement for applying for funding from the Grants-in-Aid of Research program, approximately 75% of funds are restricted for use by dues paying student members of Sigma Xi or students whose project advisor is a dues paying member of Sigma Xi. Students from any country are eligible to receive funding.

Today, Sigma Xi is an international, multidisciplinary research society whose programs and activities promote the health of the scientific enterprise and honor scientific achievement. There are nearly 60,000 Sigma Xi members in more than 100 countries around the world. Sigma Xi chapters, more than 500 in all, can be found at colleges and universities, industrial research centers and government laboratories. The Society endeavors to encourage support of original work across the spectrum of science and technology and to promote an appreciation within society at large for the role research has played in human progress.

STAR Fellowships EPA's STAR graduate fellowship program supports masters and doctoral candidates in environmental studies. Each year, students in the United States compete for STAR fellowships through a rigorous review process. Students can pursue degrees in traditionally recognized environmental disciplines as well as other fields such as social anthropology, urban and regional planning, and decision sciences. Since the program began in 1995, EPA has awarded approximately 1,500 STAR fellowships to students in every state and most territories. Fellowships have helped educate new academic researchers, government scientists, science teachers, and, environmental engineers. STAR fellowships are intended to help defray the ever-increasing costs associated with studies leading to advanced degrees in environmental sciences. The actual amount awarded per year will vary depending on the amount of tuition and fees and the number of months the stipend is needed. Benefits of an EPA STAR Fellowship include: Up to $42,000 per year of, including $12,000 per year for tuition and fees, $25,000 per year in a monthly stipend, and an annual expense allowance of $5,000. Masters level students can receive support for a maximum of two years. Doctoral students can be supported for a maximum of three years with funding available, under certain circumstances, over a period of four years.

Our Mission Our mission is to protect human health and the environment. Learn more about: our mission and what we do seven priorities for EPA's future how we are organized our history

In order to promote bird studies and bird watching activities in China mainland, Hong Kong Bird Watching Society has established the HKBWS China Conservation Fund since 1999. The aim of the fund includes: To promote bird watching activities; To facilitate observation and publishing of bird records; To support ornithological researches directly related to conservation. Small grants of up to HK$10,000 are offered to projects related to bird studies and bird watching. Fund applications are considered once a year.

In order to promote bird studies and bird watching activities in China mainland, Hong Kong Bird Watching Society has established the HKBWS China Conservation Fund since 1999. The aim of the fund includes: To promote bird watching activities; To facilitate observation and publishing of bird records; To support ornithological researches directly related to conservation.

This beautifully illustrated and user-friendly book presents the most up-to-date information available about the natural histories of birds of the Sierra Nevada, the origins of their names, the habitats they prefer, how they communicate and interact with one another, their relative abundance, and where they occur within the region. Each species account features original illustrations by Keith Hansen. In addition to characterizing individual species, Birds of the Sierra Nevada also describes ecological zones and bird habitats, recent trends in populations and ranges, conservation efforts, and more than 160 rare species. It also includes a glossary of terms, detailed maps, and an extensive bibliography with over 500 citations.

Tiny ruby-throated hummingbirds weighing less than a nickel fly from the upper Midwest to Costa Rica every fall, crossing the six-hundred-mile Gulf of Mexico without a single stop. One of the many creatures that commute on the Mississippi Flyway as part of an annual migration, they pass along Chicago’s lakefront and through midwestern backyards on a path used by their species for millennia. This magnificent migrational dance takes place every year in Chicagoland, yet it is often missed by the region’s two-legged residents. The Art of Migration uncovers these extraordinary patterns that play out over the seasons. Readers are introduced to over two hundred of the birds and insects that traverse regions from the edge of Lake Superior to Lake Michigan and to the rivers that flow into the Mississippi. As the only artist in residence at the Field Museum, Peggy Macnamara has a unique vantage point for studying these patterns and capturing their distinctive traits. Her magnificent watercolor illustrations capture flocks, movement, and species-specific details. The illustrations are accompanied by text from museum staff and include details such as natural histories, notable features for identification, behavior, and how species have adapted to environmental changes. The book follows a gentle seasonal sequence and includes chapters on studying migration, artist’s notes on illustrating wildlife, and tips on the best ways to watch for birds and insects in the Chicago area. A perfect balance of science and art, The Art of Migration will prompt us to marvel anew at the remarkable spectacle going on around us.

The Chicago Zoological Society administers the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) Endangered Species Fund, which supports conservation-oriented research. The grant attracts dozens of innovative research projects each quarter, and the most promising of these are awarded funding. In general, the Society's CBOT Committee wishes to have grant funds applied to the following types of actions: Projects that will assist directly in the protection of populations of threatened and endangered species; or a specific habitat that is of high biological value or that is substantially threatened (IUCN Red List Status). This includes projects that will quantitatively assess population and environmental status with indications of best conservation strategy; projects that will help achieve sustainable relations between local people, and the species of concern. The development of educational projects and training that assist in building local conservation capacity are given higher priority. Grants are open to SSC Specialist Group Chairs and Officers, AZA/WAZA Chairs and Officers, and all interested researchers. Each group should select and submit only one proposal that has been ranked as the highest funding priority and endorsed by the group. The Fund will support small projects usually up to $5,000 (smaller requests will fare better). The fund is not accepting applications for field research being conducted in the following countries: U.S.A. Canada, Western Europe, European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, S. Korea, Taiwan, Singapore.

Promoting Conservation, Protecting Species The Chicago Zoological Society administers the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) Endangered Species Fund, which supports conservation-oriented research.

Russell E. Train Fellowships support individuals pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in conservation. Each year, WWF supports committed conservationists from target countries to receive financial support for their studies and field research. Applicants can apply to attend any university around the world and must return to their home countries to work in conservation for at least two years after completing their degree. Applicants from select WWF-US priority countries must meet all of the eligibility criteria to be considered for a grant.

The Conservation Fund makes grants for conservation of seabirds in the Pacific Ocean, and for expanding seabird expertise in developing countries within or bordering the Pacific Ocean. Priority for grants is to citizens of developing countries in the Pacific region. However, other applicants also qualify for grants under certain circumstances (see explanation on the website). The size of grants is usually between US$250 and US$2,000. Applications may be submitted at any time—there is no deadline for submission.

The Trust bursaries are to be awarded annually to applicants requiring financial assistance, in order to pursue projects on Birds and other Natural History subjects, which are of scientific and conservation value, through the media of writing, photography, painting or illustration. The application form should be completed and returned, along with any other relevant material, to aid the Trustees in assessing the suitability of your projects, please try and limit ‘relevant material to no more than 3 extra pages. All applications should be returned by 30th September. All applicants will be notified of the Trustees decision by December 31st, and the bursaries will be paid to successful applicants when required. The Trustees recognise that their bursaries, of up to £750, may form only part of the total finance required for the project. Under these circumstances applicants are requested to specify other sources of their funding and define what area of the project that the award would be spent on. Successful applicants will be asked to acknowledge the Eric Hosking Charitable Trust wherever possible and provide a copy of any written report to the Trust and a copy of any published results. In the event of a project being cancelled, after an Eric Hosking Charitable Trust bursary has been awarded, all funding received must be repaid. We look forward to receiving your application and should you require acknowledgement of receipt of your application, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope. Applications made online will be acknowledged by email. See list of previous recipients for an idea of projects funded (http://www.erichoski...age9/page9.html)

The grants are awarded annually, and provide financial support towards undergraduate or master’s projects that benefit the conservation of biodiversity and provide a capacity building opportunity for student scientists.

The Darwin Initiative assists countries that are rich in biodiversity but poor in financial resources to meet their objectives under one or more of the three major biodiversity Conventions: the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES); and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), through the funding of collaborative projects which draw on UK biodiversity expertise.

The world’s wildlife is under threat. And we're playing a big part in the battle to protect threatened species and habitats. Scientists reckon a third of all animal and plant species on Earth face a high risk of extinction within this century. Extinction: that’s it. Gone - forever. We have to fight back. And we are. Our mission is to be a major force in conserving biodiversity worldwide, and we do it through a combination of field conservation, research, conservation breeding, animal welfare, and education. There’s a worldwide network of zoos, who join forces to co-ordinate conservation work. We belong to a number of UK, European and international organisations, including the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). We work together to co-ordinate breeding programmes, help zoos do more for conservation, and keep standards high in every zoo.

The aims of the Eric Hosking Trust are to sponsor natural history and ornithological research through the media of writing, photography, painting or illustration. Bursaries of up to £750 may be awarded to suitable candidates from any country once a year. The Trust has been awarded charitable status and a board of Trustees, consisting of Professor Richard Chandler, Dr Jim Flegg, Robert Gillmor, David Hosking, Robin Hosking, Edward Keeble, Derek Moore, Paul Williams and Martin Withers has been established. The Trust was launched at a major retrospective exhibition of Eric Hosking’s vintage prints at The Wildlife Art Gallery in Lavenham, Suffolk, on April 24th 1993. In addition, a volume of Eric’s black and white photographs with a text specially written by Dr Jim Flegg, with a foreword by Miriam Rothschild, was published by HarperCollins in autumn of 1993.

The Darwin Initiative assists countries that are rich in biodiversity but poor in financial resources to meet their objectives under one or more of the three major biodiversity Conventions: the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES); and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), through the funding of collaborative projects which draw on UK biodiversity expertise.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo works to ensure the health and well-being of the animals in our care as well as to support the conservation of these animals in the wild. The Zoo confronts conservation challenges around the world through direct action - participating in and supporting wildlife conservation efforts that address the multiple and complex issues that are key to the long-term survival of wildlife and their habitats in the wild. Over the past ten years, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Cleveland Zoological Society have supported more than 600 conservation projects in nearly 100 countries around the world.

For 50 years, WWF has been protecting the future of nature. The world’s leading conservation organization, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally. WWF’s unique way of working combines global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level from local to global, and ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature.

A 501 ©(3) non-profit private foundation, the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund focuses its resources in four strategic areas: Species Research, Habitat Protection, Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation, and Conservation Education. Since its launch, the Fund has granted over $9 million to more than 500 projects in countries around the world. The Fund's grantees are diverse, including global organizations such as World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and Conservation International along with smaller, grassroots organizations. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund works with hundreds of organizations, both big and small, around the world. All of these groups share a common goal - protecting animals, people and places. Aiming to achieve long-term conservation success, we support projects that are: Science-based Solution-driven Community-oriented The power of partnership. It's at work every day with efforts around the world supported by our Fund. We support projects in 4 key categories: Species Research Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Habitat Protection Conservation Education We accept applications from non-profits in and outside the U.S., governmental entities, accredited universities and research centers and AZA- or AMMPA-accredited institutions. We also offer Special Grants & Awards: Animal Crisis Grants

Conservation. It's in our Nature. For more than 40 years, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment - encompassing SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove - have initiated and supported wildlife conservation, research, and education at home and around the world. Upon visiting a SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment facility, many guests are inspired to help protect the animals they encounter and get involved with wildlife conservation. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund was, in part, created to fulfill that desire. Launched in 2003, the Fund was created to provide guests with an easy, direct way to get involved and make a difference. While the Fund itself is relatively new, the parks have been committed to wildlife conservation for decades. The Fund intends to continue this legacy and create an even greater one. A 501 ©(3) non-profit private foundation, the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund focuses its resources in four strategic areas: Species Research, Habitat Protection, Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation, and Conservation Education. Since its launch, the Fund has granted over $9 million to more than 500 projects in countries around the world. The Fund's grantees are diverse, including global organizations such as World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and Conservation International along with smaller, grassroots organizations.

Rufford Small Grants for Nature Conservation (RSGs) are aimed at small conservation programmes and pilot projects. They offer five stages of funding (see below). On their website you can track the progress of hundreds of supported projects around the world, and use the online application procedure to submit new projects. First Rufford Small Grant For Nature Conservation What is it? A grant of up to £6,000 available for nature conservation projects Who/what is eligible? Individuals or small groups Projects outside the first world Critical components of the application Impact must be pragmatic, measurable and long lasting The grant must make up the majority of the total budget Funds must be used predominantly in the field Applications must be submitted through the online applications section of this website. The project should generally be approx. 12-18 months duration Who/what is generally not eligible? Projects in first world countries Pure research Expeditions A conference or seminar 2nd Rufford Small Grant For Nature Conservation What is it? A further grant of up to £6,000 available for nature conservation projects Eligibility criteria same as for first grant Critical components of the application further to first Rufford Small Grant Must have submitted interim reports and a final report on first grant before applying for second grant Must have three references, at least one of which may not have been used for the previous grant. Must include new budget Generally a minimum of 18 months between submitting first and second application Rufford Booster Grant It is possible to apply for a Rufford Booster Grant upon successful usage of a 1st and 2nd Rufford Small Grant A Booster Grant is generally up to £12,000 The criteria and application process is the same as for a 2nd Rufford Small Grant and the impact of the work achieved with the 1st and 2nd Rufford Small Grant must be clearly reported Continuation Grant A Continuation Grant is available ONLY upon completion of a Booster Grant. A Continuation Grant is up to £25,000 and ONLY payable through a conduit. The grant is for the same project as the Booster. Applications must be submitted through the online applications section of this website. The review process can take up to six months. Completion Grant A Completion Grant is available ONLY after the Continuation Grant. A Completion Grant is up to £25,000 and ONLY payable through a conduit. The grant is for the same project as the Continuation. Applications must be submitted through the online applications section of this website. The review process can take up to six months.