The RSPB is again offering small research grants of up to $1,000 for research on birds listed by IUCN as Critically Endangered or, from this year, Endangered. This is open to applicants from any country. If you are interested in applying, please see the details pasted below. A list of successful previous applications is available on request from the RSPB.

RSPB Small Grants for Research on Endangered Bird Species

Each year, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the BirdLife Partner in the UK, offers grants of up to US$ 1,000 to fund research on bird species listed by IUCN as "Critically Endangered" or "Endangered". Only work on these species will be considered for grants.
Priority will be given to people working in-country, particularly BirdLife Partners and other conservation NGOs, although individuals not attached to an institution may also apply if they can obtain a letter of support from a recognised institution in their country.

Applicants need to submit a short project proposal (no more than 2000 words) which includes the following information:

* The background to the project
* The aims of the study
* The methods to be used
* The organisations involved
* The sum sought from RSPB
* The expected products of the project

Successful applicants will be required to submit a report on the results of their project. RSPB retain the right to use this, with permission, to further the conservation of the species in question.

Successful applicants are urged to publish the results of their work wherever possible. RSPB is happy to provide help with this if necessary.

Please ensure that the species you are working on qualifies

- most applications received are for work on species that are not listed as Critically Endangered or Endangered and so are ineligible. Please check in Threatened Birds of the World (BirdLife 2000) or go to <http://www.birdlife.net/datazone/search/species_search.html> if you are unsure.

The closing date for applications is 31 October 2004.

Applicants must ensure their project has all necessary permissions from the relevant authorities before starting work.

Successful applicants will be required to agree to spend the money provided only on the project described. If the project has to be cancelled for whatever reason, RSPB will expect a full refund of the amount awarded.

Please submit all applications and requests for further information via email to: Dr Paul Donald, RSPB paul.donald@rspb.org.uk

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