Bergstrom Grant

Bergstrom Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Association of Field Ornithologists
Amount: Up to US $1,500
Last Updated: December 26, 2025

Summary

The Bergstrom Grant, established in memory of E. Alexander Bergstrom, supports research on the natural history and ecology of birds. Offered by the Association of Field Ornithologists, this grant encourages studies that promote bird conservation and understanding. Annually, five grants of up to $1500 USD each are awarded, primarily aimed at students and professionals in North America. Awardees are encouraged to present findings at AFO conferences and consider publication in the Journal of Field Ornithology.

Overview

About AFO The Association of Field Ornithologists (AFO) is a membership organization dedicated to the study and conservation of birds and their natural habitats. The AFO prides itself as serving as a bridge between the professional and the vocational ornithologist. AFO has a strong focus on supporting Latin American ornithologists through its outreach, scientific meetings, and grant programs. The AFO also invests in providing high quality mistnets and other research equipment through their Avinet Research Supplies business. Bergstrom Grant E. Alexander Bergstrom (1919-1973) was Vice-President of the Northeastern Bird-Banding Association (now the Association of Field Ornithologists) and the Editor of Bird-Banding (now the Journal of Field Ornithology) for 21 years. These grants honor his memory and dedication to bird research. The purpose of Bergstrom grants is to promote studies that add to our knowledge of the natural history and ecology of birds living under natural conditions and/or promote their conservation. Approximately five awards of up to $1500 USD each are made annually.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. In general, a student applicant can receive only a single grant per degree (i.e., if they obtain a grant as an undergraduate, they can apply for another grant as a Master’s degree candidate). Individuals may wish to consider using some of their award to purchase mist nets and other supplies used in ornithological research from the AFO.If possible, awardees are expected to present the results of their research at an annual conference of the Association of Field Ornithologists. Awardees are also encouraged to consider publishing at least some of their findings in the Journal of Field Ornithology.Eligibility:The applicant and/or their research supervisor must be a member of the AFO at the time of application.Bergstrom grants are restricted to individuals based in the U.S. and Canada, although the location of the study may be anywhere in the world. Bergstrom grants are restricted to Master’s degree candidates, undergraduates, non-academic professionals, and avocational ornithologists who have limited access to research funding.Bergstrom grants are intended to support smaller, focused projects that can be completed either solely with a Bergstrom grant or with a set of small grants and/or institutional support. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. The applicant and/or their research supervisor must be a member of the AFO at the time of application.

Ineligibility

Individuals with large government-based research grants, or whose supervisors have such grants, are not eligible for funding.