Birdathon Grant Program

Geographic Scope: Central Indiana and habitats important to Central Indiana birds

Mission Alignment: Grants support ABAS's mission of promoting the enjoyment and stewardship of the birds of Central Indiana.

Funding Focus Areas

Proposals must focus on birds and address at least one of the following:

• Research projects related to birds of Central Indiana
• Public education related to birds of Central Indiana
• Enjoyment of the natural environment related to birds of Central Indiana
• Stewardship of the natural environment related to birds of Central Indiana
• Preservation or restoration of natural habitats in Central Indiana or habitat important to the birds of Central Indiana

What ABAS Does NOT Fund

Birdathon grants do not typically support:

• Birdseed
• Food, snacks, refreshments
• Reimbursements
• Per diem expenses
• Other exclusions and exceptions determined case-by-case

Eligibility

• Proposal must be submitted on organization's letterhead
• Must be signed by chief executive officer or equivalent

Award History

Since 1987, the Birdathon has raised over $550,000 for avian research, education, land purchase, and habitat restoration.

Application Process

Submission Format:

• Submit both electronically and hard copy
• Use organization's letterhead
• Signed by chief executive officer or equivalent
• Maximum three single-spaced pages (12pt font)
• Detailed budget with justifications (not part of three-page limit)

Deadline: February 25 at 5:00 pm EST (hard copies must be postmarked by February 25)

Required Content

Begin proposal with bullet points:

1. Organization name
2. Proposal title
3. Amount requested
4. Brief summary

Narrative section must include:

1. Brief description of your organization
2. Prior ABAS funding history (if applicable)
3. Clear description and evidence of need being addressed
4. Explicit explanation of which of the five ABAS mission aspects you are addressing
5. Description of how you will address the need with sufficient detail to assess feasibility
6. Project timeline
7. Explanation of why your organization is appropriate to meet these needs
8. Plans for long-term funding and/or maintenance of the proposed project
9. Other sources of funding already secured
10. Measurable results you will report to ABAS (including how many people/organisms/acres will be served)
11. How ABAS will be recognized (signs, press releases, news articles, etc.)
12. Detailed budget with justifications

Post-Award Requirements

If funded, organizations must submit:

• Project progress report by January 31 of the following year
• Details on use of funds
• Measured results
• Additional report preparation guidelines provided upon funding receipt