How much funding does David S. Lee Fund for the Conservation of Caribbean Birds provide?

Funding amounts vary. Check the grant details for specifics.

When is the deadline for David S. Lee Fund for the Conservation of Caribbean Birds?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

Who is eligible for David S. Lee Fund for the Conservation of Caribbean Birds?

Eligible applicants: Career stage: Students or early career ornithologists, conservationists, or wildlife professionals (i.e., not established faculty or senior staff of a conservation organization, less than 10 years post-graduation).

David S. Lee Fund for the Conservation of Caribbean Birds

Q: How often is David S. Lee Fund for the Conservation of Caribbean Birds offered?

David S. Lee Fund for the Conservation of Caribbean Birds runs on an annual cycle.

Birdscaribbean

Foundation Annual Wildlife Grants Environmental Conservation Grants Grants for Science Research

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Annual
Tracked since: April 2026

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Eligible organizations

Career stage: Students or early career ornithologists, conservationists, or wildlife professionals (i.e., not established faculty or senior staff of a conservation organization, less than 10 years post-graduation)

Other requirements

Target audience: Scientists/naturalists working in the Caribbean in conservation organizations or academic programs
Students: Must be enrolled in an accredited university program (advanced undergraduate level, or Masters or doctoral degrees) in ecology, biology, conservation, or related fields
Awardees must submit a report to BirdsCaribbean's Grant Committee one year from project start date
Must submit a blog article about the work for the broader community

Overview

David S. Lee Fund for the Conservation of Caribbean Birds

Funder: BirdsCaribbean
Website: birdscaribbean.org

Background

Established in 2016 in honor of David S. Lee (1943–2014), a naturalist and conservation biologist and early member of BirdsCaribbean (then the Society of Caribbean Ornithology). David was known for his studies of seabirds of the Gulf Stream and published hundreds of scientific papers. The fund was established through donations from Dave's wife, Mary Kay Clark, and his mother, June Bash.

Goal

The fund supports applied and innovative projects with direct conservation effects on Caribbean birds and/or their habitats. Applicants should demonstrate how their project will involve local conservation groups and communities in the Caribbean.

Eligibility

Target audience: Scientists/naturalists working in the Caribbean in conservation organizations or academic programs
Career stage: Students or early career ornithologists, conservationists, or wildlife professionals (i.e., not established faculty or senior staff of a conservation organization, less than 10 years post-graduation)
Students: Must be enrolled in an accredited university program (advanced undergraduate level, or Masters or doctoral degrees) in ecology, biology, conservation, or related fields

Use of Funds

Travel to field sites
Living expenses in the field
Equipment and supplies to conduct conservation projects (examples: traps, cameras, automated recording units, nest boxes, etc.)
Cannot be used for: Salaries, wages, or overhead fees

Requirements

Awardees must submit a report to BirdsCaribbean's Grant Committee one year from project start date
Must submit a blog article about the work for the broader community
Encouraged to present results at the biennial International Conference of BirdsCaribbean
Encouraged to publish in the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology
All presentations and publications must acknowledge both David S. Lee Fund for the Conservation of Caribbean Birds and BirdsCaribbean

Contact

info@birdscaribbean.org

Geographic Scope

Caribbean region

Recent Award Winners (2023-2024)

Dr Ancilleno Davis - Establishing baselines in research, data and science for birds (BiRDS for birds) in The Bahamas (2024)
Claudia Mantilla - Distribution shifts of the Oriente Warbler in Villa Clara province, Cuba (2024)
Daniela Ventura - Understanding the importance of a small urban park for conserving migratory and resident bird species in Havana (2024)
Justin Saunders - Raising awareness and education on the endangered Jamaican Blackbird in a National Park (2024)
Michael Ocasio - Conservation ecology of the Puerto Rican Oriole (2024)
Michelle Moyer - Investigating male and female vocalizations of an understudied endemic Caribbean songbird in Puerto Rico (2024)
Qwahn Kent - Understanding the social and spatial organization of the Palmchat in the Dominican Republic (2024)
Jonathan Nochebuena - Help the Bridled Tern return to Isla Contoy National Park, Quintana Roo, Mexico (2024)

How to Apply

Application Process

1. Check announcement: Monitor BirdsCaribbean's website, blog posts, and social media for announcements of when the fund is open for grant applications

2. Review guidelines: Consult BirdsCaribbean's general Grant Application Guidelines (available on their website)

3. Prepare application materials: Follow the guidelines and prepare your proposal

4. Submit application: Send to info@birdscaribbean.org

5. Reporting requirements (if awarded):
- Submit progress report one year from project start date
- Write blog article about the work for the broader community
- Present results at biennial BirdsCaribbean International Conference (encouraged)
- Publish in Journal of Caribbean Ornithology (encouraged)