Global Raptor Research & Conservation Grant

The Global Raptor Research & Conservation Grant, offered by HawkWatch International, supports crucial projects focused on raptor conservation in high-priority regions such as Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia. With funding available up to $2,500, the grant encourages applications from local citizens associated with NGOs or universities. Preference is given to projects that address knowledge gaps and have a significant impact on conservation efforts, particularly those led by early-career researchers in low-income countries.

HawkWatch International (HWI)’s Global Raptor Research & Conservation Grant supports projects addressing global raptor priorities. The grant aims to increase diversity and inclusivity in conservation while building local capacity.
Grant Overview
In 2019, HawkWatch International led an effort to identify global raptor research and conservation priorities (Buechley et al. 2019). This research identified very stark discrepancies in raptor research efforts worldwide. Ten species (1.8% of all raptors) received nearly one‐third of all raptor research (32%), while over one‐fifth of all raptors (21%, 116 species) had zero research publications. Discouragingly, raptors at risk of extinction and those with declining populations are less studied globally. This effort identified tropical regions of Central and South America, Sub‐Saharan Africa and, particularly, Southeast Asia as the highest priority for investment because they host the highest number of total species, understudied species, and extinction‐prone species.
The Global Raptor Research and Conservation Grant aims to provide support and resources to these areas where it is needed most. Applicants may apply for up to $2,500 USD; more than one applicant may be funded. Continued funding for prior grant recipients is possible if all reporting requirements are met. In addition to financial support, HWI supports successful applicants by providing scientific guidance, networking opportunities, and publicizing project results.

Eligibility

The Global Raptor Research & Conservation Grant aims to fund projects that are: Located in high-priority countries for raptor research and conservation, broadly Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia, as well as many island countries (see Figure 1);Focused on a single species of raptor that is recognized as a high priority species for research and conservation (>0.5 RCPI);Led by an applicant that is a citizen of the country and who is associated with a registered NGO and/or university in the country where the project will take place.

Ineligibility

We will not fund projects that:Occur in the USA, Canada, or Europe Focus on a raptor species with RCPI* < 0.5Occur outside of the country where the applicant is a citizenAre submitted in any language other than EnglishCannot complete all grant outputs within 18 months of receiving the grantLack a relationship with a registered NGO or university that has agreed to accept the grant and disburse it to the applicantRequire greater than 10% of grant funds be used for overhead to the sponsoring NGO or university