James A. Kushlan Research and Conservation Fund

Background

Established through the direct generous donation of Dr. James A. Kushlan, a distinguished ornithologist, writer, educator, and conservationist with long ties to BirdsCaribbean. Dr. Kushlan has served as president of the American Ornithologists' Union (now American Ornithological Society) and Waterbird Society, and founded numerous conservation initiatives.

Goal

The fund supports biological, ecological and conservation research on waterbirds in the Caribbean region. Waterbirds are defined as any species of bird reliant on wetland or marine habitats, including seabirds.

Eligibility

• Open to: Anyone (individuals or organizations) without restriction as to academic credentials or affiliation
• Priority: Applicants from the Caribbean will be given consideration over other nationalities
• Focus: Studies on rare, endemic, resident, and at-risk species and studies leading to their conservation in the Caribbean will be prioritized

Use of Funds

• Any costs associated with research are eligible
• Project does not require matching funds
• Examples: field supplies, equipment, travel, living expenses

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
• For two-year projects: second annual report required
• 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 the James A. Kushlan Research and Conservation Fund and BirdsCaribbean

Recent Award Winners (2023-2024)

• Ailen Anido - Avifauna of Las Balsas wetland, Gibara, Holguín, Cuba (2024)
• Susana Aguilar - Update of the status and trends of American Flamingos in Cuba (2024)
• Yanelis Sánchez - Characterization of aquatic birds in San Miguel de Parada Fauna Refuge (2024)
• Jethro van't Hul - Enhancing conservation initiatives for Red-billed Tropicbirds in Boven National Park, St. Eustatius (2024)
• Ivalut Ruiz - First Field Inventory of the Avifauna in Los Colorados' Archipelago, northwestern Cuba (2023)

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
   • For two-year projects: submit additional annual report in year 2
   • Present results at biennial BirdsCaribbean International Conference (encouraged)
   • Publish in Journal of Caribbean Ornithology (encouraged)

Required Materials

• Application form (from general guidelines)
• Project proposal
• Budget information

Contact for Questions

info@birdscaribbean.org