Skutch Keystone Grant

Skutch Keystone Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Association of Field Ornithologists
Amount: Up to US $15,000
Last Updated: September 16, 2025

Summary

The Skutch Keystone Grant, established by Dr. and Mrs. Skutch, honors over sixty years of contributions to Neotropical ornithology. It supports research on birds in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, encouraging local scholars, including students and professionals, to conduct field studies. Grants of up to $15,000 are awarded annually to promote ecological and conservation efforts, enhancing our understanding of birds in their natural habitats.

Overview

Skutch Keystone Grant This grant is supported by a fund that was established by Dr. and Mrs. Skutch following the joint meeting of the Association of Field Ornithologists, Asociacion Ornitologica de Costa Rica, and the American Birding Association in San Jose, Costa Rica, in 1997. At that meeting, Dr. Skutch was honored by AFO for more than sixty years of contributions to Neotropical ornithology. Dr. Skutch is known for his hundreds of scientific papers and more than forty books, which focused on the behavior and life histories of birds. His intention in establishing the Skutch Fund was to support the kind of research to which he devoted his life, and especially, to encourage studies by people who live in the Neotropics. Typically one or two grants of up to $15,000 are awarded annually. Purpose The Pamela and Alexander F. Skutch Keystone Grants promote question-driven research and other projects that add to our knowledge of the natural history, ecology, and/or conservation of birds living under natural conditions in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Skutch Keystone grants support research being done by individuals who are based in Mexico, Central America, South America, or the Caribbean. The research must also be focused on birds that live some or all the year in this same geographical area. Students pursuing either a Masters degree or a Ph.D. are welcome to apply for a grant, as are Post-doctoral Fellows, established professionals, and individuals working outside of academia. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.