2025 Small Grant Program

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is currently offering the 2025 Small Grant Program for land trusts across the United States. The program aims to support projects that contribute to bird conservation on private lands through a range of activities, including strategic planning, outreach, habitat management, stewardship, bird monitoring, and the use of eBird, among others. The program is divided into two grant tracks: Capacity and Partnership Projects and Management and Restoration Projects. In 2025, the capacity and partnership track will award 6 grants of $10,000 each, while the management and restoration track will offer 8 grants of $25,000 each. The deadline for submitting proposals is March 1, 2025, with funds dispersed by the end of May.

The grant program operates annually, with the request for proposals (RFP) typically opening in January. Applicants are required to submit their proposals by 11:59 p.m. on March 1, 2025. The selection committee evaluates proposals based on specific criteria, which include the applicant's ability to carry out the project, the clear articulation of objectives and expected conservation outcomes, and the capacity to complete the work within a one-year period. While co-funding is not required, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate in-kind or other resource contributions to leverage the impact of their projects. Additionally, strong proposals are expected to engage project partners and offer a detailed plan of activities.

The program provides support for projects that directly impact bird conservation but does not fund land or easement acquisition. The eligibility requirements stipulate that the applicant organizations must be based in the U.S., and the projects must contribute to bird conservation efforts on private lands. Applicants can submit proposals for either of the two grant tracks and may be involved as a partner in additional proposals, though only one lead applicant proposal will be funded.

The program's budget must reflect allowable expenses, including indirect costs that cannot exceed 10%, and it should clearly delineate any project-specific funds if they are part of a larger organizational budget. The evaluation criteria vary for the two tracks, with the Capacity and Partnership Projects focused on building organizational capacity and collaborations, and the Management and Restoration Projects focused on habitat management and restoration efforts that benefit bird species. Previous awardees may apply to continue or expand upon their past projects.