Apply Now: Global Raptor Research and Conservation Grant

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The Global Raptor Research and Conservation Grant provides up to $3,500 to locally led projects addressing research gaps and conservation needs for high-priority raptor species. Up to three projects may be supported annually, with successful applicants also receiving scientific guidance, networking assistance, and support in communicating their results.

About the Global Raptor Research and Conservation Grant

HawkWatch International established the grant to increase research and conservation support for threatened and understudied birds of prey. Many raptor species face serious threats, but conservation funding, population data, and scientific capacity remain limited in several regions. The program addresses these challenges by supporting local researchers who understand the species, landscapes, conservation pressures, and communities in their countries. Purpose of the Grant

The program aims to:

- Close critical knowledge gaps concerning raptor species - Generate information needed for conservation decisions - Support locally led scientific research - Improve understanding of threatened and understudied raptors - Develop effective species-conservation strategies - Build the capacity of local researchers - Connect researchers with scientific and conservation networks - Increase public awareness of raptor conservation - Support publication and communication of project findings What Are Raptors? Raptors are predatory birds that hunt or scavenge for food and play important ecological roles.

They may include:

- Eagles - Hawks - Falcons - Vultures - Kites - Harriers - Buzzards - Ospreys - Owls and other birds of prey, where included under the program’s classification Raptors can serve as indicators of ecosystem health because their survival depends on functioning food webs, suitable habitats, and healthy prey populations. Why Raptor Conservation Matters Raptors help maintain balanced ecosystems by: - Regulating prey populations - Removing animal remains - Limiting the spread of disease - Supporting healthy food webs - Indicating environmental change - Contributing to biodiversity

Threats may include:

- Habitat loss - Poisoning - Illegal killing - Wildlife trafficking - Electrocution - Collisions with infrastructure - Reduced food availability - Disturbance - Climate change - Inadequate legal protection - Lack of reliable population data Priority Species Requirement Every proposed project must focus on one raptor species.

The selected species must have:

- An RCPI-EDGE score of 0.5 or higher Projects involving several focal species are not eligible under the stated single-species requirement. Researchers may document other species encountered during fieldwork, but the objectives, methods, budget, and outputs should center on one eligible raptor. Understanding the RCPI RCPI refers to the Raptor Research and Conservation Priority Index. The index helps identify species requiring greater research and conservation attention. It may consider factors such as: - Extinction risk - Population trends - Geographic distribution - Availability of scientific information - Level of research attention - Conservation needs Applicants should use the updated priority index identified by HawkWatch International. Understanding EDGE Scores EDGE refers to Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered. An EDGE score helps identify species that: - Represent a distinctive part of evolutionary history - Face a significant risk of extinction Combining RCPI and EDGE information helps prioritize raptors that are threatened, evolutionarily important, and insufficiently studied. Applicants should confirm the current score of their chosen species before preparing a proposal. Funding Amount

Applicants may request:

Up to three projects may receive funding each year. The supplied information does not specify a minimum request or required co-financing contribution. Applicants should consult the official guidelines for budget and matching-fund requirements. Project Duration Funded projects must complete all required activities and outputs within: - 18 months of receiving the grant Applicants should prepare a realistic schedule for: - Permits and approvals - Field preparation - Data collection - Analysis - Conservation activities - Stakeholder engagement - Reporting - Publication or communication of results Seasonal fieldwork and potential delays should be considered when developing the timeline. Additional Support for Grant Recipients Funding is accompanied by non-financial support.

Successful applicants may receive:

- Scientific guidance - Technical feedback - Connections with raptor experts - Networking opportunities - Support in communicating findings - Assistance publicizing project results - Greater visibility for local conservation work Applicants should be prepared to communicate regularly and respond constructively to scientific input. Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

- Be citizens or permanent residents of the country or region where the project will occur - Lead the proposed project locally - Be associated with a registered NGO or university in that country - Focus on one eligible raptor species - Select a species with an RCPI-EDGE score of at least 0.5 - Complete all outputs within 18 months - Conduct the project outside the United States, Canada, and Europe - Demonstrate the capacity to undertake the proposed research or conservation work Local Leadership Requirement The program prioritizes researchers who are citizens or permanent residents of the location where the project will take place.

This requirement supports:

- Local scientific leadership - Knowledge of the ecological context - Long-term conservation capacity - Relationships with communities and institutions - Continued monitoring after the grant - Equitable access to conservation funding - Locally relevant decision-making Researchers proposing work outside their country or region of citizenship or permanent residence are not eligible. In