Applications are once again open for the BirdLife Australia Raptor Conservation Grant in 2026. The Birdlife Australia Raptor Group is now accepting research grant applications. The leading application will get $5,000 towards their research project. Smaller amounts will be awarded to other worthy candidates.
The following is the minimum criteria for a grant to be considered eligible:
- The applicant must be a Birdlife Australia Raptor Group member.
- The project must be focused on an Australasian raptor.
- The project has to align with BirdLife Australia’s Bird-watching Ethics and values.
- The applicant will provide a summary of the project for BARGs use in media.
- The applicant agrees to acknowledge BARG in any media or scientific publications.
The selection criteria to be considered for the assessment of project proposals:
· How much will BARG funding contribute to the overall project: i.e. is the project big enough to make a meaningful contribution to conservation? It should not be so large that BARG funding makes little difference to the outcomes. Who else is funding the project – other funders having committed usually indicates a more sustainable project. Is BARG funding being used to leverage other funding?
· How well does the proposed project fit BARGs aim? The aim is “promoting the study, conservation and management of diurnal and nocturnal raptors.”
· How realistic is the project proposal? E.g. does the candidate (or project partners) have the necessary skills, and can the project be achieved within the proposed timeframe
Proposed hierarchy for assessing which projects to fund by topic:
MOST FAVOURED: funded whenever possible
1. The project proposal clearly articulates how the project outcomes will lead to the improved management of Australasian raptors into the future (e.g. research that’s outcome will be to recommend improved management techniques).
2. Active management that will directly benefit the conservation of Australasian raptors, but which might only be in the short term
3. The project aims to educate the public in a way that will improve the conservation of raptors
4. Theoretical research that will improve our knowledge but does not have any tangible conservation outcome
LEAST FAVOURED: rarely funded
Applications close on 5pm 31st May 2026
Applications must be typed in the format of a BARG application grant which is available below.
BirdLife Australia Raptor Group 