​2025 Deadlines: April 11 and October 10​

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Program Overview

The Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter (BRAC) provides grants to support research and conservation of birds in the Blue Ridge region and their habitats. Grant applications are accepted twice annually (2nd Friday of April; 2nd Friday of October). The BRAC Grants Committee meets as needed to review applications.

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Application Requirements

Applications should be made through an educational institution. For student research projects, applications require the sponsorship of a faculty member or advisor. For college environmental clubs, applications require a letter of support from a faculty advisor. Applications should be prepared directly by the student(s) or club and must include:

• A scope and rationale of work (limited to two single-spaced pages), including species of interest and the site where the work will be conducted.

• Research or activities should address local or regional conservation needs of a species, species group, or habitat association (e.g., migratory songbirds, wetland birds, or forest habitats).

• Projects should contribute to management and/or conservation efforts for a species or group of species, with direct relevance to the Blue Ridge region.

• A detailed budget for the project, and the amount being requested from BRAC. Funds up to $2,000 will be considered.

• Evidence of the applicant's preparation for the project, including coursework, club activities, or other relevant experience.

• A letter of support from a faculty sponsor or advisor.

• Details of the project's starting date and the time period for which funding is requested.

• The name of the payee and the address to which a check should be mailed. Checks are made payable to institutions or organizations, not individuals.

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Who you are

• Someone interested in the conservation of birds.

• A degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student* in Buncombe (or surrounding) County OR a group of students who are  active members of a campus environmental club.

• Preference will be given to students in the region served by Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter.

 

*Students in their final year of study must plan to complete their research before graduation.

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Allowable costs include laboratory supplies, field supplies, conservation supplies (bird boxes, native plants, etc) and travel to research or project sites. BRAC does not fund institutional overhead costs or general operational expenses. Activities must be tangible, measurable, and directly contribute to bird conservation.

 

Awardee Requirements
To help inspire community awareness and engagement, recipients are required to share their projects with the public through a presentation hosted by BRAC at the end of the academic year. This event will provide an opportunity to highlight research findings and conservation efforts to BRAC members and the broader community. Significant findings may also be submitted for publication in the BRAC newsletter.
 

Submission and Questions
Email completed applications or inquiries to:
blueridgeaudubon@gmail.com

 

The Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter Grants Committee recognizes exceptions to these criteria may
arise and will consider all applications submitted. However, proposals should align with the
general criteria outlined above.