Conservation, Accessibility, and Engagement Funding Guidelines

Background

The mission of the Rochester Birding Association (RBA) is to promote the study of avian wildlife in its natural environment, to disseminate to others the knowledge gained therefrom, and to give encouragement and assistance to persons who desire to extend their knowledge of birds.

To further these efforts RBA has established the Conservation, Accessibility, and Engagement Funding guidelines to support local and regional projects and programs in the following categories

• Land acquisition
• Habitat management
• Accessibility
• Education

Eligibility

This funding opportunity is open to any applicant and/or project that enhances the mission of RBA with a preference towards partner organizations, landowners, local governments, friends groups, and Eagle Scout/Gold Star projects.

Funding is not available to for-profit organizations, birding or hiking trips by individuals, or legal fees.

Funding Cycle

Submissions for funding can be sent to RBA by emailing a description of the project and requested amount to info@rochesterbirding.org with the subject line ‘Conservation, Accessibility, and Engagement Funding’ followed by the name of the individual or organization applying. Submissions will be reviewed quarterly by a review committee and the Board of Directors.

Funding Goals: Funding requests for the Conservation, Accessibility, and Engagement. Funding must be defined as one of the following categories.

• Land Acquisition: Submissions in this category are for projects that help acquire or
  permanently protect habitat for birds with a preference towards regionally significant
  species. Example: Funding going toward the overall purchase price of new conservation
  land important to state listed species.
• Habitat Management: Submissions in this category are for projects that enhance or
  restore bird habitat, with a preference toward regionally significant species. Example:
  Funding going towards mowing fallow farm fields to benefit grassland bird species.
• Accessibility: Submissions in this category are for projects that improve the ability for
  people to access birding and other outdoor opportunities with a focus on new audiences,
  and individuals with disabilities. Example: Adding railings and ramps to an observation
  deck or trail, making it easier for wheelchair users to access safely.
• Education: Submissions in this category are for projects that further the understanding of
  birds, bird habitat, and ecology through educational programs, events, and
  interpretation. Example: Interpretive signage created by a scout to be installed at a
  popular birding destination, educating visitors on what to look for and why it’s important.

Suggested Grant Proposal Outline

1. Identification
a. Name of organization applying for a grant
b. Contact name, email address, phone

2. Project Description
a. Provide a detailed description of the project so we can understand what you are trying to accomplish.
b. Where will the project take place? Please explain why this location is important for birds and birders:
acquiring or improving habitat, removing habitat from industrial or agricultural use, limited accessibility, etc.
c. How will this project create direct benefits for birds and/or birders? (Do not assume that this is obvious to us;
your perspective is very important to our understanding of the project.)
d. What is the timeline for this project?
i.    If it’s a land acquisition, when are you planning to make the purchase?
ii.   If it’s a capital project (building a structure or viewing platform or improving a trail, for example), when will
you break ground, and what is the projected date of completion?
iii.  If it’s a habitat building project (planting trees, restoring a wetland, etc.), when will it take place, and what part of this would you like RBA to cover?
iv.  If it’s an equipment purchase, when do you want to buy the equipment?

3. Proposed Budget
a. What is the project’s total budget, and how much are you asking RBA to contribute?
b. If this is a large-scope project, what funding have you secured from other sources?

4. Donor recognition
a. How will RBA be recognized as a contributor to the project? Will there be a permanent display of donors, for example?
b. Will donors be listed in your organization’s newsletter, on social media, and/or in news releases you distribute about the project?

Please submit your grant proposal to Rochester Birding Association at
info@rochesterbirding.org.
(Note that the address ends in .org, not .com.)