Birds Conservation Grants

Birds SA is offering research grants through the Birds SA Conservation Fund to promote studies on Australian birds and their habitats. Grants up to $3000 are available, with applications considered in April and October. The fund supports projects that enhance knowledge of bird conservation and management. Applicants must follow specific guidelines and provide a summary of results. The position is based in Adelaide, South Australia.
The South Australian Ornithological Association Inc. (Birds SA) established the Birds SA Conservation Fund with the intention of making available research grants to encourage and promote research into the birds and their habitats in Australia. The Birds SA Conservation Fund Committee considers all applications for grants from the Birds SA Conservation Fund with this intention in mind.

Grant applications are usually considered in April (for applications received by 31 March) and in October (for applications received by 30 September).

Grants are available up to a maximum of $3000.

The following are general guidelines to provide applicants with information on projects that the Birds SA Conservation Fund is likely to support:

• Projects that increase knowledge and understanding of birds and their habitats.

• Projects relating to management and conservation of Australian bird species and their habitats.

• Projects that investigate factors relating to declining or threatened species of birds.

Applications are encouraged from research institutions for supervised project funding at the Honours Degree, Masters Degree and PhD levels and projects conducted by researchers at South Australian Research Institutes. Applications are also encouraged from people not aligned to any institution.

General Requirements

Read carefully before submitting your application for a Birds SA Conservation Fund grant:

• Applications should be lodged either by email in .PDF or .DOC format only, or by post.

• Funds are primarily to cover field expenses for researchers to pursue their studies. Items of equipment may be funded at the discretion of the Committee. Salaries and attendance at conferences will not be considered.

• A written summary of the results of projects and research must be provided together with an oral presentation at a meeting of Birds SA. The summary of results may be published in The South Australian Ornithologist, subject to editorial approval.

• Birds SA reserves the right to publish results on its website of research conducted while the researcher is in receipt of a Birds SA Conservation Fund grant.

• Successful applicants will be contacted by a member of Birds SA and will be expected to provide evidence of progress. The recipient of a Research Grant will be expected to inform a nominated Birds SA supervisor of any difficulties relating to the project.

• All researchers must obtain an appropriate Permit to Undertake Scientific Research from the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) before undertaking any research in a National Park, Conservation Park, Recreation Park, Game Reserve, Regional Reserve or Wilderness Protection Area or on any species of bird protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. Research conducted may also require approval from an Animal or Wildlife Ethics Committee.

• All project leaders and researchers must ensure contact is made with the relevant District National Parks and Wildlife Manager before beginning research in a National Parks and Wildlife Act or Wilderness Protection Act reserve, and maintain liaison with nominated regional and district staff when undertaking fieldwork.

• Applicants should indicate clearly the parts of their project for which they are seeking support.

• Any funding that is being sought from any other grant-giving body must be declared

• All successful Grant recipients of funding from the Birds SA Conservation Fund must enter into an agreement outlining the conditions of the grant.

• One copy of the final report and/or the agreed end product of the research must be forwarded either by email to Grants or by post to the Secretary, Birds SA, C/- South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000 upon completion of a project. The report must include a statement of how money was spent.

• Unless otherwise negotiated, an initial payment of 80% of the total grant will be paid to a successful applicant upon acceptance of the grant conditions. The remainder of the grant will be paid after receipt of the final report and the acceptance and recognition by the Birds SA Conservation Fund Committee that the report has fulfilled all criteria.

• All reports must acknowledge the Birds SA Conservation Fund.

General Notes

Successful applicants must return a completed and signed Letter of Agreement.

The decisions of the Birds SA Conservation Fund Committee will be final.

Grant_Application_Form_2016