Annually, the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology provides small grants to support ornithological research by students and professionals, promote the study of birds by youth, enhance our knowledge of Wisconsin birds and their conservation, and implement shorebird management activities. The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology has awarded over 60 grants over the last six years.
This year, $5,000.00 is being awarded. While relatively small, the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology grants provide modest funds to help projects grow and demonstrate their impact and importance for bird conservation. These grants are often leveraged with other opportunities pursued by our grantees.
Grant applications must be received by January 31, 2027. The grant application is accessible here. Please email completed applications to the grant program chair and Wisconsin Society for Ornithology President, Steve Holzman, at president at wsobirds.org.
VIEW PAST GRANT RECIPIENTS
Steenbock Award
This grant funds a variety of bird projects by beginners, amateurs, and independent researchers. Graduate students and professionals in ornithology may apply for personal projects only. Grant amounts of up to $500 will be awarded for each project. Grant money may be used towards travel expenses related to fieldwork, supplies, and equipment; more costly equipment will be funded if ultimate ownership resides with a professional organization or institution.
Eligibility
Applicants must be Wisconsin residents and projects must be based in Wisconsin.
Charles and Mary Nelson Award
This grant was established through a 1993 bequest from the Nelson family. It funds ornithological research involving wetland communities in Wisconsin. Grant amounts of up to $500 will be awarded for each project. Grant money may be used towards travel expenses related to fieldwork, supplies, and equipment; more costly equipment will be funded if ultimate ownership resides with a professional organization or institution. We request that winners of this award submit a summary report upon completion of the project, and we encourage the winners of this award to publish their research findings in a professional journal.
Eligibility
Applicants must be Wisconsin residents and projects must be based in Wisconsin.
WSO Grant
This grant provides additional support for ornithological research projects partially funded by professional institutions, such as universities and museums. Grant amounts of up to $500 will be awarded for each project. Grant money may be used towards travel expenses related to fieldwork, supplies, and equipment; more costly equipment will be funded if ultimate ownership resides with a professional organization or institution. We request that winners of this award submit a summary report upon completion of the project, and we encourage the winners of this award to publish their research findings in a professional journal.
Eligibility
Applicants must be Wisconsin residents and projects must be based in Wisconsin.
WSO Youth Grant
WSO recognizes the importance of fostering an appreciation of birds amongst Wisconsin’s youth. This grant may be used towards youth projects pertaining to bird research or bird education. Grant amounts of up to $250 will be awarded to selected projects. It is encouraged that the child plans, writes, and submits his/her own grant request, although we recognize that a younger child will require assistance. We request that winners of this award submit a summary report upon completion of the project.
Eligibility
Applicants must be students or teachers of grades K-12 and residents of Wisconsin.
Sam Robbins Shorebird Endowment Fund
This grant was established to honor the bird conservation legacy of Sammuel D. Robbins, Jr. Sam authored Wisconsin Birdlife: Population and Distribution Past and Present and was one of the premier authorities on Wisconsin birds. This grant provides matching funds for Wisconsin DNR waterfowl stamp projects that implement management practices beneficial to shorebirds. Management activities can occur at Wisconsin sites that are known to or have potential to provide migratory stopover habitat for shorebirds. A secondary goal of this fund is to integrate management, research, and educational activities that promote healthy shorebird populations in Wisconsin. Available funding will vary from year to year; please check our website for announcements. Grant money may be used towards labor and equipment costs for conducting drawdowns or other moist soil management practices. For examples, please see the Shorebird Management Guidance document. We request that winners of this award submit a written summary of the project.
Eligibility
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wildlife managers and technicians that have applied for state waterfowl stamp funds.
