NestWatch Grant Program: Nesting in the Neotropics

Photo by Jesús Moo Yam

Call for Proposals

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology recognizes that data on reproductive success is often limiting conservation decision makers who are trying to recover declining bird species, particularly in the neotropics. To help meet this need, we created a grant program to support inspirational research and conservation efforts focused on nesting biology in the neotropics. 

For 2026, we anticipate awarding 4-8 small grants of between $2,000–$5,000 USD each. The application deadline is July 31, 2026.

Who is eligible to apply?

The following criteria apply to all proposals:

  1. The project must be related to nesting biology, nest monitoring, or another aspect of reproductive success. 
  2. Projects can be located anywhere in Latin America or the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Projects based in the 50 U.S. states or Canada are not eligible.
  3. Applicants must be fiscally affiliated* with an established non-governmental organization, academic or research institution, indigenous community, or government agency based in Latin America or the Caribbean. We encourage applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds to apply, including those with non‑traditional experience or pathways in bird conservation and research. 

The application form may be completed in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Please describe how your project fills a gap in neotropical nesting knowledge as well as any potential conservation impacts. We welcome projects that may leverage the Cornell Lab’s NestWatch platform (nestwatch.org or the mobile app) to facilitate data collection, but it is not required that projects utilize NestWatch. Keep the scope to within one year, even if the proposed work is part of a longer-term project.

To apply, fill out the application form here by July 31, 2026.

Recipients will be contacted by August 31, 2026, with a goal of distributing funds within 30 days of receiving signed paperwork from the awardee.

*Applicants must provide a bank account owned by an organization (not an individual) that can receive funds from the United States.