Research and Conservation Grants (see guidelines for Educational Grants below)

You are encouraged to use the following application format (adapted from the AOU). 

1. Proposal
   1.1.  Length of proposal – 5 pages or less (including references, tables and/or figures). 

   Include the following in the body of the proposal
   1.2.  Heading – Include at the top of the first page your name and title, mailing address, e-mail address, institutional affiliation (if any), and the title of your proposal.
   
   1.3.  Abstract – 150 words max and in both French and English. Bird Protection Quebec may promote accepted projects on its website, social media or newsletters at its discretion.
   
   1.4.  Introduction – Provide relevant background information and explain the significance and uniqueness of your project and what information your study will provide that is not currently available, if applicable. Clearly state the specific objective(s) of the project. Explain how you will evaluate results and outcomes. 

   1.5.  Methods and experimental design – Explain how the study will be carried out and justify your choice of methods, using clear language to be understood by others not in your field. If the project involves capturing, manipulating, or collecting animals, or requires other permits, show that you have secured them, or are in the application process. Approval from the appropriate Animal Care body is obligatory. 

   1.6.  Timetable – Include timelines for expected completion of project steps, graduation date of applicant if a student, date to complete report, publication of results etc. 

   1.7.  Facilities – Describe the facilities (e.g., specialized equipment, labs, study sites) required for the proposed project and indicate how you have arranged for their use. 

   1.8.  Term – Specify the number of years of funding requested and if multi-year (ie 2 or 3), explain the expected achievements for each year’s work, building upon previous year’s results, Brief annual reports must be sent to grants@birdprotectionquebec.org by December 15th yearly so BPQ may monitor progress and release subsequent funds. Funds may be withheld in certain circumstances, usually if progress towards the agreed goals is not being maintained.

• Budget
  2.1.  Length: 1 page maximum 

  2.2.  Budget limits: Be reasonable and specific.  Provide projected costs of necessary materials and expenses, with written estimates where appropriate. Note that most amounts awarded for smaller one-year projects are under $3,000. Multi-year requests must show budget proposed for each year (3 years maximum). It is expected that BPQ will be funding only a portion of a project’s total budget. If it becomes necessary to modify the budget once money is awarded, an explanatory email to BPQ is requested. 

  2.3. Budget item Criteria 

• Acceptable budget item requests (not covered by another source) include but are not limited to:
  • Essential research-related travel (e.g., to and from a study site)
  • Consumable materials and equipment (see below)
  • Living expenses in the field for the applicant or field assistant
  • Requests for salaries for assistants where their participation is essential
  • Sample or data analyses 
• Ineligible expenses include:
  • Routine living expenses
  • Salary or stipend for applicant
  • Travel or other costs to attend meetings
  • Supplies and overhead expenses normally provided by your institution
  • Capital expenditures – i.e., most requests for permanent equipment (e.g., binoculars, scopes, and camping equipment) unless these are to become the property of the applicant’s institution or will revert to BPQ.
  • Consultant fees in most cases
  • Birdseed and feed in most cases
    
    Note: Acceptance of proposed budget items is at the discretion of BPQ. Questions may be directed to grants@birdprotectionquebec.org.
• 2.4.  Include the following in the budget:
  List of budget items: For each item, indicate whether you are requesting it from BPQ or another source and whether funding is confirmed or pending. 

  Statement of justification and need: Explain briefly why you require each item and how the project may have to be modified if BPQ funding is not granted or if amount is less than requested. 

  Multiple applications to granting agencies: Applicants are encouraged to apply to other agencies besides BPQ for funding parts of the same research project. Applicants must not, however, accept more than one award or grant for the same budget item.

3. Curriculum vitae (for individual applicants not affiliated with an organization or institution) – Maximum 2 pages noting relevant educational /research background or other qualifications, employment history, papers and posters presented at meetings, publications. Do not send reprints or thesis proposals.

Educational Grants

These are normally associated with a school or institution and are limited to one year, although applications in subsequent years are welcome. 

Your proposal must include the following information:

1. Title of your proposal
2. Your name and title, mailing address, e-mail address, school or institution 
3. A summary of your proposed project (brief description, who will be involved, the expected results) in both French and English. Maximum 150 words. Bird Protection Quebec may publish this and promote accepted projects on its website, social media or newsletters at its discretion.
4. Full proposal that includes answers to:

Why? –  history and reason for the project, relevance to the curriculum, benefits to the students and school. Explain the relevance of your project to the Mission of BPQ – To protect birds and bird habitat while fostering an appreciation of them through conservation, observation, research, and education.

Who? – info on number and level of students involved, and description of any collaboration and support of colleagues and/or community.  Describe the interests and qualifications of the project leader as related to the project.  

What? – Outline activities that will take place, existing resources and what is needed to bring project to fruition.

Where? – Describe venue for planned activities and how you have obtained permission to use the location (s).

When? – Provide a timeline for activities.

How? Describe how the project will impact students, what outcomes are expected and how will you measure them to gauge success. How will results be shared and with whom? Are there plans to continue with the project in future years?

6. Budget – List costs as line items requested to be covered by BPQ, as well as total budget including funding from other sources, contributions of volunteers and other costs associated with the proposed project. Accurate and reasonable amounts should be given and need of items clearly explained.

• Acceptable expenses (not covered by another source) include but are not limited to: materials and consumable supplies, workshop facilitators from outside organizations, equipment that will stay with the institution, transportation, bird seed (not more than 10% of requested amount), etc. 
• Ineligible expenses include: salary or stipend for applicant, travel or other costs to attend meetings, supplies and costs normally covered by your institution, capital expenditures – i.e., permanent equipment (e.g., binoculars, scopes, and camping equipment) unless these are to become the property of the applicant’s institution or will revert to BPQ.