News Release
Alicia Frances King
907-268-0124
executive.director@wsobirds.org
https://www.wsobirds.org
Wisconsin Society for Ornithology Offers Grant Funding
Madison, October 29, 2026 – The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology is offering grant money to support ornithological research by students and professionals. Grants promote the study of birds, enhances our knowledge of Wisconsin birds and their habitats, and implements conservation and management actions. Special consideration will be given to proposals that include grassland bird research.
A total of $10,000 will be awarded in 2027. While the grants provide modest funds, they can help projects grow and demonstrate their impact and importance for bird conservation. These grants are often leveraged with other opportunities pursued by our grantees. Projects must be based in Wisconsin.
Available grants:
The Steenbock 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 money may be used towards travel expenses related to fieldwork, supplies, and equipment.
The Charles and Mary Nelson Award funds ornithological research involving wetland communities in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology Grant provides additional support for ornithological research projects partially funded by professional institutions, such as universities and museums. Grant money may be used towards travel expenses related to fieldwork, supplies, and equipment.
Wisconsin Society for Ornithology Youth grants recognize 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.
The Sam Robbins Shorebird Endowment fund provides matching funds for 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.
The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology has funded over 60 grants in the last six years.
Awarding Grants
Grant proposals should include the following elements: name, address (physical and email), phone number, project summary, proposed budget, grant amount requested, how money will be used, organization (if applicable), and a short bio of the grant applicant. The grant request must include how it meets the criteria of the applied grant.
We request that winners of grants submit a summary report upon completion of the project, and we encourage the winners of this award to publish their research findings in the Passenger Pigeon journal or another professional journal with recognition to the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology funding.
Grant proposals must be received by January 31, 2027, via email sent to president@wsobirds.org. Decisions will be made by March 15, 2027, and funds will be awarded by March 31, 2027.
Visit Grants - Wisconsin Society for Ornithology for additional information.
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The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology is a nonprofit organization established in 1939 whose mission is: promoting the enjoyment, study, and conservation of Wisconsin’s birds. The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology sponsors birding field trips throughout the year, hosts an annual birding convention, publishes a quarterly journal and monthly newsletter, offers research grants, and serves as an informational resource center on bird-related issues. The Society provides opportunities for all people to enjoy resident and migratory birds, while being a leading steward of and ambassador for Wisconsin birds. Home - Wisconsin Society for Ornithology
