Deadline: 01-Mar-2026
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology invites U.S.-based land trusts and conservation partners to apply for the 2026 Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative. Grants of up to $25,000 support habitat restoration, stewardship, bird monitoring, capacity building, and partnerships that benefit priority bird species on private lands.
Overview of the Program
The Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative aims to:
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Advance bird conservation on private lands
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Strengthen land trust capacity and collaborative partnerships
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Support habitat management, stewardship, and monitoring for priority bird species
The initiative integrates strategic planning, community engagement, and actionable conservation outcomes to enhance both land trust operations and the health of bird populations.
Who is Eligible
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U.S.-based land trusts (accredited or working with accredited partners)
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Conservation partners engaged in land trust initiatives
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Organizations able to collaborate with community partners and leverage additional resources or matching contributions
Funding Details
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Capacity and Partnership Grants: up to $10,000
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Management and Restoration Grants: up to $25,000
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Number of awards: up to 14 projects annually
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Project duration: ~1 year
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Grants support activities including habitat restoration, strategic planning, stewardship, outreach, bird monitoring, and capacity-building
Key Focus Areas
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Bird Conservation and Habitat Enhancement
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Habitat management and restoration for priority bird species
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Stewardship activities and actionable conservation plans
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Capacity Building for Land Trusts
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Strengthening organizational operations and conservation planning
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Fostering collaborations and partnerships for greater regional impact
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Community Engagement and Collaboration
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Involving local communities and stakeholders
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Leveraging additional resources or matching contributions
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How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
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Ensure your organization is based in the U.S.
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Partner with accredited land trusts or conservation groups where applicable
Step 2: Prepare Proposal
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Define clear objectives, actionable plans, and measurable conservation outcomes
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Include details on community involvement, partnerships, and resource leverage
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Specify the budget category (capacity/partnership or management/restoration)
Step 3: Submit Proposal
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RFP opens in January 2026
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Submission deadline in March 2026
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Selected applicants are notified in time to begin spring/summer work
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting proposals without clear conservation objectives or measurable outcomes
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Failing to demonstrate community or partner engagement
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Proposing projects outside the U.S. or without land trust involvement
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Overlooking matching resources or additional contributions that strengthen applications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply?
U.S.-based land trusts and conservation partners engaged in bird conservation projects.
2. What are the grant amounts?
Up to $10,000 for capacity/partnership grants; up to $25,000 for management/restoration grants.
3. How long are projects expected to last?
Approximately 1 year.
4. How many grants are awarded annually?
Up to 14 projects each year.
5. Are partnerships encouraged?
Yes, proposals that involve partners, leverage additional resources, or include community engagement are favored.
6. When is the submission deadline?
March 2026 (RFP opens January 2026).
7. What types of activities are eligible?
Habitat restoration, stewardship, bird monitoring, strategic planning, capacity-building, and community outreach.
Conclusion
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative provides a strategic opportunity for U.S. land trusts and partners to strengthen conservation capacity and improve habitats for priority bird species. By combining on-the-ground restoration, stewardship, and collaborative partnerships, the program supports measurable outcomes that benefit both birds and the communities that steward their habitats.
For more information, visit Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
