RFPs: Manomet Small Grants for Conservation of Neotropical Shorebirds

Deadline: 15-May-2026

The Manomet Small Grants Program is now accepting applications to support early-career conservationists and researchers working on the conservation of Neotropical shorebird species. The program offers grants of $3,000 for projects focused on research or conservation actions in Latin America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America, especially for species of global or regional conservation concern.

Overview

The Manomet Small Grants Program supports projects that advance the conservation of shorebird species and populations breeding in the Neotropics.

It is designed to strengthen both practical conservation action and knowledge generation, while also helping build the capacity of early-career professionals in the region.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Promote the conservation of shorebird species and populations breeding in Latin America and the Caribbean

• Strengthen knowledge of Neotropical shorebirds to improve decision-making and site management

• Integrate shorebird conservation into broader biodiversity and sustainable development efforts

• Support the designation of WHSRN sites

• Build the capacity of early-career conservationists and researchers

This makes the program especially relevant for applicants working at the intersection of species conservation, habitat management, research, and local engagement.

Geographic Focus

Projects must be carried out within the Neotropics, including:

• Central America

• South America

• Mexico

• The Caribbean

Only projects focused on shorebird species and populations restricted to the Neotropics are eligible.

Funding Available

The program provides:

• Grants of $3,000 (USD)

Applicants are encouraged to submit projects where this grant amount represents a meaningful share of the total project budget.

What Projects Are Prioritized?

Priority is given to projects that focus on shorebird research or conservation action and directly contribute to conservation outcomes.

Priority Areas

Projects should:

• Focus on shorebird species and populations restricted to the Neotropics

• Prioritize species of global or regional conservation concern

• Support research that informs conservation and management

• Advance on-the-ground conservation actions

• Contribute to the designation of WHSRN sites

• Integrate shorebird needs into broader biodiversity and sustainable development efforts

Higher Priority

Higher priority is given to projects that:

• Address conservation needs within WHSRN sites

• Work in areas that could potentially qualify as WHSRN sites

• Clearly define the focal species or populations

• Demonstrate strong relevance to practical conservation outcomes

Research Proposal Requirements

Research proposals must go beyond basic data collection and clearly support conservation.

They should:

• Directly contribute to conservation outcomes

• Help identify population-limiting factors or similar urgent conservation issues

• Clearly state which species or populations will benefit

This means purely academic proposals without clear conservation application may be less competitive.

Ineligible Project Focus

The program does not support projects focused only on:

• Shorebird species that breed exclusively in North America

However, species with both North American and Neotropical breeding populations may be considered if the project clearly focuses on the Neotropical population.

Collaboration and Local Engagement

Projects are expected to show meaningful collaboration and community relevance.

Applicants should develop projects in partnership with:

• Local conservation agencies

• Research institutions

• Non-governmental organizations

Strong proposals should also demonstrate local engagement, such as:

• Environmental education

• Partnerships with decision-makers or land managers

• Public awareness efforts

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to applicants from within the Neotropics.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be nationals and/or residents of countries within the Neotropics

• Submit projects carried out in the Neotropics

• Focus on Neotropical shorebird conservation or research

Preference

Preference is given to:

• Early-career conservationists and researchers

• Applicants with five or fewer years of experience working with shorebirds

Why This Grant Matters

Although modest in size, this grant is highly valuable for early-career professionals seeking to build experience and generate impact in shorebird conservation.

It can help applicants:

• Launch a focused conservation or research project

• Build local partnerships

• Generate useful evidence for site or species management

• Strengthen their conservation track record

• Support work linked to WHSRN recognition

• Increase visibility in regional conservation networks

How to Apply Strategically

To be competitive, applicants should show both scientific clarity and practical conservation value.

Best Application Approach

1. Choose a clearly eligible focal species or population
   Make sure the project is centered on Neotropical shorebirds.

2. Link research to conservation outcomes
   Show how the work will improve management, decision-making, or protection.

3. Prioritize site relevance
   If possible, connect the project to a WHSRN site or a site with WHSRN potential.

4. Show strong local collaboration
   Include local institutions, NGOs, or conservation authorities.

5. Demonstrate community or stakeholder engagement
   Highlight education, awareness, or work with land managers and decision-makers.

6. Present a realistic budget
   Ensure the $3,000 grant forms a meaningful part of the total project cost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common issues:

• Proposing work on species that breed only in North America

• Submitting research without a clear conservation application

• Not identifying the target species or population

• Ignoring the importance of local partnerships

• Failing to show why the project matters for site or species management

• Presenting a budget where the grant amount has little relevance to total project needs

FAQs

1) What is the Manomet Small Grants Program?

It is a grant program that supports early-career conservationists and researchers working on shorebird conservation in the Neotropics.

2) How much funding is available?

The program offers:

• $3,000 (USD) per grant

3) Who can apply?

Applicants must be:

• Nationals and/or residents of countries within the Neotropics

Preference is given to:

• Early-career applicants

• Those with five or fewer years of experience working with shorebirds

4) What regions are covered?

Eligible projects must take place in the Neotropics, including:

• Mexico

• Central America

• South America

• The Caribbean

5) What types of projects are eligible?

Eligible projects should focus on:

• Research

• Conservation actions

• WHSRN site support

• Local engagement

• Practical conservation outcomes for Neotropical shorebirds

6) Are North American shorebird projects eligible?

Not if the species breed only in North America. Mixed-range species may be eligible if the project focuses specifically on the Neotropical population.

Conclusion

The Manomet Small Grants Program is a strong opportunity for early-career conservationists and researchers in the Neotropics who are working to protect shorebird species and habitats. With $3,000 in funding, the program is best suited for focused, practical projects that combine research, conservation action, local partnerships, and clear benefits for Neotropical shorebirds, especially in or near WHSRN sites.

For more information, visit WHSRN.