Call for Applications: Stephen Tully Research Grant Program

The Stephen Tully Research Grant Program, launched by the Raptor Research Foundation, provides up to $4,500 to support raptor research and conservation, with a special focus on students and amateur researchers who have limited access to funding. The grant also includes waived publication fees in the Journal of Raptor Research, helping early-career researchers share their findings globally.

Overview of the Grant

The Stephen Tully Research Grant Program is an annual funding opportunity offered by the Raptor Research Foundation to advance scientific research and conservation efforts focused on birds of prey.

The program is designed to support high-quality, field-based or analytical research while prioritising students and amateur researchers who may lack access to larger funding sources. By combining financial support with publication opportunities, the grant strengthens both research capacity and knowledge dissemination in raptor science.

Purpose and Key Objectives

The primary goal of the grant is to promote rigorous, well-defined research that contributes directly to the understanding and conservation of raptors.

Funded projects must demonstrate clear scientific value and practical relevance to raptor biology, ecology, behaviour, or conservation management. The program also encourages transparency in research design, budgeting, and expected outcomes.

Focus Areas and Research Requirements

Proposals must be structured around clearly articulated research components.

Key focus areas include:

A well-defined research background and justification
Clearly stated study objectives
Appropriate and feasible research methods
A detailed and realistic budget
Disclosure of other funding requested or received
Expected research outcomes and conservation relevance
A concise review of relevant scientific literature

Strong alignment between objectives, methods, and expected results is essential.

Why This Grant Matters

Raptor research often requires fieldwork, specialised equipment, and long-term observation, which can be difficult to fund for early-career researchers.

This grant matters because it:

Supports students and amateurs with limited funding access
Encourages new researchers to enter raptor science
Promotes conservation-focused research
Facilitates peer-reviewed publication
Strengthens the global evidence base for raptor conservation

By investing in individual researchers, the program helps advance long-term conservation impact.

Funding Amount and Benefits

The Stephen Tully Research Grant provides:

Funding of up to $4,500
Waived page charges for publishing in the Journal of Raptor Research

The funded research must directly result from the grant-supported project, and the recipient must serve as the primary author of the published paper.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

The program is open to individuals conducting raptor research.

Priority is given to:

Students
Amateur researchers
Early-career scientists with limited access to alternative funding

Applicants must be capable of independently carrying out the proposed research and publishing the results in a peer-reviewed journal.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete application package through the online submission system.

The application must include:

A cover letter describing motivation, objectives, and expected outcomes
A current curriculum vitae
A research proposal of no more than five pages
A photograph, preferably taken during fieldwork, for award announcements

Incomplete or over-length submissions may be disqualified.

Research Proposal Guidelines

The research proposal must be concise, focused, and scientifically rigorous.

It should address:

Study rationale and background
Research objectives and questions
Methodology and data collection approach
Budget and planned use of funds
Anticipated results and significance
Relevant cited literature

All content must fit within the five-page limit, including references.

How the Selection Process Works

Only one grant is awarded each year, making the program highly competitive.

Applications are reviewed based on scientific merit, feasibility, clarity, conservation relevance, and alignment with the goals of the Raptor Research Foundation.

Key Dates and Deadline

Applications must be submitted online by:

Deadline: June 30

Late applications are not accepted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following issues:

Submitting vague or poorly defined research questions
Proposing unrealistic methods or timelines
Providing incomplete budgets or missing funding disclosures
Exceeding the five-page proposal limit
Failing to demonstrate relevance to raptor conservation

Clear structure, precision, and feasibility significantly improve competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Stephen Tully Research Grant?

It is an annual grant supporting raptor research and conservation, offered by the Raptor Research Foundation.

How much funding is available?

The grant provides up to $4,500 for one selected project.

Who can apply for this grant?

Students and amateur researchers are especially encouraged to apply, though all qualified applicants are eligible.

How many grants are awarded each year?

Only one grant is awarded annually.

Is publication required?

Yes. The funded research must be published in the Journal of Raptor Research, with the recipient as primary author.

Are publication fees covered?

Yes. Page charges for publication are waived for the funded research.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, research proposal, and a photograph.

Conclusion

The Stephen Tully Research Grant Program is a highly competitive but valuable opportunity for emerging raptor researchers. By providing targeted funding, professional recognition, and publication support, the program plays a critical role in advancing raptor science and conservation while empowering the next generation of researchers.