Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Leslie Brown Research Grant Program by the Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) supports research focused exclusively on African birds of prey. The program offers up to USD 5,000 in funding, along with waived publication page charges in the Journal of Raptor Research, and accepts applications annually until June 30.
Overview of the Grant
The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) invites applications for its Leslie Brown Research Grant Program, a highly competitive annual grant designed to promote scientific research and information dissemination on African birds of prey.
Named in honor of Leslie Brown, a pioneering raptor biologist, the grant supports studies that contribute meaningful knowledge to raptor ecology, conservation, behavior, and management within the African continent.
Only one grant is awarded each year, making it a prestigious and selective funding opportunity for raptor researchers.
Funding Amount and Benefits
Financial Support
• Total funding available: Up to USD 5,000
• Funding is awarded to support research-related expenses as outlined in the approved budget
Publication Benefit
• Waived page charges for publication in the Journal of Raptor Research
• Applies only if the grant recipient is the primary author
• The published paper must directly reflect the funded research study
Research Focus and Scope
Eligible Research Topics
• Research on African birds of prey (raptors)
• Studies addressing ecology, behavior, conservation, population biology, threats, or management
• Field-based, laboratory-based, or analytical research relevant to African raptors
Ineligible Applications
• Applications not focused on African raptors
• Proposals outside the scope of raptor research
• Incomplete or non-compliant submissions
Applications that do not clearly focus on African birds of prey will not be reviewed.
Who is Eligible?
The program is open to:
• Researchers studying African birds of prey
• Early-career and experienced scientists
• Applicants capable of leading and publishing the proposed research
There are no geographic restrictions on the applicant, but the research must be Africa-focused.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete application package, including the following components.
Mandatory Documents
• Cover letter explaining:
– Motivation for the study
– Research objectives
– Expected outcomes and impact
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the applicant
• Research proposal (maximum 5 pages)
• Applicant photograph, preferably taken in the field, for use in award announcements
Incomplete applications may be disqualified from consideration.
Proposal Structure and Content
The research proposal must be clearly written and structured, covering the following sections.
Required Proposal Sections
• Background and justification
• Study objectives
• Research methods and approach
• Detailed budget explaining fund allocation
• List of other funding sources:
– Requested
– Received
• Expected results and significance
• Literature cited (maximum 1 page)
Proposals exceeding page limits or missing required sections may be rejected.
How the Grant Works
Step-by-Step Process
-
Develop a research concept focused on African raptors
-
Prepare a proposal following the required structure and page limits
-
Compile all required documents, including CV and photograph
-
Ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives and scope
-
Submit the complete application before the deadline
-
Applications are reviewed competitively
-
One grant recipient is selected annually
Why This Grant Matters
Scientific Impact
• Supports targeted research on African birds of prey
• Encourages high-quality, publishable scientific work
Conservation Value
• Generates data critical for raptor conservation and management
• Addresses threats facing African raptor species
Career Development
• Provides competitive funding recognition
• Offers publication cost relief in a leading raptor science journal
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Submitting research not focused on African raptors
• Exceeding proposal or literature page limits
• Failing to include a detailed budget
• Omitting the required applicant photograph
• Submitting incomplete application materials
• Missing the submission deadline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Leslie Brown Research Grant Program?
It is an annual funding program by the Raptor Research Foundation supporting research on African birds of prey.
2. How much funding does the grant provide?
The grant offers up to USD 5,000 for one selected project each year.
3. Can non-African researchers apply?
Yes. Researchers from any country may apply, provided the research focuses on African raptors.
4. Is publication support included?
Yes. Page charges are waived for publication in the Journal of Raptor Research if the recipient is the primary author and the paper reflects the funded research.
5. What is the maximum length of the proposal?
The proposal must not exceed five pages, with literature cited limited to one page.
6. Is a photograph mandatory?
Yes. A photograph of the applicant, preferably taken in the field, must be included.
7. What is the application deadline?
The deadline for submission is June 30.
Conclusion
The Leslie Brown Research Grant Program offers a focused and prestigious opportunity for researchers dedicated to advancing knowledge of African birds of prey. With competitive funding, publication support, and international recognition, the grant plays a vital role in strengthening raptor science and conservation across Africa. Applicants should ensure strict compliance with all requirements to maximize their chances of success.
For more information, visit Raptor Research Foundation.
