National Indigenous Grant

for Bird Research and Conservation

Indigenous knowledge of native Australian birds, their lifecycles and habitat needs is profound and has made substantial contributions to science and bird conservation. With the 'Indigenous Grant for Bird Research and Conservation', BirdLife Australia wishes to acknowledge these contributions and facilitate the engagement of Indigenous Peoples in research and conservation of native birds.

The Grant is focused on (but not restricted to) Indigenous research and conservation in Key Biodiversity Areas. It will provide equipment and training to Indigenous groups through funding workshops on:

  • Bird identification

  • Survey techniques

  • On-ground conservation

  • KBA Easter Health-checks

The application form is online (scroll down)

Applications due 12th June 2023

The winner of the National IGBRC will be announced during NAIDOC Week

3 JULY 2023

Eligibility

  • Indigenous groups e.g. rangers and community groups supported by or working with First Nations groups may apply.

  • Applicants are encouraged to contact relevant BirdLife Australia staff directly to discuss possible workshops.

What the grant provides

  • The grant is for $2,000 of equipment for your project, for example, binoculars/telescope/bird books etc. In addition to this, it also provides in-kind support through Conservation staff to host and facilitate a bird project workshop locally. Please note, the grant does not provide cash to the award recipient.

  • Funds are limited and not all applications may be funded, however, we may be able to offer support to the applicant’s conservation work e.g. access to data regardless of the outcome of the application.

  •  Applications will be assessed by an external committee of scientists and Indigenous conservation practitioners.

  • Applicants are responsible for obtaining all necessary permits from government authorities, Indigenous communities, ethics committees etc., to undertake the project.       

Assessment criteria

  • Is the group an Indigenous organisation?

  • List the contribution of equipment and a workshop to bird monitoring on Country. Applications should align with BirdLife Australia’s Bird Conservation Strategy.

  • The likelihood of the project resulting in ongoing monitoring or conservation projects.

  • The impact of the proposed conservation or monitoring activities for threatened or culturally important species.

  • The community impact of the workshop. How many participants does the workshop reach?

  • In-kind contributions and collaborations e.g. with BirdLife Australia branches will be viewed favourably.

Application Form

If you would like a printed copy for your records, please email kba@birdlife.org.au