Conservation Grant Application
The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival is pleased to announce a conservation grant program with funds to be awarded before the end of our 2026 birding festival in November. Applications can be submitted for consideration by our Conservation Committee, consisting of twelve members drawn from our Board of Directors and volunteer professionals representing a broad spectrum of conservation expertise in both local, state, and national conservation communities.
Eligibility
Applicants must be non-profit/501(c)3 organizations, public municipalities, schools, or
individuals undertaking projects that will have a measurable conservation impact whether in the Rio Grande Valley or at a state, national, or international level. Qualifying applicants must fall into one or more of the following three categories: (1) bird and habitat conservation; (2) conservation/environmental education; or (3) conservation or avian scientific research in the academic world or in field projects.
individuals undertaking projects that will have a measurable conservation impact whether in the Rio Grande Valley or at a state, national, or international level. Qualifying applicants must fall into one or more of the following three categories: (1) bird and habitat conservation; (2) conservation/environmental education; or (3) conservation or avian scientific research in the academic world or in field projects.
Funding
Grants may be requested for amounts from $300 to $15,000. Awarded grants may be less
than the requested amount, depending on the number of qualifying applicants. In assessing applications, the committee will give weight to: impact and sustainability/long-term viability; alignment with RGVBF priorities and/or with state and national bird and wildlife conservation plans; and feasibility and capacity. We do not fund salaries, computers/laptops, political or politically-related causes, or other festivals.
than the requested amount, depending on the number of qualifying applicants. In assessing applications, the committee will give weight to: impact and sustainability/long-term viability; alignment with RGVBF priorities and/or with state and national bird and wildlife conservation plans; and feasibility and capacity. We do not fund salaries, computers/laptops, political or politically-related causes, or other festivals.
2026 Application and Funding Timeline
Applications can be downloaded from the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival website
(rgvbf.org) and submitted by email to conservation@rgvbf.org. Application deadline is
September 18. Committee recommendations will be made to the RGVBF Executive Board for final decisions by October 16. Awardees will be notified by October 30, followed by a formal announcement at the 2026 festival (November 11-15).
(rgvbf.org) and submitted by email to conservation@rgvbf.org. Application deadline is
September 18. Committee recommendations will be made to the RGVBF Executive Board for final decisions by October 16. Awardees will be notified by October 30, followed by a formal announcement at the 2026 festival (November 11-15).
RGVBF Donations
**** Coming Soon ****