The Chicago Ornithological Society (COS) is proud to offer annual mini-grants to local educators and organizations working on youth driven community projects furthering bird conservation, education, and advocacy.
Donor Name: Chicago Ornithological Society (COS)
State: Illinois
City: Chicago
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/11/2024
Size of the Grant: Less than $1000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The grant was established in memory of Douglas C. Anderson, former COS president, longtime bird walk leader, and mentor to generations of birders. Mr. Anderson spent his childhood in the natural areas of Jackson Park where his love of birds began, a love which he shared with others throughout his life. Funded projects support the COS mission to promote the appreciation and conservation of avian life and continue Mr. Anderson’s legacy of sharing the joy of birds.
Funding Information
The total amount available for each annual cycle is up to $1,000, which is awarded to one grantee per year.
Criteria for Project Proposals and Priority Preferences
- Proposals must demonstrate a project designed to engage youth in taking action for birds in their community.
- Proposed projects should advance the COS mission of appreciation and/or conservation of birds in the Chicago region. Example projects may include but are not limited to: research, data collection, planting or habitat improvement, construction of nest boxes, art installations, educational materials or signage (physical and/or digital), or a short film about birds. While most projects fall within the scope of this list, creative projects of a different nature than those listed that still accomplish COS’s mission will be considered equally.
- Projects should be located in the City of Chicago with a priority for projects in or near Jackson Park. The priority area for the purposes of this grant is defined as falling within the following zip codes: 60609, 60615, 60617, 60619, 60620, 60621, 60637, 60649 and 60653. Priority is given to either applicants or projects that fall within this area.
- Proposals that fund stipends, salaries, interpretive programs, or indirect costs of existing projects/programs will not be considered.
Eligibility Criteria
- Representatives or educators at a school or community organization, or individual adults, are eligible to apply in partnership with students ranging from 1st grade through high school.
- No minimum or maximum number of students involved in the project is required. Projects involving higher numbers of students will not necessarily score more favorably; rather, the quality of experience and impact on individual students is of prime importance.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated according to the project’s alignment with the goals of the grant and supporting factors as listed below:
- Project will advance the appreciation and/or conservation of birds in the Chicago region.
- Project will produce measurable impacts (conservation value, public engagement, etc.) based on the nature of the project.
- Project is replicable, has growth potential, and/or can be built on further in the future.
- Project can be realistically completed within the timeline proposed.
- Project demonstrates creativity, innovation, and originality.
- There is a plan in place for maintenance and continued life of the project beyond its year of completion (or this is not necessary due to the nature of the project).
- Project is truly student-driven.
- Project impacts or inspires local youth to be interested in birds.
For more information, visit COS.
