Mini-grant FAQs

What types of questions do you ask on the application?

We ask about your proposed event or project with questions like where and when it would take place, who you would expect to participate (and how many participants you'd prepare for), and why you want to hold the event or pursue the project. We ask you to describe your proposed event/project in lots of detail, including how you plan to integrate gardening/habitat creation, the arts, and our 10-minute Celebrate Urban Birds observation into your event/project.

Then, we ask how much funding you're requesting and how you'll use the funding (plants, art supplies, partnering with a local artist, etc), including what other funding sources, if any, you've received or applied for. (Hint: Your chances of receiving an award will be higher if you are specific and organized with your budget!)

Finally, we give you space to tell us anything else you'd like us to know about your organization or proposal.

How do I apply for a mini-grant?

Go to test.celebrateurbanbirds.org and simply fill out the application. It is easy and no grant writing skills are required.

What are our criteria for awarding mini-grants?

• We like the project.
• The arts, greening, learning about birds, and citizen science are part of the event/project.
• The event/project will take place in an underserved community.
• Data collection for Celebrate Urban Birds project is part of the event!
• Events/projects take place in the neighborhood, school, community center, etc... We want participants to learn about the birds/wildlife that exists in their neighborhood. We don't usually fund field trips.
• The project has been well-planned and it's really going to happen.
• Applicants show us how the money requested will be spent. The budget has been broken down and it's clear that the cost of things/services has been researched.

What is a Celebrate Urban Birds event?

These are neighborhood events featuring activities involving birds, community service, art, greening, and science. Celebrate Urban Birds mini-grants could be used to support a bird-activity day after school; at a local museum, library, or community center; or fund art and gardening activities at your club, business, school, senior center, or neighborhood. We want to see what new ideas inspire you!

Why hold a Celebrate Urban Birds event?

Connecting the arts, music, dance, and gardening with birds and science leads people into deeper observation of nature, helps them enjoy the magic inherent in birds, and reduces stress. Connecting with nature in YOUR city is good for birds AND good for your neighborhood!

What does “collect Celebrate Urban Birds data” mean?

Participants spend 10 minutes watching birds in their neighborhood and report their observations online at www.CelebrateUrbanBirds.org. This information helps scientists better understand how birds survive in cities and make use of greens spaces, including parks and gardens.