BCNA GRANTS FOR RESEARCH
Funding research projects aligned with BCNA’s mission
Projects must be consistent with BCNA’s mission and demonstrate how the data and outcomes will benefit local conservation work.
- A typical size grant is for $2,000-$5,000.
- Project types have included field studies, monitoring, habitat assessments, species inventories, and restoration trials.
- Expenses supported have included field equipment, travel, consumables, data analysis, and publication costs.
- Restrictions/disallowed costs include overhead, large capital equipment, projects outside the region or mission alignment.
Those receiving a grant from BCNA will be expected to:
- Submit interim reports if requested
- Submit a report written for a general audience that may be shared on the BCNA website
- Present findings to BCNA at a symposium, annual meeting, BCNA social or other event
- Acknowledge BCNA support in publications and outreach.
Applications for BCNA Annual Grants
Due February 15, 2026
Grants of up to $5,000 are available for short-term projects that enhance the understanding and conservation of the ecosystems of Boulder County. Focal areas may include, but are not limited to, examining the patterns, causes, and consequences of variation in biodiversity, conservation biology of species and communities, links between biological communities and ecosystem function, and evaluating changes in ecosystems associated with environmental changes such as climate change.
Emphasis will be given to funding research with the potential to add to the knowledge base available to Boulder County decision-makers to both protect and enjoy our natural resources.
Proposals are limited to four pages single spaced, not including references, using a 12 point font and 1 inch margins. The proposal should include an introduction with sufficient background to establish clear questions or hypotheses, a methods and materials section that describes how the research will address the hypotheses, as well as locations, sample sizes, data collected, the statistical analyses, and a timeline for the work. Research that requires handling vertebrates must include verification that the investigator has met the current institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) requirements of the home institution. The budget should describe specifically how the requested items will support the research, and list other sources of funding for the project. Priority will be given to funding equipment and supplies over salaries. BCNA will not pay any institutional overhead- all funding goes directly for research. Please also include a brief curriculum vitae of no more than 2 pages for the principal investigator.
Submit proposals on or before February 15, 2026 to the BCNA Grant Committee. Applicants will be notified before mid-March whether they have been selected for funding from BCNA. Successful applicants will provide reports written for a general audience that will be shared on the BCNA website. In addition BCNA may request brief presentations at their annual meeting.
FAQ / Tips
- Do I need institutional affiliation?
Not necessarily, but proposals from recognized institutions or partnering with them may be advantageous. - Is matching funding required?
It depends—if you can leverage in-kind support or match, that strengthens your proposal. - What are review criteria?
Scientific merit, feasibility, alignment with BCNA mission, budget realism, potential for practical impact.
If you are interested in the applying for a grant from BCNA or have questions, please email BCNA using the form below to get further information and to start the application process. If you wish to attach a file (pdf, doc, or docx), add it to “File Upload”.