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2026 Together for Birds Seed Grants: Application

Together for Birds Seed Grants are small awards for independent projects that expand and enrich bird conservation. We view these grants as seeds that, when planted, grow more expansive and ethical ways of caring for birds and people. We seek research, stories, collaborations, curricula, and art rooted in varied methodologies, traditions, and perspectives. Most grants are for $1,000 for a project that can be completed within six months. Grants are open to anyone over the age of 18.

The theme for 2026 is Weaving Together, inspired by the artistry and innovation that birds use in weaving their nests from local materials. We are looking for work that strengthens and expands what we have invested in over the past three years.

Image: Watercolor of a Blue Jay holding a seed by 2022 Resident Artist, Swapna Shepherd.
1.Your Name
2.Your email address
3.What brought you to Together for Birds? (up to 100 words)
4.What strands interest you most? (check all that apply to your work)
5.What strand is most relevant to your project area? (select only one)
6.Give your project a working title (this can change over time).
7.Describe your seed grant project (200-500 words).
8.Does your project include interviews or conversations with specific people in the American Bird Conservancy community? If yes, please list specific staff, partners, or previous award recipients that you have contacted or intend to work with.
9.How does this project fit into your other work, research, academic or professional goals? (up to 200 words)
10.What is the time frame for completing this project? How do you plan to keep yourself accountable to your intended timeline? (up to 100 words)
11.Do you want your project to be considered for the Together for Birds book? Together for Birds is a book of possibilities, outlining ways to expand how and why we care for our small blue green planet. Collectively, we envision a future where birds, humans, and wild places thrive. The book comprises essays, visual art, poems, and quotes from a range of individuals with a connection to birds. All contributions emphasize collaboration, community, and connections - between people, ideas, with birds or home places, and to histories or lifeways.
12.Please add specific links that support your application (LinkedIn profile or post, website or portfolio, social media account or post, blog post, magazine article - choose whatever seems most relevant).
13.How would you like to share your project? (check all that apply)
14.Is there anything else that you would like to share?