The Global Raptor Research and Conservation Grant 2026 is now open for applications, offering local researchers an opportunity to receive up to US$3,500 to conduct research or conservation projects focused on priority raptor species. The grant is provided by HawkWatch International (HWI) through its Global Raptor Research and Conservation Grant programme. It is designed to support locally led work addressing critical knowledge gaps and conservation challenges affecting threatened, understudied and evolutionarily distinctive raptors around the world. Applications are currently open, and eligible researchers must submit their applications by 11:59 PM Mountain Standard Time on December 31, 2026. The opportunity is particularly relevant to researchers and conservation practitioners in countries outside the USA, Canada and Europe. About the Global Raptor Research and Conservation Grant HawkWatch International established the grant to strengthen research and conservation efforts for raptor species that have received limited scientific attention. According to HWI, more than half of the world’s raptor species are threatened with extinction. Since the grant began in 2021, the organisation has awarded more than $35,000 in funding and supported research and conservation efforts involving 14 threatened and understudied raptor species. The 2026 grant provides funding of up to $3,500 per applicant, with up to three applicants potentially funded each year. Previous grant recipients may also apply for one additional year of continued funding if they have fulfilled all required reporting obligations. Beyond financial support, successful applicants can receive scientific guidance, networking opportunities and support in publicising their project results. What Projects Does the Grant Support? The Global Raptor Research and Conservation Grant supports projects that either close important knowledge gaps or implement effective conservation strategies for priority raptor species. Eligible research may examine areas such as: Diet and feeding ecology Movement ecology Breeding biology Habitat use Population dynamics Population status and distribution Responses to environmental or human-induced threats Projects involving species with little or no existing scientific research are particularly encouraged. The grant also supports practical conservation interventions. These can include habitat restoration, conflict mitigation, community-based conservation, conservation education, policy engagement and other activities that can produce measurable conservation benefits. Applicants should clearly explain how their proposed project will contribute to improving the conservation status of the target species. Which Raptor Species Qualify? A major requirement of the 2026 grant is that projects must focus on a single priority raptor species. HawkWatch International has updated its priority system using the latest available 2025 IUCN Red List categories, EDGE scores and publication data. The organisation identifies raptors with an RCPI-Edge score above 0.5 as priority species. The current priority list contains 158 species, representing approximately 28% of raptor species, according to HWI. Applicants should therefore check the most recently published priority species list before preparing their proposals to confirm that their target species qualifies. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet several conditions to be considered for the grant. The project must: Focus on one raptor species recognised as a priority species under HWI’s current criteria. Be led by the applicant. Take place in the country or region where the applicant is a citizen or permanent resident. Be led by someone associated with a registered NGO and/or university in the country where the project will take place. The requirement for local leadership is central to the programme. HWI states that the grant is intended to support local researchers and conservation leaders working directly in the regions where priority raptors occur. What Projects Receive Preference? HWI states that applications are assessed according to the importance and potential impact of the proposed project, the overall quality of the application and the applicant’s financial need. Additional preference is given to projects where the $3,500 maximum grant represents at least 50% of the total project budget. Preference may also be given to applicants who demonstrate an established commitment to raptor research, either through previous work or a clear intention to pursue a career in the field. Projects addressing knowledge gaps for species with no previous research are also encouraged. Restrictions Several projects are specifically excluded from consideration. HWI will not review applications for projects that: Take place in the USA, Canada or Europe. Focus on a raptor species with an RCPI-Edge score below 0.5. Take place outside the country where the applicant is a citizen or permanent resident. Are submitted in a language other than English. Cannot complete all grant outputs within 18 months of receiving the funding. Do not have a relationship with a registered NGO or university that has agreed to receive and disburse the grant to the applicant. These requirements make it important for applicants to confirm both the eligibility of their target species and the institutional arrangements for receiving the funds before applying. Grant Benefits and Support Successful applicants receive more than project funding. HawkWatch International also provides scientific guidance, networking opportunities and assistance in publicising project results. This combination of financial and technical support can help locally based researchers generate information that contributes to conservation planning and practical action. Previous awardees have included researchers from countries such as Cameroon, the Philippines, Peru, Ethiopia, Nigeria, India, Indonesia, Ghana, Colombia and Benin, demonstrating the international scope of the programme. How to Apply Applications for the Global Raptor Research and Conservation Grant 2026 are currently open. Interested researchers should first review HWI’s priority species list and ensure that their proposed project satisfies the programme’s geographic, institutional and species requirements. The application deadline is: December 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM Mountain Standard Time. Applicants should submit their proposals through the official HawkWatch International application form and ensure that all required information is provided in English. Final Thoughts The Global Raptor Research and Conservation Grant 2026 offers locally based researchers an opportunity to secure up to $3,500 for research or practical conservation work focused on priority raptor species. With support available for ecological research, population surveys, habitat conservation, community programmes and other interventions, the grant is intended to help address gaps in scientific knowledge while strengthening conservation action. Researchers should carefully check the current priority species list, institutional requirements and geographic restrictions before submitting their applications ahead of the December 31, 2026 deadline. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. 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