Funding
The Sonoran Joint Venture Awards Program provides funds through a competitive process to support the conservation of birds and their habitats within the SJV geography. The total amount of funding available varies depending on Congressional appropriations but tends to be $30,000-$50,000. Individual SJV Awards Program grants range from $5,000-$10,000, and we anticipate funding four to six awards in 2026. Read the Request for Proposals carefully as the application process and funding priorities have changed.
Funding Priorities
In 2026 the SJV has a limited amount of funding to support short-term projects or help existing projects fill gaps that may have been created by the loss of other funding over the past year and a half. All work must be completed by March 31, 2027.
While a project can address a range of issues, proposals for work that address one or more of the below priorities will score better:
- Work with land stewards to build capacity and improve land use practices and conservation actions.
- Habitat restoration and protection efforts for aridlands, grasslands, riparian habitat, forests, coastal wetlands, and islands in support of priority bird species as defined by the SJV Bird Conservation Plan.
- Bird monitoring to measure effectiveness of habitat restoration activities.
- Projects that strengthen and support Indigenous sovereignty, engagement, and leadership in stewardship of Indigenous, public, and private lands.
- Coordination to improve partnerships to build capacity and support for data sharing and management and on-the-ground stewardship actions.
- Social science, human dimensions, or strategic communications to support any of the above priorities.
General Timeline
September 10 – Request for Proposals made available.
September 24 – Proposals must be received by the Sonoran Joint Venture no later than midnight, Pacific Daylight time.
October 16 – SJV Staff and Awards Review Subcommittee complete review and ranking process and provide recommendations to SJV Management Board.
No later than October 23 – Applicants are notified of the outcome of their proposal.
No later than November 30 – Funding distributed to recipients.
How to Apply
- Download the REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS and COVER SHEET.
- Put all proposal components into a single Word document or PDF (cover sheet, project narrative, budget, and, if relevant, letters of support).
- Email the document to the Sonoran Joint Venture.
- Make the subject line of your email: Attn: SJV Awards Program – [YOUR ORGANIZATION’S NAME] (i.e., “Attn: SJV Awards Program – Society for Bird Conservation”).
For questions about the administrative/logistical process of submitting a grant, please contact Jennie Duberstein.
For questions about your proposed work, please contact Adam Hannuksela.