Patrick Sullivan Young Birder’s Fund

Patrick Sullivan Young Birders Fund

The Young Birders Fund was first conceived by Andy and Ellen Stepniewski and was established by the Washington Ornithological Society in 2005 to encourage and support young people interested in birding.

Call for Applications for the Patrick Sullivan Young Birders Fund awards for undergraduate research.

Undergraduate students with ties to Washington State are encouraged to apply for funding to support research related to wild birds or related topics in Washington state. Applicants should propose research to take place during the 2022 calendar year that is done under the coordination or supervision of their undergraduate faculty. Proposals should include:

  • A brief description of the scope and nature of the research to be done, as well as the time frame, locations, species being studied, or other relevant details of the project. (<2 pages)
    After Patrick Sullivan’s death in September 2007, the name of the fund was changed to the Patrick Sullivan Young Birders Fund (PSYBF) to honor his contributions to birding in Washington. Many WOS members have fond memories of birding with Patrick when he was quite young and watching him mature into one of Washington’s premiere birders.
  • The name and contact information of supervising faculty.
  • A letter of support from the supervising faculty member.
  • An explanation of how the funding will be used.

Up to three awards in the amount of $1,000-1,500 depending on the nature of the proposed research and the discretion of the WOS committee.

Submit applications by email to psybf@wos.org not later than March 30, 2024.

Funds are generated through Andy and Ellen Stepniewski’s donation of Andy’s portion of the profits from sales of A Birder’s Guide to Washington, which Andy co-authored, and donations from WOS, WOS members, and the general public. Grants are available to individual young people or adults to help fund group birding activities or education for young people.

We define “young birders” as anyone in the age group from pre-teens through early 20s, showing a serious interest in birds and birding. Both students and non-students are eligible and are encouraged to apply.

This grant program is not intended to support graduate school activities. PSYBF grants are intended to support activities directly related to birding, such as, but not limited to:

  • Registration fees and expenses for birding conferences and related events;
  • Research on specific species or species groups that spend a significant portion of their life cycle in Washington; and census work at a park or natural area;
  • Bird banding, when supervised by a qualified adult;
  • Supplies and related expenses for adult-taught youth group activities centered on birding and bird study.

The fund has now grown to over $10,000 and will hopefully be self-supporting. WOS members are encouraged to donate to the PSYBF with their WOS membership renewal.

To donate to the Patrick Sullivan Young Birders Fund, click on the PayPal button below:

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