What are our criteria for awarding mini-grants?

• We like the project
• A local artist or musician is part of the event
• The event will take place in an underserved community
• Data collection for our Celebrate Urban Birds is part of your event!
• Small is good, big is good, too. So is medium.
• Are you in your neighborhood? Seeing and learning about local birds is more important to us than elaborate field trips.
• We feel the project has been well-planned and that it's really going to happen. We like down-to-earth more than pie-in-the-sky!
• You can show us how you plan to spend the money you receive. Break it down a little and show us realistic expenses. Nothing fancy; just show us you've done a little planning and research.

What is a Celebrate Urban Birds event?

These are neighborhood events featuring activities involving birds, community service, art, greening, and science. Celebrate Urban Birds mini-grants could be used to support a bird-activity day after school; at a local museum, library, or community center; or fund art and gardening activities at your club, business, school, senior center, or neighborhood. We want to see what new ideas inspire you!

Why hold a Celebrate Urban Birds event?

Connecting the arts, music, dance, and gardening with birds and science leads people into deeper observation of nature, helps them enjoy the magic inherent in birds, and reduces stress. Connecting with nature in YOUR city is good for birds AND good for your neighborhood!

What does “collect Celebrate Urban Birds data” mean?

Participants spend 10 minutes watching birds in their neighborhood and report their observations online at www.CelebrateUrbanBirds.org. This information helps scientists better understand how birds survive in cities and make use of greens spaces, including parks and gardens.