Bird Friendly Buildings Grant

The Bird Friendly Buildings Grant is a targeted initiative launched by the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) of the District of Columbia to reduce avian mortality caused by building collisions. Administered through DOEE’s Urban Sustainability Administration’s Green Building and Climate Branch, the grant is part of a broader effort under the Migratory Local Wildlife Protection Act of 2022 to make the built environment more compatible with the natural patterns of migratory bird species. While the Act requires bird-friendly materials for new construction and major renovations, retrofits of existing buildings remain voluntary. This grant program is designed to bridge that gap by providing financial and technical support to encourage voluntary compliance and accelerate retrofits that reduce bird collisions. The core purpose of the grant is threefold: first, to develop a prioritized list of buildings in the District of Columbia that pose the highest risk to birds; second, to conduct educational outreach targeting property owners and operators about the ecological and design benefits of bird-friendly retrofits; and third, to implement at least one retrofit of a high-risk building as a demonstration project. These efforts are not only aimed at reducing direct harm to bird populations but also at creating a replicable model and stakeholder momentum for citywide adoption of bird-safe practices in building design and maintenance. The grant program will provide up to $150,000 in funding for these activities, with all projects required to be completed by September 30, 2026, unless an extension is granted by DOEE based on performance and funding availability. Allowable uses of grant funds include building assessments, outreach program development, stakeholder engagement, materials development, and the actual implementation of bird-safe retrofits using materials with a maximum threat factor of 30 per American Bird Conservancy standards. The funds are generally disbursed on a reimbursement basis, although exceptions for advance payment may be made with sufficient justification and DOEE approval. Eligibility for the grant is open to nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities), faith-based organizations, government agencies, universities and educational institutions, and private enterprises. All buildings targeted through this grant must be located within the boundaries of the District of Columbia, and any proposed retrofits must have documented property owner approval before work can begin. Applicants who have not yet identified a specific building for retrofit must outline a clear plan and timeline for doing so. Applicants are required to submit their proposals through DOEE’s online Grants Management System by March 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The application must include a project narrative, budget with justification, and work plan, along with documentation such as letters of support, IRS and business certifications, and proof of nonprofit status if applicable. DOEE will evaluate applications based on a competitive scoring rubric, which includes factors such as technical feasibility, stakeholder engagement plans, retrofit execution strategies, and experience in sustainability or wildlife protection retrofits. Successful applicants will be expected to produce quantifiable outcomes, such as the number of building owners engaged and at least one retrofit completed. Deliverables include a comprehensive final report, stakeholder engagement analysis, outreach and technical materials, and a strategy for scaling future retrofits. The project’s performance will be monitored through required quarterly and final reporting. This grant program plays a critical role in translating policy into practical outcomes by promoting voluntary compliance and creating a foundation for future incentives and regulation supporting bird-friendly infrastructure in Washington, D.C.