Bexar Audubon Mini-Grant

The Bexar Audubon South Central Texas Mini-Grant Program is a regional funding opportunity provided by the Bexar Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society. This initiative supports conservation projects and community outreach programs with a particular focus on birds and their habitats. The grant is specifically targeted to benefit the South Central Texas region, encompassing ten counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, and Wilson. With a mission rooted in environmental education and wildlife protection, the funder seeks to engage civic-minded groups in practical, hands-on conservation efforts that align with the broader goals of Bird City Texas. The program offers funding between $100 and $1,000 per project, intended to support initiatives such as pollinator gardens, birdhouses and feeders, signage in parks, educational materials, and community birding supplies. Projects must include a community engagement component and either be educational in nature or implemented on public property. Acceptable uses of funds are flexible and may include material purchases, supplies for nature-based educational activities, and installations that foster awareness of bird conservation. Funded activities should be designed for completion within a one-year timeframe, though they may also serve as part of larger ongoing initiatives. Applicants must serve as the project manager and are responsible for submitting progress and final reports. An additional requirement is that grantees must commit to displaying LIGHTS OUT TEXAS signage during bird migration seasons, with signs provided by the funder. The grant does not restrict applicants from seeking additional public or private funding to support their initiatives. Notably, there is no restriction against first-time applicants, and the funder explicitly encourages those new to grant funding to apply, emphasizing commitment and planning over prior experience. The application process is straightforward. Interested parties are instructed to download the application, complete it with project details, and submit it via email to grants@bexaraudubon.org. There are no pre-application requirements or screening steps. Applicants should present a thoughtful and feasible project that includes a plan for public engagement or educational outreach. Evaluation will consider factors such as the number of people impacted, service to underserved communities, environmental or bird impact, creativity, and overall feasibility. The grant cycle includes several key dates. Applications are due by September 19, 2025, and awardees will be notified on October 20, 2025. Funds will be distributed by November 10, 2025. A mid-year progress report is expected by June 12, 2026, with final reports and return of any unused funds due by December 11, 2026. While there is no explicit indication of the next cycle’s opening date, the language of the program suggests an annual recurrence, and similar future cycles can be anticipated. The program is administered by a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to conservation education and welcomes participants from a variety of sectors, including schools, HOAs, PTAs, NGOs, and faith-based groups. All proposals must demonstrate a commitment to the natural environment and public engagement, and should contribute positively to bird conservation efforts in the eligible Texas counties.

A well-thought-out plan with a commitment to follow through is the primary requirement. Contact is encouraged for guidance.