The Red Deer River Naturalists grant program provides funds for projects that align with the Vision, Mission, and Objectives of RDRN and support one or more of the following initiatives:
- Educational initiatives that foster connections with nature and promote habitat stewardship
- Research initiatives aimed at enhancing biodiversity, enhancing ecosystem health, deepening understanding of natural history or ecosystem dynamics
- Conservation efforts that support or improve ecosystem health
- Programs, projects, capital expenditures, events, and initiatives designed to strengthen the organizational capacity of small, nature-focused organizations
ELIGIBILITY:
Applicants must be a registered charity, non-profit, or clearly connected to an educational institution. For-profit organizations and government agencies are not eligible.
Organizations may submit one application per calendar year.
GRANT STREAMS:
The program has two grant streams: a small grant and a large grant.
Small Grant Stream
Includes applications for up to $2500. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted on a first-come, first-considered basis until funding is exhausted. Our aim is to adjudicate applications within two weeks.
Large Grant Stream
Includes applications for grants over $2500 and up to $10,000. These applications are accepted twice a year on or before April 15 and October 15. Large grant applicants should match RDRN funds with 25% of the project costs and may be asked to provide their latest financial statement.
Large grant applications must be accompanied by a completed online budget form (supplied below) and will be required to submit a Final Report form within 60 days of project completion. If requested, successful applicants must also agree to present a brief project summary at an RDRN Board and/or monthly meeting.
ADJUDICATION:
The following criteria will be used, in part, to adjudicate grant applications. Please note that not all criteria need to be met.
- Located in or near the Red Deer River Watershed
- Long- vs short-term benefits
- Impact on biodiversity and ecological integrity
- Impact on conservation
- Impact on research
- Impact on organizational capacity
- Educational value
- Leverage with other funders
- Probability of success
- Cost/Benefit ratio
