Bird Studies Canada

For nearly 50 years Jim Baillie worked as Assistant Curator in the Ornithology Department of the Royal Ontario Museum. Although not formally educated in ornithology, his knowledge of birds was unsurpassed. Jim Baillie had the ability to share his knowledge with thousands of people, amateurs and professionals alike, through newspaper columns, scientific publications and informal conversations with countless visitors to his museum office.

Baillie's enthusiasm and knowledge have inspired hundreds of naturalists to pursue bird study and conservation. Select this link to read Dr. H.J.M. Barnett's personal account Reflections on J.L. Baillie. Both the James L. Baillie Memorial Fund and the Baillie Birdathon have been named to honour this great Canadian naturalist, conservationist and educator.

The James L. Baillie Memorial Fund for Bird Research and Preservation was established by Bird Studies Canada in 1976. It is funded by the annual Baillie Birdathon and by private donations.

Originally, the focus of the Baillie Fund was on amateur ornithological research within Ontario. In 1983, the scope of the granting program was expanded to include projects by individuals and organizations that increase understanding, appreciation and conservation of Canadian birds in their natural environment. Additional information on the program goals and objectives is available in the Baillie Fund Application Guidelines.

The Baillie Fund is directed by a group of independent Trustees comprised of professional and amateur ornithologists from across Canada. The Trustees come from all walks of life, but share an enthusiasm for increasing the knowledge of Canada's birds as well as addressing concerns for their well-being.

Over Three Decades of Baillie Fund Grants

Since 1978, the Baillie Fund has awarded nearly $700 000 to 580 bird research and conservation projects across Canada. In 2014, the Fund awarded over $20 000 in grants, ranging from $500 to $4000 each, to 12 projects across Canada (see Funded Projects in the left-hand menu).

Baillie Fund Grant Programs

The Baillie Fund currently has three granting programs:

Regular Grants Program;
Small Grants Program; and
Baillie Student Award for Field Research.

Applications for the Regular Grants and Small Grants Programs are reviewed by the Baillie Fund Trustees. Applications for the Baillie Student Research Award are reviewed by the Student Awards Committee of the Society of Canadian Ornithologists (SCO).

The eligibility requirements, grant size, application deadline, application form, and review process is different for each grant program. Prospective applicants should read the Baillie Fund Application Guidelines to decide which grant program best fits their project.