HBIC small grants scheme

HBIC maintains a small fund to support local volunteer recorders. The aim of the fund is to increase the amount of data available to the wider HBIC partnership and encourage greater participation in recording activities.

Bids can be made by groups to support recording activities, improve data management and improve data accessibility.

Examples

• Digitising paper records - priority given to recent data and under-represented taxa
• Acquiring data management tools, including upgrading software
• Training materials
• Publication of atlases and checklists
• Field survey equipment including ID guides for use by the group
• Promotional activities to encourage greater recording or increase capacity

Rules

Only one bid is allowed per species recording group or local community group per year.

Recording groups and local community groups can bid for capital items such as IT, books, field equipment etc. These items must be returned to HBIC if recording stops, to allow the items to be passed onto others.

Bids will be assessed at the next meeting of the HBIC Steering Group (usually in March) as to their value for money and effectiveness towards encouraging more people to get involved. Thereby increasing the amount of data generated. Funding for items and events which encourage underrepresented groups such as young people to go out and record will be particularly welcome.

• £350
• Maximum amount per bid

Submission

Your bid should consist of a brief summary of how the funding would be spent, plus an itemised breakdown of expenditure. Proof of expenditure will be required before the grant can be released to the bank account of the group submitting the application.

Download the grant scheme form. Complete and email to [email protected].

Bids will be considered at the next Steering Group Meeting.

Deadline for submissions 31 January 2027