Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA)

The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA) was passed in 2002 in order to promote the long-term conservation of Neotropical migratory birds and their habitats. The act established a competitive, matching grants program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out noteworthy projects in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. While most conservation activities that benefit Neotropical migratory birds are eligible, land protection, habitat restoration, community outreach, and education, as well as bird research and monitoring, may all be of special interest to land trusts.

The due date for NMBCA proposals is usually in November. The maximum amount available in any one grant is $200,000. There is a 3:1 matching requirement, and in the U.S. and Canada the match must be in cash funds that are expended after receipt of the award. For many small land trusts, finding a 3:1 match can be difficult. For this reason, NMBCA proposals are great opportunities for partnerships with other land trusts, conservation organizations, or academic institutions.