Member stations can take advantage of our many programs and funding opportunities!

OBFS - Maxwell Hanrahan Field Biology and Earth Science Grants

OBFS has partnered with the Maxwell Hanrahan Foundation to provide monies to field stations for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers studying field biology as well as post-graduate/early career researchers who are studying earth science subjects at field stations. Member stations in good standing should look for the annual call for applications on the OBFS listserv - the proposals will be due in early March. 

Maxwell Hanrahan Grant Details

OBFS Station Exchange Program (SXP)

The Station Exchange Program provides mini travel awards for field station staff to visit other field stations in the OBFS network for shadowing, cross-training, and mentoring opportunities. Reciprocal (two-way) field station visits are highly encouraged and will receive priority. Look for announcements via the OBFS listserv.

Station Exchange Program Details

The International Matching Program

Brings member stations together for three years (or longer) so they can develop a project or product that will ultimately benefit the broader OBFS community. If you want to work with other stations navigating similar challenges this is a great opportunity!! 

Calls for stations to register for the program are sent out in February and in the early spring we offer a Matching Program Workshop so stations can meet each other, talk ideas/interests/priorities and identify which stations they most want to partner with so the Matching Committee can make the matches!

  • The years are generally organized as follows:
    • Year 1 - Planning/Implementation
    • Years 2 and 3 - Implementation/Deliverables to the OBFS community

Stations will be matched by the International Committee and the matched stations will have three years and a budget of up to US$5000 each year. Groups will not get more than US$15,000 over the three years and there will be no more than 3 funded groups in a given year. The matching program committee facilitates the partnerships but each team works independently.

Monies can be used for (suggestions):

  • Travel
  • Equipment that could be used between stations (ie trail cameras, microphones, field kits)
  • Honorariums for Knowledge Contributors, Translators
  • Funds for printing and/or graphic designers

Past Groups have created some useful resources and projects for member stations.

  • You can find an outreach guide in the Member Resources section of the website (view documents under Field Station Resources).
  • There is a folder of resources for developing data for public interpretation.
  • An ongoing  camera trap project will be available for members soon!

Have questions? Contact IC leadership at international@obfs.org.

 

The 2026 Matching Program registration is now open! 

If you are interested in being partnered with other stations, please complete the International Matching Program registration by Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (midnight PT).

Registered stations will be invited to a Meet and Greet Zoom session on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Noon ET.

 

The Mini-Grant Program

Member stations and individual members may submit one proposal/year, up to $5000, for projects that complement the strategic plan, help achieve the plan's goals and objectives, and advance the mission of OBFS.  Learn more about the program here.

 

AIBS Congressional Visit Day

OBFS collaborates with the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) annually to sponsor a few OBFS members to an in-person training and advocacy opportunity on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. The call for OBFS participants goes out to the OBFS listserv around February each year for the late-April trip to D.C. Find out more about all of OBFS' Advocacy efforts or read a highlight from the visit day here!

 

International and Early Career/Student Travel Awards

These awards support attendance at the OBFS Annual Meeting for international and early career/student members. Contact the International Committee at international@obfs.org with questions. Calls for applicants will be sent via the OBFS listserv. 

 

Virtual Cafés

One hour conversations - bring your choice of drink! 

  • Dates, times, and links are announced on the listserv and posted as an event on the OBFS calendar.
  • Field station presentations are encouraged as are Speaker Series; consider using the program for region-specific topics!
  • All Cafés are in English and Spanish.
  • Let the International Committee know if you have some ideas or are interested in being featured. Email us at international@obfs.org.