Tips for grant funding

Are you hoping to apply grant funding toward a Chronolog but aren't sure where to start? Here are a few examples of funding structures other Chronolog organizers have tapped into.

Partner with a local nonprofit or business. Lacombe County in Alberta, Canada received a TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant, which funded their Chronolog installation. Local nonprofits have also sponsored Chronologs in national and state parks, and private companies have supported them as part of corporate sustainability initiatives.

Incorporate a Chronolog into existing grants. Newport News Green Foundation (NNGF) in Virginia, USA successfully secured National Science Foundation funding that included a Chronolog. The grant focused on utilizing data science techniques to help support local community partners. It was a natural fit for the nonprofit, as they were seeking ways to 1) gather environmental data about their properties to use for improvement, and 2) encourage community use of the properties. The stated goal of the project was to collect photo data to leverage for future environmental improvements of the property (e.g., removal of invasive species, native plantings, improved erosion control around the stream, and bird habitat improvements). So far, the project has been a success. 6-months after setting up their first Chronolog, the team has already identified preliminary vegetation patterns and a variety of fauna. Anecdotal evidence suggests that site users enjoy using the Chronolog station and are more likely to support NNGF initiatives. As the organizer shared, "The process [for including Chronolog in an NSF proposal] is easier than one thinks, so don't be intimidated by it. Choose your location wisely. It helps to focus on a charismatic site or location that people can focus on. Place signage strategically and communicate your goals clearly to site-users to maximize participation."

Apply to a local or regional wildlife or conservation foundation. Depending on the goals of your project, wildlife and nature-related foundations offer grants that align well with the long-term ecological monitoring a Chronolog provides.

Lean into the citizen science angle. A Chronolog is a powerful community science tool, which can open doors to education-focused grants you might not initially think to pursue, such as those targeting STEM outreach, environmental literacy, or public engagement.

Lead with impact. Chronolog automatically tracks photo contributions, participant counts, and vegetation change over time, giving you built-in metrics to strengthen grant applications, progress reports, and renewal requests. And because a Chronolog stake requires minimal maintenance once installed, funders wary of open-ended financial commitments will appreciate the low ongoing cost.

The bottom line: a Chronolog doesn't always require a standalone grant. It can often be woven into funding your organization is already seeking or has in place: as a tool for public engagement, scientific outreach, or environmental stewardship.

Have you found a funding source that worked for your Chronolog project? We'd love to hear about it. Share your experience with us at info@chronolog.io so we can continue building resources for the broader Chronolog community.