Bat Carer Support Grants​

Applications

The Australasian Bat Society (ABS) is offering Bat Carer Support Grants to assist
registered bat carers experiencing increased financial pressure due to the costs of
caring for flying-foxes or insectivorous bats in rehabilitation.
These small grants are intended to provide practical, short-term support for carers
facing urgent or high ongoing costs associated with flying-fox (or other fruit bats) or
insectivorous bat care.
Funding available 
  • Grants up to $1,000 Australian Dollars each
  • Total funding pool: $10,000 Australian Dollars
​Applications are open now and will be assessed as they are received.
The program will close once all available funds have been allocated.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be:
  • a current member of the Australasian Bat Society
  • a registered wildlife carer or foster carer (wildlife shelter number required)
  • actively caring for flying-foxes (or other fruit bats) or insectivorous bats
While applications are open to carers of both flying-foxes and insectivorous bats,
priority may be given to flying-fox carers in recognition of current pressures and
higher care costs.
What the grant can be used for
Grant funds may be used for costs directly related to flying-fox or insectivorous bat
care, including (but not limited to):
  • Food and nutritional supplements
  • Veterinary expenses
  • Enclosure materials or maintenance
  • Transport related to bat rescue or rehabilitation.
Application process
The application process has been designed to be simple and low-burden. Applicants
will be asked to provide a short response addressing:
  • Their current caring situation and level of need
  • Typical and current numbers of animals in care
  • How the funds would be used if successful
  • A very brief summary of their experience caring for bats
  • Their wildlife shelter or foster carer permit number
Applications will be assessed based on demonstrated need and caring pressures,
not on a first-come-first-served basis.
Assessment and notification
Applications will be reviewed by a small ABS assessment panel, including members from the executive and extended executive, with representatives from the Flying-fox Expert Group and wildlife carers.
The assessment and notification process may be staggered, such that successful applicants may be notified at different times.
Successful applicants will be notified by email. A form will be sent requesting banking information, and then funds will be transferred as soon as practicable.
Recipients will be asked to confirm receipt of funds via email. No formal reporting or ABS Newsletter contribution is required for this grant round. However, articles for the Newsletter are always welcome.
How to apply
Complete this application form, and email it to [email protected].
For questions about the Bat Carer Support Grants, please contact
[email protected]