VBS Youth and Scout Grant Application

Who Can Apply?

Anyone 18 years old or younger can apply. This is a tried and true way for Boy Scouts to earn their Eagle and Girl Scouts their Gold, Silver or Bronze awards. But the grant money isn’t limited to scouts. It could be a great youth group, school, home school group, or other service organization project. 

What Does the Grant Cover?

The grant will reimburse you for only the cost of the materials (wood, screws, poles, paint, etc.). It does not cover tools or equipment, such as paint brushes or drill bits. It also does not cover food or drinks that might be served during a workshop.

What Kind of Projects?

In most cases, the project will consist of building complete box units: the nest box with a Noel (cat/raccoon) guard on the front, attached to a pole with a snake guard, all according to the plans on the VBS web site. In some cases, we may have a need for just boxes or predator guards; please ask if you are interested in building partial units for your project.

You do not need to install the boxes. It is important for nest boxes to be installed in appropriate locations and monitored according to VBS protocols during the nesting season. Therefore, we usually prefer that the boxes be given to VBS, and we will make sure they are placed where we have or can get monitors. However, if you are working with a VBS member, you may be able to install the boxes at a certain location where the VBS member will arrange for the monitoring.

Why?

Building nest boxes helps bluebirds and other native cavity-nesting birds! The nest boxes provide safe nesting places in the summer and roosting places in the winter. You will learn about the birds, and also about woodworking, assembly, quality control, and leadership.

Yes, I want to apply! What are the next steps?

1. Fill out the Youth and Scout Grant application form.

2. Prepare a spreadsheet or other document listing the quantities and costs of the materials that you will need to purchase based on a shopping, but not buying, trip to your local home improvement or hardware store(s). Any actual costs in excess of this estimate will need to be pre-approved for reimbursement.

3. Submit the application online using this form.

4. If the application is approved, you will build a sample nest box unit to be approved by VBS. If you have any questions about construction, we are available to answer them.

5. Then, build the rest of the box units, and deliver the boxes or install them as approved.

6. Submit your receipts for reimbursement. Please inquire if other arrangements are needed.

Thank you for your interest in helping bluebirds! For more information, please contact Carmen Bishop at cjbish1@gmail.com, or 703-764-9268.

View more information about VBS Grant Programs on our website.

Please upload a spreadsheet or other document with an estimate listing the materials, quantities and costs of the items that you would need to purchase to complete the project.  Your estimate may be based on checking prices at a hardware or home improvement store.

Please note the following requirements:

• The total cost of each complete nest box set-up (box, pole, 2 predator guards and all hardware) should not exceed $70.00.
• This grant is a “reimbursement” grant. This means that if your application is approved, VBS will reimburse you for buying the materials in your estimate you will use to build the nest box(es).
• You must submit receipts to the Grant Coordinator for reimbursement. If your actual costs exceed your estimated costs, you must request pre-approval from the Grant Coordinator.
• If your application is approved, you should first build a prototype box and submit it to the Grant Coordinator for approval before proceeding with the project.
• Please carefully review this application and apply by clicking the Submit button below.

If you have any questions, please contact Grant Coordinator Carmen Bishop at cjbish1@gmail.com.

Thank you for submitting an application!