Frances M. Peacock Scholarship for Native Bird Habitat
Offered by The Garden Club of America
About This Scholarship
The Frances M. Peacock Scholarship funds student research on the habitat needs of native birds, pairing the Garden Club of America's money with the scientific judgment of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which administers the award and reviews candidates. At least one scholar receives $4,500 annually, and in exceptional years the committee may split the award between two candidates.
The scholarship is aimed at college seniors and graduate students — second-semester juniors may apply for funding covering their senior year — who are studying areas that provide knowledge useful for land managers and others working to preserve bird habitat. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled at U.S.-based institutions; international students are not eligible because of IRS restrictions on the funds.
Applications are due January 15 preceding the proposed period of study, with awardees notified by March 31. Application details and submission instructions live on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's student pages, while final approval rests with the GCA Scholarship Committee. As with every GCA award, you may apply for only one GCA scholarship or fellowship per year.
Eligibility
- College senior or graduate student (second-semester juniors may apply for their senior year)
- Proposed study or research related to native bird habitat
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled at a U.S.-based institution
- International applicants are not eligible due to IRS restrictions
How To Apply
- Review application details on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Peacock Scholarship page
- Prepare a research or study proposal focused on native bird habitat
- Choose this as your one GCA application for the year
- Submit all materials by January 15, 2027; awardees are notified by March 31
Frequently Asked Questions
Who actually reviews my application?
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology administers the scholarship and reviews candidates, with final approval from the Garden Club of America's Scholarship Committee.
How much is the award?
At least one scholar receives $4,500 annually. In exceptional cases the committee may split the award between two candidates.
Can juniors apply?
Second-semester juniors may apply for funding that covers their senior year. Otherwise the award targets college seniors and graduate students.