The grant was created in honor of Oscar Beingolea, who dedicated his life to the study and conservation of raptors across the Americas. Beingolea's work spanned multiple countries, focusing on raptor breeding biology, migration, and conservation, emphasizing species like the Peregrine Falcon and Bicolored Hawk. His contributions included pioneering falconry methods, breeding rare raptor species, and extensive field research aimed at preserving raptors and their habitats. The mission reflects a commitment to continuing his legacy through supporting research that addresses ecological and evolutionary questions about raptors.
The Kevin J. Kritz Memorial Research Grant aims to support researchers in the field of eagle biology and conservation. It provides up to $2,000 in financial support for field research projects anywhere in the world, as well as waived page charges for the publication of research findings in the Journal of Raptor Research. The grant program directs its support towards initiatives that further our understanding and conservation of eagles, reflecting Kevin Kritz's lifelong commitment to raptor conservation. Eligible researchers must be the primary authors of their papers, ensuring the research funded directly contributes to the conservation knowledge base of eagles.