[Tampa Bay Estuary Program](https://tbep.org)

May 1, 2026 (application period opens) | September 30, 2026 (application period closes)

Up to $5,000 per project; typically 20+ awards per year; 12-month project period.

Supports community-led environmental restoration and education projects within the Tampa Bay watershed.

Only one proposal per organization may be awarded per cycle; projects must align with Tampa Bay CCMP priorities.

--- ## Description This opportunity funds small-scale, community-led projects that advance environmental restoration, education, and stewardship within the Tampa Bay watershed. The program is designed to empower local organizations, schools, and groups to address water quality, habitat restoration, wildlife protection, and science literacy. Projects must align with the Tampa Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and demonstrate measurable outcomes, strong community engagement, and relevance to local conservation priorities. Special consideration is given to projects that engage or benefit underserved or overburdened communities. --- ## Due Dates - May 1, 2026: Application period opens - September 30, 2026: Application period closes (full application submission deadline) Award notifications are typically made in December, with funded projects starting January 1 and concluding by December 31 of the following year. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $5,000 per project - Typical number of awards: 20+ per year - Project period: Up to 12 months (projects begin January 1 following award notification) - Matching funds are not required, but in-kind/volunteer contributions can be included --- ## Eligibility ### Eligible Applicants - Nonprofit organizations - Educational institutions (K-12 schools, colleges, universities) - Businesses - Government agencies (must demonstrate strong volunteer/community involvement) **Note:** Applicants must have a federal employer identification number (FEIN) or state tax exemption. Individuals are not eligible. Projects must be located within or directly benefit the Tampa Bay watershed. ### Project Requirements - Must address one or more CCMP priorities: water quality, habitat restoration, wildlife protection, or community education - Deliver measurable outcomes and clear goals - Include a detailed scope of work and budget - Only one proposal per organization may be awarded per cycle (may submit up to two proposals, but only one can be funded) - Projects on private property are eligible only if there is public access, a conservation easement, or direct benefit to Tampa Bay --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Program Guidance:** Read the [2026 Bay Mini-Grant Information](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZDhgyHIXvCRXUfphMDW65Sk5K2N93m5j?usp=drive_link). 2. **Project Concept/Letter of Intent (Optional):** Submit a [project concept](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/e9724ecc24da47eda5af806c31be92d4) for feedback at any time. 3. **Prepare Application Materials:** Complete the application form, scope of work, and budget using provided templates. 4. **Submit Full Application:** Applications must be submitted by September 30, 2026. 5. **Review & Selection:** Proposals are evaluated by the TBEP Community Advisory Committee and recommendations are made to the TBEP Policy Board. 6. **Award Notification:** Recipients are notified in December; projects begin January 1. **Required Materials:** - Application form - Scope of work (template provided) - Budget worksheet (template provided) - Letters of support (if applicable) --- ## Additional Information - Projects must be within the Tampa Bay watershed; see [watershed map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1wdsAsq5LR_Gfrhyni86PxOqX4EILmXr4&ll=27.882251521608694%2C-82.36688&z=10). - Salary costs above 25% of the total budget are not competitive; food and mileage costs are capped. - Strong emphasis on community involvement, equity, and measurable environmental outcomes. - [Past awarded projects](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=52073b6e6f514f8ebb49e02b53563297) and [Golden Mangrove Award winners](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSRxw6kmR1MZiSDZi2DZU6sUW599TUBaWntuxYV-F3qNvCSxZf9ubMXJMj6JUikPf4fTRrNik2vls98/pub?output=pdf) are available for reference. - For tips, view the [recent webinar](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmHgMROrgqQ&feature=youtu.be) and [presentation slides](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z73p5j0Du7HgkTUn_j4tCTLZh3tVs20N/view?usp=sharing). --- ## External Links - [Program Information & Application Materials](https://tbep.org/get-involved/funding-opportunities/bay-mini-grants/) - [2026 Application Materials and Templates](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZDhgyHIXvCRXUfphMDW65Sk5K2N93m5j?usp=drive_link) - [Project Concept Submission Portal](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/e9724ecc24da47eda5af806c31be92d4) - [Tampa Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP)](https://tbep.org/about-the-bay/ccmp/) - [Sign up for grant notifications](https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/a2YYjM2/rfp) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Website | |------------------------|-----------------------------|------------------|---------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | info@tbep.org | (727) 893-2765 | [Contact Form](https://tbep.org/contact/) | | Program Manager | jlewis@tbep.org | (727) 893-2765 | [TBEP Staff](https://tbep.org/about-tbep/) | Tampa Bay Estuary Program 263 13th Avenue South, Suite 350 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 United States

Bay Mini-Grants

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