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

May 2026 (Application opens) | September 2026 (Application closes) | December 2026 (Awards announced)

Up to $5,000 per project; typically 1-year duration.

Supports community-led environmental restoration and education projects within the Tampa Bay watershed to foster stewardship and science literacy.

Not available to individuals; only one award per organization per cycle.

--- ## Description The Bay Mini-Grants program, managed by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP), provides competitive funding for community-led projects that restore, enhance, or protect the environment within the Tampa Bay watershed. The program also supports environmental education initiatives that increase science literacy and community engagement. Projects must address priorities outlined in the Tampa Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP), such as water quality improvement, habitat restoration, and ecosystem resilience. The program encourages proposals that empower or directly benefit underserved or overburdened communities. Typical projects include habitat restoration, environmental art, public education campaigns, and citizen science. --- ## Due Dates - May 2026: Application period opens - September 2026: Application period closes - December 2026: Awardees announced - January 1, 2027: Projects may begin - March & September: Progress reports due - December 31, 2027: Projects wrap up - January 31, 2028: Final report due *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $5,000 per project. - Award amount may be less than requested, depending on committee recommendations. - Projects are typically expected to be completed within one year. --- ## Eligibility ### Applicant Eligibility - Open to nonprofit organizations, businesses, and educational institutions. - Government agencies may apply if the project includes strong community or volunteer involvement. - Applicants must have a federal employer identification number (FEIN) or state tax exemption. - Individuals are not eligible. - Applicants may submit up to two proposals, but only one award per organization per cycle. - Being a partner on another organization’s application does not count against this limit. - Projects that empower or benefit underserved/overburdened communities are encouraged. ### Project Eligibility - Projects must be located within, or provide a direct benefit to, the Tampa Bay watershed. - Must address one or more priorities in the [Tampa Bay CCMP](https://tbep.org/about-the-bay/ccmp/). - Only eligible and relevant costs may be included in the budget. - Projects on private property are not eligible unless there is public access, a conservation easement, or a direct link to Tampa Bay. --- ## Application Process 1. **Project Concept/Letter of Intent (Optional):** - Submit a project concept or letter of intent at any time for feedback via the [online portal](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/e9724ecc24da47eda5af806c31be92d4). 2. **Application Submission:** - Complete the application using the [2026 materials and templates](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZDhgyHIXvCRXUfphMDW65Sk5K2N93m5j?usp=drive_link). - Applications must include a detailed scope of work and budget. 3. **Review and Selection:** - Proposals are reviewed by the TBEP Community Advisory Committee and recommendations are made to the TBEP Executive Director and Policy Board. - Award amounts and project scopes may be adjusted before final approval. 4. **Reporting:** - Progress and final reports are required using provided templates. --- ## Additional Information - Matching funds are not required, but in-kind or other contributions should be noted in the budget. - Volunteer time can be counted as in-kind match at $33/hour. - Salary costs above 25% of the total budget are discouraged. - Food costs are limited to scheduled volunteer events and capped at 25% of the budget, with specific per-person limits. - Mileage may be reimbursed at $0.445/mile, not to exceed 10% of the total budget. - Certain costs are ineligible (e.g., commercial software/hardware, clothing, lobbying, non-native species). - Past awardees are encouraged to build capacity in grassroots organizations; new applicants receive a scoring bonus. - See the [Bay Mini-Grants program page](https://tbep.org/get-involved/funding-opportunities/bay-mini-grants/) for examples of past funded projects and additional resources. --- ## External Links - [Bay Mini-Grants Program Page](https://tbep.org/get-involved/funding-opportunities/bay-mini-grants/) - [Application Materials and Templates (2026)](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZDhgyHIXvCRXUfphMDW65Sk5K2N93m5j?usp=drive_link) - [Submit a Project Concept/Letter of Intent](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/e9724ecc24da47eda5af806c31be92d4) - [Tampa Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP)](https://tbep.org/about-the-bay/ccmp/) - [TBEP Equity Strategy](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OAS6774u1J76v5FvEgrTpHhVotTmTY6M/view) - [Past Awardees](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=52073b6e6f514f8ebb49e02b53563297) - [Progress and Invoice Report Templates](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LetkxYu6EtZLrLqTwlAFs8tEVCK3983A?usp=drive_link) - [Recent Webinar and Q&A](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmHgMROrgqQ&feature=youtu.be) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | Web Contact | |--------------------------|------------------------------------|--------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | info@tbep.org | (727) 893-2765 | [Contact Form](https://tbep.org/contact/) | | Program Contact (Jessica Lewis) | jlewis@tbep.org | | |

Bay Mini-Grants - Tampa Bay Estuary Program

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