Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund (TBERF)
The TBERF grant funds science-based projects that restore habitats, improve water quality, and conduct applied research to benefit the ecological health of the Tampa Bay watershed.
Funder: Tampa Bay Estuary Program
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027: Questions due via electronic portal (projected) | March 2027: Full proposal submission deadline (projected)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards $25,000–$250,000; up to $750,000 total available annually; no strict maximum, but awards above $250,000 are uncommon; 3-year project period.
Summary: Supports habitat restoration, water quality improvement, applied research, and education projects benefiting the Tampa Bay watershed.
Key Information: 1:1 match required (cash or in-kind); proposals must directly benefit the Tampa Bay watershed and align with regional management plans.
Description
The Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund (TBERF) is a competitive grant program administered by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program to advance the ecological health and resilience of the Tampa Bay watershed. Funding is available for projects that restore habitat, improve water quality, conduct applied research with management relevance, or deliver impactful education and outreach. Projects must provide direct, measurable benefits to the Tampa Bay watershed and align with priorities identified in the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) or Habitat Master Plan. Preference is given to initiatives that demonstrate innovation, strong partnerships, and community engagement, particularly those serving underserved or overburdened communities.
