Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund
Forecasted
Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund supports government, nonprofit, and educational teams undertaking restoration, water quality, and applied research projects to benefit the Tampa Bay watershed.
Funder: Tampa Bay Estuary Program
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Typically $25,000–$250,000 per project for up to three years
Summary: Supports habitat restoration, water quality improvement, applied research, and education benefiting the Tampa Bay watershed.
Key Information: A minimum 1:1 match is required through cash or in-kind goods and services.
Description
The Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund (TBERF) is a competitive grant program managed by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and supported by public and private contributors. It funds habitat restoration and conceptual planning, water quality improvements, research and monitoring with clear applications for resource managers, and evidence-based social marketing that encourages pro-environmental behavior. Habitat restoration and water quality improvement are central priorities.
Projects must deliver measurable benefits to the environment, resources, or communities within the Tampa Bay watershed and connect to the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) or Habitat Master Plan. Supported work has included oyster reefs, living shorelines, wetland restoration, stormwater treatment, seagrass research, harmful algal bloom studies, and coastal resilience education. Pilot testing and work that fills funding gaps in larger existing projects can qualify.
