The Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) will once again offer small grants of up to $7,500 for bay improvement projects proposed by citizen groups and organizations in Hillsborough, Manatee and Pinellas counties. Application information is available on the TBEP Website at www.tbep.org. Schools, civic associations, non-profit organizations and other community groups are encouraged to apply. Projects addressing topics including but not limited to: invasive species removal, habitat restoration, pollution prevention, boater/angler education, public health protection/education and school or community education will be considered.
Thanks to all who purchased a Tampa Bay Estuary specialty license plate, approximately $120,000 will be available for Mini-Grants in the coming year. The maximum grant amount is $7,500, but requests for as little as $500 will be considered.
New for 2006, TBEP will fund six projects that target on-the-ground restoration involving the local community for a maximum award of up to $10,000 each. These restoration grants must take place on public property and involve community groups. Examples of eligible projects include but are not limited to: invasive plant removal, shoreline enhancement, and planting native plants. Additional information regarding these larger restoration grants is available by calling the TBEP office.
A free workshop to assist those interested in receiving additional instruction to complete TBEP's grant application will be offered August 22 - Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Pinellas Park, 6-7 p. m. Space is limited and reservations are required.
The deadline for submitting a grant proposal is Monday, October 2 at 3 p.m.; proposals will be evaluated by members of TBEP's Community Advisory Committee. Grants will be awarded in mid-November and must be completed within one year.
If you have any questions, or wish to make reservations for the workshop, call Misty Cladas at (727) 893-2765 or e-mail misty@tbep.org.