Grants Boost Bay Restoration Initiatives

Got a great idea that could help make Tampa Bay better? Now is the time to start working on grant applications for funds available through Tampa Bay Estuary Program and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

The TBEP Bay Mini-Grants are financed by sales of the Tampa Bay Estuary specialty license plate, also known as the "Tarpon Tag." Grants up to $5,000 are available for bay improvement projects proposed by citizen groups and organizations in Hillsborough, Manatee and Pinellas counties. Last year, TBEP awarded $93,000 to 22 community groups for projects that directly involve citizens in restoring and improving Tampa Bay.

Past projects have included invasive plant removal and planting of Florida native plants at local parks, workshops to educate teachers and involve local school communities, and signs to alert boaters and beachgoers about nesting birds. Additional information and examples of past grant winners are available at www.tbep.org/bayminigrants.html.

This year, TBEP will host a free grant-writing workshop on Wed., Aug. 3, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council in Pinellas Park. Grant submission deadline is 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 3. For more information, contact Misty Cladas at misty@tbep.org or 727-893-2765.

SWFWMD has two separate grant programs, one for citizens and community groups, another for teachers and schools. Programs funded through Community Education Grants are specifically targeted at adults. The program is intended to motivate people to get involved in protecting their water resources through various educational activities. Projects should involve water issues including water quality, conservation, flood protection, natural systems and watersheds. Examples of past projects include pond restorations (see story page one), cleanups, watershed education events, workshops and exhibits.

Grants of up to $5000 are available. Applications are due Aug. 19 and projects must take place between March 1 and July 31, 2012. To discuss project ideas, please call Robin Grantham at 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4779.

Separate Splash! grants are available to teachers for hands-on water resources projects including funding for classroom projects on water quality, conservation, water supply, flood protection or watersheds. The $3000 grants are available to educators in public, private, charter and home school groups. Teachers may apply individually or as a group.

Last year the district funded 204 projects reaching an estimated 200,000 students. Past school grant projects include student monitoring of local water quality, field trips and outreach campaigns designed to promote awareness of water-conserving practices. See page 5 or visit www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/education/schoolgrants/projects.php to learn more about how Splash! grants can be used.