Bay Mini-Grants

Tampa Bay Estuary Program Bay Mini-Grants Available! July 17, 2008   Dear Bay Partner,   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.  Schools, civic associations, non-profit organizations and other community groups are encouraged to apply.  Application information is available on the TBEP website at: http://www.tbep.org/bayminigrants.html.      Thanks to all who purchased a Tampa Bay Estuary specialty license plate, approximately $125,000 will be available for Mini-Grants in the coming year.  The maximum grant amount is $7,500, but requests for as little as $500 are acceptable.   New for the 2008/2009 grant year, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program has created a grant category specifically for teachers; Teacher Support grants.  How do the Teacher Support grants differ from the Bay Mini-Grants?  The amount awarded (up to $500) can be used without the hassle of reimbursements and the grant will finish by end of the school year; June 2009.  To apply for the Teacher Support grant, answer "Yes" for the Teacher Support question on the application form.   This year the Tampa Bay Estuary Program is offering Special Criteria grant awards up to $10,000 for habitat restoration projects.  Projects that aim to improve local fish and wildlife species as well as projects improving habitat through on-the-ground restoration efforts are eligible to request up to $10,000.  Special criteria projects must meet all other grant award conditions including community involvement and support.   A FREE workshop to assist those interested in receiving additional instruction to complete TBEP's grant application will be offered in Pinellas County.  Space is limited and reservations are required.   August 20, 2008-Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Pinellas Park-6:00 pm to 7:00 pm   The deadline for submitting a grant proposal is Monday, October 1, 2008 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, please call Misty Cladas at (727) 893-2765 or e-mail misty@tbep.org.   Thanks for caring about Tampa Bay!