Sarasota Bay Partners Grants

The Sarasota Bay Partners Grants program, administered by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP), is a competitive funding opportunity focused on improving the ecological health and community engagement within the Sarasota Bay watershed. SBEP is a regional environmental partnership dedicated to the restoration and long-term protection of Sarasota Bay. The grant program aligns with SBEP’s mission by supporting projects that restore habitat and water quality, provide environmental education, and encourage stewardship and community involvement. Open to a diverse group of applicants including nonprofits, schools, civic and religious groups, businesses, and government entities, the program is designed to engage and empower local stakeholders in preserving the bay’s natural assets. Projects funded under this program must demonstrate a direct benefit to the Sarasota Bay ecosystem or its tributaries. Eligible project types include habitat restoration, water quality improvement initiatives, public environmental education efforts, and community stewardship actions. Projects must include a community outreach or involvement component to qualify. Prohibited activities include those located on privately owned individual properties, infrastructure repairs not contributing to environmental goals (such as walls, patios, or artificial turf), and compliance or regulatory-related work. Additionally, projects utilizing invasive plant species listed by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council are strictly ineligible. SBEP offers a total of $80,000 in grant funding for the 2026 cycle, with individual awards capped at $10,000. Matching funds are not required but are viewed favorably during evaluation, especially for projects in areas with limited public access. Grants are reimbursement-based, requiring grantees to submit invoices and documentation of project progress to receive funds. However, 501(c)(3) organizations experiencing financial strain may qualify for alternative disbursement arrangements by contacting SBEP staff. The application process spans several months and begins with a two-month window for submissions, opening January 5, 2026, and closing March 2, 2026. Proposals are reviewed and scored by the Bay Partners Grant Committee on March 31, followed by reviews by the Citizens Advisory Committee, Management Board, and Policy Board throughout April and May. Applicants are notified by May 31, 2026. Approved recipients must submit a grant agreement by June 30, 2026, after which project work may commence. Reimbursement requests can begin on October 1, 2026, aligning with the start of the fiscal year. All projects must be completed, with final reports and invoices submitted by August 31, 2027. The grant program encourages early communication with SBEP staff to discuss project ideas and assist with logistical concerns such as budgeting and permitting. Megan Barry is the designated contact for applicant support and can be reached via phone at (941) 955-8085, ext. 2, or by email at [email protected]. Reporting obligations include submission of a final report and invoice, for which templates are provided. Past recipients may reapply, but if the prior project is still underway, a progress report must accompany the new application. This grant opportunity recurs annually, providing consistent support for ongoing environmental stewardship in the Sarasota Bay region. Applicants are encouraged to consult the 2026 Grant Information Packet and review examples of past funded projects for inspiration and guidance.

Include a community outreach component and consider offering a match to strengthen application.