Bay Mini-Grants 2025

The Bay Mini-Grants, offered by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, are competitive awards designed to fund environmental restoration and education projects within the Tampa Bay watershed, with a strong emphasis on community-led initiatives. This program is rooted in the broader mission of stimulating environmental stewardship and science literacy among the residents, workers, and visitors of Tampa Bay. The funding directly aligns with the foundation's strategic priorities by focusing on local action to address critical environmental challenges and fostering a more engaged and informed public concerning the health of the bay. The program targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, including nonprofit organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies, particularly those with strong volunteer or community involvement. Past award recipients have included neighborhood associations, artists, and researchers, highlighting a broad reach. Projects that are led by, empower, benefit, or engage underserved and/or overburdened communities are specifically encouraged, indicating a commitment to equitable impact. The primary impact goal is to enhance the environmental health of the Tampa Bay watershed through tangible restoration efforts and increased public awareness and participation. The grant prioritizes projects that address one or more of the objectives outlined in the Tampa Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). These priorities include improving water quality and reducing contaminants, increasing and preserving healthy bay habitats, protecting and enhancing fisheries and wildlife, improving spill prevention and response, reducing invasive species, increasing public education and involvement, improving responsible public use of the bay, improving the resiliency of bay habitats to climate change, and incorporating CCMP goals into local land use plans. These focus areas reflect a holistic approach to environmental management and community engagement. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in water quality, expanded healthy habitats, and a more robust and protected ecosystem. Measurable results could involve specific reductions in pollutants, acres of restored habitat, increased biodiversity, and a higher level of community participation in environmental initiatives. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial support to community-led initiatives focused on these key priorities, it will empower local stakeholders, drive direct environmental improvements, and ultimately cultivate a more environmentally conscious and active citizenry, leading to a more resilient and healthy Tampa Bay. The grant period for projects is January 1 to December 31, 2025, with a maximum award of $5,000 per project.