Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund

2021

Now accepting proposals

2021 TBERF

The Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund (TBERF) is a strategic partnership between the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and Restore America’s Estuaries. To date, funding for TBERF-2021 has been provided by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County,  the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County, and the J. Crayton Pruitt Foundation. TBERF-2021 provides funding through a competitive application process for on-the-ground restoration, water quality improvement, applied research, and community-based social marketing projects that protect, restore or enhance the natural resources of Tampa Bay and its contributing watershed. Preference will be given to proposals that apply open science principles and are aligned with the conservation priorities identified below. Examples of previously-funded projects can be reviewed here. Proposals that benefit historically underrepresented or marginalized communities are encouraged to apply. Approximately $700,000 will be made available for project support in 2021.

 

Proposal Deadline

Proposals must be submitted electronically by 5:00 pm EDT, March 19, 2021. Late applications will not be accepted. Email completed proposals to Maya Burke, TBEP Assistant Director ().

RFP

View the full request for proposal details, including scoring criteria, applicant eligibility, restrictions, and application instructions.
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Application Materials

View the 2021 TBERF Application Form, including the Project Timeline and Budget Worksheet.
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FAQs

Questions submitted by February 12, 2021 will be collated, presented anonymously, and answered in a document posted here by February 17, 2021.
AVAILABLE 2/17

Conservation Priorities

Preference will be given to proposals that are aligned with the following 2021 priorities:

Thriving Habitats & Abundant Wildlife

  • Assess the status and trends of bay wildlife species.
  • Maximize the carbon sequestration and resilience of coastal habitats.
  • Remove salinity barriers to restore the hydrology of tidal tributaries.

Clean Waters & Sediments

  • Prevent increases in nitrogen loading, especially in Old Tampa Bay.
  • Develop a Sediment Quality Action Plan for Largo Inlet.
  • Conduct research on the occurrence, transport, and fate of contaminants of concern.

Informed, Engaged & Responsible Community

  • Better understand the demographics, distribution, and magnitude of human recreational use within the bay and watershed.
  • Reassess the economic value of Tampa Bay.
  • Prevent plastic pollution through source reduction.