2022
Now accepting proposals
2022 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-2022 has been provided by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County, Publix, Trademark Metals, and the Jollay Family Foundation. TBERF-2022 is designed to provide added value to current and future Tampa Bay conservation initiatives and provides funding through a competitive application process for projects that will 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 $1,600,000 may be made available for project support in 2022.
Proposal Deadline
Proposals must be submitted electronically by 5:00 pm EDT, March 11, 2022. 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.
Application Materials
View the 2022 TBERF Application Form, including the Project Timeline and Budget Worksheet.
FAQs
Questions submitted by February 11, 2022 will be collated, presented anonymously, and answered in a document posted here by February 14, 2022.
Conservation Priorities
Preference will be given to proposals that are aligned with the following 2022 priorities:
Thriving Habitats & Abundant Wildlife
- Implement neighborhood-scale living shoreline projects.
- Investigate the transition from seagrasses to Caulerpa prolifera in Old Tampa Bay.
- Restore tidal creeks to improve flood control, water quality, and habitat.
Clean Waters & Sediments
- Green infrastructure projects to reduce nitrogen loading from stormwater.
- Address nitrogen loading from septic systems or private lateral sewer lines.
- Reduce barriers to bay circulation and restore natural flow patterns in tidal creeks.
Informed, Engaged & Responsible Community
- Better understand the demographics, distribution, and magnitude of human recreational use within the bay and watershed.
- Public education about proper fertilizer use and reclaimed water irrigation practices.
- Public education to reduce nutrient pollution from community gardens and hobby farms.