Search Through Manatee County Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

Grade Level Reading and Family Success Grants

Partnering with nonprofit organizations to close the achievement gap, help students achieve reading proficiency by 3rd grade, and implement programs that are whole-family focused.

Grade Level Reading and Family Success Grants from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s provide funding for organizations whose programs and services align with the Community Foundation's Campaign for Grade Level Reading areas of focus.

Funding Priorities

The purpose of the Community Foundation's Education Grant Program is to fund projects that strengthen and innovate in the following areas: 

• School Readiness: Helping young children and their families prepare for school and succeed in kindergarten.
• Summer Learning: Providing student learning that reduces the risk of learning loss during the summer months.
• Family Engagement/Success: Helping parents develop a sense of confidence and efficacy that they can set and attain goals for their children and themselves. 

Mission

The mission of the Hearst Foundations is to identify and fund outstanding nonprofits to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States can build healthy, productive and satisfying lives. Through its grantmaking, the Hearst Foundations support well-established nonprofit organizations that address significant issues within their major areas of focus—culture, education, health and social service—and that primarily serve large demographic and/or geographic constituencies. In each area of funding, the Foundations seek to identify those organizations achieving truly differentiated results relative to other organizations making similar efforts for similar populations. The Foundations also look for evidence of sustainability beyond their support.

Whether providing a scholarship to a deserving student, supporting a rural health clinic or bringing artists into schools so children can see firsthand the beauty of the arts, the Foundations’ focus is consistent: to help those in need, those underserved and those underrepresented in society. Since the Foundations were formed in the 1940s, the scale and capabilities of the grant making have changed, but the mission has not.

Culture Grant

The Hearst Foundations fund cultural institutions that offer meaningful programs in the arts and sciences, prioritizing those that enable engagement by young people and create a lasting and measurable impact. The Foundations also fund select programs nurturing and developing artistic talent. Supported organizations include arts schools, ballets, museums, operas, performing arts centers, symphonies and theaters.

Funding Priorities in Culture

In the recent past, 25% of total funding has been allocated to Culture. Organizations with budgets over $10 million have received 60% of the funding in Culture.

The Hearst Foundations are only able to fund approximately 25% of all grant requests, of which about 80% is directed to prior grantees and about 20% is targeted toward new grantees.

Types of Support

Program, capital and, on a limited basis, general and endowment support

Our Mission & History

The mission of Manatee Community Foundation is partnering with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. We value leadership, transparency, trust, integrity, loyalty, respect, and inclusivity in our work.

Dorothy S. (Dot) Ridings, a former Publisher of The Bradenton Herald, originally proposed the concept of Manatee Community Foundation, and in June of 1998, the Manatee Community Foundation was incorporated. Bob Blalock, Bob Christopher, and Bob Beall– referred to with gratitude as “The Three Bobs,” led the way in our establishment. First classified as a supporting organization of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, we capitalized on its administrative and investment services.

As part of an initiative to start, support and grow community foundations in its 26 newspaper communities, the Knight Foundation challenged the new Manatee Community Foundation’s board to raise the first $1 million of endowment funds for Manatee County.

Fast forward to 2016 after we occupied several buildings, partnered with hundreds of donor advisors, and created many legacy funds, Manatee Community Foundation moved into a newly renovated 5,000 square foot building on Manatee Avenue, the Gene and Anne Beckstein Center. Our building allows staff to grow and the organization to better serve the community with meeting room space. In 2025, we celebrated our 27th anniversary, with a milestone: having invested over $65 million in the communities we serve.

Competitive Grants for Animal Welfare

Areas of Focus:

• Animal rescue and sheltering
• Spay/neuter and population control programs
• Veterinary access for low-income pet owners
• Wildlife conservation and rehabilitation
• Humane education and responsible pet ownership
• Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs for community cats
• Emergency response for animals during disasters
• Adoption and foster care programs
• Equine therapy or animal-assisted therapy

• Grant Cycle Dates: October 1, 2025 and February 16, 2026
• Each grant cycles will remain open for 30 days from the date of launch
•  An information session will be held during the week each application opens, offering an overview of the grant process, eligibility, focus areas, and opportunities for asking questions before submitting a strong proposal.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the information session and apply during the open window that best aligns with their programming and organizational needs. 

Capacity Building Grants

Capacity Building grants are designed to strengthen and support local nonprofits as they navigate an evolving landscape and prepare for success in the upcoming Giving Challenge (April 15-16, 2026). 

These grants are intended to help organizations build internal capacity, resilience, and long-term sustainability, with a specific focus on aligning efforts for a successful Giving Challenge campaign.

Eligible applicants must be participating in the Giving Challenge and are required to attend at least one of the training sessions offered. These sessions are designed to equip nonprofits with the tools, strategies, and insights necessary to maximize fundraising, deepen donor engagement, and sustain momentum beyond the campaign.

Funding Priorities

Funding may be used to support a wide range of organizational priorities, including: 

• Leadership Development: Executive coaching, staff training, and leadership development
• Strategic Planning: Board development, organizational strategy, facilitation, and consulting
•  Evaluation & Learning: Building data systems, developing evaluation frameworks, and supporting a culture of continuous improvement
• Fundraising Capacity: Training and consultant support to strengthen fundraising strategies and campaign execution
• Financial Health & Sustainability: Access to financial consultants and professional assistance to improve financial management and long-term planning

 These grants are designed to help your organization build the foundation needed for long-term growth, while ensuring you are prepared and positioned to succeed during the Giving Challenge and beyond.

If you have an emergency need outside of our regular grant calendar, please reach out to the Community Impact team.  

The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle

Vision Statement

The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle brings together women with shared values, empowering them through collective giving and engagement to transform and improve our communities. By fostering awareness and mobilizing resources, we aim to make a lasting positive impact on the areas we serve.

Mission Statement

The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle is dedicated to supporting organizations that address needs of women, children and families in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Grants

We are always looking for organizations and programs throughout the Sarasota-Manatee area that need help.

About United Way Suncoast

Our mission is to provide leadership that improves lives and creates lasting community change by mobilizing the caring people of our communities to give, advocate, and volunteer. United Way Suncoast provides pathways to education and financial stability that give everyone in our community the freedom to rise. United We Rise, United We Win.

About the funding

United Way Suncoast (UWS) is seeking applications from nonprofit organizations to receive funding for programs in our focus areas of early learning, financial stability, and youth success with an emphasis on our priority population, ALICE.

ALICE is an acronym that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The ALICE population represents hardworking yet struggling residents who have little or no savings and are often one emergency from falling into poverty.

Funding will be provided to qualifying programs for up to three years, contingent on program performance and continued availability of funds, and is expected to range from $30,000 to $150,000 annually (~average of $75,000). 

Our investment streams are open to any eligible human services agency and are competitive. Please thoroughly read these guidelines before applying. By investing in community partners with their own individual and innovative approaches to supporting ALICE households, our goal is to create a collective impact on the success of children, youth, adults and families.

Investment Streams

There are six available funding streams across our five-county footprint. Each funding stream is linked to strategic initiatives of UWS. The available streams are:

• Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties
  • Early Learning Investment Stream
  • Financial Stability Investment Stream
  • Youth Success Investment Stream
• Manatee County
  • Early Learning Investment Stream
• Sarasota and DeSoto Counties
  • Early Learning Investment Stream
  • Financial Stability Investment Stream

Early Learning investments focus on programs whose interventions ultimately lead to children entering kindergarten ready to learn and reading on grade level by 3rd grade. Funded programs may or may not focus on developing specific literacy skills, but all will be designed to help children reach those stated goals of school readiness and to remove any barriers in their path.

Financial Stability investments focus on programs whose interventions ultimately help individuals to obtain and keep employment as well as to build and sustain their assets. Funded programs will differ in their approach and focus, but all will be designed to help individuals reach those stated goals and remove any barriers in their path. Programs seeking funding should be aligned with relevant existing Financial Stability initiatives supported by UWS, including:

• Workforce Development
• BankOn (For more information, click here)
• Financial Coaching

Youth Success investments focus on programs whose interventions ultimately lead middle/high school aged youth to on-time graduation and post-secondary success. Funded programs will differ in approach and focus, but all will be designed to help students achieve these goals and define a sustainable pathway into adulthood.

Community Impact Grants

 Community Impact Grants are designed to support nonprofits that help families, children and households achieve lasting economic stability and mobility. Building economic stability and mobility for individuals and families is a complex undertaking that involves addressing the many factors that affect a family's well-being. Community Impact Grants are designed to support the development of programs and systems that strengthen our community through neighborhood and family-focused initiatives - ultimately creating an environment rich in opportunity for all.Community Impact grant requests should not exceed $25,000. A tandem opportunity for Capacity Building support, up to $15,000, is available within the same application. Please note the average Community Impact grant award is approximately $15,000, and the average Capacity Building award is $7,500.

Community Indicators Dashboard

To help define our funding priorities, we have drawn on insights from our Community Indicators Dashboard, a curated collection of community indicators providing key information and data to drive decision-making in support of our mission to strengthen our community. This data-driven approach not only informs the focus areas of our grantmaking but also plays an important role in our decision-making process, ensuring that investments are aligned with community needs and opportunities for meaningful impact.

We invite applications from organizations that are eliminating barriers and expanding access in the following areas:

• Health and Mental/Behavioral Health: Including access to care, mental health supports for youth and adults, and efforts to reduce social isolation and segregation. Please refer to our dashboard for data indicators around youth and adults.
• Social Capital and Community Networks: Strengthening peer and family connections that contribute to emotional well-being and long-term success.
• Workforce Training and Coaching: Equipping families with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to pursue meaningful work and build economic security. Please review the ALICE report as a resource for data points.
• Education and Economic Mobility: Programs that advance access and build supports to opportunities that lead to long-term growth and financial independence. Please refer to the 2025 Regional Education Report.

Fortifying Through Capacity Building Support

Our priority areas may evolve throughout the year in response to new data and emerging community needs. We are committed to staying responsive, inclusive, and family-centered in everything we do. Any updates will be provided on our website.

As part of this grant cycle, nonprofits will have the opportunity to fortify their Community Impact request with additional funding for capacity building. This optional support is designed to strengthen organizational infrastructure, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability. An additional application will not be necessary; this option can be selected within the Community Impact grant application.

Please note: If capacity building is selected as part of a Community Impact Grant award, organizations will not be eligible to apply for separate capacity building funding during the remainder of the fiscal year. 

San Antonio Area Foundation

We Are San Antonio's Community Foundation We are in the business of building community.

We help people make meaningful gifts to improve the quality of life today and for generations to come.

We provide a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving so your contributions can have an everlasting impact on the community. We contribute through grants and scholarships fueled by you, helping nonprofits further and strengthen their mission, and providing leadership for key community issues.

Since 1964, the Area Foundation has distributed millions in grants and scholarships to educate youth, preserve the environment, protect animals, fund research and provide services that enhance the quality of life for people living in and around San Antonio.

Rapier Education Fund

Course of Study: Available for all areas of study

Geographic: USA

Enrolment status: Full-time

Degree Level: Associate, Bachelor's Degree, Technical/Vocational Certificate or Degree

Renewable: Yes

Renewal Term: 3 Years

Funding Type: Tuition, Fees, Books

For over 25 years, Manatee Community Foundation has partnered with caring donors to grow philanthropy, informed giving, and community impact in Manatee County. Collaborating with nonprofits and diverse community members, we support gains that improve the quality of life in special places and for people and animals. MCF is the trusted steward of charitable legacies and the dependable guide for current giving through donor advised funds.

Mission and History

The mission of Manatee Community Foundation is partnering with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. 

AAUW Manatee County Sylvia Price Nursing Scholarship Fund

This fund shall provide one or more scholarships annually for deserving female student(s) in Manatee County to pursue a certification or degree in nursing. 

For over 25 years, Manatee Community Foundation has partnered with caring donors to grow philanthropy, informed giving, and community impact in Manatee County. Collaborating with nonprofits and diverse community members, we support gains that improve the quality of life in special places and for people and animals. MCF is the trusted steward of charitable legacies and the dependable guide for current giving through donor advised funds. Mission and HistoryThe mission of Manatee Community Foundation is partnering with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. 

A.C.M.E. — (Academic Crossroads Memorial Endowment) Scholarship Fund

For U.S. citizens legally residing in Manatee County whose educational prospects may be at risk due to tragic circumstances so they may pursue their academic degree and/or technical/vocational training.

For over 25 years, Manatee Community Foundation has partnered with caring donors to grow philanthropy, informed giving, and community impact in Manatee County. Collaborating with nonprofits and diverse community members, we support gains that improve the quality of life in special places and for people and animals. MCF is the trusted steward of charitable legacies and the dependable guide for current giving through donor advised funds. Mission and HistoryThe mission of Manatee Community Foundation is partnering with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. 

Bradenton AAUW Education Scholarship Fund

For residents of Manatee County for the past two years who are pursuing a college degree in the field of Education. The individual must be accepted to an accredited 2 or 4 year State of Florida public university, excluding State College of Florida — Manatee/Sarasota and the University of South Florida. Selection is based on financial need, academic achievement, community involvement, educational activities and career objectives. Renewable for up to four years based on fund availability and providing the applicant maintains a 2.5 grade point average. 

For over 25 years, Manatee Community Foundation has partnered with caring donors to grow philanthropy, informed giving, and community impact in Manatee County. Collaborating with nonprofits and diverse community members, we support gains that improve the quality of life in special places and for people and animals. MCF is the trusted steward of charitable legacies and the dependable guide for current giving through donor advised funds.

Mission and History

The mission of Manatee Community Foundation is partnering with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. 

Bradenton Branch AAUW Scholarship Foundation Fund

To qualify for a renewal scholarship, students must be in good standing with a minimum of 3.00 GPA (or 80% average for technical/vocational students). 

For over 25 years, Manatee Community Foundation has partnered with caring donors to grow philanthropy, informed giving, and community impact in Manatee County. Collaborating with nonprofits and diverse community members, we support gains that improve the quality of life in special places and for people and animals. MCF is the trusted steward of charitable legacies and the dependable guide for current giving through donor advised funds.

Mission and History

The mission of Manatee Community Foundation is partnering with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. 

Francis E. and Gaile A. McCracken Education Scholarship Fund

For residents of Manatee County pursuing a college degree in the field of Education. The individual must be accepted to an accredited 2 or 4 year State of Florida public university. Selection is based on academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, educational activities and career objectives. Renewable for up to four years based on fund availability and providing the applicant maintains a 2.5 grade point average. 

For over 25 years, Manatee Community Foundation has partnered with caring donors to grow philanthropy, informed giving, and community impact in Manatee County. Collaborating with nonprofits and diverse community members, we support gains that improve the quality of life in special places and for people and animals. MCF is the trusted steward of charitable legacies and the dependable guide for current giving through donor advised funds.

Mission and History

The mission of Manatee Community Foundation is partnering with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. 

Friends of the South Manatee Library Scholarship Fund

Created to provide annual scholarships to one or more qualified candidate(s) who have applied or are already enrolled in an accredited master’s library science degree program. It also provides grants to staff members of the South Manatee Branch Library to attend workshops, seminars, or other educational programs to further their training in library science services. 

For over 25 years, Manatee Community Foundation has partnered with caring donors to grow philanthropy, informed giving, and community impact in Manatee County. Collaborating with nonprofits and diverse community members, we support gains that improve the quality of life in special places and for people and animals. MCF is the trusted steward of charitable legacies and the dependable guide for current giving through donor advised funds.

Mission and History

The mission of Manatee Community Foundation is partnering with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. 

Johanna P. Hagedoorn Scholarship Fund

For U.S. citizens legally residing in Manatee County for the past three years who have been accepted to an accredited medical school located in the U.S. The individual must demonstrate a clear financial need. This scholarship is renewable based on fund availability.

For over 25 years, Manatee Community Foundation has partnered with caring donors to grow philanthropy, informed giving, and community impact in Manatee County. Collaborating with nonprofits and diverse community members, we support gains that improve the quality of life in special places and for people and animals. MCF is the trusted steward of charitable legacies and the dependable guide for current giving through donor advised funds.

Mission and History

The mission of Manatee Community Foundation is partnering with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. 

Lewis K. Cooksey Educational Fund

For students to attend college, graduate school or technical/vocational/industrial school. Selection is based on basis of character, financial need, and evident scholarship. This scholarship is renewable based on fund availability and providing the applicant maintains a 2.5 grade point average. 

For over 25 years, Manatee Community Foundation has partnered with caring donors to grow philanthropy, informed giving, and community impact in Manatee County. Collaborating with nonprofits and diverse community members, we support gains that improve the quality of life in special places and for people and animals. MCF is the trusted steward of charitable legacies and the dependable guide for current giving through donor advised funds.

Mission and History

The mission of Manatee Community Foundation is partnering with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. 

Lloyd Williams Scholarship Fund

Created by members of the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association to honor Lloyd Williams to provide scholarships for U.S. Citizens residing in Manatee or Sarasota County to pursue education or technical/vocational training in the area of building construction and the building trades.

For over 25 years, Manatee Community Foundation has partnered with caring donors to grow philanthropy, informed giving, and community impact in Manatee County. Collaborating with nonprofits and diverse community members, we support gains that improve the quality of life in special places and for people and animals. MCF is the trusted steward of charitable legacies and the dependable guide for current giving through donor advised funds.

Mission and History

The mission of Manatee Community Foundation is partnering with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. 

Matthew Ryan Powers ‘March on for Matt’ Memorial Scholarship

Matthew Powers was a treasured member of his school, community and Bands of Lakewood Ranch. The Powers family established this scholarship in memory of Matt who loved music and his band family and was always quick to help people.

For over 25 years, Manatee Community Foundation has partnered with caring donors to grow philanthropy, informed giving, and community impact in Manatee County. Collaborating with nonprofits and diverse community members, we support gains that improve the quality of life in special places and for people and animals. MCF is the trusted steward of charitable legacies and the dependable guide for current giving through donor advised funds. 

Mission and History

The mission of Manatee Community Foundation is partnering with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. 

Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch MTI East Scholarship Fund

Created by the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch to provide scholarships for residents of Manatee County to pursue training in vocational areas of study at the MTI East Campus. Selection is based on academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, educational activities and career objectives.

For over 25 years, Manatee Community Foundation has partnered with caring donors to grow philanthropy, informed giving, and community impact in Manatee County. Collaborating with nonprofits and diverse community members, we support gains that improve the quality of life in special places and for people and animals. MCF is the trusted steward of charitable legacies and the dependable guide for current giving through donor advised funds. Mission and HistoryThe mission of Manatee Community Foundation is partnering with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. 

Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch Scholarship Fund

The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch created this additional scholarship to provide scholarships for residents of Manatee or Sarasota County to pursue training in vocational and educational areas of study. Applicants must be accepted into an accredited vocational, 2-year, or 4-year educational institution. Selection is based on academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, educational activities and career objectives. Preference is given to students working on or participating in programs sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch. 

For over 25 years, Manatee Community Foundation has partnered with caring donors to grow philanthropy, informed giving, and community impact in Manatee County. Collaborating with nonprofits and diverse community members, we support gains that improve the quality of life in special places and for people and animals. MCF is the trusted steward of charitable legacies and the dependable guide for current giving through donor advised funds.

Mission and History

The mission of Manatee Community Foundation is partnering with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. 

Stan Stephens Scholarship Fund

Provides scholarships for residents of Manatee County to pursue vocational training. Scholarship recipients are chosen based on financial need, community involvement, educational activities and career objectives. 

For over 25 years, Manatee Community Foundation has partnered with caring donors to grow philanthropy, informed giving, and community impact in Manatee County. Collaborating with nonprofits and diverse community members, we support gains that improve the quality of life in special places and for people and animals. MCF is the trusted steward of charitable legacies and the dependable guide for current giving through donor advised funds.

Mission and History

The mission of Manatee Community Foundation is partnering with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. 

Vanderpool Scholarship Fund

Provides scholarships for residents of Manatee County to pursue vocational training in medical and health-related fields with direct patient care. Scholarship recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, educational activities and career objectives. 

For over 25 years, Manatee Community Foundation has partnered with caring donors to grow philanthropy, informed giving, and community impact in Manatee County. Collaborating with nonprofits and diverse community members, we support gains that improve the quality of life in special places and for people and animals. MCF is the trusted steward of charitable legacies and the dependable guide for current giving through donor advised funds. Mission and HistoryThe mission of Manatee Community Foundation is partnering with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. 

West Florida Chapter CAI Scholarship Fund

Created to promote interest and excellence in the property management and construction industries. Award is based on the applicant’s interest in property management or property construction; extracurricular activities; employment experience if any; personal evaluations; applicant’s requests; and financial need. Applicants may apply for the scholarship to assist in vocational, technical or certificate-based training, education, continuing education, or other programs that relate to the property management or construction industries, or for 2 or 4-year college degree programs related to those industries. 

The Rays Baseball Foundation Community Fund Grant Program provides assistance to local nonprofits in the Tampa Bay region. These grants help enhance and support current programs offered by community-based nonprofit organizations. The foundation has invested more than $1.8 million to over 350 local nonprofits through this program.

Impact 100 SRQ

The Impact100 model is readily available to all communities who wish to implement it. The model is designed to empower women to see themselves as philanthropists and overcome the barriers women have historically faced in this arena. The model is designed for transformational grant-making within local communities, with a minimum grant size of $100,000.

Our Story

For over 30 years, it’s been our privilege and honor to see people join together to build and renovate homes that offer Manatee County families the opportunity to live life from a position of strength, stability, and self-reliance. We have witnessed the power of safe shelter and how it removes barriers that block opportunity, helps families thrive, and keeps children healthy.

Founded in 1994 as an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, Manatee Habitat has sold 174 Habitat homes in Manatee County through home construction. Manatee Habitat has built homes throughout Manatee County with communities in Palmetto, Ellenton, and a future 16-home community in Samoset.

These accomplishments have been the result of collaboration between businesses, faith organizations, municipalities, community organizations, and thousands of volunteers who each year become part of the solution to Manatee County’s affordable housing needs.​

Mission

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

Vision

Our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

MCHFH Homeownership Program

Manatee County Habitat for Humanity (MCHFH) is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International; a Christian housing nonprofit organization financed through private donations and utilizing volunteer labor. Our purpose is to build homes with families and sell the houses at no profit and no interest (excluding closing costs) to families who could not otherwise afford a home.

About TBEP

Our mission is to build partnerships to restore and protect Tampa Bay through implementation of a scientifically sound, community-based management plan.

Tampa Bay was designated an “estuary of national significance” by Congress in 1990, laying the foundation for the creation of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) in 1991. Our mission is to build partnerships to restore and protect Tampa Bay through implementation of a scientifically sound, community-based management plan.

Vision & Values

The Tampa Bay Estuary Program is a national leader in applying robust, reproducible science and compelling storytelling to drive community decisions and individual behaviors for the benefit of cleaner waters, thriving habitats and abundant wildlife—all of which sustain our economy and way of life in the Tampa Bay region.

To realize this vision and guide our work, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program is committed to the following core values:

• Scientific Integrity
• Collaboration, Communication, and Partnership
• Programmatic Continuity and Stability

Program Priorities

Informed, Engaged & Responsible Community

• Inform and engage our partners and the public to appreciate, protect, and sustain Tampa Bay through responsible use, participation in restoration, and adoption of best practices.

Clean Waters and Sediments

• Improve water quality by managing nutrient loads from urban, agricultural, and atmospheric sources and by reducing contaminants from spills and discharges.

Thriving Habitats & Abundant Wildlife

• Increase the number and diversity of healthy bay habitats through restoration and protection to support thriving fisheries and wildlife resilient to a changing climate.

Bay Mini-Grants

Bay Mini-Grants are competitive awards that fund environmental restoration and education projects in the Tampa Bay watershed with a focus on community-led initiatives. This funding program stimulates environmental stewardship and science literacy among those who live, work, and play around Tampa Bay.