Grants
Since 1996, the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP) has awarded grants to help its partners project the environment and solve issues of concern identified in the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). These grants are offered to further partnerships to protect and restore the greater Charlotte Harbor estuarine system and watershed from Venice to Bonita Springs to Winter Haven. Citizens, organizations, businesses, government agencies, schools, colleges and universities may apply for grants to support projects that occur within the CHNEP study area.
Sometimes the CHNEP also offers financial support for public conferences and releases requests for proposals or quotes for specific tasks.
Public Outreach Grants (POGs)
From 2000 to 2011, the CHNEP has supported 147 projects with public outreach grants. Many of these projects help encourage stewardship. Learn more about all the projects.
A few of the items created as a result of this support include:
- Freshwater Turtle Adventure Activity Book
- Gopher Tortoise Activity Book
- Estuaries Coloring Book
- Turtle Talks Activity Book in English and Spanish
- Lemon Bay Myakka Trail Activity Book and centerfold map
- Lakeshore Resident's Guide NOTE: The information applies to all lakeshore residents but the contact information are for those who live in Polk County.
- Punta Gorda Pedal and Ride Brochure: program, trail map and covers
- A Field Guide to Treasures of the Florida Gulf Bays
- Curious Kids Nature Club, March 2007 (This is not yet linked.)
These grants of up to $5,000 are available once a year. (The award was increased from $3,000 in 2010.) The deadline to submit draft applications is 5 p.m. on September 5, 2012 and to submit final applications is noon on September 17, 2012. This is a two-step process and applications will only be considered if applicants have met both deadlines. Decisions as to which projects will be supported will be made by November 2012. If you have any questions, contact Maran Hilgendorf (mhilgendorf@swfrpc.org, 866/835-5785 ext 240). Learn how to apply for 2012-2013 support.
Once the grant is awarded, be sure to complete the report and reimbursement request (Word, PDF).
Micro-grants
From 2002 to 2011, the CHNEP has supported 470 projects with micro-grants. Learn about these projects.
These grants of up to $250 are available throughout the year. There is no deadline as to when to apply but requests are approved only as long as funds are available. Projects must be initiated after October 1 and completed (with paperwork) by August 31. Learn how to apply .
Once the grant is awarded, be sure to complete the report and reimbursement request (Word, PDF).
Research and Restoration Partner Grants
From 2000 to 2009, the CHNEP supported 46 projects with awards up to $20,000. Learn more about these projects.
Restoration grants are expected to be available again in 2012-2013. Guidance will be posted on this website once it is available.
Early Action Demonstration Projects
From 1996 to 1998 the CHNEP supported 37 projects that were scaled-down versions of action items in the CHNEP management plan. They have long-term applicability and transferability, and continue to serve as models for addressing resource management issues. If these grants were primarily for outreach, they are described with Public Outreach Grants. If they were primary for research and restoration, they are described with Research and Restoration Partner Grants.