Apply now for CHNEP Public Outreach grants and Micro-Grants

The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP) is a partnership to protect the natural environment of Florida from Venice to Bonita Springs to Winter Haven. The CHNEP offers two types of grants to help others in their efforts to protect the environment and solve issues of concern as identified in CHNEP's Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). The CHNEP is proud to have supported more than 800 projects with grants.

Citizens, organizations, businesses, government agencies, schools, colleges and universities may apply for grants to support projects that occur within the CHNEP study area that includes Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Polk Hardee and DeSoto counties. While all efforts supported by CHNEP with a grant help implement the CCMP, they are varied in their purpose and scope. Additional information about the grant-making process is available at www.CHNEP.org/grants.html and at the link below.

The CHNEP offers Public Outreach Grants once a year, with applications due September 2. The maximum grant request is $5,000 but most applications are funded in the $2,500 to $3,000 range. Review the guidance document to learn more and to obtain the two one-page forms that must be part of each application.

The CHNEP offers Micro-Grants throughout the year for projects that can begin after October 1 and concluded by August 31. Most grant requests are up to $250 but a few requests for more support have been approved. Applications are considered when they are received. Awards are made until funds for the year have all been obligated. The project must be completed so that a final report and invoice are received by CHNEP no later than August 31, 2016. Applicants are reimbursed funds once a final report and an invoice for work accomplished are accepted.

The CHNEP also offers grant-writing and administration assistance for projects that help protect and restore our estuaries and watersheds. Contact Liz Donley (LDonley@chnep.org) to discuss possible assistance.

Thank you for your efforts to protect the natural environment of southwest Florida.

Photo by Melissa Nell, Manatee County Natural Resources Department