Getting Grants for Your Reef Ball Project

Searches all Reef Ball related web sites.

For Non-Reef Ball Foundation Funding Sources Click Here

For Reef Ball Projects with Coral Propagation & Planting Click Here

Finding funding for your project is always a challenge. Before you start anywhere else, the first place is to look at your local community resources. Few funders will provide assistance unless there is a strong community matching component. Even if your community does not have strong financial resources, components like volunteer labor, donations of boat use, scuba tank and equipment rentals, hotel space for trainers and volunteers and even meals for volunteers can all help. Find places in your community to build your reefs...perhaps donated space in a local concrete yard. And speaking of concrete....maybe that same concrete company has some left over waste concrete on rainy days or when someone ordered a bit more than they needed? Plan your project using our step by step guide and have a well written project proposal before you approach potential funders. Your next step will be to apply for our matching grant program.

Qualifying for a matching grant is simple and easy. Just send us a request on the letterhead of the applying organization. The requirements are:

• The project must be for public benefit
• A monitoring plan must be in place to include a minimum of two underwater digital photographings of your Reef Balls per year for a minimum of three years
• Proof of access to an artificial reef permit is required
• A publicity plan should be in place
• Qualifying grantees may purchase unlimited sizes or numbers of molds from us at our cost (40% off retail) but the molds obtained in this program will be restricted for use for your project or other qualifying grant projects only.
• A training manual is provided with molds, but if recommended on site training is elected the grantee's will enjoy a 1/3 discount on training fees from our trainers & if salaried foundation trainers are used there will be no training fees charged. :
• There are no matching discounts for shipping charges, tools, admixtures or other accessories.
• Grantee must show enough detail for us to reasonably assume the project can be accomplished.
• Reef Balls under this program cannot be used for erosion control projects under this grant unless a VERY significant public gain can be demonstrated.

If you elect to purchase finished Reef Balls, you are entitled to 10% off retail pricing from authorized contractors

Other requirements may include:

• Translations services are responsibility of grantee
• Grantee must have access to e-mail
• Project may not use other artificial reef materials not considered acceptable by our Foundation Board

 

Additional RBF Funding

We offer various special deals based on our funding levels and what we can reasonably offer to support worthy projects.  Don't be afraid to tell us what you need so we can do our best to help! To aid our clients further, we have developed a project / sponsor matching database. This will help potential sponsors to find your project for funding.

This is a semi- automated website to allows us to track and present these projects.  In order for your project to be listed send us an email detailing exactly what your project is, what you are looking for funding wise, possible time frames, status of permits, etc.  The more information you can give us the better a chance you will have of attracting funding.  Along with your email, please send several representative photos as an attachment (at a minimum your project or organization logo).  When we get the email, we will organize the wording and photos in our new funding database.  It will be your responsibility to notify us of any changes in project status. 

Non Reef Ball Foundation Funding Sources For Artificial Reef Projects

NOAA

The NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program announces the availability of funding for General Coral Reef Conservation Grants (GCRCGP) for FY08. Applications must be submitted by midnight, November 1, 2007. This program provides $15,000- $50,000 federal funding for 12-18 month projects to institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, commercial organizations, Freely Associated State government agencies, and local and Indian tribal governments to support coral reef conservation projects in the United States, US territories and commonwealths, and the US Freely Associated States. Projects funded through the GCRCGP must support on-the ground efforts that: (1) help preserve, sustain and restore the condition of coral reef ecosystems,
(2) promote the wise management and sustainable use of coral reef resources, (3) increase public knowledge and awareness of coral reef ecosystems and issues regarding their conservation and (4) develop sound July 19, 2008ef ecosystems and the threats to su July 19, 2008 assessment of coral reefs or reef resources; (b) Socio-economic assessments and resource valuation; (c) Marine protected areas and associated management activities; (d) Coral reef fisheries management and enforcement; (e) Coral reef restoration; (f) Public education and
outreach activities; and (g) Local action strategy projects. Research activities are eligible only if they directly contribute to improved
management and demonstrate effective and prompt mechanisms to disseminate information to resource managers.

The full funding announcement and federal forms can be found at grants.gov. Applications should be submitted via www.grants.gov and must be received by grants.gov no later than 11:59 PM EST on November 1, 2007.  If grants.gov cannot be reasonably used, applications can be sent by mail, but they must postmarked by November 1, 2007, and they must include original signed copies of the federal forms. Send to: Andrew Bruckner, NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, NOAA Fisheries, Office of Habitat Conservation (F/HC), 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. ATTN: CRCGP Project Applications.

Note: This program tends to be done every year so if you missed this deadline consider them next year.

PADI

The Project AWARE Foundation, established in 1992, is the dive industry's leading non-profit organization committed to conserving the underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Grant program funding is made possible by direct contributions from divers and water enthusiasts and operates on a quarterly funding cycle.

Project AWARE Foundation provides grants to a variety of nonprofit organizations, institutions and individuals involved in activities directly related to the conservation of underwater environments - both marine and freshwater.

See PADI Grant Program Guidelines

PADI FOUNDATION

A California Non-Profit Public Benefit Corporation

9150 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD, SUITE 300
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA 90212-3414
FACSIMILE (310) 859-1430

To apply to the Foundation for funds, please submit a three-page application (applications over three pages will not be considered).   Electronic submissions in Microsoft Word or PDF formats may be sent to sht@taxlitigator.com.  On the first two pages include the following:

• Title of the project.
• A brief (two sentence) description of the project.
• Overall objective and significance of and benefit from your project.
• Clearly and in detail set forth the specific goals of your project, how you will accomplish these goals, and the time frame of the project. The foundation will primarily focus on the stated goals and the plan to accomplish them in reviewing all requests.

On a separate single page (page three), please provide:

• The dollar amount requested and the specific budget for the project and its justification. The Foundation generally does not provide funds for organization overhead, routine diving equipment, standard photographic equipment or personal computers. Any related funding, active or pending, including "in-kind" funds,  should be explicitly described including the budget.
• The applicant's name, address, and phone number.
• Any affiliations of the applicant. If the applicant is a student, please describe the degree you are seeking, your level of progress toward the degree, and the name of your academic advisor.
• Identify all previous requests that you have submitted to the PADI Foundation and briefly summarize the outcomes of those requests.

All applications must be mailed (postmarked) no later than February 15, 2008. Successful applicants will be notified by May 1, 2008 and funds will be disbursed shortly thereafter. Should you have any questions, please address them to Charles P. Rettig, President, at the address above.

 

Florida Department of Environment

The FWC artificial reef program administers grants-in-aid pass through funding derived from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program and state salt water fishing license revenues. The money is used to reimburse local government and nonprofit participants for funding transportation and deployment of reef material, construction of modular reef units, reef monitoring, pre-deployment site assessments, and special projects, such as planning (socio-economic studies) and research.  Depending on the year approximately 70-80% of the grant project funding goes to artificial reef construction with the remainder utilized for monitoring, research, or other reef planning oriented projects.  
The selection process for construction and monitoring projects is competitive.

The Florida Artificial Reef Program within the FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management anticipates
the availability of up to $400,000 in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration
Program funds, and an estimated $300,000 in state saltwater fishing license revenues for artificial reef related
activities. These funds will be made available through a grants-in-aid program for artificial reef construction
on a cost reimbursement basis and for science-based biological or socio-economic artificial reef monitoring
projects on either a cost reimbursement or fee schedule basis.
This year's application form is the same as last year's form, consistent with “The Florida Artificial Reef
Program” rule, Chapter 68E-9 FAC. As in last year, a cap of $60,000 is set for an artificial reef project per
fiscal year, and any project request greater than $60,000 will require additional information pursuant to
Chapter 68E-9.006.
Two applications are enclosed with this announcement, one for general artificial reef construction, one for
general artificial reef monitoring. Applications for other complex planning, research and evaluation projects
must be submitted in a formal proposal describing all details of the proposed project. Only one application for
each type of project will be accepted from a given applicant. Eligible applicants include local coastal
governments, State of Florida public universities and certain nonprofit organizations (one of whose principle
charges as stated in By-laws or Articles of Incorporation is the construction and/or monitoring of artificial
reefs), pursuant to Chapter 370.25, F.S. and according to the provisions of Chapter 68E-9 FAC. Other
interested entities would need to work in partnership or be subcontracted by an eligible applicant entity.
If multiple entities are submitting the same category of application from within the same county
geographic boundaries, the highest ranked single project from within the county will be selected for that
category.
Applications must be received no later than Friday March 21, 2008, by 5 p.m.
Artificial reef construction applications will not be considered unless
accompanied by documentation of a permitted site valid through June 30, 2009.
Any previously unsubmitted Materials Placement Reports (i.e. both grant and non-grant funded)
must accompany all applications for all reef construction projects completed by the applicant in FY
2007-08 (as required by Federal artificial reef permit conditions).

See FDEP Site

Sea Grant Programs

Every coastal state has Sea Grant programs. Typically research oriented, they occasionally fund artificial reef projects especially when research related.

Florida Sea Grant

Google search for Sea Grant programs in your state.

Mote Marine Laboratory is proud to announce a Request for Proposals
(RFP) for the Protect Our Reefs License Plate grant funding for 2008.. 
Approximately $450,000 will be available from 2007 license plate
receipts for use in 2008.  Elibible organizations shall be based in
Florida and engaged in reef research, education and/or conservation.
Proposal are due; December 14, 2007.
     For more information about previous awards and to download the RFP
and further information go to:
    http://www.mote.org/4reef

Dave Vaughan, PhD.
Director, Center for Coral Reef Research
Executive Director, Mote Tropical Research Lab
Summerland Key, Florida

UNEP-CARIBBEAN  ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM AND GULF AND CARIBBEAN FISHERIES
INSTITUTE

2007-2008 Grant  Funding Availability

Request for  Proposals

SMALL GRANTS  FUND FOR PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE FISHING PRACTICES AND
ALTERNATIVE LIVELIHOODS FOR  FISHERS 2007

DEADLINE: 10 DECEMBER  2007
PROGRAM  OBJECTIVES:

     Priority objectives of this  program include the following:

·          Application of results of previous projects at a  pilot or
commercial level, in the locality;

·          Projects that allow for the increase or maintenance  of
fishing yields or the economic income of the fishers leading to
regulation or  reduction of fishing effort to promote the restoration of
the fishing  populations;

·          Description of fishing practices that serve as a  basis
for MPA zoning, and the elaboration or application of fishing
regulations;

·          Application of economic alternatives for fishermen
(displaced by zoning restrictions);

·          Consultation processes with communities to identify  and
promote sustainable alternatives livelihoods for  fishermen;

·          Raising awareness of local community, resource  users or
other stakeholders on the needs of sustainably managing fisheries
resources;

·          Fostering fishing cooperatives;

·          Testing or application of a community approach on
fisheries management (exclusive fishing rights, concessions of fishing
areas,  etc.);

·          Exchange of experiences and best practices among
fishermen of different countries; and

·          Training of fishermen or other stakeholders on  economic
alternatives or sustainable fishing practices.

FOR  GRANT INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FORM:   Go to the website  at:
[5]http://gcfi.org/SGF/SGFEng.php [6]<http://gcfi.org/SGF/SGFEng.php>

PLEASE DIRECT  ALL QUESTIONS TO:


SGF/ Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries  Institute
c/o  FWC/FWRI

2796 Overseas Highway,  Ste.  119

Marathon, Florida USA  33050

Attn: Alejandro  Acosta

305-289-2330; 305-289-2334  (fax)

Email: [7]sgf@gcfi.org [8]<mailto:sgf@gcfi.org>

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Call for Proposals 2 - UNEP/GCFI Small Grants Programme - Fisher Exc
    Posted by: "robert_a_glazer" [9]bob.glazer@gcfi.org robert_a_glazer
    Date: Thu Nov 29, 2007 5:21 am ((PST))


UNEP-CARIBBEAN  ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM AND GULF AND CARIBBEAN FISHERIES
INSTITUTE



2007-2008 Grant  Funding Availability- Request for Proposals



EXCHANGE  PROGRAM  ON

  SUSTAINABLE  FISHERIES AND ALTERNATIVE LIVELIHOODS FOR FISHERS  2007





DEADLINE: 10 DECEMBER  2007



PROGRAM  OBJECTIVES:

The exchange programme is open for  organizations or institutions
(individual applications will not be considered).  Only successful
applicants will be contacted to submit additional information.

  Priority will be given to  exchanges addressing:

·          Application of revenue generation  alternatives for
fishermen (e.g. displaced by zoning  restrictions);

·          Application of sustainable fishing  practices;

·          Raising awareness of local  community, resource users or
other relevant stakeholders on the needs of  sustainably managing
fisheries resources;

·          Exchange of experiences and best  practices among
fishermen and/or Marine Protected Area managers of different  countries;



TO  SUBMIT AN APPLICATION AND FOR OTHER GRANT INFORMATION:   Go to:
[10]http://gcfi.org/SGF/SGFEng.php [11]<http://gcfi.org/SGF/SGFEng.php>

ALL QUESTIONS  SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:


SGF Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries  Institute
c/o  FWC/FWRI

2796 Overseas Highway,  Ste.  119

Marathon, Florida USA  33050

Attn: Alejandro  Acosta

305-289-2330; 305-289-2334  (fax)

Email: [12]sgf@gcfi.org [13]<mailto:sgf@gcfi.org>

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Solicitud de Propuestas - UNEP/GCFI Fondo De Pequeñas - Prácti
    Posted by: "robert_a_glazer" [14]bob.glazer@gcfi.org robert_a_glazer
    Date: Thu Nov 29, 2007 5:24 am ((PST))


PROGRAMA  AMBIENTAL DEL PNUMA EN EL CARIBE Y DEL INSTITUTO DE
PESQUERÍAS DEL GOLFO Y DEL  CARIBE



2007-2008  LLAMADO PARA SOLICITUD DE PROPUESTAS



FONDO DE  PEQUEÑAS DONACIONES PARA PROMOVER PRÁCTICAS SOSTENIBLES
DE LA PESCA Y LOS  SUSTENTOS ALTERNATIVOS PARA LOS PESCADORES 2007



La Fecha para  someter propuestas  es el 10 DE DICIEMBRE DE  2007



OBJETIVOS DEL  PROYECTO:

Los objetivos de prioridad  de este programa incluyen el siguiente:

·               Uso de resultados de proyectos anteriores en un
nivel experimental o comercial, en la localidad;

·               Proyectos que permiten el aumento o el  mantenimiento
de las producciones pesqueras o de la renta económica de los
pescadores las cuales conducen a la regulación o a la reducción
del esfuerzo  pesquero y que promuevan la restauración de las
poblaciones  pesqueras;

·               Descripción de prácticas pesqueras que sirvan
como  base para el desarrollo de zonas de AMP y para la elaboración y
aplicación de  las regulaciones pesqueras;

·                Uso de los alternativas económicos para los
pescadores (desplazados por restricciones  a las zonas de  pesca);

·               Procesos de la consulta con las comunidades para
identificar y para promover alternativas de  sustentos sostenibles para
los  pescadores;

·               Aquellas que incrementen la  concientización a
nivel comunitario, de los usuarios del recurso o de otros  usuarios
acerca de las necesidades del manejo de las recursos pesqueros de una
forma sostenible;

·                Fomentar las cooperativas pesqueras;

·               El uso o  prueba  de un enfoque comunitario en el
manejo de las pesquerías (derechos exclusivos de pesca, concesiones
de zonas  pesqueras, etc.);

·               Intercambio de experiencias y de las mejores
prácticas pesqueras entre los pescadores de diversos países;  y

·               Entrenamiento de pescadores o de otros usuarios en
alternativas económicas o prácticas sostenibles de la  pesca.



Visite la  página electrónica: [15]http://gcfi.org/SGF/SGFEsp.php
[16]<http://gcfi.org/SGF/SGFEsp.php>   para LLENAR la  solicitud y más
información acerca del  programa.



Para  información adicional comuníquese con:
SGF/ Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries  Institute
c/o  FWC/FWRI

2796 Overseas Highway,  Ste.  119

Marathon, Florida USA  33050

Attn: Alejandro  Acosta

305-289-2330; 305-289-2334  (fax)

Email: [17]sgf@gcfi.org [18]<mailto:sgf@gcfi.org>

____________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Solicitud de Propuestas 2 - UNEP/GCFI - Programa de Intercambio
    Posted by: "robert_a_glazer" [19]bob.glazer@gcfi.org robert_a_glazer
    Date: Thu Nov 29, 2007 5:28 am ((PST))


PROGRAMA  AMBIENTAL DEL PNUMA EN EL CARIBE Y DEL INSTITUTO DE
PESQUERÍAS DEL GOLFO Y DEL  CARIBE



2007-2008  LLAMADO PARA SOLICITUD DE PROPUESTAS



FONDO EL  PROGRAMA DE INTERCAMBIO

  PARA  PROMOVER PRÁCTICAS SOSTENIBLES DE LA PESCA Y LOS SUSTENTOS
ALTERNATIVOS PARA LOS  PESCADORES 2007



La Fecha para  someter propuestas  es el 10 DE DICIEMBRE DE  2007



OBJECTIVOS DEL  PROGRAMA:

El programa del  intercambio está abierto para organizaciones o
instituciones (personas  individuales no serán considerados).
Solamente se contactaran aquellos que   presentaron solicitudes
acertadas para que sometan la información  adicional.



La prioridad será dada a  intercambios que cumplan estas áreas:

·               Uso de los alternativas para  generación de
ingresos económicos para los pescadores (tales como los pescadores
desplazados por restricciones a las zonas de pesca);

·               Uso de prácticas sostenibles de  pesca;

·               Aquellas que incrementen la  concientización a
nivel comunitario, de los usuarios del recurso o de otros  usuarios
acerca de las necesidades del manejo de las recursos pesqueros de una
forma sostenible;

·               Intercambio de experiencias y de  las mejores
prácticas pesqueras entre los pescadores de y/o Administradores de
Áreas Marinas Protegidas de diversos países;



Visite la  página electrónica: [20]http://gcfi.org/SGF/SGFEsp.php
[21]<http://gcfi.org/SGF/SGFEsp.php>   para LLENAR la  solicitud y más
información acerca del  programa.



Para  información adicional comuníquese con:


SGF Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries  Institute
c/o  FWC/FWRI

2796 Overseas Highway,  Ste.  119

Marathon, Florida USA  33050

Attn: Alejandro  Acosta

305-289-2330; 305-289-2334  (fax)

Email: [22]sgf@gcfi.org [23]<mailto:sgf@gcfi.org>

 

The synopsis for this grant opportunity is detailed below, following this paragraph. This synopsis contains all of the updates to this document that have been posted as of 07/04/2007 . If updates have been made to the opportunity synopsis, update information is provided below the synopsis.

If you would like to receive notifications of changes to the grant opportunity click send me change notification emails . The only thing you need to provide for this service is your email address. No other information is requested.

Any inconsistency between the original printed document and the disk or electronic document shall be resolved by giving precedence to the printed document.

Document Type:	Grants Notice
Funding Opportunity Number:	NOS-IPO-2008-2001058
Opportunity Category:	Discretionary
Posted Date:	Jul 04, 2007
Creation Date:	Jul 04, 2007
Original Closing Date for Applications:	Feb 22, 2008    Pre-applications must be received by NOAA by 11:59 p.m., U.S. Eastern Time, on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. Final applications must be received by NOAA by 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time, on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008.
Current Closing Date for Applications:	Feb 22, 2008    Pre-applications must be received by NOAA by 11:59 p.m., U.S. Eastern Time, on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. Final applications must be received by NOAA by 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time, on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008.
Archive Date:	Mar 23, 2008
Funding Instrument Type:	Grant Cooperative Agreement
Category of Funding Activity:	Natural Resources Education Environment Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Category Explanation:
Expected Number of Awards:
Estimated Total Program Funding:	$500,000
Award Ceiling:
Award Floor:
CFDA Number:	11.463  --  Habitat Conservation
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement:	Yes

Eligible Applicants

Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
 

Additional Information on Eligibility:

Eligible applicants include all international, governmental (except U.S. federal agencies), and non-governmental organizations. For specific country eligibility per category, please refer to individual category descriptions in Section V. The proposed work must be conducted at a non-U.S. site. Eligible countries are defined as follows: The Wider Caribbean includes the 37 States and territories that border the marine environment of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the areas of the Atlantic Ocean adjacent thereto, and Brazil and Bermuda, but excluding areas under U.S. jurisdiction. The South Pacific Region includes South Pacific Regional Environment Programs Pacific island countries and territories, including the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, but excluding U.S. territories and four developed country members. South Asia includes India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Southeast Asia Region includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Western Indian Ocean Region includes Comoros, France (La Reunion), Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, the United Republic of Tanzania, and South Africa. The Red Sea Region includes five member countries of the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA): Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.

Agency Name

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Description

The NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program, as authorized under the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, provides matching grants of financial assistance for international coral reef conservation projects. The Program solicits proposals under four funding categories: 1) Promote Watershed Management in the Wider Caribbean, Brazil, and Bermuda; 2) Regional Enhancement of Marine Protected Area Management Effectiveness; 3) Encourage the Development of National Networks of Marine Protected Areas in the Wider Caribbean, Bermuda, Brazil, Southeast Asia, and the South Pacific; and 4) Promote Regional Socio-Economic Training and Monitoring in Coral Reef Management in the Wider Caribbean, Brazil, Bermuda, the Western Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the South Pacific, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Each funding category has specific applicant and project eligibility criteria.

Link to Full Announcement

If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:

Steve Drescher
Policy Advisor
Contact if you have a problem downloading application forms.

TNC-NOAA Community Based Grants

We are pleased to announce the 2008 Request For Proposals for the TNC-NOAA Community Based Restoration Program Partnership.   Proposals are due by March 28th.  Proposals can be mailed, although electronic proposals to the return address are preferred.  

For a summary of the partnership and the kind of projects funded please refer to http://www.nature.org/initiatives/marine/strategies/community.html or the NOAA RC website at http://seahorse.nmfs.noaa.gov/rcdb/class/projects_partnership.jsp?lpartnership=The+Nature+Conservancy&Submit=Submit .

The Nature Conservancy - NOAA Community-based Restoration Program Partnership
The 2008 Request For Proposals for the The Nature Conservancy-NOAA Community Based Restoration Program Partnership has been announced.  Proposals are due by March 28th. 
For a summary of the partnership and the kind of projects funded please refer to the NOAA RC website at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration/funding_opportunities/funding_ser.html.
The Nature Conservancy/NOAA Habitat Restoration Partnership began in 2001. The shared goal of the projects funded under this partnership are to protect marine biodiversity though habitat restoration with an emphasis on science, community-based cooperation, and strong collaboration. Since 2001, over $4,000,000 of NOAA funds and $4,800,000 in funding and in-kind match from TNC have supported more than 70 projects in 15 states throughout the country.


The National Association of Counties (NACo)-NOAA Community-based Restoration Partnership
The National Association of Counties (NACo), in partnership with the NOAA Community-Based Restoration Program, is pleased to announce the second year of funding for the Coastal Counties Restoration Initiative (CCRI).  This initiative provides financial assistance on a competitive basis to innovative, high quality county-led or supported projects.  In 2008, CCRI will provide $500,000 in grants to improve stream, river, estuarine and other important marine habitats. Grants will range from $50,000-$100,000, based upon need. The deadline for applications is March 24th, 2008.  For more information and to access the full RFP and application instructions, visit http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration/funding_opportunities/funding_ser.html.

Pinellas County Environmental Fund
The Pinellas County Environmental Fund promotes conservation, protection, restoration and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat around Tampa Bay, Florida (projects throughout the entire watershed are eligible). The fund supports activities that educate the local public and stakeholders, forge partnerships between government and local organizations and schools, and develop creative and sustainable solutions to natural resource challenges. Examples of previously funded projects include invasive species removal, seagrass restoration, creation of public displays to reduce seabird injuries, and barrier removal to restore tidal circulation.
Funding from the foundation is offered in two cycles, which means that pre-proposals for projects are requested twice per year.
Preproposals are due April 1st 2008.
http://www.pcef.org/

The NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program announces the availability of
funding for General Coral Reef Conservation Grants (GCRCGP) for FY09.
Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM EST, November 3, 2008. This
program provides funding to institutions of higher education, non-profit
organizations, commercial organizations, Freely Associated State
government agencies, and local and Indian tribal governments to support
coral reef conservation projects in the United States and the Freely
Associated States in the Pacific, as authorized under the Coral Reef
Conservation Act of 2000. Projects funded through the GCRCGP support
on-the ground efforts that: (1) help preserve, sustain and restore the
condition of coral reef ecosystems, (2) promote the wise management and
sustainable use of coral reef resources, (3) increase public knowledge
and awareness of coral reef ecosystems and issues regarding their
conservation and (4) develop sound scientific information on the
condition of coral reef ecosystems and the threats to such ecosystems.

Applicants can submit a grant application for work covering a period of
12 or 18 months at federal funding amounts ranging from $15,000 to a
maximum of $50,000; applications must include a 1:1 match obtained from
non federal sources. Applications must fall within at least one of the
following 7 categories: (a) Monitoring and assessment of coral reefs or
reef resources; (b) Socio-economic assessments and resource
valuation;(c) Marine protected areas and associated management
activities; (d) Coral reef fisheries management and enforcement; (e)
Coral reef restoration; (f) Public education and outreach activities;
and (g) Local action strategy projects. Research activities are eligible
only if: 1) it is applied research that directly contributes to improved
management and must include prompt mechanisms to disseminate information
to resource managers (this DOES NOT include peer-reviewed publications)
such as training of managers to use information or direct presentations
to managers on activities and outcomes; or 2) the research activity is a
listed priority project within a local action strategy in which case the
applicant must provide the name of the local action strategy and number
of the activity along with a letter support/collaboration with local
state agency.

*** All applicants must provide evidence of support for the project by
appropriate representatives of States or other government jurisdictions
in which the project will be conducted.

The full funding announcement and federal forms can be found at
www.grants.gov <http://www.grants.gov> using the Funding Opportunity
Number: NMFS-HCPO-2009-2001494.

Applications should be submitted via www.grants.gov and must be received
by grants.gov no later than 5:00 PM EST on November 3, 2008.  If
www.grants.gov <http://www.grants.gov/> cannot be reasonably used,
applications can be sent by mail, but they must postmarked by November
3, 2008, and they must include original signed copies of the federal
forms. Send to: Jennifer Koss, NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program,
NOAA Fisheries, Office of Habitat Conservation (F/HC), 1315 East West
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. ATTN: GCRCGP Project Applications.

If you need further information please contact me
(Jennifer.koss@noaa.gov) or Liz.fairey@noaa.gov.

Jennifer Koss
NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program
1315 East-West Highway, Room 15832
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-713-3459 ext. 195