Welcome to this compelling episode of GrantTalk, hosted by Libby Hikind, the founder and CEO of GrantWatch and the author of The Queen of Grants. In this segment, Libby and her guest, Jessica Lewis, the Community Projects Manager at the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, examine a critical question that grant seekers want to know: What happens once you submit your grant? Libby and Jessica give grant seekers an inside look at the grant application process. Tune in and get the word right from an experienced funder!
The Tampa Bay Estuary Program
The Tampa Bay Estuary is a unique and vibrant ecosystem where fresh water from rivers converges with saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico. This creates a rich habitat teeming with diverse wildlife. The Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) is dedicated to preserving and restoring this vital habitat. As part of the national network of estuary programs—one of 28 across the United States—TBEP receives primary funding from the EPA while operating much like a local government entity. TBEP collaborates with various partners, including Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Manatee counties, as well as the cities of St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Clearwater. Additionally, they work with numerous agencies and nonprofit organizations.
This collaborative spirit extends to their grant applicants, encouraging them to engage with the community and form partnerships to drive meaningful environmental initiatives. Because of these combined efforts, TBEP and its partners strive to make a healthy and more sustainable Tampa Bay.
The Odyssey of a Grant Application
Libby and Jessica begin by humorously dispelling a common myth. The prevailing thought is that grant applications disappear into cyberspace, never to be seen again. This is simply not true. Since her organization dispenses grants, Jessica explains the detailed and structured grant application review process. However, her best piece of advice? If a grant seeker is in doubt: Contact the source directly for guidance. TBEP enjoys a close, face to face relationship with all its grantees and applicants.
- Initial Review by Staff: Once a grant application is submitted, staff members ensure it meets the basic requirements.
- Community Advisory Committee Review: Next, a Community Advisory Committee reviews the applications are then reviews. This committee comprises individuals who live, work, and play in the Tampa Bay watershed. They score the applications based on a rubric provided to the applicants in advance.
- Executive Director’s Review: The committee’s forwards their recommendations to the Executive Director, who further evaluates them and makes decisions.
- Policy Board Approval: Finally, the Executive Director presents the recommendations to the Policy Board for approval. The board has the authority to approve or offer feedback on the recommendations.
Grant Application Statistics
Jessica provides insightful statistics about their grant applications. The Tampa Bay Estuary Program receives between 30 and 40 applications each year and typically funds around 20 of them. Jessica and the team of reviews at TBEP encourage open communication with them as the funder. What’s more, they go the extra mile for grant seekers. If a project doesn’t fit their specifications, they will look an organization they partner with to seek funding.
The Bay Mini Grant Fund
The Bay Mini Grant Fund: Bay Mini-Grants are competitive awards designed to fund environmental restoration and education projects within the Tampa Bay watershed. They emphasize community-led initiatives. These grants seek to promote environmental stewardship and enhance science literacy among residents, workers, and visitors in the Tampa Bay area. With a maximum award of $5,000 per project, the grants are open to schools, government entities, nonprofits, and businesses. The current application period is between May 8, 2024 and September 13, 2024. If you are local and have a project idea and need assistance in crafting a competitive application, contact Jessica Lewis or submit a project concept for feedback at any time.
Past Funding Recipients
- Sanderland Community Center: The League of Women’s Voters was the driving force behind this project. They worked with the Sanderlin Community Center and local participants in the community and brought together a wide diversity of people to create a Watch Our Garden Grow | Flickr. What’s more, they incorporated the rain garden into the community and make it functional and beautiful. It addresses nutrient pollution and children from a nearby school now use it to learn about the natural world.
- Eckard College: This project involved professors from Eckerd College, several students, 20 wildlife cameras, and hundreds of willing wildlife participants. Placed at different locations at Fort DeSoto Park, cameras caught the natural diversity of life on this barrier island beach. It’s called participatory science and involves an interactive element with the public. Each camera is equipped with a scannable QR that allows public access to the footage captured on that device.
Conclusion
Libby wraps up the episode by emphasizing the importance of understanding the grant review process. She thanks Jessica Lewis for her invaluable insights and encourages listeners to stay tuned for more episodes that demystify the grant application process. For those interested in learning more about grant opportunities, visit GrantWatch and explore the comprehensive database of available grants.
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