News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brandon Moorebmoore@tampabaywater.org(727) 791-2304 | (727) 470-0702
Clearwater, Fla. — Tampa Bay Water is proud to announce the recipients of its newly expanded Water Conservation and Protection Mini-grant program. This program supports projects that align with Tampa Bay Water’s goals to protect and conserve water resources by awarding grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. Seven grants were awarded to the following organizations: Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, Marine Exploration Center, Pasco Education Foundation, Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation, Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education, and Water Warrior Alliance.
“We are excited to present more awards than ever before through the newly expanded mini-grant program,” said Brandon Moore, public communications manager at Tampa Bay Water. “Each of these projects align with our efforts to educate Tampa Bay residents about the importance of water conservation and protection in their own unique ways and we can’t wait to see each of them move from ideas to tangible projects.”
Since 2008, Tampa Bay Water has awarded more than $400,000 through the mini-grant program. The grants aim to empower organizations to educate the community about the importance of water conservation and source water protection, fostering a culture of sustainability throughout the region. The grant money can be used towards a wide array of projects, from signage to water bottle filling stations, to environmental education programs.
This year, Tampa Bay Water expanded the program to create more opportunities for creative ways to encourage water conservation and education than ever before. A total of $50,000 in funding was awarded through the grant program. Applications were reviewed by a selection committee in accordance with Florida Sunshine laws.
At Tampa Bay Water’s January board meeting, the seven grant recipients were recognized for their outstanding project proposals and presented their award checks. The event was live-streamed, making it accessible for those unable to attend in person.
Water Conservation and Protection Mini-Grant Recipients and Projects:
Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation – $3,000“Conserving and Protecting Water with Micro-Irrigation and More”Two educational exhibits will highlight water conservation techniques and provide practical tools, like assembling a micro-irrigation system, to inspire water stewardship among thousands of visitors annually.
Girl Scouts of West Central Florida – $8,800“Camp Wai Lani Water Conservation Academy”A new interactive academy and water bottle filling stations will educate Girl Scouts and volunteers on water conservation and its environmental impact.
Marine Exploration Center – $8,800“Marine Exploration Mobile”A renewed mobile educational display will focus on watershed protection, water conservation tips, and the negative impacts of pollution, reaching thousands at schools, public events, and summer camps.
Pasco Education Foundation – $5,000“Protecting Watersheds, Enhancing Ecosystem Health, and Ensuring Clean Water”Educational initiatives at Starkey Environmental Education Center will teach students about watershed dynamics, pollution prevention, and drinking water safety, impacting over 5,500 students annually.
Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation – $10,000“Save Our Water, Save Our Butterflies”Community workshops, planting events, and native ecosystem restoration will promote water conservation and the importance of native species.
Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education – $9,700“Be a Pinellas County Water Protector”An elementary school curriculum supplement will educate students about water conservation and source water protection, reaching 95 public and charter schools in Pinellas County.
Water Warrior Alliance – $5,000“Artivism: Transforming Upcycled Debris into Community Art”Workshops and art projects using debris collected during cleanups will educate the public on pollution prevention and the impact of individual actions on regional water sources.
For more information about Tampa Bay Water’s Water Conservation and Protection Mini-Grant Program visit tampabaywater.org/grant.
For news media requests, please contact: Michelle Stom, MPA, APR Chief of Staff/Chief Strategy Officer O: (727) 791-2305 | M: (727) 418-4652 Brandon Moore, APR Public Communications Manager O: (727) 791-2304 | M: (727) 470-0702