Education and Outreach Mini-Grants

A wide variety of project possibilities exist, but to be eligible for MBNEP funding the project should assist with implementation of the Morro Bay CCMP, or Conservation Plan. The Conservation Plan (CCMP) includes a list of 62 Action Plans that guide the work to be accomplished through the MBNEP. To download sections of the CCMP, including the Action Plan list, visit our Publications page. A list of education related Action Plans from the CCMP is also included in the Education and Outreach Grant application packet.

Grant applicants may request up to $5,000 in funding through this grant program. Deadlines for proposal submittals are quarterly on the first Friday in March, June, September and December. Applications will not be accepted March 2010 due to program changes.

All projects should seek to:

• increase public awareness of the estuarine ecosystem as an environmental and social resource;
• show how the public can help protect the estuary;
• motivate people to participate in efforts to enhance and restore the resources.

Projects that have been funded in the past include:

• Estuary Learning Collection for the Los Osos Library
• A guide to growing and planting dune natives in your yard
• Snowy Plover Volunteer Watch Program training manual
• Estuary outreach at local schools

High priority project goals currently include:

• Clean boater outreach,
• Wildlife disturbance reductions, and
• Urban runoff and water pollution education.