We have recently restructured the Community Projects Program. Please review all information below before contacting Estuary Program staff to discuss your project idea.
About the Community Projects Program
Our Community Projects Program encourages and inspires work that helps to implement at least one Action Plan listed in our Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (or Management Plan). The Management Plan is the document that helps to guide the Estuary Program’s work to protect and restore Morro Bay.
The plan also includes 58 Action Plans that directly address these priority issues. The goal of the Community Project Program is for the Estuary Program to work collaboratively with partner organizations to implement these Action Plans.
All projects should seek to:
1. Engage the community
2. Create public awareness and participation
3. Implement an Action Plan from the Management Plan
4. Use cost-effective measures to implement projects
5. Leverage funds through other community partnerships
Projects can focus on monitoring, research, restoration, or education & outreach.
Timing of Funding:
The program’s annual budget is $15,000. We encourage projects needing funding in the range of $2,000 to $10,000. We have one primary round of funding in the fall of each year with the application due the second Friday in September. If all funding has not been given out, then a second round of applications may take place in the spring with an application due date of the second Friday in March. For more details on the timelines and process, see the Steps to Partnership document below.
Steps to Partnership
Read our Steps to Partnership document for all the details on eligibility requirements, the geographic focus area, and the project development process. If you meet the eligibility requirements and feel that your project could be a good fit, please email us at staff@mbnep.org or leave a message for us at 805-772-3834. (Please note, we are currently working remotely, but we will return your phone call as soon as possible!)