Funding available for Gulf Region Volunteer Events
Restore America’s Estuaries is excited to once again partner with CITGO to offer funding for community events through our Caring for our Coast Gulf Region Grants program. The goal of this program is to support organizations and groups hosting locally based volunteer events in the Gulf of Mexico region.
Download the RFP and submit your application
In 2023, with the help of CITGO, this program awarded $44,000 to eleven organizations. More than 6,000 volunteers donated almost 60,000 hours of time at 89 different events. They restored or preserved 155 acres, planted over 3,000 native trees and plants, and collected 83,667 lbs. of trash.
Eligible organizations will be registered non-profits, municipalities, and community organizations with annual operating budgets of less than $10 million.
The deadline to apply for consideration is 11:59 PM Pacific on January 31st, 2024. The total funding available for the grant program is $44,000 with a maximum of $4,000 per grant. Projects must be completed between February 1st and August 23rd, 2024.
To improve access to funding, RAE will accept applications through our online portal, written applications, or for those that request it, a phone screening where you will be able to answer the questions listed on the application form. Your choice of application method will not be used as a benefit or a detriment to your application.
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Potential for this funding to increase event capacity
- Expected impact of the event on local communities and ecosystems
- Demonstration of community engagement and outreach
- Funding need
- Special consideration will be given to high-ranking proposals from diverse groups, or partner with diverse groups, that have traditionally been under-engaged with coastal conservation efforts or are new to competitive grant funding
In 2023, applicants requested funding for a wide range of projects, including community events, trash cleanups, education and outreach campaigns, and native tree plantings. We encourage creativity as you prepare your application as many activities could be eligible for funding through this program.
To learn more, and submit your application, please visit: https://estuaries.org/caring-for-our-coasts-grant/. If you have any questions, or need assistance submitting your application, please email applications@estuaries.org.