New support is available to help Broward County face climate change. The Community Foundation of Broward is offering ECO Broward grants of up to $100,000 each to target the negative local effects of climate change.

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The Community Foundation is looking for strategic approaches that align with the Broward County Climate Change Action Plan. The grant applications should be based on the Foundation’s 2019 ECO Broward RFP and are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 22.  Grants will be awarded in March, 2020.

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The goal is to make Broward a resilient and sustainable place to live by funding projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes in four areas – Coastal Resilience, Habitat Protection, Energy Consumption and Water Quality:

• Coastal Resilience – Help to preserve and restore Broward’s coastline in order to prevent beach erosion and protect communities from flooding, while preserving indigenous plants and animals.
• Habitat Protection – Focus on increasing the tree canopy to counteract rising temperatures and to preserve natural habitats and ecosystems by removing invasive species of plants and animals.
• Energy Consumption – Increase solar panel usage for residences and businesses and create more energy efficient homes and buildings.
• Water Quality – Prevent saltwater intrusion and ensure fresh, quality drinking water, while keeping waterways clean to sustain marine fisheries habitats.

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Foundation President/CEO Linda B. Carter said immediate intervention is needed to counteract the dangerous effects of climate change and continue to build a healthy, resilient and sustainable community.

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“A sea-level rise of 2 feet is forecast by 2060 and local flooding is likely to force people out of homes, close businesses and threaten our supply of drinking water,” Carter said.  “Community Foundation programs under the banner of ECO Broward are already having a positive impact.  We urge applicants to embrace a bold vision and create programs that will make a meaningful difference that helps preserve our future.”

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Recent ECO Broward projects include: 50,000 new tree plantings, restoration of 24 sand dunes, planting of 6,000 mangroves and 8,000 sea oats, training 58 teachers on the Everglades Literacy Curriculum, and improving habitat along the coastal dune lake system in Birch State Park.

To be eligible for grants, applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations providing services to Broward County residents.  City and county agencies are also eligible, if their projects demonstrate charitable intent.  Individuals are not eligible.

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For more information about the ECO Broward grants, please contact Angelica Rosas, Strategic Grants Manager, at arosas@cfbroward.org or  954-761-9503.

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