Science and Innovation Projects Grants

Science and Innovation Projects Grants is sponsored by One Lagoon. This grant program supports scientific research and innovative technology projects that align with the IRLNEP Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) – Looking Ahead to 2030, with a focus on improving sediment health for seagrass restoration and/or resiliency.

Open RFPs and RFQs One Lagoon 2026-10-13T14:27:27-04:00 Open Requests for Proposals FY 2028 Requests for Proposals Category 1: Water Quality Restoration Projects Open from October 15, 2026 to December 14, 2026 Category 2: Habitat Restoration Projects Open from October 15, 2026 to December 14,2026 Category 3: Community Based Restoration Projects Open from October 15, 2026 to December 14, 2026 Category 4: Science and Innovation Projects Open from October 15, 2026 to December 14, 2026 Questions Received About 2026 RFPs: Q: We will be utilizing volunteers for a portion of our project and are considering an environmental non-profit as a partner.

Would the organization that sells or donates plants and volunteers be considered partners? A: Yes. This is an in-kind type of project match that carries a dollar value.

One caution regarding volunteer time: t’s better to underestimate and overperform than overestimate and have trouble meeting your match obligations. Q: Our project can be divided into two distinct components. May we submit applications in two grant categories?

A: No. You cannot split a single project site into 2 separate proposals to gain additional funding support for a project. Q: One component of our project aligns perfectly with Category 2 – Habitat Restoration. Would it be appropriate to list as partners the company responsible for the installation and the consultant overseeing the construction?

These entities would be providing evidence of their expertise and experience. A: No, unless they are providing funding towards the project, either cash or in-kind. If they are only receiving payment, they are contractors.

The questions in the RFP related to outlining experience and expertise to implement the project pertain to the applicant, not a contractor. Q: We are a non-profit organization. Are we eligible for funding through the IRLNEP?

A: Yes. However, your project description indicates the project will occur on private property. In this case, the property owner (individual or association) must have direct and/or in-kind match support.

Please also make sure your non-profit is active with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz). One important clarification: even though you would be eligible to apply as a non-profit organization, the property owner would need to be involved and supportive.

There are additional requirements for projects on private property, such as obtaining a conservation easement or restrictive covenant and a long-term maintenance plan would need to be acknowledged by the property owner. Q: Do we need a partner or can our non-profit organization apply on its own? A: No, as a non-profit you may apply without a partner, however, project reviewers often find partner collaboration enhances projects.

Q: How do we choose whether to apply in Category 2 (Habitat Restoration Projects) or Category 3 (Community-Based Restoration)? A: The category you apply to depends largely on how the project will be implemented. The difference between Category 2 and Category 3 is based on budget and the use of volunteers.

As requirements differ between the two categories, please read through all criteria and select the category that is the best fit for your project. Q: Do we need to show that we have applied for a grant from the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program if that award will be used as match funds? A: Yes.

If you don’t know the status of the award at time of proposal submission, you may list it as pending. If awarded during contract negotiations, we would need to document and confirm the specifics. Get news from One Lagoon in your inbox.

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