Hello from the BellTower Team and Happy Black History Month! First up this month, we have a tight deadline for the Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program, which was just released at the end of January. So, if you are interested, please reach out to discuss your project ideas ASAP. Also this month, the Recreational Trails Grant Program has finally been released and will be open for a month for submissions. In addition, you can find opportunities for tree planting and maintenance for the preservation of urban forests and mitigation against natural disasters, public waterway access for recreation and environmental protection, and land acquisition and preservation. Also, keep a lookout for the Safe Streets grant from the Department of Transportation. As far as we know, this is the final funding cycle for this five-year long grant program, so now is the time to take advantage of this critical transportation program! Click the Schedule a Call button below to discuss your project ideas with us.
Please note: Due to the uncertainty of the recent federal grant freeze, some federal grants may be put on pause at any time at the discretion of the funder per the requirements outlined in the new Executive Order.
Florida Department of Emergency Management
Due Date: February 20, 2026
Match: N/A
Funding: $250,000 per applicant
The Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program (HLMP) is a State-funded mitigation grant program aimed at minimizing damages caused by hurricanes.
Funded activities include: retrofits, inspections, tree trimming, property acquisition and demolition, localized flood risk reduction, and construction or modification of building components designed to increase a structure’s ability to withstand hurricane-force winds and flooding.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Due Date: March 2, 2026
Match: 25%
Funding: TBD
This federal grant program provides financial assistance for the development and maintenance of motorized and nonmotorized trails, trailheads, and trailside facilities.
AARP Community Challenge Grant
AARP Foundation
Due Date: March 4, 2026
Match: N/A
Funding: $2,500-25,000 depending on project type
The grant can be used for a variety of projects that benefit residents aged 50 or older, including creating vibrant public spaces; delivering a range of transportation and mobility options; supporting a range of affordable and accessible housing options for older adults; increasing digital connections; supporting community resilience; disaster preparedness training; walk and bike audits; home modifications; increasing pedestrian safety; increasing broadband and internet access; reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure; anf housing design competitions.
Urban and Community Forestry Natural Disaster and Recovery Supplement
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
Due Date: March 10, 2026
Match: Recommended
Funding: Up to $75,000 per applicant
The scope of this grant program is designed to improve and reestablish urban forests in 56 urban peninsular Florida counties, including Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, that were negatively impacted by Hurricane Idalia, Helene, and Milton. These efforts will emphasize not just tree planting, but tree pruning and efforts to enhance urban forest resiliency through strong planning methods. The primary purpose is not just to replace lost canopy, but to ensure urban forests are more resilient to future storms, enhancing the likelihood of long-term recovery.
FDACS and the Florida Forest Service (FFS) are requesting applications for projects that include, but are not limited to:
- Planting storm-resistant, Florida-native species of trees in areas where they would provide tangible benefits to Floridians through energy reduction, mitigating urban heat, air and water quality improvement, stormwater runoff avoidance, or increased greenspace accessibility.
- Conducting maintenance operations for trees in areas that would improve resiliency to future tropical cyclones through preventative pruning.
- Developing community tree inventories or urban tree canopy assessments to help prepare their community for future natural disasters.
- Developing urban forest management plans to help a community become better prepared for future natural disasters.
Small Rural and Tribal Body Worn Camera Program (BWCP)
Department of Justice
Due Date: March 12, 2026
Match: 1:1
Funding: Up to $30,000 ($2,000 per camera for 15 BWCs)
The BWC Program funds the purchase or lease of BWCs by law enforcement agencies and may include expenses reasonably related to the implementation of a BWC program. Eligible use of funds include support for pilot BWC programs, establishment of new BWC implementation, and expansion of existing programs. Funds may be used to purchase up to $30,000 worth of body-worn cameras at $2,000 a piece for 15 total BWCs.
Florida’s Future Forest Program (FFFP)
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Due Date: March 27, 2026
Match: TBD
Funding: $4,000,000 total funding available
The primary objective of this program is to promote tree planting and site preparation practices to ensure the long-term viability of Florida’s forest lands and their associated ecological and economic value.
Waterways Assistance Program (WAP)
Florida Inland Navigation District
Due Date: March 30, 2026
Match: Ranges from 25-50% depending on project type
Funding: $10,000,000 – $12,000,000 annual allocations
The WAP is a grant initiative that aims to enhance public access to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and related waterways within the District.
Eligible projects include public navigation, waterway access facilities, public recreation, inlet management, beach renourishment, environmental education, and boating safety initiatives related to waterways. Exact funding amounts will be determined at the start of the state FY in July, based on available funding and the quality and quantity of applications received.
Please note: Applications must be discussed with your local FIND commissioner no later than March 4th, 2026 and signed for approval prior to submitting the application. A contact list can be found in the application package. Applications should be submitted by 4:30 on the deadline via email to CKelley@aicw.org
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Due Date: April 15, 2026
Match: Recommended
Funding: TBD