Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are now seeking Better Beaches Program grant proposals from organizations in Nahant, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy, and Hull to support free beach events and activities on the region’s public beaches this year.
The public is invited to participate in the process and help choose some of this year’s events. Cast your vote here or follow this link https://tinyurl.com/2022BeachBallot
The Better Beaches program puts resources in the hands of local beach lovers, supporting and empowering them to execute events for their communities. The impact is clear — in 2021, these events connected more than 1 million people to the water at 13 different beaches and waterfront parks.
This summer, Save the Harbor has chosen to center community voices by reserving $25,000 of Better Beaches funds to be distributed by participatory budgeting.
From December 2021 to February 2022, individuals from local schools and community centers submitted their ideas for free events and programs to activate the region’s beaches in the warmer months. You can cast your vote here or follow this link https://tinyurl.com/2022BeachBallot
Better Beaches funds will be intentionally awarded to organizations, programs, individuals, and creatives who empower, amplify and invest in community members of color, members of the Queer community, and people with disabilities. “Save the Harbor has recommitted ourselves to equity and anti-racism in our programs and on our beaches. We are excited to see the creative ways organizations and individuals will be activating our beaches this summer!” said Save the Harbor’s Executive Director Chris Mancini.
To apply for a grant or ask any questions about the Better Beaches Program, please contact Maya Smith at [email protected]. Applications are due by April 22, 2022, after which Save the Harbor’s Better Beaches Grants Committee will review the proposals. They will present the checks at their annual Better Beaches Award Reception, which all grant recipients are expected to attend, on June 11, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Boston’s Fish Pier.