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LYNN — Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and the Department of Conservation & Recreation are looking to distribute $250,000 in grants to community organizations in Lynn, Nahant, Revere and six other communities to finance free beach events and activities on the area’s public beaches this year.
The application period is now open for Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s Better Beaches Grant Program for 2022. This program is seeking to support free beach events and activities organized by local community organizations in Lynn, Nahant, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy, and Hull.
“Nothing brings more life to our beaches than free events and programs,” said Metropolitan Beaches Commission Co-Chair state Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), who was instrumental in securing funds for the program. “They are particularly important for kids and families this year, as we put the pandemic behind us and return to the beach. Thanks to Save the Harbor/Save the Bay for making it happen.”
The grants range from $1,500 to $5,000, and in some cases Save the Harbor may consider larger grants.
In 2021, the Better Beaches Program invested nearly $300,000 in 188 community-oriented events, supporting 67 organizations in nine waterfront communities from Nahant to Nantasket. More than 1 million people were able to enjoy festivals, movie nights, concerts, beach parties, fitness classes, sailing and kayaking sessions, speaker series and other summer programs at 13 different beaches and waterfront parks.
“The DCR is committed to ensuring that all Massachusetts residents who visit our properties have the opportunity to partake in recreational activities ― something we know is paramount to everyone’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being,” said Acting Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Stephanie Cooper. “We are especially proud to again partner with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay on our Better Beaches Program and are looking forward to another great season of free beach programs.”
In December 2021 to February 2022, Save the Harbor also asked individuals from local schools and community centers to submit their ideas for free events and programs to activate the beaches in the warmer months. The organization has reserved $25,000 of Better Beaches funds to bring selected ideas to life.
The Better Beaches Program will also be looking to award funds to organizations, programs, individuals, and creatives who empower, amplify and invest in community members of color, members of the LGBTQ+ 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 Executive Director Chris Mancini.
Funds to support the program come from the DCR, the Baker/Polito administration and the Harpoon Shamrock Splash Fundraiser, organized by the Harpoon Brewery on March 6 at Constitution Beach in East Boston.
Other program partners and event sponsors of Save the Harbor include Arctic Chill, JetBlue, FMC Ice Sports, P&G Gillette, National Grid, Coast Cannabis, the Daily Catch, Comcast, Mix 104.1, The Blue Sky Collaborative, Boston & Maine Webcams, BostonHarbor.com, The Boston Foundation, and The Richard Saltonstall Charitable Foundation.
Applications for the grants are due by April 22. Grant recipients will be presented with checks at the annual Better Beaches Award Reception on June 11 at Boston’s Fish Pier.
To apply for a grant or ask any questions about the Better Beaches Program, please contact Maya Smith at smith@savetheharbor.org.
