Save the Harbor/Save the Bay has issued a request for proposals for their Better Beaches grant program, designed to jumpstart activity on Massachusetts public beaches from Nahant to Hull. The program was made possible by a generous grant from The Boston Foundation.

The idea of funding local beach programs came out of the work of the Metropolitan Beaches Commission. Proposed programs could include swimming lessons, outdoor concerts, kite festivals, sand castle competitions, or farmers’ markets. Funding ranges from $500 to $5,000. Non-profit organizations, community groups, and less formal “friends” groups are eligible. The simple two page application can be found online at www.savetheharbor.org.

The application deadline is Feb 1, 2008 with funding decisions made by the end of February. There will be an application workshop on January 10.