FMB Chamber Water Foundation

Our Mission

The FMB Chamber Water Foundation is the environmental arm of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce — a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to protecting, preserving, and improving the waters of Estero Island and Estero Bay through grants, education, and collaborative initiatives. Join our mission to foster awareness and understanding of our aquatic ecosystems, ensuring the wellbeing of the diverse marine life and preserving the natural beauty that our island and neighboring communities cherish.

What We Do

Clean water is the lifeblood of our island — vital to our environment, our economy, and our way of life. The Foundation advances its mission through three core pillars:

• Grants — Funding research and stewardship through our competitive ROSE Grant program.
• Education — Building community awareness through citizen science, outreach, and our Water Currents blog.
• Monitoring — Tracking water quality in real time through our public monitoring station and the greater Estero Bay monitoring network.

The ROSE Grant

Our signature ROSE Grant — Research, Outreach, Stewardship, and Education — is a competitive, bi-annual grant that funds projects working to protect and improve our local waters. Researchers, educators, students, and community organizations are encouraged to apply.

Learn About the ROSE Grant

Public Water Quality Monitoring Station

In partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University’s The Water School, the Foundation operates a public water-quality monitoring station at the Mound House (451 Connecticut Street). The station collects real-time data every 10 minutes and is part of a larger Estero Bay monitoring network stretching from Bonita Beach to Sanibel — giving scientists, students, and the public an up-close look at the health of our waters.

What’s in the Water?

Our “What’s in the Water?” citizen-science project invites community members to take part in understanding and protecting our local waterways. It’s a hands-on way for residents and visitors to contribute to real environmental science right here on Fort Myers Beach.

Our Partners

We’re proud to collaborate with leading scientific and environmental organizations, including Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), the SCCF Marine Laboratory, and NOAA — working together to keep Estero Bay healthy for generations to come.

Get Involved

There are many ways to support clean water on Fort Myers Beach:

• Donate — Your tax-deductible gift funds grants, education, and monitoring.
• Volunteer — Lend your time and talents to hands-on projects and events.
• Learn — Follow our Water Currents blog and “What’s in the Water?” project to stay informed.

Donate · Volunteer · Visit the Water Foundation Website

Water Foundation FAQ