Volusia ECHO
ECHO PROGRAM TRANSPARENCY DASHBOARD
The ECHO transparency dashboard provides an overview of completed and in-progress projects, funding sources, maps, and web links and pictures for each funded project.
ECHO Grant Cycle Update
The Volusia ECHO grant program has transitioned to a spring grant cycle permanently. The mandatory applicant workshop for the 2026 grant cycle will be held at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
2026 ECHO Calendar (NEW)
ECHO 2024 Guidebook
EXPLORE ECHO FOREVER MICROSITE
Discover the impact of Volusia County's quality-of-life investments with the new Explore ECHO Forever Microsite at www.exploreechoforever.com. This innovative digital platform brings together the Volusia ECHO and Volusia Forever programs in one interactive space, featuring a comprehensive map to explore funded projects by location and type throughout the county. The site's ECHO Explorer AI chatbot provides personalized recommendations to help residents and visitors discover parks, trails, museums, and environmental preserves that match their interests. Stay informed with the latest news and announcements about both programs as they continue to enhance our community's environmental, cultural, historical, and outdoor recreation assets. Whether you're planning your next adventure or learning about these voter-supported initiatives for the first time, the microsite serves as your gateway to exploring everything ECHO and Forever have to offer.
ECHO GRANTS-IN-AID PROGRAM
The Volusia County ECHO Program is a voter-supported initiative that has enhanced quality of life since 2000 and was overwhelmingly renewed in 2020. This recognized community "gem" provides grant funding for the acquisition, restoration, construction, and improvement of projects that preserve the environment, enrich culture, honor history, and expand outdoor recreation throughout Volusia County. By investing in these vital community assets, ECHO strengthens the social, economic, and environmental fabric of our region—enhancing livability for residents while attracting visitors and businesses who value our exceptional quality of life.
ECHO DIRECT COUNTY EXPENDITURE (DCE) PROGRAM
The Direct County Expenditure (DCE) program is a grassroots Volusia County initiative that allows ad valorem tax revenue to fund projects through either direct county expenditure for County government projects or grant-in-aid awards. These funds can be used for the acquisition, restoration, construction, and improvement of environmental, cultural, historic, and outdoor recreation projects for public access and use. Projects funded through direct county spending advance ECHO's mission to enhance quality of life for Volusia County residents. The ECHO Advisory Committee reviews all direct expenditures as part of the oversight process. Established in March 2023, the DCE plan functions as a continuous five-year capital plan that receives annual updates in coordination with the county's capital improvement plan. The public can access and review the current plan through the link provided below.
ECHO CRITICAL HISTORIC ACQUISITION AND/OR STABILIZATION GRANT
The ECHO Grants-in-Aid Critical Historic Acquisition and/or Stabilization application is to be used solely to finance the acquisition and/or stabilization of historically designated sites determined to be endangered by immediate development, elimination of public access and/or structural conditions that are recently and unexpectedly revealed, including projects being neglected in order to access demolition permits. Applications are accepted year-round. For an application or more information please contact the ECHO office at (386) 943-7081 or echo@volusia.org for more information.
PRIOR GRANT APPLICATIONS
ECHO grant applications are available to the public for inspection at the Resource Stewardship Division located at 123 W. Indiana Ave., Room 200., DeLand, FL, 32720. If you would like further information, please contact the ECHO office at (386) 943-7081 or echo@volusia.org.
