Keep Maryland Beautiful
The Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant funds Maryland projects advancing environmental stewardship, land conservation, and tree planting through education, outreach, and scientific conservation practices.
Funder: Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Track 1 & 2 full application) | September 2026 (Track 3 rolling cutoff)
Funding Amounts: Track 1: up to $5,000 | Track 2: up to $10,000 | Track 3: up to $50,000 | Aileen Hughes Award: up to $5,000 | FY26 Track 3 pool: ~$230,000
Summary: Supports Maryland organizations and land trusts in advancing civic engagement and environmental stewardship through local conservation, education, and tree planting projects.
Key Information: All dates are anticipated/projected; check program page for updates and rolling Track 3 availability.
Description
The Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program is a collaborative initiative led by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, Maryland Environmental Trust, and Maryland Department of Agriculture. The program aims to build the capacity of land trusts and support community-based organizations working to increase civic engagement, promote stewardship practices, and develop solutions to local environmental challenges in Maryland.
Funding is available through three main tracks:
- Track 1: Community Stewardship (up to $5,000) — for projects that engage residents in education, outreach, and stewardship activities.
- Track 2: Land Trust Assistance (up to $10,000) — for Maryland land trusts to support land conservation, stewardship, or organizational development.
- Track 3: Tree Planting on Agricultural Lands (up to $50,000) — for projects increasing forested acreage on agricultural lands, with a focus on reforestation and afforestation.
Additionally, the Aileen Hughes Award (up to $5,000) recognizes outstanding leadership in Maryland land conservation.
Projects must benefit communities in Maryland and demonstrate clear environmental and/or community impact.
