Capacity Building Initiative (CBI)
Forecasted
Capacity Building Initiative (CBI) supports nonprofits, local governments, and Tribal Nations in strengthening organizational systems to advance natural resource protection and community well-being.
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Funder: Chesapeake Bay Trust
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Typically up to $40,000 (Organizational and Movement Building) or $150,000 (Local Government), for 12 months
Summary: Supports capacity-building projects that strengthen nonprofits, local governments, and Tribal Nations advancing environmental and community health in eligible watersheds.
Key Information: All applicants must demonstrate alignment with at least one Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement goal.
Description
The Capacity Building Initiative is led and administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust on behalf of the Chesapeake Bay Funders Network. Its annual grant program strengthens the systems, structures, and practices that help organizations sustain their missions and advance natural resource protection and community well-being. Three tracks support nonprofits’ internal capacity, local government and Tribal Nation capacity, and nonprofits providing capacity-building services to other nonprofits.
Supported work includes strategic planning, board development, fundraising strategies, technology and data improvements, staff training, shared technical assistance, and collaboration or merger-related efforts. Projects must strengthen long-term effectiveness rather than fund general operations or stand-alone program delivery. Staff time directly dedicated to the proposed capacity-building work may be supported.
