Capacity Building Initiative (CBI)
The Capacity Building Initiative by Chesapeake Bay Trust funds projects that strengthen internal systems of nonprofits and local governments for greater environmental and community health impact in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Funder: Chesapeake Bay Trust
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $40,000 (Organizational/Movement Building) or $150,000 (Local Government); up to $1.4 million available program-wide; typical project period is 12 months.
Summary: Supports nonprofits and local governments in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to enhance internal systems and build capacity for sustained environmental and community health impact.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; all dates and details are subject to change pending release of the next RFP.
Description
The Capacity Building Initiative (CBI), administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust on behalf of the Chesapeake Bay Funders Network, is an annual grant program designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations and local governments that work at the intersection of natural resource protection and community well-being throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The program aims to enhance organizational effectiveness, sustainability, and impact by supporting projects that build internal capacity—such as governance, planning, technology, staff training, and collaborative infrastructure.
Funding is available through three tracks:
- Organizational Capacity Building: For nonprofits to strengthen their own operations.
- Local Government Capacity Building: For local governments or tribal nations, or nonprofits supporting governmental capacity.
- Movement Building: For nonprofits providing capacity-building support to other organizations in the watershed.
CBI does not fund general operating support but will support staff time directly tied to capacity-building activities. Example projects include strategic planning, board development, fundraising strategies, technology upgrades, staff training, and shared technical assistance models.
