[Chesapeake Bay Foundation](https://www.cbf.org)

July 2026

Up to $40,000 for nonprofits, up to $150,000 for local governments; total program pool anticipated at $1.6 million.

Supports organizations in the Chesapeake Bay region to build capacity and advance environmental and community health through targeted projects and resources.

This is a forecasted opportunity; all dates are projected and subject to change.

--- ## Description The Capacity Building Initiative (CBI) is an annual program administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust on behalf of the Chesapeake Bay Funders Network. The initiative is designed to strengthen the effectiveness, sustainability, and collaborative potential of organizations working at the intersection of natural resource management and community well-being within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. CBI invests in movement-level, regional, and individual organizational capacity, supporting projects such as organizational assessments, strategic planning, risk management, technology upgrades, staff and board development, and collaborative models. The program also provides access to tools, trainings, and resources to foster organizational growth and leadership. --- ## Due Dates - July 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Nonprofit organizations: Up to $40,000 per award - Local governments: Up to $150,000 per award - Total anticipated program pool: Up to $1.6 million (final amount contingent on federal funding) - Requests above these caps may be considered with strong justification --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** - Nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) and faith-based organizations) - Tribal or local governments - Community associations, civic groups, soil/water conservation districts, public higher education institutions - **Geographic Focus:** - Must serve the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including portions of DC, DE, MD, NY, PA, VA, WV, the Maryland Coastal Bays, and the Youghiogheny watersheds in Maryland - **Nonprofit-specific Requirements:** - 1–50 staff members - At least one full-time staff member (35+ hours/week) or a volunteer contributing 35+ hours/week - Active Board of Directors --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via the [Chesapeake Bay Trust’s online grant system](https://cbtrust.org/grants/capacity-building/) - Review the most recent [Request for Proposals (RFP)](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/FY26-Capacity-Building-RFP_FINAL2.pdf) for detailed guidelines and eligibility - Office hours and info session recordings are available to assist applicants --- ## Additional Information - Funding is for capacity-building projects, not general operating support; staff time dedicated to the awarded project is eligible - Collaborative applications (e.g., networks of organizations) are welcome - Resources and training on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), organizational development, and fundraising are available to grantees - See the [list of previously funded projects](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Press-Release-2024-Capacity-Building-Initiative-Awardees.pdf) and [interactive impact map](https://cbtrust.org/impact-of-our-work/) for examples --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Application Portal](https://cbtrust.org/grants/capacity-building/) - [Latest RFP (PDF)](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/FY26-Capacity-Building-RFP_FINAL2.pdf) - [Info Session Recording](https://vimeo.com/1088893242?share=copy#t=0) - [List of 2024 Awardees (PDF)](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Press-Release-2024-Capacity-Building-Initiative-Awardees.pdf) - [Interactive Map of Past Projects](https://cbtrust.org/impact-of-our-work/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Role/Notes | |------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------| | Amber Cameron | acameron@cbtrust.org | (410) 974-2941 x124 | Program Officer | | General Inquiries| [Contact Form](https://www.cbf.org/about-cbf/contact-us.html) | 888-728-3229 | Chesapeake Bay Foundation | ---

Capacity Building Initiative (CBI) - Chesapeake Bay Foundation

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