Capacity Building Initiative (CBI)
The Capacity Building Initiative funds projects that strengthen nonprofit and local government capacity for environmental protection and community well-being in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Funder: Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Due Dates: July 15, 2026: Full application deadline for the Capacity Building Initiative (CBI) — applications due by 5:00 PM ET
Funding Amounts: Up to $40,000 for Organizational and Movement Building tracks; up to $150,000 for Local Government track; total program funding anticipated at $1.4 million; 12-month project period.
Summary: Supports nonprofit organizations and local governments in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to strengthen internal systems, leadership, and collaboration for improved environmental and community outcomes.
Key Information: Late applications are not accepted; online portal opens in June and closes promptly at the deadline.
Description
The Capacity Building Initiative (CBI) is an annual grant program administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust on behalf of the Chesapeake Bay Funders Network. The program funds nonprofit organizations and local governments working to advance natural resource protection and community well-being across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. CBI supports projects that strengthen the systems, structures, and practices underpinning long-term organizational or governmental effectiveness, such as governance, operations, planning, and leadership development. The initiative also offers resources, training, and technical assistance to enhance organizational effectiveness and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) in the environmental sector.
Funding is available through three tracks:
- Organizational Capacity Building: For nonprofits seeking to strengthen their own internal capacity.
- Local Government Capacity Building: For projects that improve internal systems or provide targeted support to local governments or Tribal Nations.
- Movement Building: For nonprofits serving as capacity-building providers to other organizations.
