Funder: Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Generally up to $40,000 for Organizational and Movement Building; $150,000 for Local Government; up to $1.4 million anticipated overall
Summary: Supports capacity-building projects that strengthen nonprofits, local governments, and Tribal Nations advancing environmental and community health in the Chesapeake Bay region.
Key Information: Nonprofits must have 1–40 staff members and an active board, plus a full-time employee or dedicated volunteer contributing 35+ hours weekly.
Description
The Capacity Building Initiative’s annual grant program supports organizations working at the intersection of natural resource protection and community well-being across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Chesapeake Bay Trust leads and administers the initiative on behalf of the Chesapeake Bay Funders Network. Its focus is lasting improvements to the systems, structures, and practices that help organizations sustain their missions and use existing staff and resources more effectively.
Three tracks support internal nonprofit capacity, local government and Tribal Nation capacity, and nonprofit providers strengthening multiple organizations. Projects may address strategic planning, governance, fundraising, technology and data systems, staff training, operational improvements, shared technical assistance, or collaboration and mergers. Movement Building and Local Government projects may extend knowledge, tools, or infrastructure beyond the applicant organization.
