Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Outcome 1)
Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Outcome 1) supports local governments, NGOs, and universities in restoring landscapes to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution and improve Bay water quality.
Funder: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: November 9, 2026 (FieldDoc webinar) | November 15, 2026 (Site visits, meetings, and technical assistance) | December 11, 2026 (Application deadline, 11:59 p.m. EST)
Funding Amounts: $500,000 minimum request; historical solicitation funding of $15 million–$35 million; no match required
Summary: Supports implementation-ready restoration projects that reduce non-point source nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution in Maryland.
Key Information: FieldDoc reduction calculations are mandatory; stream restorations require site visits, and Pay for Performance proposals require pre-proposal meetings.
Description
Maryland DNR’s Watershed & Climate Services administers this state-funded program through Grants Gateway. It supports implementation-ready projects that accelerate natural resource recovery by reducing non-point source pollution affecting the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bays. Supported practices include wetland restoration, afforestation, riparian buffers, stormwater and agricultural best management practices, stream restoration, meadow planting, and other tree planting.
The program offers traditional competitive grants and Pay for Performance contracts. Competitive proposals are cost-effective, large-scale, multi-partner efforts with demonstrable water quality benefits and the ability to construct within 12 months of award. The state also values aquatic resource restoration, climate resilience, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, local employment, recreation, and environmental justice benefits. Pay for Performance emphasizes measurable, sustained outcomes, innovation, and restoration at scale.
