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

September 2025 (Full proposal, forecasted)

Up to $10,000 per project; no required match; typically 1-year projects.

Supports innovative projects to advance oyster education, technology, and monitoring for the health and sustainability of Chesapeake Bay oysters.

Open to Chesapeake Oyster Alliance members; non-members may join to become eligible.

--- ## Description The Chesapeake Oyster Innovation Award Program, a partnership between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Chesapeake Oyster Alliance (supported by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation), funds projects that increase knowledge of oyster value, improve oyster fisheries and aquaculture, and enhance oyster population monitoring in the Chesapeake Bay. The program encourages creative approaches to oyster restoration, education, and science, and seeks to foster collaboration among organizations committed to oyster health and sustainability in the Bay region. --- ## Due Dates - **Anticipated next deadline:** Full proposals due September 2025 (forecasted, based on previous cycle). - All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the [program page](https://cbtrust.org/grants/chesapeakeoyster/) for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: **Up to $10,000** per project. - Projects are typically funded for one year. - Cost share or matching is **encouraged but not required**. --- ## Eligibility - **Applicants must be members of the Chesapeake Oyster Alliance (COA)**, including: - Community organizations - For-profit organizations - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations - The Reef Builder Tier of COA is not eligible. - Organizations not yet COA members may contact the Alliance to join and become eligible. - Projects must address at least one of the following: - Increase knowledge about oysters and their value - Advance technologies for oyster population or aquaculture production - Improve oyster population monitoring techniques or datasets --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted **online** through the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s system. - Applicants must upload responses to narrative questions covering: - Project goals and objectives (outputs and outcomes) - Project background and need - Innovation and demonstration value - Organizational experience - Contractors/consultants (if applicable) - Audience and demographic information - Evaluation and long-term sustainability - Required documentation may include: - Permitting information (if applicable) - Monitoring site maps and coordinates (if applicable) - Suggested documentation: - Letters of commitment from project partners - Draft agendas for workshops or trainings - See the [Request for Proposals (RFP)](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Chesapeake-Oyster-Innovation_FY25_FINAL_BFL.pdf) and [narrative questions](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/FY25-RFP-Narrative-Questions-Final.docx) for details. --- ## Additional Information - Previously funded projects have included oyster education for students, technological innovations for aquaculture, and improved monitoring methods. - [Examples and an interactive map of past projects are available.](https://cbtrust.org/impact-of-our-work/) - Match funding is encouraged to strengthen proposals but is not mandatory. - If your organization is not yet a COA member, contact Tanner Council ([tcouncil@cbf.org](mailto:tcouncil@cbf.org)) to discuss eligibility. --- ## External Links - [Program Page and Application Portal](https://cbtrust.org/grants/chesapeakeoyster/) - [Request for Proposals (PDF)](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Chesapeake-Oyster-Innovation_FY25_FINAL_BFL.pdf) - [Narrative Questions (DOCX)](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/FY25-RFP-Narrative-Questions-Final.docx) - [Previously Awarded Projects](https://cbf.app.box.com/s/4fw9mtc216zfg8pr0qvbhi1pjnm17icx) - [Chesapeake Oyster Alliance](http://www.chesapeakeoysteralliance.org/) - [Chesapeake Bay Trust Impact Map](https://cbtrust.org/impact-of-our-work/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |-----------------|------------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------| | Julian Segovia | Outreach & Education Program Officer | [jsegovia@cbtrust.org](mailto:jsegovia@cbtrust.org) | 410-974-2941 x 140 | | Tanner Council | COA Membership Contact | [tcouncil@cbf.org](mailto:tcouncil@cbf.org) | — | For general inquiries about the Chesapeake Bay Foundation: - [Contact Page](https://www.cbf.org/about-cbf/contact-us.html) - Phone: 888-728-3229 ---

Chesapeake Oyster Innovation Award Program

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