Community Engagement and Restoration Mini Grant
Funds hands-on community environmental projects like tree plantings, rain gardens, and cleanups to enhance local resources and engage residents in Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay watershed of West Virginia.
Funder: Chesapeake Bay Trust
Due Dates: Rolling (applications accepted until funds are fully expended for the fiscal year)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per project; approx. $180,000 available for Maryland and $48,000 for West Virginia projects annually.
Summary: Supports hands-on community projects (e.g., tree plantings, rain gardens, cleanups) to enhance natural resources and engage residents in the Chesapeake Bay region.
Key Information: Only organizations with three or fewer prior Trust awards (or no award in 8+ years) are eligible.
Description
This program funds small-scale, community-driven projects that enhance local environments and engage residents in stewardship activities across Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay watershed portion of West Virginia. Supported activities include tree plantings, rain gardens, stream cleanups, storm drain stenciling, and related outreach or educational efforts. The grant aims to empower organizations—especially those new to environmental work or traditionally under-engaged—with resources and mentorship to implement meaningful projects that benefit both their communities and local natural resources.
