Community Engagement and Restoration Mini Grant
Funds community-based environmental restoration and stewardship projects like tree plantings, rain gardens, and stream cleanups to improve local natural resources and engage residents.
Funder: Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (applications accepted year-round until funds are expended)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per project; projects must be completed within 12 months of award.
Summary: Supports community-based projects that enhance natural resources and engage residents in environmental stewardship activities such as tree plantings, rain gardens, and stream cleanups.
Key Information: Only organizations with three or fewer prior awards from the Trust are eligible; Maryland and Chesapeake Bay Watershed (WV) locations only.
Description
This grant program funds small-scale, community-driven projects that enhance local environments and foster resident engagement in natural resource stewardship. Eligible activities include tree plantings, rain gardens, stream cleanups, storm drain stenciling, and similar restoration or outreach efforts. The program is designed to reach groups underrepresented in environmental work and to make the grant process accessible to new applicants and organizations from diverse communities. Emphasis is placed on projects that provide multiple benefits—improving environmental health, supporting community goals, and building local capacity for ongoing stewardship.
