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

September 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Track A/B: $5,000–$50,000 per project | Track C: $50,000–$250,000 per year

Supports tree planting and capacity-building for urban forestry in underserved Maryland communities, with flexible, no-match funding.

No matching funds required; projects must benefit disadvantaged Maryland communities.

--- ## Description The Community Forestry Catalyst Fund (CF2) is a collaborative initiative between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Maryland Forest Service designed to expand tree planting and maintenance in overburdened, underserved communities across Maryland. The program offers flexible funding to reduce barriers to tree planting and to help local partners scale their efforts, either through direct support for tree planting or by building organizational capacity. Funding is available for site readiness, tree planting, and capacity-building activities, with a focus on projects that directly or indirectly result in trees being planted in disadvantaged communities. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (anticipated full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Track A: Site Readiness** — $5,000 (min) to $50,000 (max) per project - **Track B: Tree Planting** — $5,000 (min) to $50,000 (max) per project - **Track C: Capacity Building** — $50,000 (min) to $250,000 (max) per year Applicants may submit under Tracks A & B together, but Track C applications may not be combined with other tracks. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - Local government entities - Federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations operating within the U.S. or its territories - Nonprofit organizations - Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education - Community-based organizations (public organizations supporting/representing specific communities or populations) **Project requirements:** - Projects must directly or indirectly result in trees being planted in overburdened, underserved communities in Maryland. - Eligible communities must be identified using the [Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool](https://edgi-govdata-archiving.github.io/j40-cejst-2/en/#6.06/38.811/-77.236). - 100% of work must take place in, or benefit, disadvantaged communities. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s online system. - For Track B (Tree Planting), pre-application technical assistance from the Maryland Forest Service or an authorized partner is required. - No matching funds are required; this waiver also applies to sub-awardees. - Refer to the [program page](https://cbtrust.org/grants/community-forestry/) for the most up-to-date application instructions and required documents. --- ## Additional Information - Funding is provided by the USDA Forest Service via the Maryland Forest Service. - The program does not require matching funds. - Applications under Tracks A & B can be combined, but Track C must be submitted separately. - Visit the [interactive map of previously awarded projects](https://cbtrust.org/impact-of-our-work/) for examples. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Application Instructions](https://cbtrust.org/grants/community-forestry/) - [Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool](https://edgi-govdata-archiving.github.io/j40-cejst-2/en/#6.06/38.811/-77.236) - [View Map of Past Projects](https://cbtrust.org/impact-of-our-work/) - [Previous RFP (for reference)](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/CF2-FY26-RFP-FINAL-1.pdf) - [Narrative Questions Example](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/FY26_CF2_Narrative-Questions-FINAL.docx) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |-----------------|------------------------------------|-----------------------| | Samara Pyfrom, Program Officer | [spyfrom@cbtrust.org](mailto:spyfrom@cbtrust.org) | 410-974-2941 x 147 | | Chesapeake Bay Foundation | [Contact Form](https://www.cbf.org/about-cbf/contact-us.html) | 888-728-3229 |

Community Forestry Catalyst Fund - Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Sign in to see full grant listing