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

December 18, 2025

Up to $40,000/year for up to 3 years (MWEE Implementation); up to $40,000 for capacity building; $290,000 total available FY26

Funds Maryland initiatives to embed hands-on environmental literacy and watershed education in school curricula, fostering stewardship and informed action.

--- ## Description This program supports projects in Maryland that advance environmental literacy by integrating Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) into school curricula. The goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to take informed and responsible actions to protect and improve their environment. The program emphasizes hands-on, inquiry-based learning that connects classroom content to local environmental issues, supporting academic achievement and environmental stewardship. Over the past decade, the program has focused on embedding MWEEs at multiple grade levels, building educator capacity, and addressing barriers to long-term sustainability, all in alignment with the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Agreement's environmental literacy goals. --- ## Due Dates - December 18, 2025: Application deadline — full grant application due (Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 4:00 PM EST) --- ## Funding Amount - Total funding available: $290,000 (FY26) - Track 1 (MWEE Implementation): Up to $40,000 per year for up to three years (for piloting or embedding systemic MWEEs in school district curricula) - Track 2 (Environmental Literacy Capacity Building): Up to $40,000 for district or statewide capacity building and collaboration (March 2026 – August 2027) - For requests $10,000 and under, applicants are encouraged to consider the [Youth Environmental Education Grant](https://cbtrust.org/grants/youth-environmental-education-grant-program/) --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants include: - Maryland school districts - Nonprofit organizations - Public agencies - Higher education institutions - Community associations - Additional types as specified in the Request for Proposals (RFP) - Projects must serve students in Maryland. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [Chesapeake Bay Trust grant portal](https://us.grantrequest.com/application.aspx?sid=1520&fid=35037). - Review the [Request for Proposals (RFP)](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/FY26-Environmental-Education-Grant-Program_RFP.pdf) and [Required Narrative Questions](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/FY26-Environmental-Education-Grant-Program-Narrative-Question-Template.docx) before applying. - No matching funds are required, but leveraging Trust support with cash or in-kind match is strongly encouraged. --- ## Additional Information - The program is designed to help meet the environmental literacy goals of the [2014 Chesapeake Bay Agreement](https://www.chesapeakebay.net/what/goals/environmental_literacy). - Projects should focus on integrating MWEEs, building educator capacity, or overcoming barriers to long-term program implementation. - Resources for MWEE design and educator training are available ([see below](#external-links)). - See examples of previously funded projects and their impact on the [program’s impact map](https://cbtrust.org/impact-of-our-work/). --- ## External Links - [Program Page (Chesapeake Bay Trust)](https://cbtrust.org/grants/environmental-education/) - [Request for Proposals (RFP)](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/FY26-Environmental-Education-Grant-Program_RFP.pdf) - [Required Narrative Questions Template](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/FY26-Environmental-Education-Grant-Program-Narrative-Question-Template.docx) - [Start a New Application](https://us.grantrequest.com/application.aspx?sid=1520&fid=35037) - [Manage Existing Grant](https://www.grantrequest.com/SID_1520) - [Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) Resources](https://cbtrust.org/mwee-toolbox-think-cloud/) - [Impact Map – Awarded Projects](https://cbtrust.org/impact-of-our-work/) - [2014 Chesapeake Bay Agreement – Environmental Literacy Goal](https://www.chesapeakebay.net/what/goals/environmental_literacy) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Role | |------------------|--------------------------------------------|----------------------|---------------------| | Emily Stransky | [estransky@cbtrust.org](mailto:estransky@cbtrust.org) | 410-974-2941 x 101 | Program Manager | | General Inquiries| [Contact Page](https://www.cbf.org/about-cbf/contact-us.html) | 888-728-3229 | Chesapeake Bay Foundation | ---

Environmental Education Grant Program - Chesapeake Bay Foundation

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