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

December 2025 (Full proposal, forecasted)

Up to $40,000/year for up to 3 years per project; $290,000 total available for the program (last cycle).

Supports Maryland environmental literacy by funding hands-on watershed education and capacity building in school curricula.

No matching funds required, but leveraging match is strongly encouraged.

--- ## Description This program funds initiatives that advance environmental literacy and embed Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) into Maryland school curricula. Projects may focus on piloting or systemically integrating hands-on, inquiry-based environmental education, building district or statewide capacity, and fostering long-term stewardship among students and educators. The program is a core strategy of the Chesapeake Bay Trust to meet regional environmental literacy goals and develop the next generation of environmentally responsible citizens. --- ## Due Dates - **Anticipated full proposal deadline:** December 2025 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Track 1: MWEE Implementation** - Up to $40,000 per year, for up to three years (pilot or systemic curriculum integration). - **Track 2: Environmental Literacy Capacity Building** - Up to $40,000 for district or state-wide capacity-building and collaboration (March 2025–August 2026 in last cycle). - **Total program funding:** $290,000 (last known cycle). - **For requests $10,000 and under:** Consider the [Youth Environmental Education Grant Program](https://cbtrust.org/grants/youth-environmental-education-grant-program/). No matching funds are required, but applicants are strongly encouraged to leverage additional cash or in-kind support. --- ## Eligibility - Maryland school districts - Nonprofit organizations - Public agencies - Higher education institutions - Community associations - Other groups (see RFP for full eligibility details) --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via the [Chesapeake Bay Trust Online System](https://www.grantrequest.com/SID_1520). - Applicants must complete a narrative (template provided in the [RFP](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/FY25-Environmental-Education-Grant-Program.pdf)) and a budget using the [Financial Management Spreadsheet (FMS)](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Financial-Management-Spreadsheet_2.2025.xlsx). - The narrative should address project goals, need, outputs, outcomes, evaluation, long-term vision, and community demographics. - For application resources, templates, and FAQs, visit the [Applicant Resources, Forms, & Policies page](https://cbtrust.org/grants/applicant-resources-forms-policies/). --- ## Additional Information - Projects must advance environmental literacy and/or embed MWEEs into school curricula. - The MWEE model emphasizes investigation of local environmental issues, hands-on experiences, problem-solving, and civic engagement. - Professional development for educators is eligible. - Partnerships with NOAA BWET and Maryland DNR are encouraged. - Extensive resources for designing and evaluating MWEEs are available, such as the [Educator’s Guide to the MWEE](https://www.baybackpack.com/files/Documents/MWEE-Guide-2025.pdf), [MWEE Think Cloud](https://cbtrust.org/mwee-toolbox-think-cloud/), and [online courses](https://cbexapp.noaa.gov/course/index.php?categoryid=3187). --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Environmental Education Grant Program](https://cbtrust.org/grants/environmental-education/) - [Previous RFP (PDF)](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/FY25-Environmental-Education-Grant-Program.pdf) - [Narrative Questions Template (DOCX)](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/FY25-Environmental-Education-Grant-Program-Narrative-Question-Template.docx) - [Online Application Portal](https://www.grantrequest.com/SID_1520) - [Applicant Resources, Forms, & Policies](https://cbtrust.org/grants/applicant-resources-forms-policies/) - [MWEE Resources & Tools](https://cbtrust.org/grants/environmental-education/#tab-1744226371158-6) - [Impact Map of Awarded Projects](https://cbtrust.org/impact-of-our-work/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |-----------------|-----------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------| | Emily Stransky | Program Manager | [estransky@cbtrust.org](mailto:estransky@cbtrust.org) | 410-974-2941 x101 | For general questions about the Chesapeake Bay Trust: - [Contact Page](https://www.cbf.org/about-cbf/contact-us.html) - [Chesapeake Bay Foundation Main Site](https://www.cbf.org)

Environmental Education Grant Program

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