Exploring and Enhancing Outdoor and Heritage Tourism in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
This grant supports projects that promote outdoor recreation and heritage tourism in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to boost community access, awareness, and economic development.
Funder: National Park Service
Due Dates: November 4, 2026
Funding Amounts: $10,000–$50,000 per award; estimated total funding $1,000,000; up to 26 awards; project period up to 2 years
Summary: Supports projects and events that enhance outdoor recreation, heritage, and cultural tourism in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, linking these activities to community economic development.
Key Information: Applicant must be a non-federal Chesapeake Gateways Network member or pursuing membership; projects must occur within the watershed.
Description
This grant opportunity, administered by the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways, aims to strengthen the ability of communities to offer or enhance outdoor recreation and natural, historical, and cultural tourism experiences within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The program supports projects that connect visitors and residents to authentic Chesapeake places and stories, and that link outdoor and heritage tourism to measurable economic impact in local communities. Projects must advance the public benefit as described in the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998.
The program offers two funding categories:
- Linking Tourism and Economic Impact Projects: Initiatives that connect local recreation, culture, history, or nature tourism to community economic benefits.
- Network/Community Events: Events or festivals celebrating the cultural, historical, natural, or recreational legacy of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including those marking America’s 250th birthday.
All projects must take place within the Chesapeake Bay watershed and involve partnership or membership with the Chesapeake Gateways Network.
