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; up to $1,000,000 total program funding; ~26 awards expected
Summary: Supports projects that enhance outdoor recreation and heritage tourism in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to expand access, awareness, and economic development.
Key Information: Applicants must be non-federal Chesapeake Gateways Network members and projects must occur within the watershed.
Description
This grant opportunity from the National Park Service aims to strengthen communities' capacity to offer or enhance outdoor recreation and natural, historical, and cultural tourism within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The program supports projects that connect residents and visitors to the watershed's resources and stories, with the dual goals of expanding access and fostering economic development. Eligible projects may include developing or improving recreational sites, trails, museums, parks, wildlife refuges, interpretive facilities, and associated programs that celebrate the Chesapeake Bay’s natural and cultural heritage.
