Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program (Community Stewardship & Land Trust Assistance Tracks)
The Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program funds science-based stewardship, education, and conservation projects to improve Maryland’s environment, led by the Chesapeake Bay Trust.
Funder: Chesapeake Bay Trust
Due Dates: December 1, 2026: Application deadline
Funding Amounts: Track 1: Up to $5,000 | Track 2: Up to $10,000 | Track 3: Up to $10,000 (≤2 acres) or $50,000 (>2 acres) | Total FY27 pool: ~$230,000 (Track 3), $114,074 (Tracks 1 & 2)
Summary: Supports Maryland organizations with projects to build capacity, promote stewardship, and address local environmental challenges through education, outreach, and on-the-ground activities.
Key Information: Match encouraged but not required; projects must be completed within 12–36 months of award, depending on track.
Description
The Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program, administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust in collaboration with state agencies, funds projects that strengthen land trusts and community organizations across Maryland. The program focuses on increasing civic engagement, fostering stewardship, and developing solutions to local environmental issues through three main tracks:
- Track 1: Community Stewardship — Small-scale, community-driven projects that enhance Maryland’s environment and inspire stewardship (e.g., education, green space creation, youth engagement).
- Track 2: Land Trust Assistance — Projects that build organizational capacity, advance conservation standards, and improve stewardship of protected lands.
- Track 3: Tree Planting on Agricultural Lands — Supports afforestation and reforestation projects on agricultural land to increase forest cover, improve water quality, and provide habitat.
The program encourages applications from a wide range of organizations, including those serving underrepresented communities, and supports both new and established applicants.
