Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program
The Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program funds science-based projects for environmental education, litter reduction, and resource protection throughout Maryland.
Funder: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: December 1, 2026: Application deadline
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 (Community Stewardship & Aileen Hughes grants); up to $10,000 (Land Trust Assistance); total pool approx. $114,074 for FY27; 12-month project period.
Summary: Supports Maryland nonprofits, communities, and land trusts in environmental education, litter reduction, stewardship, and natural resource protection projects.
Key Information: Applications must be submitted online by 4:00PM EST on the deadline; late applications are not accepted.
Description
The Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program is a collaborative effort led by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Maryland Environmental Trust, Chesapeake Bay Trust, Maryland Department of Agriculture, and Maryland Department of Transportation. The program funds projects that promote environmental education, reduce litter, foster community stewardship, and protect Maryland’s natural resources in both urban and rural settings. With a history spanning over 30 years, the program has awarded more than a million dollars to organizations that enhance Maryland’s environment and quality of life.
There are multiple grant tracks, including Community Stewardship, Land Trust Assistance, and the Aileen Hughes Award, each targeting different types of organizations and projects. Typical initiatives include environmental education, community clean-ups, tree planting, capacity building for land trusts, and innovative solutions to local environmental challenges.
