Outreach and Restoration Grant Program
This grant funds Maryland projects that engage communities in environmental education, behavior change, and hands-on restoration to improve and steward local natural resources.
Funder: Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Due Dates: September 3, 2026 (Full application, 4:00 PM ET)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 (Outreach) | $75,000 (Behavior Change) | $125,000 (Restoration) | $150,000 (Outreach & Restoration); 1–2 year project period
Summary: Funds Maryland-based projects that engage communities in environmental education, behavior change, and on-the-ground restoration to improve local natural resources and foster stewardship.
Key Information: Eligible for nonprofits, community groups, faith-based organizations, public agencies, and higher education; match is encouraged but not required.
Description
The Outreach and Restoration Grant Program, managed by the Chesapeake Bay Trust in partnership with local governments and organizations, supports projects in Maryland that promote environmental outreach, community engagement, and hands-on restoration activities. The program aims to increase knowledge, change behaviors, and foster stewardship of natural resources by involving residents in restoring green spaces, waterways, and habitats. Funding is available for a variety of project types, including knowledge-building, behavior change campaigns, and on-the-ground restoration efforts.
Projects should either:
- Engage priority audiences through education or behavior change initiatives with measurable outcomes, or
- Implement community-inspired restoration projects that improve the health and resilience of Maryland’s natural resources.
Applicants are encouraged to design projects that meaningfully involve their target communities, particularly historically under-engaged or under-served groups, and to form partnerships with local organizations.
