[Chesapeake Bay Foundation](https://www.cbf.org)

Rolling (applications accepted year-round until funds are expended)

Up to $10,000 per project; no match required; projects must be completed within 12 months.

Supports small-scale native tree planting projects in underserved urban areas of Maryland to increase green space and community well-being.

Projects must occur in qualifying urban underserved Maryland areas; eligibility map available online.

--- ## Description This program funds small, community-driven tree planting initiatives in urban, underserved areas across Maryland. The goal is to enhance neighborhood access to green spaces, improve air quality, mitigate urban heat, and foster healthier environments for current and future generations. Projects must focus on planting native trees and include a plan for two years of maintenance. The program is part of Maryland’s broader commitment to plant five million native trees by 2031. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all fiscal year funds are expended. - Submit at least eight weeks prior to your intended project start date. - No fixed annual deadline; apply as soon as ready. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $10,000 per project. - No cost share or match is required (match is encouraged but not mandatory). - Projects must be implemented within 12 months of award and include two years of maintenance post-planting. - Up to $250 of the total request may be used for indirect community needs (e.g., food for events, outreach). --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants: - Nonprofit organizations - Schools - Community or neighborhood associations - Service, youth, or civic groups - Institutions of higher education - Counties and municipalities - Forest conservancy district boards - Projects must be sited in Maryland urban areas that meet at least one of the following criteria: - Historically redlined or “hazardous” neighborhoods - Census tracts with high unemployment (above state average) - Census tracts with low median household income (≤75% of state median) - Housing projects as defined by Maryland law - Use the [interactive eligibility map](https://maryland.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4258d3e39f6a47fca146b854c0f01e31) to confirm site eligibility. - All trees planted must be native species. --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare Required Materials:** - Completed narrative questions (project description, goals, site details, community engagement, etc.) - Financial Management Spreadsheet with detailed budget ([template](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Financial-Management-Spreadsheet_2.2025.xlsx)) 2. **Recommended (but not required at submission):** - Planting plan (map, species list, sizes, spacing) - Letters of landowner permission and/or partner commitment (if not on applicant-owned land) - Two-year maintenance plan ([template and requirements](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Appendix-B-Maintenance-Requirements.pdf)) 3. **Submit Application:** - Use the [Chesapeake Bay Trust online system](https://us.grantrequest.com/application.aspx?sid=1520&fid=35721) - Applications must be received at least eight weeks before project start date - Projects cannot be reimbursed if already completed at the time of application 4. **Review and Award:** - Applications are reviewed for eligibility, cost-effectiveness, project success likelihood, and community impact - Awardees will sign an agreement and must register all planted trees in the [Maryland Five Million Trees Tracking Tool](https://five-million-tree-tracking-tool-maryland.hub.arcgis.com/pages/register-trees-survey) - Final report (including visual documentation and/or receipts) required at project completion --- ## Additional Information - Projects must focus primarily on tree planting; all trees must be native and maintained for two years. - Projects cannot be used for regulatory mitigation or offset requirements. - Eligible expenses include supplies, site preparation, personnel, and maintenance; up to $250 may be used for community engagement needs not covered by state funds. - Projects must check for underground utilities before digging ([Miss Utility](https://www.missutility.net/)). - Highly visible projects are encouraged to include signage. - Projects involving street or right-of-way trees may require coordination with local planning or public works departments. --- ## External Links - [Urban Trees Mini Grant Program Page](https://cbtrust.org/grants/urban-trees-mini-grant-program/) - [Request for Proposals (PDF)](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Urban-Trees-Mini-Grant-Program-Dec-2025.pdf) - [Eligibility Map – Qualifying Underserved Areas](https://maryland.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4258d3e39f6a47fca146b854c0f01e31) - [Online Application Portal](https://us.grantrequest.com/application.aspx?sid=1520&fid=35721) - [Applicant Resources, Forms & Policies](https://cbtrust.org/grants/applicant-resources-forms-policies/) - [Native Tree Species Selection Guide (PDF)](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Appendix-A-Native-Tree-Species-Selection.pdf) - [Maintenance Requirements (PDF)](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Appendix-B-Maintenance-Requirements.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |-----------------------|-----------------------------------------|-------------------------| | Lianna Gomori-Ruben | lgomori-ruben@cbtrust.org | (410) 974-2941 x112 | | Chesapeake Bay Trust | [Contact Page](https://www.cbf.org/about-cbf/contact-us.html) | 888-728-3229 |

Urban Trees Mini Grant

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