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

November 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Up to $100,000 (project design); up to $150,000 (stream/wetland/living shoreline design); up to $75,000 (planning/program development); typically 1-year projects.

Supports early-stage watershed restoration planning, design, and program development to improve water quality in eligible areas of MD, WV, and PA.

--- ## Description The Watershed Assistance Grant Program is a collaborative initiative designed to empower local governments and nonprofit organizations to undertake the earliest phases of watershed restoration projects. The program funds project design, permitting, planning, and programmatic development with the goal of improving water quality in Maryland, the West Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and select Pennsylvania watersheds (Octoraro Creek and Conowingo Creek in Chester and Lancaster Counties). Funded activities may include the development of deliverables such as Financial Assurance Plans, TMDL Implementation Plans, Green Infrastructure Plans, watershed action plans, and strategies supporting the State of Maryland Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan. --- ## Due Dates - November 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $100,000 for project design of best management practices (e.g., bioretention, rain gardens, stormwater management, green infrastructure, agricultural BMPs) - Up to $150,000 for stream restoration, wetland/marsh creation/restoration, and living shoreline design - Up to $75,000 for watershed planning and program development - Projects are typically funded for a 1-year duration - Match is encouraged but not required --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - Municipal, county, and regional agencies - Nonprofit organizations - Faith-based organizations - Community and homeowners associations (HOAs) - Soil/water conservation districts and resource conservation and development councils - Forestry boards - Public and independent higher educational institutions **Geographic eligibility:** - All communities in Maryland - Chesapeake Bay watershed in West Virginia - Pennsylvania: Octoraro Creek and Conowingo Creek watersheds (Chester and Lancaster Counties) If your organization type is not listed, contact the Chesapeake Bay Trust to verify eligibility. --- ## Application Process - Review the [program page](https://cbtrust.org/grants/watershed-assistance/) for the latest RFP and application materials. - Prepare a project proposal aligned with eligible project types and geographic requirements. - Submit your application by the anticipated deadline (November 2026). - Match funding is encouraged but not required. - For project design or planning questions, consult the [FAQ](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/FAQ-WAGP-2026.pdf) or contact the program officer. - Maryland applicants are encouraged to seek technical assistance via the [Watershed Restoration Specialist Request Form](https://bit.ly/WACTechnicalAssistanceRequest). --- ## Additional Information - The program is part of Maryland’s Watershed Assistance Collaborative, which offers technical assistance and capacity building to local implementers. - Funded deliverables are intended to position grantees for future implementation funding from state and regional sources. - The program supports both design and planning activities; implementation funding is not covered. --- ## External Links - [Watershed Assistance Grant Program Overview](https://cbtrust.org/grants/watershed-assistance/) - [Eligible Areas Map (PDF)](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Final_WAGP_EligibleAreasMap_8.14.25.pdf) - [Watershed Assistance Collaborative](https://dnr.maryland.gov/ccs/Pages/healthy_waters/wac.aspx) - [FAQ (2026)](https://cbtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/FAQ-WAGP-2026.pdf) - [Information Session Recording](https://vimeo.com/1120868305?share=copy) - [Sample Narrative Questions (Track 1)](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1niik59LdEcMf2Cu4SIEvSc4Y6dO_-PyBV5yzY6mvp8Q/edit?usp=sharing) - [Sample Narrative Questions (Track 2)](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QxCkm-yVucfild5_4bhV6m2jKqCXSYNoKxM93-VlJEk/edit?usp=sharing) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |---------------------|------------------------|------------------------------------|----------------------| | Megan Diehl | Senior Program Officer | mdiehl@cbtrust.org | 410-974-2941 x139 | | Chesapeake Bay Foundation | Main Contact | [Contact Form](https://www.cbf.org/about-cbf/contact-us.html) | 888-728-3229 |

Watershed Assistance Grant Program - Chesapeake Bay Foundation

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