To improve and protect the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries through grantmaking, environmental education, restoration, and community engagement.
Chesapeake Bay Trust centers its grantmaking on restoration, community stewardship, and environmental education, with two very large recent grants tied to that mission: $21,071,983 in 2024 and $16,296,634 in 2023, both recorded for restoration, community stewardship, and environmental education. That pattern places the Trust among funders that combine programmatic education with place-based environmental work rather than treating them separately. The foundation’s active programs show a strong emphasis on water quality, watershed assistance, stormwater management, green infrastructure, urban forestry, and shoreline and habitat restoration. It also funds community engagement and outreach, including mini grants designed to bring in new applicants and organizations from under-engaged communities in Maryland. In practice, its support reaches across county-administered programs and statewide initiatives, with grantmaking that can cover community gardens, rain gardens, pollinator plantings, tree planting, and resilience hubs. The Trust’s portfolio also includes conservation-focused work such as oyster restoration and shellfish innovation, along with environmental justice and restoration research and monitoring.
A major theme in Chesapeake Bay Trust’s work is water quality and stormwater management. Through Clean Water Montgomery, the Trust supports community stormwater and water quality projects in Montgomery County, and its county programs in Prince George’s County include stormwater stewardship, rain check rebates, and related green infrastructure efforts. Another clear area is urban greening and habitat improvement. The Urban Trees Mini Grant Program supports tree planting and related activities statewide in Maryland, while the Community Engagement Mini Grant Program can fund rain gardens, pollinator plantings, and trees as part of community-based restoration. The Trust also backs education and public engagement. Its Community Engagement Mini Grant Program is designed to engage organizations in Maryland in projects that benefit communities and raise public awareness about natural resources issues, and the Trust’s focus areas include environmental education, outreach, and environmental justice.
The Trust’s recent grant sizes are large, with a p25 of $17,490,471, a median of $18,684,308, and a p75 of $19,878,146. The two largest recent grants are both six- and seven-figure-level program entries tied to the same broad restoration and education purpose, suggesting a recurring programmatic funding pattern rather than isolated awards. Chesapeake Bay Trust is a public charity and does not fund individuals. It also does not make program-related investments. Several active programs accept unsolicited applications, including community engagement, urban trees, watershed assistance, and county-level stormwater and rebate tracks.
$21.5M
$52.2M
$36M
$32.8M
Most grants fall between $17.5M and $19.9M, with a median of $18.7M.
25th Percentile
$17.5M
Median
$18.7M
75th Percentile
$19.9M
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Grantmaking is concentrated in Maryland, especially through county and local programs in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. The active portfolio also includes statewide Maryland programs for community engagement, urban trees, and watershed assistance, plus Chesapeake Bay watershed work more broadly. In the recent grants data provided, both grants went to U.S.-based recipients. The Trust’s county partnerships show a local, place-based approach rather than a national one, with programs tailored to specific counties and municipalities such as Montgomery County, Rockville, and Gaithersburg.
Its active programs cover stormwater management, water quality, watershed restoration, urban trees, green infrastructure, oyster restoration and shellfish innovation, community engagement, environmental education, environmental justice, and restoration research and monitoring.
Yes for several programs. The Community Engagement Mini Grant Program, Urban Trees Mini Grant Program, Watershed Assistance Fund, and Clean Water Montgomery all accept unsolicited applications. The Supplemental Environmental Projects program does not.
The Trust’s reported grant-size distribution is very large: p25 is $17,490,471, the median is $18,684,308, and p75 is $19,878,146.
Yes. Active county-level examples include Clean Water Montgomery in Montgomery County and multiple Prince George’s County programs, including stormwater stewardship, rain check rebates, community gardens, and a resilience hub track.
No. The foundation is listed as not funding individuals.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from Chesapeake Bay Trust that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Open to projects that promote community engagement or on-the-ground restoration in Maryland. Program-specific guidance applies.
Deadline: Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET
Who can apply: Applicants must have received three grants or fewer from the Trust in the past (applications encouraged from organizations that have never received a Trust grant). Organizations must be a nonprofit or a municipal, county, regional, state, or federal agency.
Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis until funds for the fiscal year are exhausted. Applications must be submitted at least eight weeks before the project start.
Who can apply: Montgomery County-based projects and residents per program rules.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BALTIMORE TREE TRUST | BALTIMORE, MD | $2,274,240 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY MARYLAND | LARGO, MD | $1,085,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION |
| ALLIANCE FOR THE CHESAPEAKE BAY | ANNAPOLIS, MD | $928,350 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP |
| MONTGOMERY COUNTY DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WATERSHED RESTORATION D | WHEATON, MD | $769,943 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP |
| BALTIMORE COUNTY DEPS | TOWSON, MD | $625,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| SHORERIVERS INC | EASTON, MD | $599,082 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| ARUNDEL RIVERS FEDERATION | EDGEWATER, MD | $392,853 | 2026 | RESTORATION |
| CHESAPEAKE RIVERS ASSOCIATION | ANNAPOLIS, MD | $364,902 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION | RESTON, VA | $336,472 | 2026 | RESTORATION |
| SCENIC RIVERS LAND TRUST | ANNAPOLIS, MD | $330,324 | 2026 | RESTORATION |
| CLEAN WATER FUND | WASHINGTON, DC | $325,474 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| STILLMEADOW COMMUNITY PROJECTS | BALTIMORE, MD | $316,085 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| DEFENSORES DE LA CUENCA | CHEVERLY, MD | $283,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| BLUE WATER BALTIMORE | BALTIMORE, MD | $281,322 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP |
| RESILIENCE AUTHORITY OF CHARLES COUNTY | LA PLATA, MD | $278,006 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| THE LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT CENTER | BELTSVILLE, MD | $272,139 | 2026 | RESTORATION |
| ALLIANCE FOR THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY | NEW MARKET, VA | $260,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| GLOBAL HEALTH AND EDUCATION PROJECTS INC | RIVERDALE, MD | $256,527 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| CONSERVATION FOUNDATION OF LANCASTER COUNTY | LANCASTER, PA | $237,455 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| GREENTRUST ALLIANCE | COCKEYSVILLE, MD | $219,928 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION | ANNAPOLIS, MD | $219,250 | 2026 | RESTORATION |
| NATURE FORWARD | CHEVY CHASE, MD | $205,462 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP |
| GREATER REMINGTON IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION | BALTIMORE, MD | $201,230 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| INTERFAITH PARTNERS FOR THE CHESAPEAKE | ANNAPOLIS, MD | $188,863 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| JOE'S MOVEMENT EMPORIUM | MOUNT RAINIER, MD | $172,500 | 2026 | RESTORATION |
| THE NATURE CONSERVANCY | BETHESDA, MD | $170,905 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| CITY OF ROCKVILLE | ROCKVILLE, MD | $163,548 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION |
| CENTRAL BALTIMORE PARTNERSHIP | BALTIMORE, MD | $163,441 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| CHESAPEAKE VILLAGE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION INC | NORTH EAST, MD | $157,497 | 2026 | RESTORATION |
| CATOCTIN LAND TRUST | FREDERICK, MD | $150,977 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN CENTER | BALTIMORE, MD | $147,907 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| TOWN OF EDMONSTON | EDMONSTON, MD | $146,673 | 2026 | RESTORATION |
| THE 6TH BRANCH | BALTIMORE, MD | $144,089 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY | STATE COLLEGE, PA | $140,000 | 2026 | RESTORATION |
| MIDTOWN COMMUNITY FUND INC | BALTIMORE, MD | $139,751 | 2026 | RESTORATION |
| UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND COLLEGE PARK | COLLEGE PARK, MD | $132,640 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| ALICE FERGUSON FOUNDATION | ACCOKEEK, MD | $131,932 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| SEVERN RIVER ASSOCIATION | ANNAPOLIS, MD | $128,802 | 2026 | RESTORATION |
| CITY OF MOUNT RAINIER | MOUNT RAINIER, MD | $128,786 | 2026 | RESTORATION |
| OAKLAND MILLS INTERFAITH INC | COLUMBIA, MD | $126,232 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| SUSSEX HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK | SELBYVILLE, DE | $124,342 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| THE COMMUNITY ECOLOGY INSTITUTE | COLUMBIA, MD | $118,248 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP |
| CENTRO DE APOYO FAMILIAR | RIVERDALE, MD | $114,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| MOVEMENT STRATEGY CENTER | OAKLAND, CA | $110,093 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| UNIV OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY | BALTIMORE, MD | $107,350 | 2026 | RESTORATION |
| IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE OF AMERICA | GAITHERSBURG, MD | $105,965 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| CITY OF ROMNEY | ROMNEY, WV | $104,720 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP |
| MONTGOMERY COUNTY MARYLAND | WHEATON, MD | $103,957 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| ANACOSTIA WATERSHED SOCIETY THE GEORGE WASHINGTON HOUSE | BLADENSBURG, MD | $103,243 | 2026 | COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION |
| UNIVERSITY OF MD CENTER FOR ENV SCIENCE | CAMBRIDGE, MD | $102,354 | 2026 | RESTORATION |
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY MARYLAND
$1,085,000COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
MONTGOMERY COUNTY DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WATERSHED RESTORATION D
$769,943COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP
BALTIMORE COUNTY DEPS
$625,000COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
ARUNDEL RIVERS FEDERATION
$392,853RESTORATION
CHESAPEAKE RIVERS ASSOCIATION
$364,902COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
SCENIC RIVERS LAND TRUST
$330,324RESTORATION
STILLMEADOW COMMUNITY PROJECTS
$316,085COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
DEFENSORES DE LA CUENCA
$283,000COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
RESILIENCE AUTHORITY OF CHARLES COUNTY
$278,006COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
THE LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT CENTER
$272,139RESTORATION
GLOBAL HEALTH AND EDUCATION PROJECTS INC
$256,527COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
GREENTRUST ALLIANCE
$219,928COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
GREATER REMINGTON IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
$201,230COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
CITY OF ROCKVILLE
$163,548COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
CHESAPEAKE VILLAGE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION INC
$157,497RESTORATION
CATOCTIN LAND TRUST
$150,977COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
TOWN OF EDMONSTON
$146,673RESTORATION
THE 6TH BRANCH
$144,089COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
$140,000RESTORATION
MIDTOWN COMMUNITY FUND INC
$139,751RESTORATION
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND COLLEGE PARK
$132,640COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
ALICE FERGUSON FOUNDATION
$131,932COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
CITY OF MOUNT RAINIER
$128,786RESTORATION
OAKLAND MILLS INTERFAITH INC
$126,232COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
SUSSEX HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK
$124,342COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
THE COMMUNITY ECOLOGY INSTITUTE
$118,248COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP
UNIV OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY
$107,350RESTORATION
IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE OF AMERICA
$105,965COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
CITY OF ROMNEY
$104,720COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP
MONTGOMERY COUNTY MARYLAND
$103,957COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND RESTORATION
UNIVERSITY OF MD CENTER FOR ENV SCIENCE
$102,354RESTORATION
