Community Forestry Catalyst Fund

The Community Forestry Catalyst Fund (CF2) is a funding initiative administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust in collaboration with the Maryland Forest Service. Entirely funded by the USDA Forest Service, the program seeks to support urban and community forestry projects across the state of Maryland. It emphasizes the reduction of environmental disparities through tree planting and urban greening efforts in disadvantaged communities, identified via the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. The CF2 program accepts proposals in three tracks: Track A for site readiness activities (e.g., stump or vegetation removal); Track B for direct tree planting projects that may also receive maintenance support; and Track C for capacity building initiatives such as workforce development or internal strategic expansion. Applicants may submit under both Track A and B, but Track C must be submitted independently. Award sizes range from $5,000 to $50,000 for Tracks A and B, and from $50,000 to $250,000 per year for Track C. Project durations range from 18 months for Tracks A and B to 24 months for Track C. All projects must be located in or serve disadvantaged communities in Maryland and take place on non-federal, non-state lands with permission from landowners. Match funding is not required for this grant, and this waiver must be passed to all sub-awardees. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local governments, tribal entities, public and state-controlled higher education institutions, and community-based organizations. Applications are due by 11:59 PM EST on September 15, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to contact Trust staff at least two weeks before the deadline to discuss their proposals. The application process is conducted entirely online through the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s grant portal. Required documentation includes a detailed budget using the Financial Management Spreadsheet template, a maintenance plan for Track B, letters of commitment from partners, and a narrative that addresses key evaluation criteria. Projects will be scored based on alignment with program priorities, measurable outcomes, organizational capacity, cost effectiveness, and community impact. Projects selected for funding will be notified by December 2025. Awardees must sign a grant agreement and submit status and final reports, including receipts and documentation of activities. Ten percent of grant funds will be withheld until the final report is submitted and approved. For questions, applicants may contact Samara Pyfrom at 410-974-2941 ext. 147 or spyfrom@cbtrust.org.

Applicants should contact Trust staff two weeks prior to deadline. Submit early to avoid website issues. Strong letters of commitment boost scores.