The Mid-Atlantic Environmental Justice Fund, managed by the Chesapeake Bay Trust in collaboration with regional organizations, seeks to address environmental justice (EJ) issues across the Mid-Atlantic through sustainable forestry initiatives. This fund aims to democratize the benefits of healthy community forests, enhancing air and water quality, mitigating the effects of climate change, fostering community cohesion, and creating green job opportunities. By increasing tree canopy coverage, the program helps address public health and ecological challenges, such as reducing urban heat islands and managing stormwater, while supporting climate resilience.
The fund offers three funding tracks. Track I focuses on capacity building for community-based organizations, providing training and technical assistance to advance urban forestry efforts with a maximum funding request of $100,000. Track II supports tree planting and canopy improvement projects aimed at improving public health, addressing ecological challenges, and combating climate impacts, with no cap on funding requests. Track III provides up to $200,000 for workforce development projects that engage residents in job training programs focused on forestry-related skills. Applicants can submit a single application for one or more tracks.
Eligible applicants include tax-exempt community-based organizations or those with fiscal sponsorship operating in DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, and WV. Priority is given to projects in areas identified as disadvantaged by tools such as the EPA’s IRA Disadvantaged Communities Map. The fund is supported by the USDA Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program under the Inflation Reduction Act, alongside contributions from private and community foundations.
Applications are due by March 14, 2025, at 4:00 PM EDT and must be submitted through the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s online grant portal. Applicants are encouraged to review the Request for Proposals (RFP) and narrative questions available on the Trust’s website for detailed instructions. For questions or technical assistance, contact Program Officer Samara Pyfrom at spyfrom@cbtrust.org or (410) 974-2941 ext. 147. This funding opportunity provides a platform for communities to advance environmental justice and sustainability while addressing the unique challenges faced by disadvantaged areas.
