Aileen Hughes Award

The Aileen Hughes Award is an annual grant program jointly administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Maryland Environmental Trust (MET). This award recognizes an individual representing a Maryland land trust for exemplary leadership, partnership, and innovation in conservation work. The grant, named in honor of the late Aileen Hughes, is intended to support conservation efforts by directing funding to a land trust on behalf of the nominated individual, rather than to the individual directly. Aileen Hughes was a prominent conservationist and former president of the American Chestnut Land Trust, known for her dedication to environmental protection and social equity. Eligible applicants include Maryland land trusts that are in good standing with the state and hold a current Cooperative Agreement with MET dated on or after November 2, 2020. Each land trust may nominate an individual from their own or another eligible Maryland land trust. Nominees must have completed a conservation project within the last two to three years, such as land transactions, stewardship, fundraising, community education, outreach, or policy initiatives. Nominees should demonstrate leadership, innovation, strong performance, or sustainable partnerships. The nominated project must be fully completed with no outstanding financial obligations. The grant provides funding of up to $5,000 and does not require a match. There is no requirement for a final report. Supporting documentation is optional but encouraged. Applications must be submitted via the Chesapeake Bay Trust's online grant system. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST. Late applications will not be accepted, and applicants are encouraged to submit in advance due to the possibility of heavy web traffic on the due date. The application process involves providing detailed information about the nominee and the nominating organization, as well as a narrative addressing how the nominee meets award criteria. Applicants must also upload a screenshot of the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) website showing the organization’s Certificate of Good Standing. Applicants must agree to the program’s terms and conditions and may optionally provide demographic information and diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) goals. Applications are reviewed by the Aileen Hughes Grants Committee, which includes MET staff, board members, and appointed representatives. Final funding recommendations are submitted to the MET Board of Trustees for approval. Award notifications will be made on March 20, 2026, as part of Keep Maryland Beautiful Day. All awarded funds are distributed to the land trust that nominated the winning individual, supporting their continued work in conservation.

Submit early due to high web traffic on deadline day