Mini Urban Trees Grant

The Urban Trees Mini Grant Program is administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, a nonprofit organization established in 1985 to support environmental restoration and education throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Trust has awarded over $190 million in grants to a wide variety of applicants including municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and public institutions. This mini-grant initiative forms part of the larger state-driven commitment by the Maryland General Assembly to plant 5,000,000 native trees by the year 2031. It is designed to catalyze community-based urban tree planting efforts, particularly in underserved areas throughout Maryland. The primary objective of the Urban Trees Mini Grant Program is to enhance the quality of life in urban communities by mitigating heat islands, improving air quality, and promoting environmental equity. Tree planting projects supported through this program are expected to offer tangible health and environmental benefits and empower local groups to transform their neighborhoods into greener, more livable spaces. The initiative places a strong emphasis on inclusion, encouraging participation by groups historically underrepresented in environmental programming, including communities of color and organizations facing capacity limitations. Applications for the program are accepted on a rolling basis and may request up to $10,000 in funding. To be eligible, projects must occur within specific urban, underserved areas in Maryland, as defined by state law and mapped online. These include locations historically impacted by redlining, areas with elevated unemployment, lower-than-average household income, or defined public housing zones. Tree planting sites must fall within designated “orange” areas on the provided map or be proximate to qualifying housing projects. Applications must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to the proposed start of project activities. Acceptable expenditures under the grant include costs directly related to tree planting, such as supplies, labor, maintenance, and site preparation. Maintenance for at least two years post-planting is mandatory. A limited portion of funding, capped at $250, may be used to address associated community needs that indirectly support greening, such as youth education, convening public meetings, or revitalization efforts—these expenses are funded by BGE (an Exelon company), not the State of Maryland. The Trust aims to maintain an average cost of $180 per tree across all funded projects but recognizes individual project variation. While cost efficiency is emphasized, no match is required due to the program’s focus on reducing barriers for underserved groups. To apply, applicants must submit a completed narrative form describing project goals, sites, budget, and community context, along with a financial spreadsheet. Optional but strongly encouraged components include a planting plan with native tree species, a two-year maintenance plan, and letters of landowner or partner commitment. Applications are submitted via the Trust’s online system. New applicants and groups experiencing capacity challenges are encouraged to reach out for technical assistance. The grant contact for this program is Lianna Gomori-Ruben, reachable at lgomori-ruben@cbtrust.org or (410) 974-2941 ext. 112. Applications will be reviewed using a set of core criteria including alignment with program goals, budget appropriateness, project feasibility, and potential for long-term success. Visibility, community impact, and inclusive engagement are also considered. Applicants will be notified of award decisions by letter, and if approved, an award agreement will be executed. Final reports including receipts, invoices, and timesheets are required upon completion. Trust staff are available to support applicants throughout the process.