The Community Engagement and Restoration Mini Grant Program, administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, is designed to support projects that strengthen community ties while promoting environmental stewardship. The program specifically funds small-scale environmental restoration and community engagement projects within Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed portion of West Virginia. The intent is to empower underrepresented communities and groups that have traditionally been less involved in environmental initiatives. This annual opportunity typically opens to applicants at the beginning of July each year.
Projects funded through this program include community-centered activities such as tree plantings, the creation of rain gardens, stream cleanups, and storm drain stenciling. A comprehensive list of eligible activities is available in the annually updated Request for Proposals (RFP). The maximum grant amount is $5,000, and while financial matching is encouraged, it is not required. This makes the grant accessible to a wide range of small organizations and community-based groups with limited budgets.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, community associations, and faith-based organizations. Importantly, only groups that have received three or fewer grants from the Chesapeake Bay Trust in the past are eligible to apply. This criterion ensures that newer and smaller organizations have equitable access to funding. The application process is completed online via the Trust's grant portal.
Resources are provided to assist first-time applicants, including guides on native plant selection, site planning, plant quantity calculations, and maintenance planning. Applicants are also encouraged to utilize mentorship opportunities offered by the Trust for additional support during project development and submission. Contact information for state-specific inquiries is available, with Grace Dho managing Maryland projects and Kayleigh Katzenberger overseeing West Virginia submissions.
The grant program remains open on a rolling basis, accepting applications until funds are fully allocated for the fiscal year. This flexible timeline allows applicants to plan and prepare their proposals thoroughly. Example projects funded in past cycles illustrate the program’s broad applicability, ranging from ecological enhancements in residential neighborhoods to educational tree planting initiatives that foster volunteerism and awareness.
