The Chesapeake Bay Trust is a nonprofit, grant-making organization with a mission to promote public awareness and public participation in the protection and restoration of the natural resources of the Chesapeake region. Our goal is to increase stewardship through grant programs, special initiatives, and partnerships that support environmental education, on-the-ground restoration, and community engagement activities.

The Trust has existed for over three decades, and it that time we have grown to become one of the largest natural resources grant-making organizations in the region. Everyone in our area lives within a few miles of a stream or other waterway: The work of our 400+ grantees each year makes a difference in the millions that live within the 64,000 square miles that make up the Chesapeake Bay watershed and watersheds like the Coastal Bays and Youghiogheny.

Within this website, you will find the full catalog of available grant opportunities with directions on how to apply, as well as information on ways you yourself can support our family of grantees by donating through the Trust. The Trust is funded through these types of donations as well as other sources: the Chesapeake and Endangered Species Fund on the state income form, partnerships with other entities looking to support our grantees, and, of course, by Treasure the Chesapeake license plate program. Buying a Bay plate for $20 is the easiest way to help the Bay! The Bay is improving – we need your help to continue in the right direction.

Thank you for treasuring our Chesapeake Bay,

Jana Davis, Ph.D.
Executive Director