Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps
Mini Grant Program
The Corps Mini Grant Program is specifically designed as an opportunity for current Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Members to gain experience with grant proposal writing and development and grant management. Corps Members are invited to submit one grant proposal each in this program. Corps Members, with the Host Organization mentors, should begin to think about what they’d like to propose in the Mini Grant applications after their work plans are completed. Both Members and Mentors are more than welcome to discuss project ideas with Trust staff.
What does this program fund? This program funds a wide range of activities and is intended to support a Corps Member’s Capstone Project or other project in their work plan.
Who can apply? Current Corps Members may apply to the program. Note: Please work with your Mentor to determine what organization you should work with to apply or reach out to Sydney Tolliver (stolliver@cbtrust.org) if you need assistance.
How much can be awarded? Requests up to $1,250
Process and Timeline: The Chesapeake Bay Trust’s grant applications are all submitted through an online system, using the “Start a New Application” button to the right. Proposals will be reviewed by at least two Trust staff and decisions released 8 weeks after proposal submission.
Final Reporting: The final report must be submitted prior to the completion of service in August 2025.
Corps Mini Final Report Narrative
Program Status: OPEN
Application Deadline: Requests were accepted on an ongoing basis until Friday, March 7th 2025 at 4:00 PM EST
Start a New Application
Manage an Existing Application or Grant
Questions & Technical Support
Sydney Tolliver
Outreach and Education
Program Coordinator
stolliver@cbtrust.org
410-974-2941 x 137
Example Projects
Neighborhood Design Center – Eleanor Roosevelt High School Eco Murals
The Neighborhood Design Center partnered with Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, MD, to revitalize eight of their temporary classroom structures with environmental murals that clearly connect to the health, protection, and stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
15 students’ designs, focused on themes like community well-being, watershed health, biodiversity, natural resource conservation, air and water pollution, and cultural identity, were selected for implementation and after Corps Member, Natalia Bezerra, traced the mural designs on to the wall spaces, 78 student volunteers, 2 professional volunteers, and 5 NDC staff gathered to paint the murals.
Accokeek Foundation – Agriculture Conservation Corps
As a Capstone Project, Corps Member Eric Armstrong supported the recruitment of 15 Prince George’s County High School students through the Youth@Work Summer Youth Enrichment Program to spend 6 weeks participating in hands on sustainable agriculture and environmental education work.
Each week the students worked on projects and engaged in experiential learning opportunities related to a theme. These themes included permaculture, urban agriculture, modern homesteading, careers in sustainable agriculture, and more. All-in-all, the students restored over 23,ooo sq. ft. of wetlands, removed 75 sq. ft. of invasive species, and removed 20 lbs of trash!
National Aquarium – Dream Center Native Plant Habitat Garden
Along with partners the National Aquarium’s Corps Member, Andrea van Wyk, worked with the Dream Center in South Baltimore’s Brooklyn Community to develop a native plant habitat garden. The Dream Center serves as a space to address the needs of the community and is able to use the garden as meditative space while also forging connections between community members and environmental stewardship.
Overall, 350 native plants were installed, 95 community volunteers were engaged, and 21 rain barrels were installed!
