Keep Maryland Beautiful

The Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program is a partnership between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Maryland Environmental Trust (MET), Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT).

This grant program builds the capacity of land trusts and supports other community-based organizations that are increasing civic engagement and the adoption of stewardship practices and developing solutions to local environmental problems. Proposed projects activate residents and encourage stewardship through education, outreach, and planting activities while increasing awareness of and working towards addressing local environmental problems.

What this funds: This grant program welcomes applications for projects in the state of Maryland. Applicants can request funds from one of the following tracks.

Track 1: Community Stewardship (up to $5,000)

Track 2: Land Trust Assistance (up to $10,000)

Track 3: Tree Planting on Agricultural Lands (up to $50,000)

Is match required: Match is encouraged but not required.

Who can apply: Non-profit organizations, local governments and municipalities, community and homeowner associations, faith-based organizations, and more. See the RFP for full list of organizations.

Application Process: The Chesapeake Bay Trust’s applications are all submitted though an online system. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Vice President of Progam, Outreach and Education, Kacey Wetzel at 410-974-2941, ext. 104 or at KWetzel@cbtrust.org

View the previous year announcement for the 2025 Keep Maryland Beautiful Awards: Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants Award $238,751 for Conservation Efforts for 2025

To see the list of funded projects from last year (FY25), click here.

Program Status: OPEN

Deadline is: Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 4pm EST

Click Here to View the Request for Proposals (RFP) - Track 1 & 2 Click Here to View the Request for Proposals (RFP) - Track 3

Narrative Questions

Track 1 Narrative Questions Track 2 Narrative Questions Track 3 Narrative Questions

Start a New Application

Get started with a new application

Get Started: Track 1 & 2 Get Started: Track 3

Manage an Existing Award

Manage an existing award or continue an application

Manage Award

Learn more about previously awarded projects on our interactive map!

View Map

Questions & Technical Support

Kacey Wetzel
Outreach and Education
Vice President of Programs
KWetzel@cbtrust.org
410-974-2941 x 104

Aileen Hughes Award Program

The Aileen Hughes Grant is awarded annually to an individual representing a Maryland land trust who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in land conservation. Funding is awarded to a land trust on behalf of an individual and their good work, rather than to the individual themselves. The grant honors the late Aileen Hughes, a leader in the conservation movement, supporter of women’s and civil rights, and protector of our State’s natural and cultural resources. Aileen was the president of the American Chestnut Land Trust for many years.

Award Amount: Up to $5,000

Who can apply: Maryland land trusts can nominate an individual from their own land trust or another Maryland land trust for the Aileen Hughes Award.

Award Objectives: To support and acknowledge leaders in Maryland’s land trust community and to encourage a high level of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.