The Chesapeake Bay Trust is excited to announce that the Environmental Education grant program is currently open. The Trust recognizes that the future health of our environment, economy, and communities depends on an environmentally literate and engaged citizenry. The Trust seeks to empower students with the knowledge and skills to act responsibly to protect and restore their local environment by providing grants that establish, enhance, or expand sustainable environmental literacy programs for pre-K through 12th grade students using the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE) model. In line with Maryland Environmental Literacy Standards and the Student Outcome of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, funded programs will use the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE) model. The MWEE is a type of project-based learning which consists of an investigation into a local environmental issue through a combination of learning in the classroom and outdoors which culminates in students planning and implementing action projects that address the issue in their school or community.
Funds can support personnel, contractual, transportation, supply, and other costs associated with: planning, development, and curriculum integration; lesson plans and student resources; teacher professional development; establishment of teacher and school support networks; equipment and materials; and costs associated with outdoor learning experiences and student action projects.
Who can apply: Maryland school districts, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, higher education institutions, community associations, faith-based organizations and more.
Project Types and Funding Availability:
• Track 1 Multi-Year Projects: Applicants may request from $5,001 to $40,000 per year for up to three years (maximum $120,000 total award from 2020 – 2023) for projects that focus on the development and implementation of a systemic MWEE program that will be embedded into the curriculum of a targeted grade or course at all schools across a school district. The Trust anticipates making 1-3 multi-year awards.
• Track 2 Single-Year Requests: Applicants may request $5,001 to $40,000 for one year (a grant period from March 2020 – August 2021) for projects that focus on the development and implementation (1) a systemic MWEE program embedded at all of the schools across a school district, (2) a systemic MWEE program being piloted at a subset of schools within a district, or (3) a non-traditional approach to the MWEE model. The Trust anticipates making 6-7 awards at this level.
Application due date: December 5, 2019 at 4pm
Application submission: Grant applications are submitted through our online system. Click on the “Get Started” button to start a new application. Visit the Environmental Education Grant Program webpage to learn more about this opportunity and start an application: https://cbtrust.org/grants/environmental-education/
See the Request for Proposals (RFP) for more information about the grant program’s goals, eligible project types, and application process.
Contact the grant manager with questions or assistance: Tara Drennan, 410-974-2941, ext.102
