Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., announced a grant opportunity, in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, for projects that improve communities, reduce runoff, and enhance our local natural resources. These projects are for Baltimore City green spaces, parks, tree canopies, water bodies and more.

Project funding comes from the stormwater utility fee paid by City property owners. DPW invests the stormwater utility fees in communities to better the health and well-being of City residents.

The Outreach and Restoration Grant Program will fund a variety of outreach, education, and restoration projects. Examples include outreach and education programs to assist in installing stormwater best practices at residential homes such as rain gardens, downspout disconnections, rain barrels, and tree plantings.  Restoration projects can include bio-retention cells, bioswales, or other low impact development techniques.

To apply for the grant and view a program overview webinar, community partners must visit the Chesapeake Bay Trust Outreach and Restoration Grant Program  website at https://cbtrust.org/grants/outreach-and-restoration.  The program is accepting proposals, now through 4:00 p.m. on August 22, within three distinct funding tracks:

Outreach up to $30,000 for projects focused on education and awareness as project outcomes and up to $50,000 for behavior change projects.

Restoration: up to $50,000 for restoration implementation projects.

Outreach and Restoration: up to $75,000 for projects that combine outreach projects with restoration projects to achieve meaningful and measurable outcomes.

Please note that restoration projects proposed in the City may require that as-built drawings be included in the proposal budget. Applicants should discuss this requirement with Chesapeake Bay Trust prior to applying for funds. 

Grant applications are submitted online.  For help with technical support regarding the application process or to ask questions about the grant program, contact Bre’Anna Brooks at 410-974-2941, ext. 112 or Sarah Koser at 410-974-2941, ext. 106.  Applicants are advised to reach out as soon as possible to discuss ideas for their applications.