Fact Sheets


What is the Chesapeake Bay Trust?
 The Chesapeake Bay Trust is a private, nonprofit grant making organization whose mission is to promote public participation and awareness in the protection and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in the state of
Maryland.  Created by the Maryland General Assembly in 1985, the Trust has awarded more than $24 million in grants.

 

Where does the Trust get its funding? The majority of the organization's funding comes from two primary sources: the sale of the Treasure the Chesapeake Maryland commemorative license plates, and via the tax check-off through line 37 on the state of Maryland income tax return. Additional funding comes from private and corporate contributions.

 

How is the Trust's money spent?   Approximately 90 percent of the Trust's annual revenue directly funds on-the-ground restoration programs.  CBT’s grants vary in amount, ranging from a low of about $25 to $150,000. For the fourth consecutive year, the Chesapeake Bay Trust has received a four star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charities, for effective management of funding and donations.

 

Who is the governing body for the Trust? The Trust is governed by a board of trustees, including five ex-officio positions consisting of the president of the Senate, the speaker of the House, and leaders of the departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment. The remaining 14 members are appointed by the governor to staggered four-year terms and represent business, education, conservation, local government and the general public.

 

What are some types of projects that the Trust has funded? The Trust offered nine individual grant programs that are designed to tackle specific Bay issues and build educational opportunities for citizens throughout the state.  There are many different types of projects that the Trust funds, but some of the most frequent projects include shoreline restoration, oyster gardening, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) plantings, tree plantings, storm water management, rain garden plantings, stream/river clean-ups, water quality monitoring, and hands-on Bay field trips for school children.

 

Who can apply for grants? Individuals, schools, government agencies and any nonprofit organization that is willing to engage students or volunteers in Bay activities can apply for a grant, however generally speaking, the Trust does not fund projects on private land.

 

Chesapeake Bay Trust Contact Information:
Chesapeake Bay Trust

60 West Street, Suite 405

Annapolis, MD 21401

Phone: 410.974.2941

Website: www.cbtrust.org

Allen Hance, Executive Director

Paul Allen, Chairman of the Board of Trustees