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Additional Resources

This page provides resources to help you develop a project and write a proposal that will be successful and accomplish your stated goals.   For specific criteria for projects the Trust prefers to fund please see the Request for Proposals (RFP) for this grant program.  To download a copy of the Mini Grant RFP visit our Grant Forms page.

Project Planning

In order to help you plan your project and ensure it is based on best practices you are encouraged to access the resources listed below.

Mini Grant Program Required Attachments:

As reminder there are required attachments depending on the type of project proposed (please see the appropriate Mini Grant RFP for full program criteria):

If you are proposing a project to include a native planting project of any type the Trust requires:

         a) A native plant list
         b) A signed maintenance plan that details who will water, weed and mulch year round
         c) A site plan and photos of the site to be planted

If you are proposing a project to include workshops of any type the Trust requires:

         a) A detailed workshop agenda
         b) List of speakers (if applicable)

 Tips for Applying:

  • The Trust requests that the date of the specific events or trips associated with the project be provided in the proposal; however, if you have not yet been assigned a field trip date please provide your application form or supporting information with the potential dates that are requested.

  • Student led action projects will preferably occur outdoors, separate of the field trip, and should be connected directly to the students issue investigation. Strong student-led action projects will help the students to connect their school or community spaces to the watershed. There are two options for student led action projects they may be either:

    • Identified up front in the proposal with detailed information about logistics, curriculum connection, and costs (which should be noted in the budget).

    • Identified as one to two options up front to be selected later by the students; if this option is selected then specific projects must be listed and detailed information provided around logistics and curriculum connection; costs for these potential action projects should be listed as match (preferably this option will selected for high school students rather than elementary or middle school students).
  • The Trust does not fund in-classroom preparation costs; however, if costs for preparation are requested for outside educators to assist with preparation work on school grounds please explain what the role of the teacher will be in preparing students for their meaningful watershed education experience.

  • During periods of high demand the Trust may not be able to fund more than $5k per school per round. Additionally due to rising transportation costs the Trust encourages schools to consider local environmental education providers

Environmental Literacy: Applicants proposing projects within the Mini Grant Program for k-12 Environmental Education Requests are strongly encouraged to align their proposal to meet one or more of Maryland State Department of Education's Environmental Literacy Standards.

         Official Environmental Literacy Regulation
         Consideration for the Development of Enironmental Literacy Requirements
         Environmental Literacy FAQ

Guiding Principles for Evaluators: The American Evaluation Association's tool to be used when creating your evaluations and reports.  
                                                         

Environmental Education Providers:
For a full list, please visit the BayBackpack field studies page

Technical Experts:

Web Based Resources:
Please visit the Chesapeake Bay Trust resource section for more web based resources.

 Scientific Journals:

Books:

  • Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature- Deficit Disorder: by Richard Louv (April 10,2008)

  • Place-based Education: Connecting Classrooms and Communities: With Index by David Sobel and James Tylor and the Center for Ecoliteracy (Feb 20, 2004)

Grant Writing Assistance

Whether you've written many grant applications or if this is your first time, it never hurts to learn more aboutt how to prepare a successful application.  Access these resources for grant writing tips and best practices. Click here for general grant writing tips.

Additional Funding Sources

The Trust encourages grantees to seek additional funds for your project. Click here for a list of potential funding opportunities.

Signage

The Trust encourages grantees to include signage to support community based projects. Click here for a list of resources, sample signs, and Trust logos (required for all Trust supported projects).

For technical assistance at the Trust regarding mini grants, please contact Kacey Wetzel at 410.974.2941, Ext. 104.