Chesapeake Bay Trust

The Chesapeake Bay Trust is a nonprofit, grantmaking organization dedicated to improving the waterways and other natural resources of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay region. Our goal is to improve our watershed by focusing on three core objectives: environmental education, community outreach, and on-the-ground restoration. On average, the Trust awards $10-$13 million per year in grants to better local communities and the Bay. We reach more than 250,000 individuals annually who are making a difference for our waters and for the natural resources of our region. Our reason is simple: we believe that getting individuals involved is the key to restoring the Chesapeake Bay and our rivers and streams. The Trust is supported by the sale of the Treasure the Chesapeake license plate, donations to the Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund on the Maryland State income tax form, donations from individuals and corporations, and partnerships with private foundations and federal, state, and local agencies such as Anne Arundel County. The Trust continually earns a 4-star charity rating, the highest possible by Charity Navigator, a national charity evaluator. Ninety-two cents of every dollar goes directly to projects and educational programs in the community.