Watershed restoration in the Chesapeake Bay region has made important gains—such as sediment reduction, oyster restoration, and fish passage—but meeting nutrient reduction and water quality improvement goals remains a persistent challenge. Rising project costs, complex regulatory requirements, and a fragmented funding landscape continue to limit many communities’ ability to plan, fund, and deliver restoration work. Targeting community based organizations(CBOs) in Western Maryland, offers a strategic opportunity to maximize water quality improvements and long-term ecological benefits in parts of the Bay watershed previously underserved.
Through this project, EFC is serving as a Connector Group, helping CBOs in Western Maryland strengthen the relationships, knowledge, and capacity needed to pursue watershed restoration funding. Key deliverables include: a targeted outreach plan and culturally relevant materials; an on-demand informational webinar comparing funding opportunities; identification of eligible, interested organizations new to restoration-focused grant programs; a needs assessment to guide support; coordination of up to three in-person capacity-building workshops; analysis of evaluation survey results; and connecting interested CBOs with technical service partners to guide grant application development. CBOs can express interest in this program by completing this short survey.
Sponsor: Chesapeake Bay Trust
Team Members: