The Anne Arundel County Forestry Board and the Chesapeake Bay Trust announce a partnership to provide small community-based grants (up to $2,500) to help communities and organizations increase the number of trees and tree canopy in neighborhoods, parks, and communities throughout Anne Arundel County.
Donor Name: Chesapeake Bay Trust
State: Maryland
County: Anne Arundel County (MD)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: Ongoing
Size of the Grant: up to $2,500
Grant Duration: 12 months
Details:
The purpose of this program is to provide funding to Anne Arundel County neighborhood associations, community associations, non-profit groups, and other groups to plant trees, increase tree canopy, remove invasive plants, and engage residents in environmental stewardship.
The Anne Arundel County Community Planting Mini Grant Program is designed to increase the number of trees planted in Anne Arundel County and engage Anne Arundel County community members in tree planting activities that raise public awareness and participation in restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers.
Neighborhood by neighborhood, community stewardship projects are helping to raise public awareness about the health of their region’s tree canopy, watersheds, air quality, streams, rivers, and the Bay, as well as the steps that can be taken to restore and protect them. By increasing tree cover and expanding green areas, the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service reports that erosion can be reduced, water and soil quality can be improved, airborne pollutants such as particulates, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide can be filtered, and summer temperatures, ozone pollution, and energy use can be reduced. In addition, adding trees to a community has clear economic benefits. Studies show that urban trees and green space play an important role in providing a higher quality of life, enhancing local economic development opportunities, and increasing property values.
Funding Information
The Forestry Board and the Trust anticipate total funds available in FY23 of up to $20,000. Applicants may request up to $2,500 to complete their project.
Project Timeline
Projects must be completed within 12 months upon receipt of the award. Requests to extend project completion period will be reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis.
Eligible Project Types
This program funds all tree planting projects following the guidelines below.
- All planting projects must include a native plant list, planting plan, project design, photo(s) of the planting/restoration site, and a detailed maintenance plan for at least two years.
- Projects can be completed on public property, property owned by non-profit organizations, community-owned property, and other property with conservation easements or signed long-term protection agreements.
- For projects planned on properties other than that of the applicant, attach a letter stating that permission has been granted by the entity owning the land on which the project will be 4 completed. Proposals that demonstrate long-term (five to seven years) commitment to upkeep, manage, and maintain the project will receive more favorable review.
- If permits are required, describe the status of those permits (i.e., permits pending review of application, permits secured).
- Requests for invasive vegetation removal as part of site preparation for native planting projects are permitted. o Removal of trees, dead or dying, are not applicable through this grant program. ¨ Signage for requests in highly visible areas is highly recommended.
Eligible Applicants
The Forestry Board and the Trust welcome requests from the following organizations:
- 501(c)3 Private Nonprofit Organizations
- Faith-based organizations
- Community Associations
- Service and Civic Groups
- Municipal, County, Regional, State, Federal Public Agencies
- Soil/Water Conservation Districts & Resource Conservation and Development Councils
- Forestry Boards
- Public and Independent Higher Educational Institutions
For more information, visit Chesapeake Bay Trust.
