Best Water Grants in Maryland

Maryland public agencies, local governments, tribes, higher education institutions, and nonprofits in eligible Appalachian counties can seek funding for water, wastewater, transportation, broadband, and related infrastructure or workforce projects. Maryland water resource and infrastructure initiatives can access funding through Appalachian Regional Commission’s Area Development Program, which supports critical infrastructure and business and workforce development across its multistate region.

Private forest landowners conserving land and habitat in designated Maryland Forest Legacy Areas can secure funding for perpetual conservation easements that prevent conversion to non-forest uses. Focused on land and habitat conservation, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources supports projects that protect environmentally important forests, benefiting wildlife, water quality, and broader freshwater and watershed conservation efforts.

Nonprofit, community, and faith-based organizations hosting water-focused events in Maryland can receive up to US $500 to support conferences, festivals, forums, and similar activities. Chesapeake Bay Trust supports water resource and watershed awareness efforts in Maryland by sponsoring events that promote natural resource restoration and its key revenue programs.

Nonprofit organizations with strong financial histories can receive US $50,000 - US $400,000 for sustainability projects, including freshwater conservation and water resource management, in eligible Maryland communities. Focused on environmental impact, Green Mountain Energy supports initiatives like renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and sustainable agriculture that demonstrate measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Watershed & Climate Services (WCS) is committed to providing technical and financial assistance to Maryland’s communities that are challenged by intense storms, changing sea levels and increasing flooding, while balancing growing populations, economic growth, and increased tourism and recreation. These trends make the already challenging task of restoring the Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding people and infrastructure and managing natural resources even more complex.

Grants Gateway provides a resource for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies. Grants Gateway provides a centralized hub to streamline the grant application process for governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Eligible projects across six programs (as above) will improve water quality, restore local waterways, increase community flood planning, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, improve shorelines, and plan for beneficial reuse.

Beneficial Use (Outcome 5)

Assessment, planning, design, and permitting for projects that treat dredged sediment as a resource 

What kinds of projects are supported by this funding?

Assessment, planning, design, and permitting for projects using dredged material (e.g., thin-layer placement) to restore wetlands.

• Feasibility studies for stabilizing eroding shorelines or islands using local sediment.
• Restoration of underwater grasses or enhancement of fish/shellfish habitats.
• Development of local sediment management plans to match community dredging needs with restoration sites.

Projects can be located throughout Maryland. Public and private lands are eligible, but projects on private lands must demonstrate a community-wide benefit. Projects must be located within Maryland’s Coastal Zone.

State and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Maryland facing drinking water emergencies can receive up to US $1,000,000 to repair or develop water systems. USDA Rural Development funds waterline extensions, leak repairs, and new water sources or treatment facilities for low-income rural areas and towns of 10,000 or less.

State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Maryland can obtain funding to build or improve water and waste systems. With a mission to strengthen rural infrastructure, USDA Rural Development provides support for drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and storm water projects, including related legal, engineering, land, and start-up costs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, education, health, human services, cultural programs, or veteran support in Maryland communities where Penn National Gaming operates may be eligible for Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants. Funding can support local projects that improve resident well-being, public safety, and community infrastructure in Cecil County.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects serving Baltimore City in Maryland can apply for Abell Foundation grants over More than US $10,000 to support community-focused work. Funding may support freshwater conservation, environment, community development, and related efforts improving quality of life for underserved residents.

Businesses, nonprofits, schools, farmers, and public agencies in Maryland can apply for Maryland Energy Administration’s Solar Canopy and Dual Use Technology funding; awards US $100,000 - US $250,000 for dual-use solar installations on parking areas or water. Projects may include EV charging, floating solar, and community solar benefiting critical infrastructure and disadvantaged communities.

Environmental and water-focused nonprofits in Maryland can seek funding for conservation, sustainable resource management, and community-based environmental projects. Focused on environment and sustainable resources management, Joseph Robert Foundation invites Mid-Atlantic 501(c)(3) organizations, especially smaller groups, to apply for project, research, education, or general operating support, with awards up to US $10,000.

501(c)(3) public charities serving residents of Montgomery or Prince George’s Counties in Maryland can apply for Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $250,000 to support work improving DC-area lives. Environmental projects including freshwater conservation, watershed restoration, and pollution reduction may be eligible alongside broader community, education, and health initiatives.

Local governments and nonprofit organizations in Maryland and eligible West Virginia Chesapeake Bay watershed counties can apply for Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Watershed Assistance Grant Program, with awards up to US $150,000 for watershed restoration project design, permitting, and planning. Funding supports early-phase work that positions applicants for future implementation grants and local water quality planning efforts.

Maryland agricultural landowners, nonprofits, and public entities planning tree planting or reforestation projects in Maryland can access funding through Maryland Environmental Trust’s Keep Maryland Beautiful Track 3 program. Grants up to US $50,000 support reforestation, riparian buffers, and expanded forest cover that improve water quality and broader environmental health on qualifying agricultural lands.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Watershed & Climate Services (WCS) is committed to providing technical and financial assistance to Maryland’s communities that are challenged by intense storms, changing sea levels and increasing flooding, while balancing growing populations, economic growth, and increased tourism and recreation. These trends make the already challenging task of restoring the Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding people and infrastructure and managing natural resources even more complex.

Grants Gateway provides a resource for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies. Grants Gateway provides a centralized hub to streamline the grant application process for governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Eligible projects across six programs (as above) will improve water quality, restore local waterways, increase community flood planning, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, improve shorelines, and plan for beneficial reuse.

Environmental Education and Stewardship (Outcome 4)

Improve student and community ability to take action benefiting Chesapeake ecosystems through professional development and training, curriculum expansion, outdoor learning and stewardship.

What kind of projects are supported by Environmental Education and Stewardship?

Funding will be offered as available to support learning experiences and educational opportunities focused on environmental issue exploration and investigation leading to stewardship action. Funding supports two tracks for this funding program:

• Track One will focus on projects serving formal K-12 education systems, and
• Track Two will focus on projects serving communities or public education. Both tracks include proposals focused on local watershed and land-use issues, and should be based on sound environmental education principles.

Applicants should collaborate with the student or community that they will be working with to build capacity, engagement and stewardship. The project should address the needs of the community and include the voices of the community.

All projects should be located within Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Watershed & Climate Services (WCS) is committed to providing technical and financial assistance to Maryland’s communities that are challenged by intense storms, changing sea levels and increasing flooding, while balancing growing populations, economic growth, and increased tourism and recreation. These trends make the already challenging task of restoring the Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding people and infrastructure and managing natural resources even more complex.

Grants Gateway provides a resource for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies. Grants Gateway provides a centralized hub to streamline the grant application process for governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Eligible projects across six programs (as above) will improve water quality, restore local waterways, increase community flood planning, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, improve shorelines, and plan for beneficial reuse.

Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Outcome 1)

There are two tracks including the traditional competitive grant program and the Pay for Performance track.

Pay for Performance Track

In addition to the traditional competitive grant program, the Trust Fund is soliciting pay for performance contracts that provide the following:

• Cost per lb or outcome and cost per unit of implementation that is more cost effective than traditional grant values, as seen in the Trust Fund Table. Maryland DNR may select to not fund proposals as Pay for Performance if found to be less cost effective than traditional grant mechanisms.

• Reduced risk to state as payments commence once the project is installed and verified, with subsequent payments offered once project is verified to be functioning and sustained

• Innovative projects and/or projects of scale: Large scale restoration where implementation units exceed traditional grant acreages; Additionally, the state is interested in supporting holistic projects that maximize co-benefits; Innovative BMPs with a quantifiable reduction in nutrient and/or sediment pollution or increase in co-benefits

• Measurement of goal attainment (%) - Measure of success is more specific than implementation units and must include measurement of hydric soils, plant survivability, canopy cover, plant density or other indicators that measure performance.

• Long-term sustainability of performance measures achieved through expected project lifespan, monitoring, easements/landowner agreements, operation and maintenance and/or adaptive management plans

Pre-Proposal Meetings are required for all Pay for Performance Proposals; site visits are required for stream restoration projects and strongly encouraged for other restoration practices.

Agricultural producers and non‑industrial private forest landowners in Maryland can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that improve water quality and overall natural resources. Focused on environmental conservation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invites Maryland land stewards to address freshwater conservation, water resource management, soil health, air quality, habitat, and energy efficiency through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Community groups and volunteer-based organizations in Maryland can receive up to US $1,000 for tree planting and education projects on public lands, including parks and school grounds. Focused on urban forestry, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources program can support projects that enhance urban tree canopy and contribute to local water and ecosystem health.

Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Maryland and other Appalachian states can seek land acquisition funding from The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program. Grants up to US $100,000 support fee or easement purchases and related costs that protect resilient, connected lands and deliver community benefits such as drinking water protection and access to nature.

Maryland government agencies and nonprofit organizations can seek reimbursement funding for developing and maintaining land and water-based recreational trails and related facilities through the Recreational Trails Program. Focused on outdoor recreation infrastructure, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration supports projects that may benefit water-focused recreation and access across Maryland. Awards are typically more than US $25,000.

Maryland 501(c)(3) public charities and K–12 public schools, colleges, and universities can seek support for freshwater conservation and water resource management projects. Focused on watershed protection, water conservation, and equitable access to water-based recreation, the American Water Charitable Foundation funds community-based projects within American Water’s Maryland service areas that can be completed within 12 months.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations operating in Anne Arundel County can receive US $3,000 - US $10,000 to improve local water and environmental conditions. With a mission to strengthen environmental stewardship, Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County supports projects addressing stormwater and contaminants, freshwater conservation, and Chesapeake Bay protection, including local streams, rivers, and natural areas.

Maryland municipalities, nonprofits, and community groups planning green infrastructure or stormwater projects can access funding through the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns program. Awards up to US $175,000 support design, implementation, community greening, urban tree canopy, and related white papers within the Chesapeake Bay watershed to improve local waters and neighborhood livability.

Public and private marinas in Maryland can apply for Maryland Department of Natural Resources pumpout station grants, offering up to US $20,000 for purchasing and installing marine sewage pumpout facilities. Funding can also reimburse pumpout operations, maintenance, upgrades, and replacements to improve water resource management and recreational water quality.

Local and regional public or nonprofit organizations planning rural infrastructure or community development projects in Maryland may be eligible for this funding. Focused on rural development and public infrastructure, Rural Maryland Council invites proposals that improve housing, transportation, water, wastewater, broadband, and related facilities to enhance economic opportunity and quality of life in eligible rural counties.

Regional or statewide public and nonprofit organizations in Maryland can apply for Rural Maryland Council’s Rural Health Care Grant to support rural health access, delivery, and planning projects. Funding may benefit programs such as telehealth, nonemergency medical transportation, behavioral health, chronic disease prevention, or maternal and child health that serve rural communities, including water-transportation access challenges.

Public and nonprofit organizations improving rural infrastructure in Maryland can access funding for regional projects involving water, wastewater, broadband, transportation, workforce housing, and related facilities. Rural Maryland Council provides matching grants for multi-jurisdictional efforts, including utility infrastructure upgrades, GIS services, and renewable energy facilities that may benefit water resource management in eligible counties.