Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN)
$50,000 / 2011 / Environment
For continued staffing support and expansion of the Maryland Healthy Communities Campaign, designed to bring about accountability and transparency from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in its permit and enforcement practices. In addition to the monitoring of existing power plants and coal ash landfills, CCAN will be ensuring that MDE permit programs meet federal standards.
Chesapeake Legal Alliance
$50,000 / 2011 / Environment
Toward providing pro bono legal services in an effort to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay. Volunteer attorneys are recruited to represent nonprofits, individuals, and agencies seeking legal expertise on matters related to improving the Bay.ﾠ
Chesapeake Media Service, Inc.
$5,000 / 2011 / Environment
Toward support of an urban reporting initiative to provide in-depth coverage of environmental problems facing urban areas in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
American Farmland Trust
$45,000 / 2010 / Environment
Toward support of Clean Water for the Chesapeake Bay, a project designed to reduce nutrient runoff into the Chesapeake Bay and to improve its water quality. The focus of the three-year campaign is to engage local farmers in adopting best practices, and developing and supporting policies to increase agricultural-inclusive actions. With participation of seven local farmers in Maryland, a demonstration project using Best Management Practices Challenge Tools, American Farmland Trust will introduce the computerized systems to determine how to calculate more exact amounts of fertilizer needed. This measured approach is expected to reduce the amount of nitrogen spread on the fields, thus lowering nutrient runoff.
Blue Water Baltimore (formerly Baltimore Water Alliance)
$30,000 / 2010 / Environment
For a challenge grant to launch an inaugural membership campaign for Blue Water Baltimore, a merger of five Baltimore watershed associations. By creating a consolidated organization with a common mission, the newly formed organization will be able to increase its capacity, be cost efficient, reduce duplication, attract and retain specialized staff, expand volunteer opportunities, undertake more effective fundraising, and work toward creating a stronger and more united voice for local watersheds.