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.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
$5,000 / 2010 / Environment
In support of the 2011 Environmental Legislative Summit. The summit will focus on issues that include implementation of a stormwater utility program to address failing systems, sustained funding for the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund, continued smart-growth strategies, and wind energy.
1000 Friends of Maryland
$15,000 / 2009 / Environment
For continued support of staffing and expenses related to the Partners for Open Space campaign, and to advocate for conservation to be a lead legislative issue. With the use of electronic mail, regional polls, a website, and timely media events, the coalition of 155 conservation organizations in Maryland will maintain a voice for protecting open space for parks, preserving agricultural lands, and seeking full funding for Program Open Space.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
$5,000 / 2009 / Environment
In support of the 2010 Environmental Legislative Summit.