Past Grants

The Conservation Fund

For continued implementation of the Technical Assistance Program, now serving five selected counties and their planning boards. The goal is to develop plans designed to ensure balance of smart growth with prudent conservation. Building on the award-winning model for the town of Vienna, MD, the Fund encourages planning that ensures economic viability while protecting landscapes, aquatic resources, woodlands, and wildlife.

Environmental Integrity Project

In support of an effort designed to strengthen Maryland’s Clean Air Act by investigating permit and compliance records of Maryland’s coal-burning power plants. The project will attempt to educate the community about the cost benefits of requiring clean-up of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, mercury, and carbon dioxide emissions.

Environment Law Institute

In support of “Putting Tax Policies in the Service of Chesapeake Bay Pollution Prevention.” The goal is to develop tax incentives that support Maryland agriculture, while providing measures to help prevent water pollution caused by agricultural practices.

Herring Run Watershed Association

Two grants toward renovation of the Herring Run Watershed Center responding to “green technologies” that have been developed to reduce residential energy costs. The green plan includes the installation of a bamboo floor, solar hot water heating system, cistern to gather rainwater, and use of green-friendly materials. With the expectation that this effort should reduce energy costs by 30 percent, the storefront rowhouse will serve as a model for other neighborhood rowhouses.

Maryland PIRG Foundation

Challenge grant to provide staffing in support of the Environmental Health Policy Project. In partnership with other nonprofits, Maryland PIRG will work to raise awareness of mercury, dioxin, and other health-related environmental concerns, pursue media coverage, and produce reports on the harmful effects of airborne toxins.