What This Grant Funds

Revenue from Virginia's "Friend of the Chesapeake" specialty license plates goes directly into the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund, which the Division of Legislative Services (DLS) administers through a citizen advisory committee. Each year, the fund distributes dozens of small grants to schools, universities, nonprofits, and government agencies for Bay education and restoration projects. Award sizes typically range from $3,000 to $12,000, with some 2026 awards reaching $15,000. Schools are explicitly eligible and frequently funded. The application process is lighter than most state grant programs, making this a good starting point for schools new to competitive grant writing.

Who Can Apply

Schools, colleges and universities, nonprofit conservation organizations, and government agencies located in the Chesapeake Bay watershed are eligible. This includes most of eastern and central Virginia. Public schools can apply directly; they do not need to be 501(c)(3) organizations. Projects must address Chesapeake Bay education, water quality, habitat restoration, or related ecological goals. Programs that get students outside to investigate local waterways or take environmental action score well.

How to Apply

Applications are historically due in early fall -- around October -- for spring award decisions. Check the DLS Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund page in late summer for the current cycle announcement. The application is shorter than most state grant programs and typically asks for a project description, budget, and explanation of how the work connects to Bay restoration goals. First-time applicants are encouraged to contact the advisory committee staff before submitting.

Funding Amount

Awards typically range from $3,000 to $12,000, with some years seeing awards up to $15,000 for larger projects. The total pool varies each year based on license plate revenue. There is no local match requirement. Smaller classroom-level projects can compete alongside larger organizational projects; the advisory committee funds across a range of project sizes.

How Forward Education Products Qualify

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Grants in Virginia?

Schools, colleges, nonprofits, and government agencies in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Most of eastern and central Virginia qualifies. Public schools can apply directly without a 501(c)(3) designation.

How much funding is available through the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Grants?

Awards typically range from $3,000 to $12,000. Some 2026 awards reached $15,000. The total pool varies by year based on license plate revenue. No local match is required.

Can Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Grant funds be used for STEM and coding tools?

Yes, if the tools support student investigation of Bay watershed issues. Equipment for environmental monitoring, water quality data collection, or ecological studies fits this program's goals.

How do Virginia schools apply for the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Grants?

Watch the DLS Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund page in late summer for the next application cycle, historically due in early fall (around October) for spring awards.

How can Forward Education help with Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Grant funding?

Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Virginia schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Grants support. Contact us before submitting your application.