What This Grant Funds

The Chesapeake Bay Trust runs the Youth Environmental Education Grant Program for schools, nonprofits, and public agencies in the Chesapeake Bay watershed -- which includes most of eastern and central Virginia. Awards range from $5,000 to $10,000 and can fund student environmental investigations, outdoor classroom projects, in-school environmental programs, and teacher professional development. The program even covers field trips, substitute teacher costs, and classroom supplies, making it unusually flexible for K-12 applicants. Projects must engage students in active learning about the Bay watershed, water quality, or related ecological topics.

Who Can Apply

Schools, nonprofits, and public agencies located in Virginia's portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed are eligible. This covers most of eastern and central Virginia -- roughly everything east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and north of the North Carolina line. Public schools can apply directly; a 501(c)(3) designation is not required for school applicants. The program is designed to be accessible for teachers and principals who do not have professional grant writers on staff.

How to Apply

FY27 Round 1 closed on July 9, 2026. A second round is expected in winter 2026-27. Monitor cbtrust.org for the announcement and application opening. Applications are submitted online through the Chesapeake Bay Trust grants portal. Required materials typically include a project description, budget, and a description of how students will engage with the Bay watershed. The application is designed to be straightforward, and Chesapeake Bay Trust staff are available to assist applicants before submission.

Funding Amount

Awards range from $5,000 to $10,000 per project. Grants are one year in length. There is no local match required, and the program allows broad use of funds including supplies, field trips, subs, and equipment. For a single classroom or small school program, a $10,000 award can fund a full year of hands-on environmental education with room for materials and teacher time.

How Forward Education Products Qualify

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Youth Environmental Education Grant Program in Virginia?

Schools, nonprofits, and public agencies in the Chesapeake Bay watershed portion of Virginia -- most of eastern and central Virginia. Public schools can apply directly; no 501(c)(3) required for school applicants.

How much funding is available through the Youth Environmental Education Grant Program?

Up to $10,000 per project. Typical awards range from $5,000 to $10,000. Grants are one year in length, and funds can cover supplies, equipment, field trips, substitute teachers, and staff time.

Can Youth Environmental Education Grant Program funds be used for STEM and coding tools?

Yes, if the tools support student investigation of Bay watershed environmental topics. Equipment that helps students collect water quality data, monitor ecosystems, or study climate conditions is a natural fit for this program.

How do Virginia schools apply for the Youth Environmental Education Grant Program?

Apply online through the Chesapeake Bay Trust grants portal at cbtrust.org. FY27 Round 1 closed July 9, 2026. A winter round is expected -- watch cbtrust.org for the next opening date.

How can Forward Education help with Youth Environmental Education Grant Program 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 Youth Environmental Education Grant Program funds. Contact us before submitting your application.