CY2025/FY2026 Chesapeake and Coastal Grants Gateway Outcome 1

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources administers a centralized funding opportunity known as the Grants Gateway through its Watershed and Climate Services division. This initiative is designed to streamline access to multiple funding sources that support environmental restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable community development across the state. The program responds to increasing environmental pressures in Maryland, including more intense storms, rising sea levels, population growth, and the need to protect natural resources while supporting economic and recreational uses. By consolidating access to multiple funding streams, the Grants Gateway serves as a coordinated entry point for organizations seeking both technical and financial assistance. Funding for the program is derived from several public sources, including the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund, the Waterway Improvement Fund, the Shoreline Erosion Control Revolving Loan Fund, and federal contributions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program. These combined resources enable the department to support a broad range of projects that contribute to environmental restoration, shoreline protection, climate adaptation, and community resilience. Projects are expected to align with one or more defined outcomes established by the program, which guide investment toward measurable environmental and community benefits. The scope of funding includes projects that restore local waterways, enhance resilience to climate impacts such as flooding and sea level rise, strengthen local economies through environmental stewardship, and support education and workforce development related to environmental management. Allowable uses of funds are tied to these outcomes and may include planning, design, implementation, and monitoring activities. While specific funding amounts and matching requirements are not explicitly stated in the available information, the inclusion of multiple funding sources suggests a flexible structure that may accommodate both grants and loan-based financing, particularly for shoreline erosion control projects. Eligibility for the Grants Gateway is broadly defined to include organizations capable of carrying out environmental and resilience-related projects within Maryland. While the exact categories of eligible applicants are not explicitly listed, the structure and purpose of the program indicate that local governments, nonprofit organizations, and potentially other entities engaged in environmental restoration and community resilience are appropriate applicants. The program emphasizes integrated and comprehensive approaches, suggesting that collaborative proposals and projects with multiple stakeholders may be competitive. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway Portal. Applicants are required to create an account, maintain secure login credentials, and use the portal for both submission and subsequent reporting if awarded funding. The application process includes accessing solicitation documents, completing required forms, and adhering to submission guidelines provided through the portal. Supporting materials such as budget templates, technical guidance documents, and common application questions are made available to assist applicants in preparing complete and competitive proposals. The application timeline follows a structured annual cycle. For the FY2027 solicitation, the opportunity opened on July 15, 2025, with different deadlines depending on project outcomes. Outcome 5 applications were due on September 18, 2025, while Outcomes 1 through 4 were due on December 12, 2025. Shoreline erosion loan applications were accepted through the same December deadline, with a rolling submission option. The review process occurred between January and March 2026, followed by project selection and applicant notification between April and July 2026. Funding for selected projects began between July 1 and October 1, 2026. The program is recurring, with the next solicitation expected to open in July 2026 for FY2028. Evaluation of applications includes technical review and alignment with program outcomes, though specific scoring criteria are not detailed in the provided material. Applicants may request technical assistance or site visits prior to submission, indicating an emphasis on project readiness and feasibility. While no specific contact person is listed, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources provides general contact information and maintains resources such as webinars and guidance documents to support applicants throughout the process. Overall, the Grants Gateway represents a comprehensive and recurring funding opportunity aimed at advancing environmental resilience and restoration across Maryland.