The Environment Anne Arundel Fund is offered by the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC). Established in 2014, this fund supports nonprofit organizations operating in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, that are dedicated to protecting and improving the local environment and the Chesapeake Bay. CFAAC is a registered 501(c)(3) organization that serves as a philanthropic resource to strengthen nonprofits and advance community solutions. The Environment Anne Arundel Fund reflects the foundation’s commitment to environmental preservation and community enrichment within the county.

The fund focuses on supporting projects that improve green communities, address critical environmental issues such as stormwater runoff and contaminants, and promote public awareness of efforts to protect the Chesapeake Bay and related local ecosystems, including streams, rivers, and natural areas. Anne Arundel County’s unique environmental assets, including its 534 miles of waterfront along the Chesapeake Bay and its numerous parks and trails, underscore the importance of these conservation efforts. Despite ongoing initiatives from various government agencies and stakeholders, the health of the Chesapeake Bay remains impaired due to pollution, untreated stormwater runoff, and air and water contamination, making these grants particularly vital.

Since its inception, the Environment Anne Arundel Fund has distributed over $120,000 to local nonprofit organizations such as Annapolis Green, the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park, Anne Arundel County Watershed Stewards Academy, Arundel Rivers Federation, and Chesapeake Conservancy. In 2025, grant awards will range from $5,000 to $10,000, allowing for increased support of impactful projects. All awarded funds must be used for eligible projects within Anne Arundel County, and applicants must demonstrate how their initiatives contribute to environmental improvement and education.

Eligibility for the Environment Anne Arundel Fund requires applicants to be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, operating within Anne Arundel County, and in good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation. Applicants must also comply with the Maryland Secretary of State Charitable Organization Registration requirements. Schools operating in Anne Arundel County may also apply, provided they meet these conditions. Each organization may submit only one application per grant cycle.

The application process opens on February 3, 2025, with a submission deadline of March 11, 2025. Grant awards will be announced in April 2025. The review process includes committee evaluation and may involve applicant interviews. Successful applicants will be required to submit a final evaluation within six weeks of project completion, with a report format provided by CFAAC. Additional guidance and application materials are available at www.cfaac.org under the Nonprofits/Grants section. Specific questions can be directed to the CFAAC Grants team via email at grants@cfaac.org or by phone at 410-280-1102 extension 104.

CFAAC also offers donors the opportunity to support the Environment Anne Arundel Fund through tax-smart gifts, including appreciated stocks, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from IRAs, and planned gifts. Donors interested in these options can contact John at john@cfaac.org or call 410-280-1102 extension 103 for further details.