Delaware Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant Program

Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grants (CBIG) enable states the lie in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to meet the goals outlined in the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, such as improving water quality.

Delaware’s Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant is detailed in a 6-year work plan. It relies on partnerships to help meet local goals. The CBIG is used to help fund water quality-based best management practices (BMP) projects and priorities under the following objectives:

• Objective 1: Support coordinated efforts and bring together stakeholders in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

• Objective 2: Monitor and evaluate progress towards achieving Delaware’s TMDLs and Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

• Objective 3: Accelerate implementation of cost-effective practices and enhance partnerships in the agriculture sector.

• Objective 4: Accelerate implementation of cost-effective practices and utilize partnerships in the developed and natural sector.

• Objective 5: Investigate and determine toxic contaminant levels within Delaware’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay, and address as appropriate.

Eligible applicants may be public and private entities, including local governments (county, city, or town), conservation districts, tribal authorities, regional development centers, local school systems, colleges and universities, homeowner’s associations, and local nonprofit organizations including those representing local governments, state agencies, federal agencies, watershed groups, and for-profit groups within the State of Delaware’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Preference is given to projects involving cooperative partnerships.

Eligible proposals are selected for funding by the DNREC Chesapeake Implementation Program through a competitive grant process. Each CBIG project must have a 100% match of the federal grant funds requested. Match may be a combination of cash and in-kind services.

The DNREC Chesapeake Implementation Program administers the grant application process and provides technical and financial guidance during the grant application and project period.

Proposals for funding under the CBIG grant should follow the CBIG Request for Proposals guidelines document.

The CBIG requires a non-federal match component as part of the funding award to any grantee. The CBIG requires a 100% non-federal match in the form of non-federal funds, in-kind services and/or a combination of the two.

For example, a BMP implementation project requesting $25,000 in CBIG federal funds must have a non-federal match of at least $25,000 in the form of cash funds, in-kind services and/or a combination of both. 

An electronic copy of the proposal and supporting materials (e.g., project support letters from partners) must be submitted to the Chesapeake Bay Implementation Program. All proposals must be completed following the Grant Proposal Format detailed in this RFP. Proposals will not be accepted by facsimile machine submission. Please submit all applications to Conservationbmps@Delaware.gov by March 5, 2025.

• Request for Proposals

• Watershed Management Plans