Announcing Maryland Climate Partners 2025 Community Engagement Awards
Maryland Climate Partners is proud to announce our 2025 Community Engagement Awards!
In 2022, Maryland passed what was then one of the most ambitious climate laws in the nation, the Climate Solutions Now Act. The law requires Maryland to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions 60% from 2006 levels by 2031 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.
In 2023, the state released its roadmap to achieve the greenhouse gas reduction goals set in the statute through the Climate Pollution Reduction Plan. The state is taking an all-of-government approach to climate solutions, and it will take all of us to help bring it to fruition. The Climate Partners Community Engagement Awards are in service to help advance the goals of the Climate Pollution Reduction Plan by supporting community-based organizations across Maryland engaging people on climate equity.
What are the Community Engagement Awards?
The awards recognize and strengthen the work of community-serving organizations that are already advancing climate equity, whether through education, capacity building, health, housing, transportation, environmental justice, or other community priorities.
These are awards, not grants. Our goal is to support your existing work without a lengthy application or burdensome reporting requirements.
Who is eligible to apply?
Maryland-based, community-serving organizations that are deploying climate solutions are eligible to apply. This includes groups working in areas connected to climate equity, such as change, energy, environment, housing, health, or justice. If you are unsure whether your work is considered climate equity, we encourage you to apply anyway!
What types of work do these awards support?
We take a broad view of climate equity work. Projects should help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve community environmental health, and/or engage people in developing climate solutions.
Examples include:
Helping residents reduce home energy usage and cost while maintaining comfortable temperatures (e.g., weatherization, energy efficiency)
Engaging people in conversations about climate solutions
Building community resilience to flooding, heat, or other climate impacts
Improving air quality and health in overburdened communities
Supporting youth, faith-based, or neighborhood initiatives on climate and environment
While your organization does not have to be solely focused on climate solutions to be eligible, part of the application will ask you to explain how the award will support climate equity.
What is the award amount?
Each award is $5,000. In 2025, we anticipate making three awards. We also plan to offer this opportunity in 2026 and 2027.
What is the anticipated timeline?
Applications open: September 15, 2025
Application deadline: November 14, 2025
Award selections finalized: December 31, 2025
Awards disbursed: January 2026
How will applications be reviewed?
Applications will be reviewed by the Maryland Climate Partners Steering Committee. Priority will be given to applications that:
Expand the capacity of the organization and/or the community it serves
Advance climate equity in alignment with the goals of the Climate Pollution Reduction Plan
Succinctly describe the connections of the organization’s work to climate solutions
Demonstrate strong community connections and engagement
Awards will not support direct issue advocacy (e.g., lobbying or legislative campaigns).
Who has received these awards in the past?
Past Community Engagement Awards have supported a wide range of projects advancing climate equity across Maryland. Examples include:
Community greening and resilience — Creating a native plant garden, planting trees, and engaging youth groups while educating residents about watershed health and climate action.
Youth training and workforce pathways — Expanding a conservation program where local youth planted trees, removed invasive species, and explored green career opportunities.
Storytelling and cultural connection — Launching a climate storytelling initiative that elevated residents’ experiences of climate impacts and environmental injustice.
Arts and inclusive engagement — Hosting community gatherings that combined art, climate education, and collective action, including commissioning climate-themed artwork.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through our short online form:
Have more questions?
If you have questions or would like support completing your application, please contact Laura Bartock at lbartock @ ghhi.org.