Applications Open for 2027 Chesapeake Gateways Grants

News Release Date: August 27, 2026

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Applications are open for the 2027 Chesapeake Gateways Grants supporting enhanced outdoor recreation and heritage tourism in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The application period runs from Aug. 27 through Nov. 4, 2026. Visit the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways website to learn more about the grants and how to apply.

This fourth round of competitive grants seeks proposals in the two following categories. Awards are made possible through annual appropriations by the U.S. Congress.

Linking Tourism and Impact Projects - (Grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000) Proposals should demonstrate how they address a community need and connect local recreation, culture, history and/or nature tourism with economic impacts. Projects should also support one or more of the Chesapeake Gateways Interpretive themes in the Chesapeake Gateways Network Framework.

Community Event Support - (Grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000) Proposals should demonstrate how the event or festival celebrates the Chesapeake Bay watershed's rich cultural, historical, natural or recreational legacy, reflecting one or more of the Chesapeake Gateways Interpretive themes in the Chesapeake Gateways Network Framework. Public events and festivals should encourage exploration and enjoyment of the many cultural, historical, natural, and recreational experiences available throughout the watershed.

To learn more, join one of NPS Chesapeake Gateways' virtual office hours on Oct. 7, 14, 21, 27, 28, 29 and Nov. 3 and 4 from 3-4 p.m.

About National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways: Established by Congress in 1998, Chesapeake Gateways is a partnership park convened by the National Park Service and consisting of a network of public and private sector places, experiences, communities, and partners within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, the park serves the full 41-million-acre Chesapeake Bay watershed, investing in, supporting, and promoting authentic Chesapeake experiences for communities and visitors. Visit us at www.nps.gov/Chesapaeake , on Facebook www.facebook.com/ChesapeakeNPS and Instagram www.Instagram.com/ChesapeakeNPS .

About the National Park Service: Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov .