Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions have been collected from potential grantees regarding eligibility for Chesapeake Gateways Network Grants. Learn more about grant opportunities by visiting the Chesapeake Gateways Network Grants page.
This grant opportunity includes a broad list of eligible entities. All of the following eligible applicants must be a network member.
Eligible Applicants
00 – State governments
01 – County governments
02 – City or township governments
04 – Special district governments
05 – Independent school districts
06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
07 – Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
08 – Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
11 – Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
12 – Nonprofits having a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
13 – Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
20 – Private institutions of higher education
22 – For profit organization other than small businesses
23 – Small businesses
Eligible Applicants
00 – State governments
01 – County governments
02 – City or township governments
04 – Special district governments
05 – Independent school districts
06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
07 – Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
08 – Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
11 – Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
12 – Nonprofits having a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
13 – Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
20 – Private institutions of higher education
22 – For profit organization other than small businesses
23 – Small businesses
Nonprofit applicants of any type should provide documentation on how you are legally organized and can confirm your nonprofit IRS tax status. Additionally, they must be currently either a registered or working on their Chesapeake Gateways Network designation.
Use the Chesapeake Gateways Network Map page on this website. The address of your place, experience, or project location can be entered into the search box. If the location is shaded in green, it is within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Not necessarily. The project needs to be in the part of the county located in the watershed.
Yes. How well it competes would depend on how the trail renovation would lead to positive economic impact.
Membership is granted to places, experiences, and partners that meet the defining characteristics listed in the Chesapeake Gateways Network Framework. Membership entitles Chesapeake Gateways Network members to certain benefits enumerated through a general agreement. Visit our Join the Chesapeake Gateways Network page for more infromation.
National parks and national park programs are not eligible to apply. Federal agencies of any type are not eligible to apply. However, partners of federal agencies, including national park partners, are eligible but the proposal must be submitted by the partner, occur within the watershed, and must not be for the direct benefit of the Federal agency.
Yes, provided the program or project is open to the public or provides a public benefit. The project cannot be for the sole purpose of helping the NPS park.
NPS Friends Group and philanthropic partners are eligible so long as they are currently either a registered or working on their Chesapeake Gateways Network designation, yet the project cannot be for the primary benefit of the corresponding park. There must be a public purpose to the project.
Yes, private sector entities are eligible to apply as long as the project conveys a public benefit so long as they are active or aspiring Chesapeake Gateways Network members.
Yes, a “for profit organization” means for a profit business. For profit businesses are separated into two categories:
- 22 – For profit organizations, other than small businesses
- 23 – Small businesses
A subrecipient carries out a portion of a Federal award to fulfill a public purpose and is responsible for programmatic decisions, achieving program objectives, and complying with applicable Federal requirements. A contractor provides goods or services for the use or benefit of the recipient or subrecipient, typically as part of its normal business operations, rather than carrying out the Federal program itself.
The distinction is based on the substance of the relationship, not simply the agreement’s title or format. The pass-through entity must evaluate each relationship individually, considering the characteristics of both categories. (2 CFR § 200.331)
Foreign entities are NOT eligible to apply, even if they are operating in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. A US-based subsidiary is eligible provided they incorporated in the United States and register with SAM.gov to get a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), but any staff would need to be employed by the US subsidiary. No grant funds can be disbursed to a foreign entity for project work or staffing.
No. There is no requirement or benefit to being officially recognized as a minority-owned, women-owned, or 8a business as part of the merit review and selection process.
Yes, colleges and universities are eligible to apply so long as they are an active or aspiring Chesapeake Gateways Network member.
Yes, federally and state recognized Tribes are eligible to apply so long as they are an active or aspiring Chesapeake Gateways Network member. Tribes that are not federally or state recognized but have non-profit status can apply as non-profit entities.
Projects must include a collaboration of partners to be competitive but there needs to be one lead organization submitting the application on behalf of the collaboration and be a network member. If any partners will be receiving disbursement of any project funds, they must be registered in SAM.gov in addition to also being a network member.
Any eligible entity may submit a grant application. Status of a current or past master cooperative agreement is not a consideration in the application process.
Yes. Each year's grant offering is stand alone.
Through the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network (Chesapeake Gateways), NPS Chesapeake Gateways administers a competitive grant opportunity to advance the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 within the full 41-million-acre Chesapeake Bay watershed.
See the categories to the right for additional frequently asked questions regarding Chesapeake Gateways Network Grants.
Last updated: October 22, 2026