Giving Back

The resources of the Chesapeake Bay, the world’s largest estuary, are a privilege and a responsibility to all those living within the Bay’s watershed. Increased exposure to the Chesapeake Bay enables us all to share in the bounties of the Bay. Increased awareness of the Bay’s maritime heritage, economic importance, and environmental fragility empowers us all to become better stewards of the treasure in our backyard.
Funding Guidelines
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Maritime-Related Charitable Organizations.
  1. Not-for-profit and governmental organizations conducting maritime-related programs are eligible. The organization must be listed in IRS Publication No. 78 [Cumulative List of Organizations Described in Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code] or must provide a favorable determination letter from IRS issued subsequent to the last update of IRS Publication No. 78.
  2. Program or project budgets must be included in the application.
    1. Other sources of support must be included in the application;
    2. General overhead expenses are eligible for support under some circumstances;
    3. Expenses related to increasing participation or improving program quality have priority; and
    4. Projects and programs that are able to use AYCF support to leverage additional resources are given the highest priority.
  3. Organizational experience conducting such programs or projects should be included.
  4. Programs that demonstrate sustainability will be given priority.
  5. AYCF evaluates proposals based on realistic budgets and clear, measurable and appropriate goals and objectives.
  6. Organizations are eligible for two grants from AYCF in a calendar year.
  7. AYCF does not support –
    1. Political activities or attempts to influence action on specific legislation;
    2. Academic scholarships or tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate studies;
    3. Annual fundraising drives, institutional benefits, honorary functions, fundraising dinners, receptions or performances, capital campaigns, debt retirement, or completed projects;
    4. Overhead costs, building or renovation projects, deficit finanacing, operating budgets, or staff salaries;
    5. For-profit organizations; or
    6. Religious activities.
"Camp Letts' supportive and skill-building environment is important for any child, but especially for the children who require tuition assistance. Your donation will help send to children to sailing camp that would otherwise not be able to attend."
- Nelson Bagnardi, Executive Director, YWCA Camp Letts
The participants of the Annapolis Police Department's Youth Fishing Camp gather at the station on their first day.