Aquatic Resources Education Grant Program

Maryland’s Aquatic Resources Education (ARE) Grants Program assists public and private schools (pre-K -12) and environmental education centers that are part of the public school system by providing funding for aquatic based projects.

Schools can apply for up to $2000.00 per school year for student driven projects that benefit Maryland’s aquatic resources.

County Environmental/Outdoor Education Centers that are part of the public school system can apply for up to $4000.00 per school year.

Grant requests must have a connection to water and Maryland’s aquatic resources. Service learning and community involvement as well as student written grants are strongly encouraged.

This program encourages matching funds, partnerships, technical support from local resources, and volunteer time!

The ARE Grant Program does fund some teacher training, substitute time for project planning, and transportation costs. For planting projects all trees, shrubs, and plants must be native to Maryland.

The ARE Grants Program can not fund: computer or video equipment, prizes, t-shirts, food, reimbursement for completed projects, or field trip/program admission fees.

Examples of Projects Funded through ARE Grants:

Trout in the Classroom Equipment

Rain Gardens

Stream Clean Ups

Wetland Projects

Storm Drain Stenciling

and more!

For some great project ideas go to: http://www.maeoe.org/greenschools/projects/

Do You Have a Project Idea?

If you have a project idea call or email ahead with questions or suggestions; we can help you with project ideas and grant tips before you apply!

The deadline is a rolling deadline but please allow 4-6 weeks for approval before you start your project.

For more information about the ARE Grants Program, contact Cindy Etgen at 410-260-8716.

Grant Applications

School Application

Watershed Organization Application

This program has funded hundreds of projects in all 24 school districts in Maryland over the past 23 years.

All the documents in this section are available for download in a .pdf format. If you do not have the free viewer from Adobe select the button below and download the software prior to getting your forms.

Download the latest version of Adobe Reader

Viewers with Disabilities

If you cannot take advantage of the Acrobat reader software or do not wish to download the reader software you can go to Adobe.com and they will convert a PDF file to HTML (web) format. They will give you an address so you can view your converted file.