Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Save the Bay! We're committed to reducing pollution, improving fisheries, protecting and restoring natural resources, and building an environmental ethic in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

How do you help people in my community?

Through our pollution reduction efforts, CBF is working to protect human health and welfare.  During the summer, polluted runoff, animal waste, and sewage often create high bacteria levels and force closures at swimming beaches.  People exposed to these pollutants can become seriously ill, suffering everything from diarrhea and short-term memory loss to potentially fatal blood infections.  In addition, runoff pollution from agricultural land, chemicals from gas drilling sites, and mercury released by the burning of coal can contaminate residential wells, pollute waterways, taint seafood, and cause human illness.  CBF fights for clean water to ensure a healthier environment and healthier people.

Clean water also benefits the region’s economy.  Respected economists have valued the Bay at over one trillion dollars related to fishing, crabbing, boating, tourism, property values, and shipping activities.  The protection and restoration of the Bay is essential for a healthy and vibrant regional economy.  CBF works to ensure that the watershed’s valuable natural resources are maintained for the benefit of the public.

Why do you need my support?

CBF’s goal is to save the Bay, and keep it saved.  We are the only non-profit organization to approach Bay restoration from a watershed-wide perspective.  Our vision is that the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers, broadly recognized as a national treasure, will be highly productive and in good health as measured by established water quality standards.  The result will be clear water, free of impacts from toxic contaminants, and with healthy oxygen levels.
In fact, CBF’s work often sets a national precedent that will help protect America’s waters and ensure safe drinking water, pristine waterways, and thriving ecosystems locally and nationwide. 
Gifts in any amount can and do make a difference.  For example: 

•  $25 plants five native trees as a streamside buffer;
• $50 grows 5,000 native oysters;
• $150 pays a teacher's tuition for a five-day professionaldevelopment course;
• $500 sends eight students for a day of learning in and around the Bay.
  

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation allocates 15.7% of funds raised to administrative and fundraising expenses.  Eighty-four cents of every dollar contributed go directly to programs.

We’re also fortunate to enjoy the support of a dedicated volunteer base, who provide office support, plant trees and underwater grasses, participate in stream clean ups, restore wetlands, grow oysters, and help CBF advocate for Bay-friendly legislation and regulations.

Also, to ensure your money is used wisely CBF contracts with Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman CPAs to perform an annual financial audit.  Copies of our financial statement are available to the public.

Can I Volunteer? How?

Absolutely!  Help CBF make a difference by signing up for one of our many volunteer opportunities, including:

• Hands-on restoration projects like tree planting, shoreline restoration, oyster gardening, native landscape gardening, alternative spring break, and more; 
• Education and outreach efforts including educational workshops, CBF’s Speakers Bureau, the Volunteers as Chesapeake Stewards         (VoiCeS) program, and fair & festival events;
• Advocacy initiatives like the Action Network, offering tours of our  green building, and more; 
• Office work at our Annapolis headquarters or one of our regional offices.

For more information, and to view a volunteer events calendar, please visit our website at www.cbf.org/volunteer or call us at (410) 268-8816.