Our Work & Structure
CBFN’s work is organized by work groups, ad hoc groups, learning programs, and annual convenings, which is captured by an annual work plan.
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Our standing work groups are chaired by current CBFN member(s) and staffed by consultants/partners. They are housed and administered within CBFN or with a partner with funding support from CBFN members. Our work groups and initiatives currently include the Capacity Building Initiative, Racial Equity and DEIJ, Chesapeake Food and Agriculture, Virginia Climate and Clean Energy, and Water Quality/Chesapeake Bay.
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DescripAd-hoc work groups form when a need or an opportunity arises and at least two funders want to work together to respond to a timely need or opportunity. They are usually supported by CBFN staff until the short-term coordination is complete or there is interest in growing/sustaining the effort. Examples include:
The Chesapeake Bay clean water movement Post 2025
VA and PA civic engagement and power building learning and funding coordination,
Federal infrastructure and climate funding - learning and ongoing monitoring of needs, possible convening of technical assistance providers
Conowingo Dam updates
Indigenous Land Back and related opportunities
Others
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CBFN organizes virtual and in-person learning programs throughout the year. These briefings are tied to work group priorities or cover other current/emergent issues relevant to the network.
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CBFN organizes two in-person convenings a year - our Annual Spring Meeting and Annual Fall Retreat - that move around the region to support the ease of attendance for members. Our annual convenings serve as a space for shared learning, collaboration, and collective action.
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While we are not a grantmaker ourselves, there are times that network members will support shared projects through aligned funding or pool funding.
Aligned Funds
This is when members have identified a shared project to support and will each release funding to support.
Pooled Funds
This is when members have identified an initiative to support through passthrough funding or regranting.