Network Structure

Leadership

A five-member steering committee is elected by the CBFN members to provide guidance and direction for the network and staff, including approving of budgets and establishment of new initiatives, workgroups or projects. CBFN is a project of Sustainable Ag and Food System Funders, who serve as our fiscal sponsor.

Standing Work Groups & Initiatives

Our standing work groups are chaired by current CBFN member(s) and staffed by consultants/partners. They can be housed and administered within CBFN or with a partner with funding support from CBFN members. In 2023, our standing work groups include Capacity Building Initiative / Racial Equity and DEIJ, Chesapeake Food and Ag Funders, Virginia Climate and Energy Funders. The Chesapeake Food and Ag Funders and Virginia Climate and Energy Work Groups are staffed by consultants. Capacity Building Initiative/DEIJ is led and supported by a chair person from the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

Ad-Hoc Projects & Groups

Ad-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 part-time 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 Conservation Council and related opportunities

  • Others