The Hudson River Foundation offers a range of grants to support scientific research, community engagement, and environmental conservation efforts focused on the Hudson River and its estuary. These grants provide crucial funding for projects that aim to enhance our understanding and stewardship of this vital waterway.
What are the Different Types of Grants Offered by the Hudson River Foundation?

The Hudson River Foundation offers several types of grants, each with its own focus and eligibility criteria. Let’s explore the various grant programs in detail:
1. Hudson River Fund Research Grants
- Application Process and Timeline: The Hudson River Fund Research Grants are open for proposals under two separate programs with different priorities, focus areas, and approaches. Applicants must carefully consider which program is most appropriate for their research. The application process typically includes submitting full proposals, which are reviewed and selected based on their relevance and potential impact on the Hudson River ecosystem. Key dates for the application process include February 6, 2019, for full proposals, and September 2024 for the Fiscal Year 2021–2024 Broad Agency Announcement.
- Eligibility Criteria and Requirements: The Hudson River Fund supports scientific research on all aspects of the Hudson River ecosystem, with an emphasis on studies that bear on human uses of the system. Applicants must ensure their research aligns with the fund’s priorities and focus areas.
2. Hudson River Ecosystem Monitoring Program Grants
- Eligibility Criteria and Requirements: The Hudson River Ecosystem Monitoring Program is a sustained, comprehensive ecological monitoring program of the Hudson River, conducted in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and other stakeholders. Applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of the program’s goals and objectives, which include advancing scientific understanding and informing future management decisions. The program focuses on monitoring the Hudson River ecosystem, so applicants must propose projects that contribute to this effort.
3. NY-NJ HEP Grants
- Eligibility Criteria and Requirements: These grants are available to partners who host Community Engagement Sessions to gather community feedback and for City of Water Day events. Applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda and how their project aligns with its priorities.
4. Polgar Fellowship
- Eligibility Criteria and Requirements: The Tibor T. Polgar Fellowship program is a student research program conducted through the Hudson River Foundation in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Applicants must be college students and propose research projects that align with the fellowship’s goals and objectives.
5. Partnerships for Parks Capacity Fund Grants
- Eligibility Criteria and Requirements: These grants are available to community groups who care for their neighborhood parks in all five boroughs of New York City. Applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of the fund’s goals and objectives, which include strengthening the outreach, membership, and program-planning capacity of community groups.
6. Additional Grants and Funding Opportunities
- Hudson River Estuary Program Grants: These grants are offered to municipalities and non-profits located within the Estuary Watershed Boundaries to help communities improve water quality, adapt to climate change, enhance environmental education, and advance stewardship of habitat and natural resources. Applicants must register in the New York State Grants Management system and prequalify as a not-for-profit organization.
Reference Links:
- Hudson River Foundation
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation – Hudson River Estuary Program Grants
- Hudson River Foundation – Grant Opportunities
The Hudson River Foundation’s diverse grant programs provide crucial support for research, community engagement, and environmental conservation efforts along the Hudson River and its estuary. By understanding the eligibility criteria and focus areas of each grant, researchers, community groups, and environmental organizations can identify the most suitable funding opportunities to advance their work and contribute to the long-term health and sustainability of this vital waterway.