Hudson River Improvement Fund
In 1985, the Hudson River Foundation received $1.5 million from the State of New York to create the Hudson River Improvement Fund from monies originally paid to the State to settle litigation concerning the out-of-state export of Hudson River water by oil tankers. Through the combined efforts of Hudson River environmental organizations, including Scenic Hudson, the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association (now Riverkeeper) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Improvement Fund was created to support projects that promote the enhancement of public use and enjoyment of the natural, scenic and cultural resources of the Hudson River and its shores - with an emphasis on physical projects that require capital construction, development or improvement.
Examples of projects that may be considered for funding include:
- PUBLIC ACCESS-- Development or improvement of facilities that increase public physical or visual access to the Hudson River, including but not limited to docks, boats, piers and shorefront access points. The Fund has a special interest in projects that promote accessibility.
- HABITAT -- Repair, restoration or creation of habitat.
- EDUCATION FACILITIES -- Development or improvement (and equipping) of facilities suitable for Hudson River education programs -- such as interpretive centers, marsh boardwalks or waterfront classrooms.
2009 CALL FOR PROPOSALS
In 2009, in commemoration of the voyages of exploration of
Henry Hudson
and Samuel de Champlain in 1609 and the historic 1807 voyage of Robert
Fulton's Clermont, the Hudson Valley will be the setting for
celebration and commitment to protecting and reclaiming the river and
its shores. The Hudson River Improvement Fund invites proposals for
projects that confirm that commitment while enhancing public use and
enjoyment of the Hudson's natural, scenic and cultural resources.
Toward the achievement of this goal, the Improvement Fund is
particularly interested this year in proposals that augment and expand
the objectives of the Fund by incorporating one or more of the
following themes that the Quadricentennial celebration will seek to
advance:
- Reclaiming the waterways: habitat restoration; scenic landscape preservation; increased public access.
- Celebrating the social and cultural impact of the waterways: acknowledging the diverse peoples, communtities and traditions that have flourished along the Hudson.
- Understanding the possibilities for the future: sustainable living along the waterfront; travel; recreation; and education.
2009 AWARDS
Requests for funding in the 2009 grant cycle will undoubtedly be far greater than the funds available. Applicants are therefore encouraged to seek matching funds and provide in-kind services whenever possible. The typical grant awarded by the Hudson River Improvement Fund will be under $10,000.
2009 APPLICATION DEADLINE
The
application deadline for 2009 is Monday, February 2.
Applications
must arrive at the Hudson River Foundation by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline
date.
Applications must be sent to the
Hudson River Improvement Fund, Hudson River Foundation, 17 Battery
Place, Suite 915, New York, NY 10004; 212-483-7667.
PROPOSAL DESIGN
The Foundation does not require special forms for grant applications. However, applicants should submit an original and ten copies of all materials. The application must include the following:
(Please use this as a checklist and append to your proposal.)
- A cover page which includes:
- a brief, one-paragraph project summary;
- the project supervisor's name, address, phone number and email;
- the applicant organization's address, phone number and email;
- the amount requested and the budget total;
- a work schedule with proposed start and finish dates.
- A copy of the organization's tax exemption certificate under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code or an indication that the applicant is a subdivision of a government unit.
- A narrative description of the project; a statement explaining why the project is in keeping with the purposes of the Hudson River Improvement Fund and its relationship, if any, to the goals of the Quadricentennial; a list of tasks to be accomplished and a work schedule.
- Where appropriate: graphic representations of the project, such as maps, photos, plans, drawings, etc.; studies which support the need for the project, such as engineering or architectural studies; letters of support.
- A list of personnel who will be involved with the project. This should identify a Project Supervisor and the fiscal officer of the applicant organization or government subdivision.
- The budget for the project and for the amount sought from the Fund. When the total budget is greater than the amount requested, list the sources for the remaining funds. Please elaborate on any matching funds or in-kind services.
- Indication that the applicant will satisfy all local, state and federal and other official requirements that the project may entail. Funding will be contingent on proof of all relevant permits.
- A statement that the project is equally available to all members of the general public.
- An original application signed by the Project Supervisor and a responsible official of the applicant organization.
