Grants
The Foundation's grants primarily support independent, objective research that will inform scientific understanding, management, and policy decisions about the Hudson River Estuary.
Grant Programs
The Foundation administers a number of distinct grant programs, each with its own purpose and application process. The Hudson River Fund supports scientific research by leading scholars and students. The Foundation's Small Grants Program funds local public access, education, and stewardship activities. Funds made available through the NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program support a range of restoration, public access and stewardship and citizen science activities. See each specific program for details.
Hudson River Fund
– Hudson River Fund Research Grants
The Foundation seeks to elucidate the dynamic interactions among the biological, chemical, physical and human processes that are important to the Hudson River ecosystem. In particular, the Foundation encourages research in areas that are both scientifically important and relevant to current or anticipated public policy and resource management issues affecting the River and its watershed. This year’s Call for Proposals will focus on identifying a limited number of projects that reflect the Foundation’s interest in innovative approaches to understanding current and emerging issues for the Hudson River Estuary and Watershed.

– Mark B. Bain Doctoral Fellowship
Mark B. Bain Doctoral Fellowships provide one-year full-time research fellowships to doctoral students conducting research on the Hudson River System. Doctoral students are eligible for awards up to $20,000.

– Tibor T. Polgar Undergraduate Fellowship
Tibor T. Polgar Fellowships provide a summertime grant ($5,500 for each fellowship) for students to conduct research on the Hudson River. The objectives of the program are to enhance opportunities for students to conduct scientific and public policy research with a specific focus on those who wish to study aspects of the Hudson River, its watershed, and the people who live there.
The deadline for 2023 Tibor T. Polgar Undergraduate Fellowship Applications is Monday, February 13.

NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program
– City of Water Day
City of Water Day is an annual celebration dedicated to enjoying our waterways, raising awareness of sea level rise and climate change risks, and championing a resilient New York and New Jersey Harbor.
For more information on how to register for CWD 2023 and to stay on top of the latest updates visit Cityofwaterday.org

– Climate Resilience
Climate change is impacting the health of the estuary, its watershed, and the people who live here. The New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program supports research, planning, and natural and nature-based infrastructure to make communities more resilient to the effects of climate change while also improving water quality, habitat , and public access.
We are currently accepting proposals for projects that advance this work while building capacity in disadvantaged communities. Letters of inquiry are due June 1, 2023.

– Habitat Restoration
The New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary is a complex ecological system at the heart of the nation’s largest metropolitan area. Following targets established in the Hudson Raritan Estuary Comprehensive Restoration Plan, the New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program supports restoration, research, and planning projects that help enhance and protect this vibrant habitat.
We are currently accepting proposals for projects advancing habitat restoration in disadvantaged communities; Letters of inquiry are due May 5, 2023.

– Public Access
The New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program seeks to improve public access to our shared waters, especially where waterfront access and parks space is lacking, and community stewardship is most needed.
We are currently accepting proposals for public programs that will advance community engagement and activity around the proposed Harlem River Greenway in the Bronx. Letters of inquiry are due May 15, 2023 and full proposals are due June 23rd, 2023.

– Citizen Science
The New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program supports the collection and interpretation of environmental data by volunteers and students. We particularly seek projects that improve the data quality of citizen monitoring efforts by training organizations and citizen scientists, so that the information is suitable for use by public agencies for a variety of purposes.
There are currently no open citizen science grants.
