Grants
The Foundation's grants primarily support independent, objective research that will inform scientific understanding, management, and policy decisions about the Hudson River Estuary.
Grants and 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 Foundation
– Champlain Hudson Environmental Trust (CHET)
CHET was established as part of New York State’s approval of the Champlain Hudson Power Express transmission project. The Trust will develop and implement research and projects designed to protect, restore, and improve the aquatic habitats and fisheries resources in these water bodies.
– Social Science Research Program
The Foundation’s new social science research program is guided by our 2024 Strategic Plan. It focuses on studying multiple modes of human engagement to address the social-ecological challenges faced by the Hudson River watershed. We are interested in proposals that examine the relationships and feedbacks among different stakeholders interacting with the Hudson River watershed, the associated impacts, and connections to decision making.
– Hudson River Ecosystem Monitoring Program (HREMP)
The HREMP will build on historical Hudson River monitoring data sets and fill important data and knowledge gaps to enhance management of the Hudson River fisheries and understanding of the ecosystem they depend upon.
– 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.
– 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 2024 Tibor T. Polgar Undergraduate Fellowship Applications has passed. Details about the 2025 cycle will be posted here.
NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program
– Artist in Residence
The NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program and the Lower Passaic River and Bronx/Harlem Rivers Urban Waters Federal Partnerships are seeking artists to apply to our Artist in Residence programs, intended to engage community members in both Urban Waters locations around critical water challenges and other environmental concerns. For more information about these two programs, artist roles and responsibilities, and how to submit a letter of interest please hit learn more below.
– New Jersey American Eel Monitoring Grant
The New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program supports the monitoring of American eels during their spring migration in the tributaries of New Jersey. These grants can support capacity building but must result in data collection during the spring glass eel migration (February-May).
We are currently accepting applications: Due January 27, 2025.
– City of Water Day
City of Water Day is an annual celebration dedicated to enjoying our shared waterways. The theme for 2024 centered on uniting NY and NJ communities in a celebration of our interconnected waters and a commitment to a brighter, more climate resilient future.
For more information about CWD 2024 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.
There are currently no open climate resilience grants.
– 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.
There are currently no open habitat restoration grants.
