Hudson River Estuary Grants for River Education Round 52

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is requesting applications for Hudson River Estuary Grants for River Education Round 52, with proposals due December 17, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EST through the State Financial System Grants Management portal. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporations, governmental entities, municipalities, quasi-governmental entities, public benefit corporations, public authorities, school districts, universities, and colleges, and must be prequalified in SFS Grants Management by the bid deadline. MWBE participation goals are 30% for Minority/Women Business Enterprises and 6% for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses.

The program funds projects implementing the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda 2026–2030. Four eligible project types are supported: locally-based learning facilities, education programs and resources, educator professional development or curriculum development, and intensive environmental science research programs for young adults. Projects must prioritize building organizational capacity to serve underrepresented populations in science careers and economically disadvantaged communities.

Approximately $250,000 is available from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $20,000 to a maximum of $100,000 per project. A mandatory 15% project match is required; applicants providing 25% or greater match receive additional scoring points. Eligible match sources include cash from non-state or non-federal grants, personal services, contractual services, supplies, materials, volunteer labor, equipment, facility use fees, and in-state travel. Programming costs may comprise up to 60% of the grant request. The contract term runs September 1, 2027 through August 31, 2030. Applicants may submit up to two proposals but are limited to one award per round unless additional funding remains after all qualifying awards.

Evaluation is scored on a 100-point maximum scale with a 40-point minimum threshold for funding eligibility, organized by tier based on project objective. A mandatory webinar is scheduled for October 8, 2026 from 3:00–4:30 p.m. EST. Award notifications are anticipated by June 2027. Previous awardees include Columbia Greene Community College, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, YMCA of Kingston & Ulster County, and Marist University.