HRE River Education

The River Education grant opportunity is administered by the Hudson River Estuary Program under the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). This initiative is part of the larger Hudson River Estuary Grants Program, which has been operational since 1999 and aims to support projects aligned with the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda 2021–2025. The overarching goal of the program is to promote stewardship, enhance environmental education, and bolster climate resilience within the Hudson River Estuary Watershed. Funding for this program is provided by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), which supports conservation, environmental protection, and sustainability efforts across the state. The River Education grant allocates approximately $300,000 in competitive funding specifically to support educational projects along the tidal waters of the Hudson River, including the New York Harbor. The grant targets local facilities and programs that enhance environmental learning opportunities, particularly for groups historically underrepresented in science careers. Funded initiatives can include the development of locally-based learning centers, educational resource programs, professional development for educators, curriculum development, and immersive research programs for young adults. Applicants must be located within the Hudson River Estuary Watershed boundaries and include governmental and quasi-governmental entities, school districts, community colleges, and not-for-profit corporations with 501(c)(3) designation. All applicants must be registered in the New York State Statewide Financial System (SFS) Grants Management System, and not-for-profit entities are required to complete a prequalification process. The application process for River Education grants is exclusively online via the SFS Grants Management System. All grant applications must be submitted through this portal by 3:00 p.m. on August 7, 2025. The grant award range for River Education projects is between $20,000 and $100,000. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the program’s goals, project feasibility, and potential community impact. To support potential applicants, DEC will host a grant information webinar specific to the River Education opportunity on June 12, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This webinar will provide details on project eligibility, application instructions, and tips for a successful submission. The session will also be recorded and made available online for those unable to attend live. Grantees are required to submit quarterly progress and financial reports throughout the grant term. Reporting includes a technical narrative and financial documentation, which must be submitted electronically. Final project reports must also include all deliverables and compliance certifications as outlined in the reporting guidelines. The program contact for inquiries and submission support is the Hudson River Estuary Program, located in New Paltz, NY. Specific contact details include the email hrep@dec.ny.gov and phone number 845-256-3016.