The Quinnipiac River Fund, managed by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, supports initiatives to improve the environmental quality of the Quinnipiac River, New Haven Harbor, and their watersheds. Established in 1990 as part of a legal settlement concerning wastewater discharges, the fund distributes over $100,000 annually to organizations working toward ecological restoration and pollution reduction in these areas.
Grants are available for projects that align with the fund’s mission. Eligible activities include studying pollution or the ecology of the waterbodies, researching methods to reduce pollution or improve environmental health, and examining permitting processes. Other eligible initiatives include public education about the watersheds, land conservation to reduce pollution or improve access, habitat restoration, and environmental advocacy (excluding litigation). Projects that address both point and non-point pollution sources, or remove debris obstructing river navigation, are also considered. Education-focused proposals, such as those involving schoolchildren, must directly contribute to the environmental health of the river and its watershed.
The application deadline for the current funding cycle is January 27, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that demonstrate a clear alignment with the fund’s objectives to enhance the ecological well-being of the river and surrounding areas.
The fund was created through a court settlement involving the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Upjohn Company. As Connecticut’s first community foundation endowment for a river, it reflects a longstanding commitment to preserving the Quinnipiac River’s natural resources.
For more information or assistance with applications, prospective applicants can contact Denise Canning, Director of Grant Operations, at 203-777-7076 or via email. Additional details about the fund and past projects can be found at thequinnipiacriver.com. This grant opportunity provides a meaningful avenue for organizations to contribute to environmental conservation and education in the Quinnipiac River region.
