HRE Local Stewardship Planning Round 47

The Local Stewardship Planning grant, administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) through the Hudson River Estuary Program, offers targeted funding to support planning initiatives that enhance local environmental stewardship within the Hudson River Estuary Watershed. This opportunity is part of the broader Hudson River Estuary Grants Program, which aligns with the priorities of the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda 2021–2025. These grants are funded through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), a key resource for state-led environmental conservation efforts. In 2025, approximately $700,000 in competitive funding is available specifically for Local Stewardship Planning projects. Grant amounts for this category range from a minimum of $10,500 to a maximum of $75,000. These grants aim to assist municipalities and eligible entities in planning and developing projects that contribute to climate resilience, natural resource conservation, and water quality improvements. The funding is intended strictly for planning-related activities, such as feasibility studies and design work, rather than direct implementation or construction. Eligible project categories under this RFA include: developing climate vulnerability assessments and adaptation strategies, planning for Hudson River access site improvements, preparing conservation plans for natural resources, and conducting watershed-based stewardship, studies, and restoration or management planning. Each proposed project must be located within the Hudson River Estuary Watershed Boundaries, which can be verified using the program’s interactive map tools. Eligible applicants for the Local Stewardship Planning grant include governmental entities such as counties, cities, towns, villages, public authorities, school districts, community colleges, and Indian nations or tribes with reservations in New York State. Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status are also eligible, provided they complete prequalification through the New York State Grants Management system. All applicants must be registered in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) Grants Management System. Applications must be submitted online through the SFS Grants Management System and are due no later than 3 p.m. on August 7, 2025. An informational webinar will be held on June 11, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. to guide applicants through eligibility and application requirements. The session will be recorded and made available on the Estuary Program’s grant page. Grant recipients are required to submit quarterly reports that include both technical progress updates and financial summaries. Reports must follow the New York State fiscal year schedule and be submitted electronically to the DEC. Final reporting must include all agreed deliverables, a comprehensive financial report, and compliance certifications. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact Susan Pepe at the Hudson River Estuary Program office.