October 2018
Barnabas McHenry, Chairman Greenway Council, Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Kevin M. Burke, Chairman, Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley,
Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Scott Keller, Acting Executive Director Greenway,
Acting Director National Heritage Area 
Monthly News, Events, & Grant
Opportunities
The Hudson River Valley Greenway Announces $467,400 in Grants
At its September meeting, the  Hudson River Valley Greenway approved twelve matching grant awards for its Conservancy Trail Grant program totaling $467,400. The funded projects include:

  • $75,000 to the City of Albany, for the Southend Connector; Linking Albany’s Multi-Use Trails.
  • $4,900 to the Friends of Lindenwald, for Martin Van Buren Nature Trail Improvements.
  • $17,500 to the Columbia Land Conservancy, for Yellow Trail Improvements at Greenport Conservation Area.
  • $10,000 to the Olana Partnership, to replace the Olana Carriage Road Gates.
  • $75,000 to the City of Poughkeepsie, for the College Hill Connection.
  • $75,000 to the Winnakee Land Trust, for the Saw Kill Red Hook Trailhead Project.
  • $7,500 to the Greene Land Trust, for Mawlgnack Preserve Trail Interpretation.
  • $70,000 to the Hudson Highlands Land Trust, for the Granite Mountain Preserve Phase II.
  • $7,500 to the Town of Moreau, for the Town of Moreau Townwide Trails Concept Plan.
  • $10,000 to the D&H Canal Historical Society, for the 5 Lock Walk Loop Extension Plan.
  • $75,000 to the Town of New Paltz, for the Henry W. Dubois Road Improvements.
  • $40,000 to Scenic Hudson, for the RiverWalk Connection Beneath and to the Mario Cuomo Bridge SUP.

The Conservancy Trail Grant Program typically begins accepting applications in early summer with an early fall application deadline. F ind out more here .
Volunteer at the Roosevelt Home Garden!
The vegetable garden at the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park is up and running! Once nearly a two acre vegetable garden for the Roosevelt family, this area was paved over in 1948 to create a parking lot. Over the past three years, the National Park Service (NPS) has initiated a project to restore the garden. With the help of volunteers, there are now 30 different kinds of vegetables growing. The produce is being sent weekly to the Dutchess Outreach Mobile Market in the City of Poughkeepsie. Informational meetings will be held for individuals interested in volunteering. Come learn about the history of the garden, long term restoration goals, and roles for volunteers on Tuesday, September 25, 10:00-11:00 am and Friday, September 28, 10:00-11:00 am. Meetings will be held in the vegetable garden, located next to the Wallace Visitor Center parking lot at the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt on Route 9 in Hyde Park, NY. To register for a meeting, email Susan MacAvery, NPS Horticulturist, at susan_macavery@nps.gov . No prior gardening experience is required. Tools and training will be provided.
Unsafe Boating on the Hudson River
The Hudson River is a magnificent natural corridor, but it is also a complex river that can pose many dangers if boaters are not boating safely. Tides, wind, currents, commercial ships and large, fast recreational boats, and unpredictably swift weather changes can quickly turn a pleasant outing into a potential tragedy. We strongly recommend that you educate yourself about the river before launching any watercraft. Check out these two new videos giving examples of unsafe boating; Unsafe Boating I and Unsafe Boating II , which can be found on the Hudson River Valley Greenway Water Trail 's Safety Info page under quick links.
Register Now for Fall 2018 Path Through History Weekend!
Join the fun at the Fall Path Through History Weekend on Columbus Day weekend (October 6-8, 2018). The Spring Path Through History Weekend was held in June and was a great success with hundreds of events celebrating New York State's history. The Fall Path Through History Weekend will continue to celebrate the great diversity of events that promote the unique history of our state. If your organization is holding an event during these time frames and it connects with New York State history, your participation is highly encouraged. Please click here to register your event. 
Confirmed Finding of Spotted Lanternfly in Albany and Yates Counties
The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Agriculture and Markets (DAM) today confirmed that  spotted lanternfly   (SLF), an invasive pest from Asia, has been found in Albany and Yates counties. State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "It's critical that we monitor for and control this invasive species, which can weaken plants and have a devastating impact on our farm crops and agricultural production, especially apples, grapes and hops. Since our farmers are among those facing the greatest potential impact, we ask them to join us in helping to watch for the spotted lanternfly, and signs of infestation, and report any sightings immediately." Following both reported cases, DEC and DAM immediately began extensive surveys throughout the area. At this time, no additional insects have been found. DEC and DAM urge New Yorkers to report potential sightings to   spottedlanternfly@dec.ny.gov . Read more here .
Upcoming Events

Food Truck Picnic Days, Olana State Historic Site, Hudson, NY
Every Weekend in October: There was a time when a picnic was the most popular leisure activity in the United States. Pack your chairs, blankets, bring your own coolers and we have your food needs covered. Since there are three different food trucks this season, you can come multiple times and always experience a new menu; and you’ll always get a seat with a view! Read more here .

Play Days at Jay, John Jay Homestead State Historic Site, Katonah, NY
October 5, 12, 19, 26: Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at John Jay Homestead; explore our 6 Discovery Centers and visit our chickens. Education staff will lead a short hands-on activity at 1pm. Free admission. Learn more here .

Starry Starry Night, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Highland, NY
October 5: Walkway Over the Hudson’s annual Starry Starry Night fundraising benefit is at Walkway’s Ulster Welcome Center Plaza in Highland. Find out more here .

Ghost in the Mist: Ghost Tours of Beacon, Beacon, NY,
October 6: Learn about the local lore, legends, and ghostly tales of haunted places, as our ghostly spirits share over 300 years of Beacon’s history. The tour takes approximately one hour, over a half mile of uneven terrain. Read more here .

Environmental Art for Kids, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Cragsmoor, NY
October 6: Come channel your inner artist! Using inspiration from environmental artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, participants will create temporary sculptures using natural materials found in the park. Learn more here .

Twin Forts Day, Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Fort Montgomery, NY
October 6: Join our friends group and the 5th NY Regiment for the 240th anniversary of the 1777 assault on Forts Montgomery & Clinton, complete with drills, camp life activities, musket demonstrations, and cannon firings. Read more here .

Capturing Our Past: Visiting Washington’s Headquarters in the Mid-Late 19 th Century, Newburgh, NY
October 6: Hear about Washington’s Headquarters’ early years. Listen to how and why it became the first publicly operated historic site in the nation on July 4, 1850. What was behind the motivation to save Washington’s Headquarters before so many other sites? Free with admission to the Headquarters and Museum . Learn more here .

Fall Foliage Hike, John Boyd Thacher State Park, Voorheesville, NY
October 6: Take in the scenic beauty and seasonal color of the park on this early autumn walk. We’ll walk the Fred Schroeder Memorial Trail, a three-mile loop trail in the north zone of the park. Find more out here .

Open House at the Old Croton Aqueduct Keeper's House, Dobbs Ferry, NY
October 7: Visit the historic Keeper's House used in the 1800's as a residence by the supervisor charged with maintaining a portion of the Aqueduct which brought fresh water to a disease-ridden New York City. Read more here .

Unravelling the 5 Corners Knot: Guided Old Croton Aqueduct Trail Walk, Dobbs Ferry, NY
October 7: A guide will accompany you to 5 Corners, point out local sights and talk about NYC's water system. Find out more here ,

World War I & the End of the Gilded Age, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh, NY
October 7: Commemorating the centennial years of World War I, this special tour explores how Gilded Age extravagance withered away in the cataclysm of the Great War. Learn more here .

Smokey Bear Day, Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Albany, NY
October 8: Drop in and meet Smokey Bear! Learn from Smokey how the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission uses prescribed fire to keep this habitat healthy. There will be prescribed fire equipment on hand for visitors to see and try out, interactive exhibits and Smokey goody bags for visitors to take home. Find out more here .

Lets Get Water Back into the Canal, D&H Canal Park Visitor’s Center, Cuddebackville, NY
October 10: Please join Robert J. Honders, Sr., the Neversink Valley Museum of History and Innovation’s engineering consultant, as he explains how the D&H canal operated and what needs to be done to safely restore its source of water. More details here .

Take a Hike! After School Hiking Club, Hudson Crossing Park, Schuylerville, NY
October 10, 17, 24, 31: Kids aged 7 - 12 will spend the afternoon exploring Hudson Crossing Park and all that it has to offer - science, history, stories - you name it! Learn more here .

Recognizing Habitats: A Field Workshop for Municipal Officials, Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Cornwall, NY
October 12: Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County and the NYS DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program are offering an  outdoor workshop for municipal officials and others, to increase their ability to recognize and evaluate major habitat types and potential impacts to habitats from land development. Find out more here .

2018 Annual Tour of Historic Barns and Working Farms, Sisters Hill Farm, Stanfordville, NY
October 13: Embark on a self-guided tour through several of northern Dutchess County's most unique and historic local farms, barns, and vistas. Learn more here .

Victorian Nutting Party, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY
October 13: Celebrate a classic autumn harvest like the Victorians did! First, a nut tree identification hike, then practice processing various nuts. Hot drinks served and nutty snacks will be made and enjoyed by all. Read more here .

Skull & Bones Nature Program, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh, NY
October 13: A fun nature program for children ages 6-9 in our classroom on the river. What can you tell by looking at a skull? Children become detectives, examining animal skulls to learn about predator and prey animals. Learn more here .

2nd New York Regiment Encampment, Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, Stony Point, NY
October 13: Known for their precision drilling with 18th century reproduction weapons, the 2nd NY will demonstrate musket tactics throughout the day. Find out more here .

Local Friends Groups Round-table, Albany, NY
October 16: With the help of a grant from the Bender Family Foundation, Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) would like to extend our resources to volunteer “Friends” groups in the Capital Region offering capacity building, resources, and technical advice. Read more here .

3rd Annual Halloween Party, Historic Van Schaick Mansion, Cohoes, NY
October 19: Join a thrilling event featuring Revolutionary War reenactors, spooky stories, a candlelit walk to the graveyard, trick or treating, and seasonal refreshments. Find out more here .

Legends by Candlelight Ghost Tours, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown, NY
October 19, 20, 26, 27: The highlight of Clermont's fall season! Guests will find themselves travelin gback in time, as the house is filled with ghosts from throughout the mansion's 250-year history. Tours followed by roasted marshmallows. Learn more here .

Natural Resource Lecture & Program Series: Moonlight Night Hike, Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, Hyde Park, NY
October 20: Bring your night time senses to full awareness by discovering the changes from day to night and summer to fall for walk to the shores of the Hudson for a lecture on astronomy. Find out more here .

Things that Go Bump in the Night for Preschool Children, Sheldrake Environmental Center, Larchmont, NY
October 20: Don’t miss out on our Halloween-themed walk! We will explore the not-so-spooky creatures that come out at night at Sheldrake through song, story, craft and a pre-dusk walk around the pond. Read more here .

Waterford Ghost Hunt, Waterford Rural Cemetery, Waterford, NY,
October 20: Family friendly paranormal investigation led by the Albany Paranormal Society. Hunt runs no longer than 2 hours. Find out more here .

It Was Dark Back Then, Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site, Vails Gate, NY
October 20: In the spirit of 18th century literature costumed interpreters submit for your approval a haunting tale. The eerie night-cloaked grounds of the historic Knox's Headquarters serve as a stage for this macabre presentation about strange happenings. Read more here .

Citizen Science Plant Hike, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Cragsmoor, NY
October 20: When do the flowers bloom? When do the leaves fall? We are very curious to find out! In this program, you will learn all about phenology, the study of how plants and animals change throughout the seasons, while working as a citizen scientist to collect information about the plants in our park. Learn more here .

Birding the Hudson Valley-Author Talk & Book Launch, Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, Chappaqua, NY
October 21: Join Kathryn Schneider for a talk about her new book "Birding the Hudson Valley," this fall. More than just a collection of bird-finding tips, this book explores Hudson Valley history, ecology, bird biology, and tourism. Find out more here. 

Sustainable Development: Tools & Techniques, Rockland County Community College, Suffern, NY
October 23: The session will focus on issues faced by Rockland County communities, such as comprehensive planning, advanced zoning techniques, sustainable development, stormwater management, and solar development. Graduates of the LULA program will also discuss their successes to date, and group discussions will focus on ways to move sustainable development initiatives forward in your community. Read more here .

Full Moon Owls and Hors d’oeuvres, Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Albany, NY
October 24: Join us for a hike under the full moon while stopping periodically to listen for the calls of owls in the Pine Bush. Learn more here .

Critters of the Night Hike, John Boyd Thacher State Park, Voorheesville, NY
October 26: Under the cover of darkness, the forest comes alive with sounds of animals and insects adapted to night-life! Join us for a sensory hike through the fields and forests surrounding the Nature Center, as we search for elusive critters of the night. Find more here .

Walkway at Night: Moonwalk, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Highland, NY
October 26: Enjoy breathtaking twilight views from 212 feet above the Hudson River. View the night sky with telescopes provided by the Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association. Read more here .

Knick at Night, Knickerbocker Mansion, Schaghticoke, NY
October 26, 27: What ghost will you meet? One of the Knickerbockers or a spouse.... Rumor has it that Rachel will be in the Mansion..... you never know who may grace us with their presence. Find out more here .

Colonial Soap Making, Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Fort Montgomery, NY
October 27: Discover how the colonists made soap out of nothing more than wood ash and fat! Family Friendly. Learn more here .

Nature's Creepy Mystery Trail, John Boyd Thacher State Park, Voorheesville, NY
October 27: Take a walk on the Nature Center Trail and discover cool and creepy natural objects and oddities along the way. Use the clues to complete the challenge and win a prize! Wear your Halloween costume if you like. Make Halloween crafts and enjoy warm cider and donuts. Read more here .

Boo at the Zoo, Bear Mountain State Park, Bear Mountain, NY
October 27: Make spooky snacks for the black bears, watch the zookeepers let the bears loose to enjoy the tasty Halloween decorations, touch real animal skulls and more at Trailside Museum & Zoo. Find out more here . 

2018 Jay Soiree, Jay Heritage Center, Rye, NY
October 27: Don't miss this year's wickedly elegant Jay Soiree! Put on your finest cloak or midnight black cocktail dress. Plunge into an evening of hauntingly fun entertainments including live music, dancing, spirits, brews and bites, psychic readings and surprise apparitions! Read more here.

Jack O'Lanters and Jollity: Hallowe'en Tea & Talk, Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburg, NY
October 28: Historian Carol Kohan will trace how the ancient Celtic festival was fashioned into a high-spirited celebration in Gilded Age America, presenting a bewitching look at traditions and trends in Hallowe’en entertaining c. 1890-1919. A special Hallowe’en tea & treats menu will be served. Learn more here .
Heritage Spotlight: Woodstock Playhouse
As an iconic site of American Theatre & Music History, the establishment of the Woodstock Playhouse by Robert Elwyn was a monumental moment in our region’s history. The site is a crown jewel of American Theatre History established in 1938 as one of the first rural extensions of Broadway with connections to Al Hirschfeld, the debut of many famous actors of pop-history, grand legends of theatre & film, Margaret Webster’s American Repertory Theatre, and musicians who became idols and voices of our generations. As home to a pivotal 1968 concert, the generally accepted precursor to Woodstock 1969, the site holds a vibrant energy as a mecca for those who embrace history, theater, and music. A history wall, video, and historic memorabilia are on display in the two spacious Art & Photography Galleries. Theater, concerts, and special events fill the season. Read more here .
Project Spotlight: City of Beacon Heritage Site Mapping and Signage Project
The City of Beacon, in partnership with DIA: Beacon, Mount Gulian, Madam Brett Homestead and other public and private contributors, were awarded a National Heritage Area (NHA) Development Grant for the City of Beacon Heritage Site Mapping and Signage Project. The project included design mapping and signage (gateway, places of interest and directional) for installation at various locations throughout the City of Beacon, including the train station and Main Street, to increase visitation and promote connectivity for visitors and tourists to the City of Beacon's Heritage sites, trail network, waterfront recreational opportunities, and downtown business district. Previously, after pedestrians disembarked the train they did not have access to signage that provides a map and overview of the City's three Heritage sites and their connectivity to the City's other places of interest, trails and public transport. These improvements provide a creative, dramatic and imaginative interpretation of the City's nationally significant cultural and natural resources, along with trip planning tools, such as mileage and time required to access these local resources.
Green Tip of the Month: Paper, Paper, and more Paper
Did you know? The average US citizen uses 50 pounds of tissue paper per year. Try to buy the highest content of post-consumer recycled content, looking for either 100% recycled or FSC certified tissue or toilet paper. Learn more here .
Grant and Funding Opportunities

Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant Program
Matching grants available for Greenway Communities and Greenway Compact Communities. Deadline: October 12, 2018 . More  here .

National Heritage Area Sponsorship's Available
The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) will partner with various organizations to sponsor programs and events that reinforce the Heritage Area’s mission. While complementing the mission of the Heritage Area, cultural, heritage and recreational events deliver significant tourism and economic benefits to communities, and encourage local and regional partnerships. Municipalities and nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations located within the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area are eligible to apply. For more information, please contact Dan Jeanson at daniel.jeanson@hudsongreenway.ny.gov or 518-473-3835.

Teaching the Hudson Valley Explore Awards
These matching grants are intended to create opportunities for students to explore the history, environment, and culture of the Hudson River Valley, connecting their studies to signifi cant places. They encourage students’ appreciation for and stewardship of their communities and cultures, and connect teachers with site educators and place-based learning. Eligible expenses include transportation and admission fees to eligible Hudson Valley locations for school groups. Read more here .

Nature Works Everywhere Grant Program
Over the last several years, the Nature Works Everywhere program has given grants to schools across the U.S. to build, amend or revitalize school garden projects with the core principle that gardens model nature on a similar scale. Our support is focused on projects that involve students in developing a nature-based, green infrastructure solution to an environmental challenge in their community. Whether addressing issues surrounding access to healthy food, air quality, heat island effect, climate change or storm water collection, youth will be empowered as social innovators to model solutions in their school communities through project design and implementation. Grants of $2,000 will be awarded up to 50 public or charter schools across the United States. Deadline: October 5, 2018 . Find out more here .

Ann and Abe Effron Donor Advised Fund Grants
The Community Foundations exist to enhance the quality of life for all citizens in the Greater Hudson Valley, now and for generations to come. We work with anyone who wishes to ensure and improve the quality of life in Dutchess, Ulster and Putnam counties. We support a broad and diverse range of issue areas including the arts, education, community development, conservation, health, and human services. Our grant-making is local, Hudson Valley-wide and national in scope. Representing thousands of donors through more than 500 separate funds that make up its endowment, your Foundation encourages a sense of community by channeling much-needed resources to area organizations. The Foundations provide superior donor servic es, awards grants and scholarships, ensures sustainability of philanthropic resources and serves as a leader, catalyst, and resource to positively impact our community. The Foundation practices and encourages diversity, equity, and inclusiveness as fundamental values of community life. Deadline: October 15, 2018 . Read more here .
 
Ben & Jerry's Foundation Grants
The Grassroots Organizing for Social Change Program offers general or project support to non-profit organizations throughout the United States and is our most competitive grant program. We make one-year grants for up to $25,000, to organizations with budgets under $500,000. Only organizations with 501(c)3 status, or who have a fiscal agent with this status are eligible to apply. While our broad goals are to further social and environmental justice and support sustainable and just food systems, we focus on the types of activities and strategies an organization uses for creating social change rather than on the specific issues the organization is addressing. Pre-application deadline: October 15, 2018 . Learn more here .

Gardens Grant Program
Whole Kids Foundation in partnership with FoodCorps, the Garden Grant program provides a $2,000 monetary grant to support a new or existing edible garden at either a K-12 school, 501(c)(3) Non-profit working in partnership with a K-12 school, or simply a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Garden projects must be an edible educational garden (growing fruits, herbs, grains, etc.). Deadline: October 15, 2018 . Find out more here .

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor's Preservation and Management Plan
Do you have a project or great idea aimed at inspiring people to learn more about New York’s legendary canals, celebrate the Erie Canal Bicentennial, or encourage further exploration of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor? We are now accepting applications from not-for-profits, municipalities, and federally recognized Native American tribes for projects that advance our  Preservation and Management Plan ’s goals and objectives. This is a competitive grant program which makes awards ranging from $2,000 to $7,000. Awards must be matched dollar for dollar. Only organizations within the boundaries of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor may apply. Deadline: October 26, 2018 .

Every Day Capacity Building Grants
Every Day Capacity Building Grants provide Friends Groups with grant funds of up to $5,000 to help build their organizational capacity to serve public lands.With stretched budgets and limited staff, land managers at federal, state, and local public lands need all the help they can get. That help often comes from Friends Groups, nonprofit organizations whose missions focus on serving our nation's public land sites, and the improvement and responsible use of those sites. The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), with generous support from Toyota, seeks to strengthen these organizations and unleash their potential to serve their public lands. NEEF's Every Day Capacity Building Grants contribute to the conservation and stewardship of our public lands by funding projects that build the organizational capacity of Friends Groups. Deadline: November 5, 2018 . Find out more here .

Park and Trail Partnership Grants
Administered by PTNY, in partnership with the New York State (NYS) Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), and with support from Governor Cuomo. The Park and Trail Partnership Program is a $500,000 capacity-building matching grants program funded through the NYS Environmental Protection Fund. The program is designed to:
  • Enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, maintenance and promotion of New York State parks, trails, state historic sites and public lands.
  • Increase the sustainability, effectiveness, productivity, and volunteer and fundraising capabilities of not-for-profit organizations that promote, maintain, and support New York State parks, trails, state historic sites and public lands.
  • Promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails, greenways and public lands.

Deadline: November 30, 2018 . More details here .

Wal-Mart Foundation Community Grant Program
Community Grants range from a minimum of $250 to the maximum grant of $5,000. Organizations applying must be a Section 501(c)(3) or (19) non profit, government entity, a school, or a faith based organization. There are 8 areas of funding for which an organization can apply. These include hunger relief and healthy eating, health and human service, quality of life, education, community and economic development, diversity and Inclusion, public safety, and environmental sustainability. Deadline: December 31, 2018 . Learn more here .

Hudson River Estuary Program’s Trees for Tribs Program  
The Hudson River Estuary Program’s Trees for Tribs program offers free native trees and shrubs for planting along the tributary streams in the Hudson River estuary watershed. Our staff can help you with a planting plan and work with your volunteers. Fall planting projects are now taking place. If you own or manage property near a stream in the Hudson estuary watershed, you can apply for assistance from Trees for Tribs. Landowners or managers must complete an application (PDF) .  and if the project is selected, recruit volunteers for planting, and maintain the site after the planting is complete. Deadline: March 1, 2019 for a planting in spring, and August 1, 2019 for planting in the fall. More info here .

Emergency/Intervention Funding
Intervention funding from the National Trust is awarded in emergency situations when immediate and unanticipated work is needed to save a historic structure, such as when a fire or other natural disaster strikes. Funding is restricted to nonprofit organizations and public agencies. Emergency grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, but unlike the majority of our grant funding, a cash match is not required for intervention projects. Read more about the process for intervention grants   here . Then  contact us   if you believe your project qualifies for this type of funding. Please note: our emergency funding is very limited. 

Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program
The Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program (Connect Kids) is a field trip refund grant program connecting New York schoolchildren with nature and New York State history. Connect Kids will refund up to $1,000 of the field trip costs for visits to a New York State Park, Nature Center, or Historic Site, or a Department of Environmental Conservation Environmental Education Center, fish hatchery, or selected DEC sites. Grants are available on a first come, first served basis. Find out more here .

Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund
Only Organizational Level Forum members or Main Street America members of the National Trust are eligible to apply for funding from the Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund grant program. The Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund helps to build the capacity of existing preservation organizations and encourages collaboration among these organizations by providing grants for mentoring and other peer-to-peer and direct organizational development and learning opportunities. The purpose of these grants is to support the leadership and effectiveness of staff and board members of preservation organizations to fulfill their mission and to create a stronger, more effective preservation movement. By linking organizations with specific skills/programs to those seeking to develop similar abilities, the Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund promotes individualized mentoring and the sharing of expertise. Read more here .

Humanities New York Grants
Quick Grants  of $500 are now available for in-person public humanities program​s​. These matching grants are ​intended for small and volunteer-run organizations. Proposals ​will be accepted on a rolling basis while funds last.

Vision Grants : Seed funding for project development of up to $1,500 in support of brainstorming, researching, and professional development for organizations working collaboratively to develop new ideas and program strategies. Proposals ​will be accepted on a rolling basis while funds last . These grants aim to:
  • Support emerging and established partnerships between different groups on a shared project that may develop into public-facing activities.
  • Infuse program design with humanities themes and methodologies from the start.
  • Encourage experimentation in program design.
  • Build community input into program design.

Learn more about Humanities New York's Grant Programs here .

5th Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest
Fifth grade students are encouraged to design and submit an original poster depicting the current year's theme: Habitats for Bats! Poster competition begins at the local elementary school level. Each school's winning entry is then entered into a regional judging event. Nine regional champions are chosen and from these a final, statewide winner is selected. The state winner will be invited to celebrate at the State Capital in Albany and have a tree planted in their name at their school. Various other prizes are awarded to the state winning student and his/her school. The New York State winner also receives the honor of having his/her artwork replicated as the NYS 5th Grade Arbor Day Poster, which is distributed to schools and libraries all over the state. Approximately 2,000 students from around the state participate each year. Submit entry by designated deadline of December 21, 2018 to your NYS Regional DEC Office. Learn more here .

New York State Assembly Grants Action News 
State, federal, and private grant information from the New York State Assembly. More  here .
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