Regional Resilience Grants

The Understory Regional Resilience Grants program is a private funding initiative administered by The Understory, a fiscally sponsored project of the New World Foundation. The program is part of the Hudson Estuary Resilience Effort and is designed to strengthen social and ecological resilience across the Hudson Valley. The initiative reflects a place-based funding approach, with priorities shaped by regional practitioners organized into subject-matter guilds. These experts, alongside staff and advisors, participate in reviewing applications and recommending awards, ensuring that funded projects are rooted in local knowledge and community needs. The primary purpose of the program is to support nonprofit organizations and eligible public-serving institutions in implementing projects that contribute to resilience in four key focus areas: culture, ecology, food and farming, and shelter. The program emphasizes collaboration, community engagement, and practical solutions that address current environmental and social challenges. Projects are expected to demonstrate clear plans for fostering restoration, regeneration, and preparedness in the region, particularly in response to climate-related and systemic pressures affecting Hudson Valley communities. Funding through this program ranges from 10000 to 200000 dollars per award, with total program funding of at least 4000000 dollars and approximately 60 to 70 grants anticipated. Most awards are expected to fall between 25000 and 100000 dollars. Grant funds may be used for a wide range of project-related expenses, including direct program costs, staff and contractor time, and certain capital expenses such as construction, renovation, and equipment when integral to the project. However, funds may not be used for land acquisition, lobbying, political activities, debt retirement, or retroactive expenses. Indirect costs are capped at 15 percent of the total request. Eligibility is broad and includes nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, municipal and county governments, educational institutions, libraries, and faith-based organizations, provided that funded activities are secular and community-serving. Projects must take place within the ten designated counties of the Hudson Valley region. Applicants may apply directly or through a fiscal sponsor, and collaboration among organizations is encouraged, although one entity must serve as the primary applicant. There is no matching requirement for this grant, though applicants must demonstrate a viable plan if additional funding is needed to complete the project. The application process is conducted through an online grant management system and requires submission of a detailed project narrative, milestones, and budget, along with supporting documentation such as organizational financials, proof of eligibility, and partnership confirmations where applicable. Optional materials may include site plans, photographs, and letters of support. Applications are evaluated based on a scoring rubric developed with regional experts, with emphasis on community impact, feasibility, collaboration, and alignment with program priorities. The 2026 application cycle opened on July 15, 2026, with a final submission deadline of November 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Informational webinars are scheduled during the application period to support prospective applicants. Awards are expected to be announced in late January 2027. Funded projects must be completed within two years of award, and grantees are required to participate in documentation, storytelling, and final reporting. The program is expected to recur, with future cycles likely following a similar annual schedule.

Prioritize strong community engagement, collaboration, and alignment with multiple focus areas; demonstrate clear feasibility and measurable impact; provide detailed and realistic budgets