Barnabas McHenry Hudson River Valley Awards Grant

The Barnabas McHenry Hudson River Valley Awards support exceptional young leaders in environmental conservation, historic preservation, and the arts. Awarded annually, these prestigious grants of up to $5,000 encourage students to engage in impactful projects with local nonprofits. Since 2007, the awards have honored the legacy of Barnabas McHenry, fostering a new generation of environmental advocates and cultural stewards dedicated to enhancing the Hudson Valley's unique resources.

Supporting future environmental leaders in the Hudson River Valley
Each year, we present our Barnabas McHenry Hudson River Awards to up to four exceptional young area leaders in the fields of environmental conservation, historic preservation, environmental justice, the arts, and tourism.
“When an undergraduate receives an award like this, it’s life-changing. It really changes one’s view of their work and the value of it.” - David Jakim, 2008 McHenry Scholar
Created in 2007, these awards honor philanthropist and conservationist Barnabas McHenry, a longtime OSI Trustee. Barney is passionate about supporting young leaders who share his appreciation for the Valley’s vibrant historical, artistic, and cultural resources.
Fund Criteria
The awards, up to $5,000 each, provide financial support for undergraduate or graduate students to pair with nonprofits in the Hudson River Valley region. Projects should educate local and academic communities, promote awareness around the history and environment, and invoke change.
Applicants should show:
Demonstrated excellence in a chosen field and passion for their distinctive project.Tangible benefits to local communities.Impact on a student’s college or university that raises compelling dialogue.

Eligibility

Any nonprofit organization working in the Hudson Valley may nominate a candidate and his or her project Eligible candidates must be undergraduate or graduate students. The project itself may be either a summer or a year-long internship. In addition to the $5,000 awarded to McHenry recipients, the Open Space Institute also awards $1,000 to their sponsoring organizations for supplementary expenses.