Waterkeepers Receive Watershed Institute Grants

Hackensack Riverkeeper Awarded $5,000 to Enhance Fundraising Strategies

 

By Hugh M. Carola

Hackensack Riverkeeper was one of three New Jersey-based Waterkeeper Alliance members selected by the Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association to receive a 2003 Watershed Institute Grant. Funded by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the $100,000 grant program is designed to help strengthen the capacity of grassroots watershed organizations across the state. Among the 14 recipients this year were Hackensack Riverkeeper, the Delaware Riverkeeper Network and New York/New Jersey Baykeeper, all long-time members of the Waterkeeper Alliance.

On Sept. 9, 2003, Hackensack Riverkeeper was awarded $5,000 for enhanced outreach and fundraising. “In order to meet our goals to better connect with individual donors, we need to upgrade some of our office infrastructure,” said Lisa Kelly, HRI development director. “This grant will allow us to effectively track contributions and make sure we meet the expectations of our donors.”

NY/NJ Baykeeper received $5,000 to enhance its Raritan Riverkeeper program while the Delaware Riverkeeper Network was given $4,800 to promote the upcoming Phase II Stormwater Regulations in the Delaware River valley.

For George Hawkins, executive director of the Stony Brook – Millstone Watershed Association, working with local watershed groups like the Waterkeepers is “a delight to be able to help in this way.” Established in 1949, the Stony Brook – Millstone Watershed Association works with municipalities, local organizations and individuals to promote and improve water quality through technical assistance, water quality monitoring, and education. It formed the Watershed Institute in 1999 to strengthen local efforts to protect the environment.