Best Albany Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Focused on sustainability and community safety, 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Albany, New York can seek up to US $10,000 for dinners, events, and targeted sponsorships that build safe, healthy, and sustainable communities. Grants from PSEG Foundation may support environmental stewardship, public parks, climate resilience, and safety and preparedness initiatives in eligible service areas.

Nonprofit organizations and accredited charities in Albany, New York working on humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts initiatives may be eligible for project support. Focused on community development and social impact, La Roche invites locally based programs to seek backing for innovative, sustainable projects managed within its affiliate country framework.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

 The Understory: Regional Resilience Grants

The Understory has launched a new $4,000,000 grant program as part of our H.E.R.E. (The Hudson Estuary Resilience Effort) initiative.

These Regional Resilience Grants aim to foster social and ecological resilience in the Hudson Valley by supporting local non-profit projects and organizations working in the areas of culture, ecology, food/farming, and shelter.

True resilience comes with connection to and affection for the people and places around us. If we are to withstand the many social and ecological challenges we face here in the Hudson Valley, we need to do it together. Our hope is that these grants will prove to be catalytic in helping us all care for each other and our shared home.

These grants were shaped by Hudson Valley practitioners whom The Understory convened into guilds — groups of local subject-matter experts working in each area. Guild members, along with The Understory staff and other regional experts, will review applications and make funding recommendations. The fund was created with the support of a diverse group of place-focused funders in the Hudson Valley.

Truly, these grants are for this place, and of this place.

Opportunity

We are seeking energetic organizations with great ideas and detailed, realistic, and well-formed plans to foster social and ecological restoration, resilience, and regeneration in the Hudson Valley.

For this program, the Hudson Valley means these ten counties: Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Ulster, and Westchester.

Grants range from $10,000 to $200,000. We expect to award approximately 60-70 grants totaling at least $4,000,000. Most awards are likely to fall between $25,000 and $100,000. That said, all projects will be seriously considered at the lower and upper limits.

We encourage you to size your request to the scope of your work rather than to the floor or the ceiling.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Albany, New York working in areas like basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven programs may be eligible for these grants. Grants from Ameriprise Financial help U.S. nonprofits addressing hunger, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, neighborhood revitalization, arts access, and other community vitality initiatives, with priority given where Ameriprise volunteers are actively engaged.

Public educational institutions and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Albany, New York can apply for Applied Materials Foundation’s grants to support K–12 education, arts and culture, civic engagement, environmental education, and youth development programs. Eligible projects must serve communities where the company operates, including Albany County, and may also engage employee volunteers in hands-on activities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Albany, New York focused on kidney health, prevention, and community wellness may access this funding to improve care, prevention, and management of chronic kidney disease and related conditions. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region supports treatment, preventive services, and health equity initiatives across the Greater Capital Region.

Rubin Community Health Fund Grants

The Hortense and Louis Rubin Community Health Fund was established using proceeds from the operation and sale of the Rubin Dialysis Centers. The fund’s goal is to support programs focused on the prevention, management, and treatment of kidney disease and related health conditions. Managed by the Community Foundation staff and guided by a committee of healthcare experts, the fund is committed to improving public health outcomes.Grantmaking Priorities: The Rubin Community Health Fund considers projects in the Greater Capital Region that align with the following priorities:

• Treatment – Improving Individual Care and Access
  • Maximizing individual care outside of dialysis centers through technology and innovation
  • Expanding or improving access to home dialysis options
• Primary Prevention – Increasing Access to Preventive Services
  • Promoting nutrition and healthy food access
  • Encouraging physical activity
  • Expanding primary care and supportive services
  • Enhancing provider training to improve screening and referrals for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related conditions
• Secondary Prevention and Management Services
  • Improving health literacy to empower individuals
  • Managing and mitigating CKD, End Stage Renal Disease, diabetes, hypertension, and other related conditions
  • Providing universal access to essential support services, such as:
    • Transportation
    • Daycare
    • Case management
    • Technology aimed at preventing dialysis dependency
  • Enhancing management of associated medical conditions

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups serving Albany, New York can apply for Community Foundation Impact Grants, with awards of US $1,000 - US $15,000 for one-year projects. Grants from The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region may support homelessness, disability services, land conservation, new Americans, and other community needs in the Capital Region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups in Albany County, New York can seek $1,000 to $5,000 for tourism-related programs, attractions, events, and capital projects. Grants from The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region help strengthen local hospitality, especially initiatives that boost attendance and hotel stays in Albany, New York.

Albany, New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in arts, culture, education, history, or the environment can access funding through the Bender Family Foundation for projects in Albany County and nearby areas. Grants up to US $15,000 may support programs, capital campaigns, capital expenditures, and challenge or matching grant opportunities.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in Albany, New York can apply for Hansen Family Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support programs for children, education, animals, the environment, humanitarian aid, and arts and culture. Smaller organizations with budgets under $1 million and overhead below 25% may be especially competitive.

Students pursuing higher education in a human medical field who permanently reside in the Samaritan Albany General Hospital service area may be eligible for this scholarship, which provides US $1,000 for tuition, books and required supplies. Focused on medical education, Samaritan Health Services invites applicants from specific Linn County communities served by its Albany facilities.

High school seniors in Albany, GA seeking support for higher education can apply for the Mary Smith Gay Scholarship, which emphasizes academics, leadership, character, and financial need. Community Foundation of South Georgia provides this opportunity; Albany, New York education nonprofits may note it as a student-focused scholarship rather than organizational funding.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and school districts in Albany, New York and the greater Capital Region can apply for Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region’s Bender Scientific Fund, awarding US $1,000 - US $12,500 for projects in medicine, biotechnology, life sciences, and related education. Smaller organizations engaging youth in STEM-focused discovery are especially encouraged.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored groups advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights in Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, or Rensselaer Counties can apply for grants of US $500 - US $2,500. Grants from the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region support advocacy projects serving LGBTQIA+ residents within the greater Capital Region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Albany, New York can seek unrestricted funding for environmental and human services programs or operations. The Lawrence Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants, with no geographic restrictions, to U.S.-headquartered organizations working in its priority areas, including reasonable indirect costs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families with education, housing, hunger relief, or environmental programs in Albany, New York can apply for US $30,000 - US $350,000 True Inspiration Awards grants. Chick Fil A Foundation funds initiatives like youth development, food security, housing support, and environmental stewardship benefiting local communities across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and beyond.

Early-career biomedical investigators at eligible Albany, New York academic or research institutions can receive $75,000 per year for four years to support independent research advancing human health. Grants from Pew Charitable Trusts fund personnel, equipment, supplies, and travel for assistant professors running their own labs, with nominations limited to selected participating institutions.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

New York State Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services

The New York State Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services stands as a beacon of support and resource for faith-based and nonprofit organizations across the state. With a mission deeply rooted in Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to support and expand these communities, the Office is dedicated to fostering growth, equity, and connectivity.  

At its core, the Office aims to empower Faith and Nonprofit organizations. By providing essential information, facilitating access to state grants, and enhancing organizational capacities, it seeks to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all New Yorkers.  

OFNDS Technical Assistance Request for Application (RFA)

This RFA seeks to award funding that will develop a program to provide free technical assistance to nonprofits across New York State. The program seeks to build organizational capacity, improve nonprofits' ability to maximize funding opportunities, expand programmatic impact, and ensure accountability to fiscal compliance standards necessary to do business with New York State. 

Overview- Proposed Areas for Technical Assistance

The purpose of this grant is to fund qualified nonprofit organizations to administer a no-cost Technical Assistance program for the nonprofit community in New York State. Under this grant, the Technical Assistance provider will assist nonprofit organizations with a presence in the assigned region with fiscal infrastructure planning and development, and organizational compliance required to do business in and with New York State, and resource development. These services will increase the nonprofits’ ability to secure, administer and sustain public funding opportunities for New York State grants, and community initiatives.

The Technical Assistance proposed should be practical and tailored to the needs and realities of smaller organizations with limited staff and resources. Successful applicants are required to provide Technical Assistance in a group setting or to individual organizations, as needed. 

Preference will be given to organizations with three or more years’ experience providing similar services to nonprofit organizations. 

Award Regions

Awards will be granted to qualified nonprofit organizations according to two regions: Region A, Downstate; and Region B, Upstate. 

Region B, Upstate

• Capital Region (Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington Counties)
• Central NY (Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego)
• Finger Lakes (Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates)
• Mid-Hudson (Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, Ulster)
• Mohawk Valley (Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie)
• North Country (Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence)
• Southern Tier (Broome, Delaware, Chemung, Chenango, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins); and
• Western NY (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara)