Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in New York

Mother Cabrini Health Foundation provides New York health and human service nonprofits with grants of more than US $75,000 to improve healthcare access and related services for poor and underserved residents. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets over $750,000, strong governance, and capacity to serve priority populations may receive support, including some capacity building and capital requests.

Nonprofit organizations, community councils, and municipal agencies in New York’s Tompkins County can apply for United Tompkins Community Impact Fund grants to support programs in areas like food security, health, housing, and mental health. Grants from United Way of Tompkins County help strengthen local organizations’ capacity to meet evolving community needs over a two-year funding cycle.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations working on education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs, including those serving New York, can seek McGraw Foundation support for general operations, projects, or occasional capital needs. Grants typically range from US $2,000 - US $10,000, with larger awards possible for unusually promising, high-impact efforts.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on critical water and environmental challenges, American Water Works Association funding may benefit New York nonprofits partnering with or supporting such graduate research.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, American Honda Motor provides New York nonprofits and schools with US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programs advancing decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and public or private schools serving New York communities may use this funding to strengthen and expand qualifying environmental initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups led by and accountable to BIPOC communities can seek funding for environmental and climate justice organizing in New York. Scherman Foundation supports grassroots capacity for economic, political, and cultural transformation, including climate justice, green jobs, mass transit advocacy, and climate resilience work, with limited support in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in New York working on community development, education, or workforce preparation can apply for KeyBank Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 to strengthen programs and operations. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help build affordable housing, support academic success, expand financial literacy, and grow small businesses and employment opportunities.

Nonprofit organizations serving Nassau and Suffolk Counties in New York can receive US $5,000 - US $50,000 to strengthen programs in arts, education, environment, youth development, hunger, housing, and organizational capacity. Grants from The New York Community Trust help New York nonprofits build skills, improve systems, and pursue long-term, community-focused initiatives rather than one-time events or general operations.

Nonprofit organizations serving women and children with programs like education, homelessness services, job readiness, or humanitarian aid in New York can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation. Grants up to US $750,000 support projects that build self-sufficiency, resilience, and organizational capacity, with occasional support for urgent needs tied to long-term sustainability.

Eligible New York organizations running community learning centers can apply for New York State Education Department’s Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants, awarding US $50,000 - US $1,200,000 for academic enrichment and youth development programs. Funding may also strengthen nonprofit capacity through expanded services, partnerships, and family engagement activities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York City’s five boroughs can seek approximately US $10,000 for general operating support or projects that strengthen their programs and infrastructure. Grants from Venable Foundation help New York groups expand capacity in human services, legal services, education, workforce development, youth impact, health, environment, and arts and culture for economically disadvantaged communities.

New York 501(c)(3), (4), (6), and (19) nonprofits with at least $250K in annual revenue can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for sustainability projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resource conservation. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help build long-term organizational capacity through measurable environmental, social, and financial impacts in eligible service ZIP codes.

New York research institutions, nonprofits, and partners working on clean water and ecosystem health can access funding through Lake Champlain Basin Program for projects in the Lake Champlain Basin. Grants of US $25,000 - US $400,000 support research on water quality, habitat restoration, invasive species, and related environmental stewardship that may strengthen organizational capacity.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions conducting biomedical research in New York can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards to support small-scale research projects and strengthen their research environment. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health offers up to US $375,000, emphasizing hands-on research experiences for undergraduate students in eligible disciplines.

New York accredited charities running humanitarian, social, science education, community, environmental, or contemporary arts programs can seek philanthropic support that strengthens their capacity and impact. La Roche prioritizes innovative, sustainable projects that actively engage its local affiliates and employees, and that allow the company to contribute expertise, logistics, and early collaboration with local authorities and partners.

Soil and Water Conservation Districts in New York seeking to implement climate-focused agricultural projects can apply for the Climate Resilient Farming Program, with awards from US $2,000,000 - US $10,000,000. New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets funds projects in livestock management, adaptation and resiliency, healthy soils, and agricultural forest management through this program.

McAuley Ministries provides New York nonprofits with outreach and sustainability funding for capacity building, health and wellness, education, and community and economic development initiatives. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can request US $10,000 - US $500,000 for new or ongoing programs, general operating support, and capital projects that strengthen services and organizational infrastructure.

Municipalities and eligible public agencies in New York can finance wastewater, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure projects through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Grants from New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation help fund construction or restoration of sewers and treatment facilities, stormwater management, landfill closures, and habitat restoration, supporting long-term community capacity for environmental infrastructure.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing arts, environmental, medical research, or veterans programs in New York can seek general operating or program support through grants from Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Tr. Funding may benefit groups strengthening arts access, environmental ingenuity, cancer research, or therapeutic and respite services for veterans in eligible regions.

Early-career medical and health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored clinical research and career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help build long-term research capacity, which New York nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators may be able to support or collaborate with. Awards are approximately US $140,000.

Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation Grant

The Perrigo Foundation is committed to empowering individuals and global communities by supporting programs and organizations that promote health, well-being, and education. We aim to prepare students and young adults for the workforce, providing accessible career pathways that inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential. The Foundation is proudly funded by Perrigo Company plc.

Mission Statement

To provide financial support to non-profit organizations that promote our commitment to enhancing the health, well-being and education of individuals and families in the communities in which Perrigo operates. 

Vision Statement

To help improve and positively impact communities by improving access to quality health services, creating educational opportunities, and supporting the needs of the under-served.

Giving Back to Our Communities

Healthcare

We are providing program stability and capacity building for key community agencies, supporting local nonprofits to improve the quality and accessibility of services, and increasing the quality of mental health services, especially for children and families. 

Education

 Education, post-secondary scholarships, and support for first-generation and low-income students primarily focused on a STEM career, advancement for STEM curriculum, and resources in the K-12 classrooms. 

Supporting the Underserved

Community engagement and well-being, ensuring access to basic human necessities such as food, housing, end-of-life support, and necessary social services.

The HEP Action Agenda aims to engage communities in the NY/NJ Harbor & Estuary Program through in-person sessions this spring and summer. These sessions will gather feedback on community visions for the estuary, addressing challenges and opportunities. Small grants of $2,000-$4,000 will support NGOs in hosting these events, prioritizing collaboration and engagement with overburdened communities. This initiative seeks to develop a new Action Agenda that reflects the needs and priorities of stakeholders for the next decade.

The NY Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides vital technical and financial assistance to farmers and landowners in New York. This program supports sustainable practices on working lands, including crops and livestock, promoting soil health, water conservation, and improved wildlife habitats. By integrating conservation into agricultural operations, EQIP helps mitigate environmental challenges while enhancing productivity. Eligible participants can access tailored conservation plans and potential financial aid to implement effective practices, fostering a more sustainable agricultural future.

The Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports early career research scientists from low- or middle-income countries (LMIC) by providing research funding and mentored career development for three to five years. This program encourages LMIC scientists in health-related fields to develop projects aligned with their country's health priorities, fostering independent research careers within their institutions. Applications are welcomed from junior faculty members, enhancing global health research and capacity in LMICs.

The Aegon Transamerica Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations focused on enhancing financial and social empowerment in communities where Transamerica employees live and work. Established in 2000, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster self-reliance, financial literacy, and community engagement. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) non-profits operating in specific locations such as Atlanta, GA and Denver, CO. The foundation does not fund individuals or certain types of organizations, aiming to create inclusive, resilient communities.

Highmark Corporate Giving is dedicated to enhancing community health and economic resilience across its service areas. With a focus on equitable access to healthcare and support for local organizations, Highmark aims to reduce health disparities and promote well-being. Their initiatives, such as the Bright Blue Futures program, provide funding to impactful community projects, supporting a diverse range of organizations that align with their mission of fostering healthier, more vibrant communities.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.