Best Grants for Journalism 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 Democratic Practice Grant Program, funded by The Rockefeller Brothers Fund, aims to enhance democracy in the U.S. and globally by fostering citizen engagement and supporting inclusive governance. It addresses critical challenges such as political polarization, voting rights, and economic disparities, promoting innovative strategies that empower marginalized voices. The program encourages systemic reform, transparency, and accountability in democratic institutions, ensuring that citizens play an active role in shaping their governance. By leveraging grassroots activism and digital tools, it seeks to revitalize democracy for all.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Urban Affairs Grants program by the Charles H. Revson Foundation aims to enhance New York City's livability through innovative projects. Collaborating with civic and cultural institutions, it addresses diverse community needs, focusing on public libraries, affordable housing, and local journalism. The foundation supports registered nonprofits in the U.S. and seeks proposals that foster engaged urban citizenship. For further details, please refer to the FAQs for grant seekers on their website.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

The Louis Padovano Grants, awarded by The Lotos Foundation, support not-for-profit organizations in New York City that provide free arts and science programs to middle and high school students. These grants aim to nurture talented individuals across diverse fields such as dance, film, music, theater, visual arts, writing, and the sciences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and have not received funding for the past three consecutive years.

The Cloudsplitter Foundation offers Program and Project Support Grants aimed at well-defined initiatives with specific needs and budgets. With a focus on the Adirondack region, these grants prioritize projects that foster community support and collaboration among stakeholders. Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals early due to high demand, as funding is limited to a percentage of project costs. The Foundation seeks to empower organizations that show potential for significant community impact.

The U.S. Hillman Book Prize, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, honors exceptional journalism that serves the common good. Open to global journalists, it recognizes books published in English in the U.S. within the last year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at an annual ceremony in New York City. The foundation also promotes entries with a U.S. impact while continuing the SEIU Award for Reporting on Racial and Economic Justice.

The U.S. Hillman Prize for Broadcast Journalism, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, recognizes outstanding journalism that serves the common good. Open to global journalists, the contest honors work accessible to U.S. audiences, with no entry limits per outlet. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at a ceremony in New York City. This prestigious award highlights impactful stories across various media platforms, emphasizing the importance of journalism in addressing social issues.

The U.S. Hillman Prize for Newspaper Journalism, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, recognizes outstanding journalism that serves the common good. Open to global journalists, entries must be published in English and accessible to U.S. audiences within the last year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at a New York City ceremony. The foundation also honors work related to racial and economic justice through additional awards. Entries should focus on impactful stories.

The U.S. Hillman Prize for Opinion and Analysis Journalism, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, recognizes outstanding journalism that serves the common good. Open to journalists globally, the prize honors works published or broadcast in English within the last year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at a ceremony in New York City. This prestigious award promotes impactful storytelling that resonates with a U.S. audience and champions social justice.

The U.S. Hillman Prize for Magazine Journalism, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, recognizes outstanding journalism that serves the common good. Open to global journalists, it requires works to be published in English and accessible to a U.S. audience within the past year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at the annual ceremony in New York City. The foundation prioritizes stories with U.S. impact across diverse topics.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The John Ben Snow Foundation provides funding primarily for tax-exempt organizations in Central New York, focusing on education, arts, community initiatives, and youth programs. Established in 1948, the foundation prioritizes proposals that enhance educational opportunities and reduce barriers for under-resourced individuals. Additionally, it considers projects in environmental and historic preservation, though these areas receive limited funding. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000.

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.

The Nicholas B. Ottaway Foundation's Community Impact Fund Grants aim to enhance community well-being by supporting 501(c)(3) organizations focused on underrepresented populations. Grants range from $3,000 to $20,000 and are intended for projects in areas like disaster relief and sexual health. First-time applicants must submit a letter of intent before applying. The foundation prioritizes projects in regions where its members live and work, ensuring local engagement and impact.

The Nicholas B. Ottaway Foundation offers grants through its Education Committee to support programs enhancing educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. These grants focus on initiatives like tutoring, college preparation, and internship programs. To qualify, organizations must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3). Preference is given to projects that provide ongoing support to students post-graduation, particularly in specific geographic areas such as San Diego County and the New York Metropolitan Area.

The Scherman Foundation's Democracy Program champions the empowerment of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. It focuses on enhancing civic engagement, safeguarding voting rights, and reforming democratic processes to ensure inclusivity and accountability. By supporting locally-rooted organizations in key states, the foundation aims to build a more equitable democracy where diverse voices are heard and political power is reclaimed by those historically marginalized. This program is pivotal for advancing racial justice and fostering systemic change.

The Scherman Foundation's Arts Program supports organizations in New York City that promote economic, political, and cultural transformation for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). By prioritizing BIPOC-led arts initiatives, the foundation aims to create equitable access to resources and decision-making in the arts sector, while fostering community power through artistic expression and activism. This strategic focus ensures the vibrancy and sustainability of local cultural heritage amid ongoing challenges.

The Scherman Foundation's Environmental & Climate Justice Program focuses on empowering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities through grassroots organizing to address climate change and promote racial justice. With a regional emphasis on New York City and State, the program funds multi-issue, community-based organizations that advocate for equitable climate solutions. This initiative aims to dismantle systemic inequalities and foster a Just Transition towards sustainable, democratically controlled systems, ensuring that frontline communities lead the way in climate transformation.

The Scherman Foundation focuses on empowering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities through economic, political, and cultural transformation. They prioritize organizations led by or accountable to these communities, fostering intersectional practices and movement-building efforts. Their funding aims to address systemic inequities in New York, particularly in housing, workers' rights, and cultural initiatives, promoting justice and community resilience. The Foundation's commitment to racial justice reflects in its strategic framework and grantmaking priorities.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

About The New York Community Trust

The New York Community Trust (The Trust), established in 1924, fosters and engages in enduring and innovative philanthropy, making grants that bring together the local knowledge and expertise of its team, nonprofits, and partners to help donors fulfill their vision for the causes they love. From education and the arts to health care and the environment, The Trust seeks to improve every aspect of the cultural and civic life of New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. As a regional philanthropic leader, in addition to a distinguished competitive grantmaking program, The Trust hosts donor-advised funds that make grants throughout the United States as well as funder collaboratives that work on the leading edge of philanthropy to improve the lives of New Yorkers. In 2025, The Trust made close to 11,000 grants totaling nearly $230 million. The Trust—Westchester has served the county for more than 50 years leading several critical efforts across health to education to community development that improve life for Westchester’s more than 1 million residents.

Overview

Civic engagement, the act of participating in community and public life to help improve conditions, solve problems and strengthen civic and social well being, is essential for a just and inclusive community and a healthy democracy. It leads to deeper connections, increased trust in community problem-solving, and opportunities for leaders to contribute to the public good. Robust and informed engagement builds social capital, facilitates and strengthens bonds between local individuals, and fosters local decision making. Over the long term, communities are healthier and resilient

Westchester benefits from the energy, innovation, and participation of its residents who bring fresh ideas and work together to act on issues they care about. No matter the local issue area—environmental sustainability, social justice, affordable housing —resident voices can make a difference in shaping the future of Westchester.

Projects to Advance Civic Engagement and Democracy in Westchester RFP

In 2025, The Trust—Westchester established a new fund to support initiatives that strengthen civic engagement and democratic participation. The fund aims to enhance civic life, including greater social connectedness, civic education, and participation in democratic processes. Grantmaking will focus on empowering individuals and communities to actively shape public life.

This request for proposals (RFP) seeks proposals for projects—supported through the Fund—that that strengthen civic engagement and democratic participation by empowering individuals and communities in Westchester (aged 25 and up) to actively shape and design civic life. Building on The Trust--Westchester’s investments in local nonprofit journalism, youth civic engagement, and preparations for Census 2030, this RFP aims to enhance civic life by supporting programs and projects that support resident-led decision making.

Grants from this RFP will cover projects between 18 to 24 months and range from $10,000 to $50,000.

Grants funds may be used to cover staff time dedicated to the project; stipends for volunteers working on the project; refreshments, supplies, and/or other costs associated with hosting an event; childcare for participants at an event; and other program related costs.

The Westchester Youth Civic Engagement Grants aim to empower young people (up to age 24) to actively participate in civic life. By supporting youth-led projects that promote democracy and social equity, the program encourages nonpartisan initiatives across diverse issue areas. Grants of up to $100,000 over two years will fund projects such as local government involvement, voter registration drives, and media literacy initiatives, fostering critical skills and resilience among youth to become active changemakers in their communities.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.