Best Grants for Special Education in New York

The Children's Guild Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Western New York that cater to children with special needs. The Foundation, operational for over a century, focuses on funding impactful programs addressing developmental, medical, intellectual, behavioral, and mental health challenges. By forming partnerships and advocating for systemic change, the Foundation aims to enhance the lives of these children and their families, ensuring their needs are met effectively and efficiently.

The Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation offers general grants aimed at promoting arts, education, and environmental initiatives. Currently, they are not accepting applications for 2025 but will reopen in January 2026. Eligible organizations must be IRS-registered 501(c)(3) entities serving specific regions, with a focus on environmental, medical, and veterans initiatives. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with its mission and provides opportunities for quality arts programming.

The CTBF: Eager to Learn Grant Program provides essential support for college test preparation and promotes access to trade schools. Aimed at empowering students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, the program funds organizations that enhance SAT and ACT scores and offer mentorship. Grants, capped at $25,000, focus on equitable opportunities in education, ensuring all students can pursue their optimal paths, whether through college or vocational training.

The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation supports projects in the humanities, performing arts, and research libraries, emphasizing excellence in scholarship and creativity. Eligible organizations include U.S. not-for-profits and institutions that enhance the cultural heritage through historical studies, literature, and the arts. The Foundation favors projects that foster collaboration across disciplines, particularly those benefiting European and American history and letters. With a focus on excellence, it aims to broaden access to humanities resources and experiences.

The Stella and Charles Guttman Foundation Grant supports programs for low-income infants, toddlers, and preschoolers transitioning to kindergarten, emphasizing quality improvement and service expansion in high-need neighborhoods. The Foundation aims to build a robust network of education, health, and social services for children from birth through college. With an annual grant budget of approximately $2 million, it prioritizes local organizations in New York City while focusing on high-poverty areas and community-driven strategies.

The Healthy Lives Grant Program by The New York Community Trust aims to enhance health services for older adults and individuals with disabilities in New York City. It focuses on creating an equitable healthcare system by supporting projects that improve access to care, reduce health disparities, and empower individuals through skill development. The program prioritizes innovative solutions that foster independence and community engagement, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs.

The NSF Rapid Response Grants support grassroots organizations in New York City and the Hudson Valley that are led by people directly impacted by injustice. These grants enable activists to respond to urgent threats or opportunities, aiming for specific outcomes within three to six months. Emphasizing systemic change, the fund prioritizes organizations that are democratically structured and focus on social justice, particularly those with limited access to traditional funding sources.

The Schenectady Foundation, founded in 1963, invests significantly in community development within Schenectady County, NY, with plans to allocate $2 million in grants in 2024. It supports transformative projects through its Micro Grant program, offering funds of up to $10,000 for innovative ideas that enhance local initiatives. The Foundation prioritizes projects that promote equitable access to healthy food and neighborhood revitalization, aiming to drive impactful changes in the community and improve residents' well-being.

The Sills Family Foundation provides grants to nonprofits focused on early childhood education, environmental justice, arts and culture, and support for families in crisis. They prioritize programs benefiting communities affected by the criminal justice system, as well as refugees and asylees. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with an emphasis on systemic change and community-based solutions. The foundation operates primarily in metro New York City and California, accepting applications for one-year grants only.

Trinity Grants: Neighborhood Support: Downtown Fund aims to enhance the emotional well-being of Lower Manhattan's communities. Launched in 2023, this program focuses on holistic support for families facing systemic challenges such as poverty and violence. By funding initiatives that promote education, health, and economic empowerment, the Downtown Fund seeks to alleviate toxic stress and foster resilience among children and families. Grants range from $500 to $10,000, supporting community-driven solutions.

The Hoffman Foundation Grant supports organizations focused on aiding the blind and conducting medical research to prevent blindness. Established through Helen C. Hoffman's will, the foundation prioritizes charitable, religious, and educational initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) exempt organizations, primarily serving New Jersey and New York. The foundation only accepts applications year-round, with a deadline of June 30 for consideration in the August meeting. Organizations receiving grants for three consecutive years must take a year off before reapplying.

The Juliet Lea Hillman Simonds Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations, focusing on education, visual arts, writing, and literature, primarily in Pittsburgh. The grant has a rolling application process, with no deadlines, and also considers limited contributions in other areas such as human services and environmental protection. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and public charities. This foundation does not fund individuals but may support select scholarships.

The Ira W. DeCamp Foundation Grant, established in 1970, supports health, social services, and education projects primarily in the New York metropolitan area. The foundation prioritizes community-based health care, foster care initiatives, and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, while ineligible recipients include individuals and private foundations. The foundation emphasizes capacity-building, project funding, and capital enhancements to strengthen community resources and support innovative programming for vulnerable populations.

The Gordon J. Barnett Memorial Foundation, established in 1955, supports educational initiatives in Florida, Indiana, New York, and Oklahoma. It prioritizes funding for tax-exempt organizations, including primary schools, universities, and trade schools. The foundation does not fund political campaigns or individuals. Grants are aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and preventing cruelty to children and animals, reflecting the foundation's commitment to charitable and educational purposes.

The Roger Kresge Foundation Grant supports the physical, mental, and educational development of children and young adults. It is available to organizations with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, primarily serving Broome County, New York. Interested entities should contact the Executive Director before the respective application deadlines of March 15 and August 1 to discuss their proposals. This grant aims to fund innovative projects that contribute to the community's growth.

The David and Minnie Berk Foundation, established in 1961, provides grants to charitable organizations in the arts, education, and social services, focusing on youth, the elderly, and the needy. With a maximum grant of $10,000, they support innovative ideas and pilot programs. Eligible recipients must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in the greater New York metropolitan area, while ineligible organizations include those with budgets exceeding $3,000,000 and individual projects.

The Aaron & Rachel Meyer Memorial Foundation, established in 1964, aims to enhance the quality of life for people and animals in New Jersey and New York through charitable support. Focused on healthcare, education, research, and animal welfare, the foundation has funded diverse projects, from medical equipment to community services. By fostering relationships with local organizations, they address the pressing challenges faced by nonprofits in the tri-state area, ensuring a significant impact on the community.

The Stewart W. and Willma C. Hoyt Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in Broome County, NY, focusing on arts, education, health, and human services. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate a commitment to community needs without duplicating existing efforts. Grants are available for special projects and capital needs, with a preference for those showing potential for ongoing support. Applicants must consult with the Foundation prior to submission, ensuring alignment with its mission.

The Lily Auchincloss Foundation's Fall Cycle Arts Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in New York City by supporting small to mid-size organizations that provide free or low-cost access to arts experiences and professional support for artists. With a focus on inclusivity, the foundation prioritizes organizations that have a proven track record of welcoming diverse audiences and fostering artistic talent. This initiative reflects a commitment to making the arts accessible and enriching for all New Yorkers.

The Frances L. & Edwin L. Cummings Memorial Fund Grant supports organizations in New York City and Northeastern New Jersey focusing on social welfare, education, and health. The Fund prioritizes innovative youth programs and provides funding for new program development, staffing, and capacity building. However, it does not support cultural arts initiatives or programs outside the specified geographic area. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and typically only receive one-year grants.

The Boskey Memorial Foundation Grant, established in 2000, honors James B. Boskey and promotes advocacy in children's rights, disability, LGBTQIA rights, and access to STEM education. With a focus on improving opportunities for the disadvantaged, the foundation supports research and education initiatives in New Jersey and New York. The foundation welcomes proposals related to mediation, reproductive justice, and housing justice, as well as co-funding opportunities with like-minded organizations.

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

Lake Shore Savings Community Reinvestment Grants aim to support local non-profit organizations by funding vital programs and services. With a commitment to 'Putting People First,' the bank prioritizes projects that benefit low to moderate-income populations and demonstrate significant community impact. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and directly serve Chautauqua and Erie Counties. The grant seeks to empower communities through innovative solutions, volunteer participation, and financial education.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

NewYork-Presbyterian

NewYork-Presbyterian is one of the nation’s most comprehensive, integrated academic healthcare systems, dedicated to providing the highest quality, most compassionate care and service to patients in the New York metropolitan area, nationally, and around the world. In collaboration with two renowned medical schools, Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian is consistently recognized as a leader in innovative, patient-centered clinical care, research and medical education.

Summer Youth Enrichment Grant

NewYork-Presbyterian is dedicated to partnering with community-based organizations (CBOs) that provide impactful summer programs for youth and adolescents. Through the Summer Youth Enrichment Grant (SYEG), we invest in young people when opportunities for enrichment, a sense of belonging, and access to safe spaces are essential for their growth and well-being.

Grant Overview

SYEG provides grants of up to $50,000 to support summer initiatives that provide engaging, developmentally appropriate, and relevant programming to children and adolescents. The grant supports a wide range of program types, including but not limited to:

• Arts and Creative Expression
• Leadership and Civic Engagement
• Physical Fitness
• Academic Development
• Career and Job Readiness

Special consideration will be given to organizations whose programs primarily serve youth in the following communities: Corona, Crown Heights, Lower East Side, Mount Vernon, Peekskill, Washington Heights & Inwood, White Plains, University Heights.

This grant supports both new and existing programs that will take place during the summer months.

The Robert F. Schumann Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability, education, and the arts. Founded by Robert F. Schumann, an environmentalist, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for both humans and animals. It prioritizes projects that would not have been pursued without its assistance, particularly in ornithology and open space habitats. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt to apply, ensuring a focus on impactful community initiatives.

The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has been granting funds for over a century, focusing on impactful initiatives across eight counties in Western New York. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster racial equity, economic mobility, environmental stewardship, and cultural vibrancy. Special funding will support programs for the visually, speech, or hearing impaired, with an emphasis on aligning with the foundation's community goals. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and serve the designated areas.