Best Grants for Women in New York

What We Do

We believe that Central New York has the human and social capital to build a vibrant community. Generational poverty and social inequality present a significant hindrance to realizing our full potential. We know from extensive research that there are strategies and investments that can make a difference. That’s why we have a local, place based approach to addressing systemic and structural inequity. We are authentic, strategic and collaborative, and we are embracing a future of prosperity and equity in our community. That’s why we focus our energy and resources on these key areas:

• Economic Development & Opportunity
  • In Cayuga and Onondaga Counties, the Allyn Family Foundation works to create, grow, and attract businesses that are community-owned, or that create good jobs for nearby residents.
  • We support residents in accessing economic opportunities and provide tools for personal and family financial stability.
• Vibrant Neigborhoods
  • The Allyn Family Foundation is committed to empowering neighborhood residents and community partners to transform their neighborhoods into safe, healthy, and vibrant places where families thrive.
  • We engage in this work to ensure that each person has access to decent, stable and affordable housing, as well as community-based cultural experiences that build community.
• Early Childhood Development
  • In Cayuga and Onondaga Counties, the Allyn Family Foundation is providing leadership and support for diverse community coalitions who are focused on designing community-wide approaches to improving early childhood systems and supports for vulnerable families.
• Women's Health
  • Along with many community partners, the Allyn Family Foundation is building a local movement to encourage and support young women and their partners to have complete information about all contraceptives and be able to choose the method that is right for them, without any cost or access barriers.
  • We are strongly committed to reproductive justice, woman-centered care, and changing social norms to empower young women.

Opportunity Fund

Organizations in Onondaga and Cayuga Counties that meet our stated mission of building a vibrant, equitable and prosperous community may submit a brief one-to-two-page summary of a proposed project or funding request.

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 Guru Krupa Foundation Grant supports charitable causes in social, educational, and religious/cultural areas, rooted in Hindu values. The foundation prioritizes projects that aid the underprivileged, enhance education, and preserve cultural heritage, particularly in India and the US. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to effective accounting practices. The foundation seeks specific projects with measurable outcomes, focusing on direct funding for programs rather than administrative costs.

The New Era Cap Foundation offers event sponsorships to nonprofit organizations, particularly those aligned with its five primary pillars: Cancer Care, Veterans Support, Women Empowerment, Youth Sports, and Arts & Education. The foundation focuses on initiatives in Western New York and regions where New Era Cap operates. Eligible organizations must be recognized 501(c)(3) public charities. However, requests from religious organizations, political entities, individuals, and certain other groups are not accepted.

The New Era Cap Foundation Impact Grants aim to support nonprofit organizations in Western New York and beyond, focusing on five key areas: Cancer Patient & Family Care, Veterans & First Responders, Women Empowerment, Youth Sports, and Arts & Education. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) charities, while religious organizations for non-secular purposes and individual youth sports teams are ineligible. This initiative encourages impactful community engagement and fosters positive change.

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.

Our Mission

We are dedicated to empowering organizations that promote the arts and develop programs designed to inspire, educate, and engage. Our vision is a world where the arts are not viewed as a luxury or elective, but as a vital part of every individual’s development and well-being.

Through strong community partnerships, we harness the transformative power of the arts to elevate educational outcomes, foster creativity, and enhance quality of life.

We believe in the synergy that arises when artists, educators, advocates, and creatives from all disciplines—musicians, museum professionals, actors, writers, and teachers—come together and collaborate. It is scientifically proven that the arts play a fundamental role in youth development, nurturing healthy brain function, social growth, and emotional resilience.

Aligned with our mission, we also support initiatives that protect and utilize nature as a source of enrichment and healing. Conservation and beautification efforts are not only essential to environmental health but also to individual and community well-being. Research consistently shows that time spent in nature supports both physical and mental health, especially for children. We are committed to partnering with organizations that recognize the vital connection between a thriving natural environment and a thriving population.

Equally important is our dedication to supporting veterans. We recognize the sacrifices made by servicemen and women and believe they deserve meaningful pathways to recovery, healing, and renewed purpose. That’s why we invest in programs that provide therapeutic support, service animals, respite opportunities, and community-centered initiatives that help veterans and their families thrive. Veterans’ well-being is not only a moral imperative but also a cornerstone of a strong, resilient community.

As a charitable foundation, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that drive progress, improve lives, and create lasting, positive impact across the arts, the environment, education, and veteran support.

The P/Arts Program

The P/Arts Program was created to strengthen connections between the philanthropic, arts, and education communities, fostering meaningful collaborations that enrich learning and inspire growth.

Eligible applicants must be accredited 501(c)(3) organizations that integrate visual and/or performing arts education into their work. Through P/Arts, we seek to support programs that:

• Revitalize learning by enhancing and transforming outdated public school curricula.
• Motivate and inspire students of all ages, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.
• Empower educators by deepening professional development opportunities for teachers, professors, and childcare providers.
• Bridge the gap between school and home, creating continuity in learning and support for children and families.
• Apply evidence-based, arts-based instruction proven to strengthen both academic and personal outcomes.
• Address inequities in education by helping to close the achievement gap and expand access to high-quality learning opportunities.

At its heart, the P/Arts Program reflects our belief that the arts are a powerful driver of educational transformation, unlocking potential not just in the classroom but in entire communities.

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.

The Edward & Ellen Roche Relief Foundation Grants support nonprofits that assist disadvantaged women and children in New York City. Established in 1953, the foundation prioritizes funding for programs that promote the well-being and self-sufficiency of low-income women and their families, particularly those that focus on job training and placement for unemployed or underemployed women. This targeted approach aims to empower vulnerable populations and foster economic independence.

The Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, established in 2004, supports breast cancer initiatives in New York's Hudson Valley. They offer grants for projects focused on breast health education, outreach, and support services. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and educational institutions serving specific counties. Projects must directly address breast cancer issues, while funding excludes capital campaigns and repeated grants for the same program. This initiative aims to enhance community awareness and support for those affected by breast cancer.

The Karpus Family Foundation Grants provide support to organizations focused on helping people and animals in need. With a commitment to education and community welfare, the foundation funds various initiatives, including assistance for disabled veterans, prevention of domestic abuse, and animal welfare. Organizations operating in the Greater Rochester area, Florida, and Cleveland are prioritized, and grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) entities that align with these goals. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific cycles for full proposals.

The Dance Advancement Fund, supported by the Howard Gilman Foundation and Ford Foundation, aims to empower dance-making organizations in the NYC area with budgets between $25,000-$250,000. Grants range from $6,000 to $40,000 over two years, fostering artistic growth and professional development from September 2024 to August 2026. Eligible applicants must have at least three years of local dance-making experience, demonstrate a commitment to diversity, and provide proof of 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship.

The Josephine Goodyear Foundation, established in 1912, provides approximately 50 grants annually totaling around $300,000 to support non-profit agencies assisting indigent women and children, primarily in the Greater Buffalo area. Applications are accepted from tax-exempt organizations with specific deadlines. The foundation's mission has expanded beyond medical facilities to address broader needs, ensuring vital support for vulnerable populations.

The Patrina Foundation Grant supports educational, cultural, and social service organizations, primarily in the New York Metropolitan area. The foundation focuses on enhancing the skills and leadership abilities of girls and women through general operating support, program support, and funding for pilot projects. Grants are available exclusively to tax-exempt organizations, and applicants may apply once a year, ensuring a dedicated approach to community improvement.

The NRA Foundation State Fund Grant in New York supports initiatives that enhance firearms education, promote safety in shooting sports, and encourage responsible firearms use. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and state-recognized nonprofits. The grant aims to provide financial assistance for projects that align with the Foundation's mission and foster public benefit. Organizations not recognized as nonprofits or governmental agencies must demonstrate equivalent public benefit to qualify for funding.

The NRA Foundation provides funding through its State Fund Grant Program to support local groups focused on shooting sports, education, and community outreach. Grants aim to benefit youth, women, veterans, and law enforcement, requiring applicants to have a valid EIN and meet specific eligibility criteria. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over 60,000 grants totaling more than $473 million, ensuring that funds are used for charitable purposes as defined by the IRS.

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 Supplier Diversity Partnership Grant Opportunity, led by the NY Small Business Funders Collective, aims to enhance supplier diversity for historically excluded entrepreneurs in NYC. This initiative focuses on innovative procurement solutions, fostering partnerships between buyers and sellers, and empowering Black, Latinx, AAPI, Indigenous, and women-owned businesses. The grant supports initiatives that address barriers in accessing contracts and promotes community-driven approaches to economic development, with funding ranging from $100,000 to $250,000.

Impact 100 NYC is dedicated to transforming communities through collective giving, providing $100,000 grants annually to local nonprofits in New York City. By focusing on innovative projects that serve underserved populations, they aim to address unmet needs and promote social change. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, operate within NYC, and meet specific budgetary requirements. The initiative not only empowers local nonprofits but also raises awareness of lesser-known impactful programs.

Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation

Empowerment through Food Awareness, Access, and Education

We are a private, family-directed, not-for-profit philanthropic organization, established through the estate of Ann B. Zekauskas. We are dedicated to educating students, families, and communities, especially the underserved, on producing, preparing, and eating healthy foods, and to supporting organizations focused on hunger relief and careers in the culinary arts.

We perform our mission through collaborations with and support of approved non-profit organizations within these key areas of giving: nutrition education, food access, and culinary arts training.

Culinary Arts Careers - Advancing the Culinary Arts

When Ann B. Zekauskas was headed to college just after the end of World War II, there were not many professional options for women. Ann chose to study home economics. When she graduated, she took that otherwise traditional degree, moved to New York City, and created a new profession in the burgeoning field of food advertising, becoming the first notable freelance food stylist.

For 60 years, Ann worked with and around those in the advertising and food industries. She spent vacations helping her sister, Nell, and brother-in-law Frank, grow, harvest, and sell fruits and vegetables on their prosperous family farm on Long Island. Throughout her life, Ann saw how professional training in culinary arts could lead to success. She mentored young chefs, food stylists, bakers, and pastry artists to help them achieve their dreams of a career in food — whether on a studio set, in a restaurant, or at their own business.

Through direct giving to culinary training and workforce development programs, we support the next generation of restaurant managers, chefs, food stylists, mixologists, bakers, sommeliers, pastry artists, catering professionals, and more.

Request a Grant

The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers.

The Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists honor exceptional faculty-rank scientists and engineers in the U.S. Recognizing achievements in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences & Engineering, and Chemical Sciences, each Laureate receives $250,000 in unrestricted funds. Nominations come from a select group of institutions and previous Laureates, emphasizing innovation and impact. The awards celebrate the future potential of young researchers, fostering diversity in STEM fields. The ceremony takes place annually in New York City.

The New York Foundation Core Grants support community organizing, grassroots advocacy, and movement-building efforts in New York City. Grants of $47,500 per year are available for up to three years for established groups and five years for emerging ones. In addition to funding, grantees gain access to capacity-building resources, including legal services, workshops, and small responsive grants. The foundation prioritizes organizations led by marginalized communities and those addressing systemic injustices.

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 CFSCNY Women's Fund Grant aims to empower women and girls in South Central New York by supporting innovative projects that promote economic self-sufficiency, mental health, and personal safety. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and selected local government agencies. The fund prioritizes initiatives that create positive change, strengthen social support, and enhance leadership development. Proposals should align with the foundation's commitment to racial justice, equity, and community development.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation supports healthcare initiatives aimed at vulnerable populations in New York State through the General Fund & Eight Populations Grant Program. This program addresses unmet healthcare needs by funding projects that benefit immigrants, low-income individuals, older adults, and others. Grants typically start at $75,000, promoting direct services while ensuring adherence to the ethical principles of the Roman Catholic Faith.

The Emma Barnsley Foundation Grant supports the prevention of cruelty to animals and promotes their care and protection. Established in memory of Emma Barnsley, the foundation provides funding for educational purposes related to veterinary medicine and wildlife studies. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, particularly those in Texas and New York. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with its mission of protecting animals and their environments.

The Women's Fund of Central New York, established in 1998, empowers women and girls through grants and initiatives, promoting their advancement and full participation in the community. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the fund supports innovative projects that address key challenges faced by women and girls in Central New York. By fostering collaboration and community engagement, the Women's Fund aims to create a stronger, more equitable society for all.