Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in New York

The Achelis and Bodman Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on grantmaking in New York City and northern New Jersey, addressing critical issues in six program areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Employment, Health, Public Policy, and Youth and Families. Emphasizing support for nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), the Foundation aims to improve local communities through impactful grants while prioritizing accountability and excellence in various sectors.

The Madison County Rural Poverty Fund, managed by the Central New York Community Foundation, aims to address poverty in Madison County, where 10% of residents lived below the federal poverty line in 2018. This fund supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits and organizations serving local communities through capital and program grants, promoting innovative solutions to enhance the quality of life and tackle critical issues related to poverty.

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.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Eisner Foundation in New York City supports innovative intergenerational programs that address societal challenges. They offer various grants, including general operating, project support, capacity-building, capital project, and opportunity grants, aimed at both small and large organizations. Eligible applicants are tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations based in New York City. The foundation focuses on efficiency, effectiveness, and strong leadership when evaluating potential partners, fostering growth and collaboration across generations.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

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.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that enhance community welfare. Focus areas include agriculture, education, fighting hunger, and public safety. Eligible applicants must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and a Taxpayer Identification number. Requests are prioritized for programs directly benefiting communities near Perdue facilities across various states. The foundation emphasizes responsible stewardship and community engagement in all funding decisions.

The Home Depot Foundation's Veteran Housing Grants Program aims to enhance the lives of U.S. veterans by funding the construction or rehabilitation of supportive housing. Grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with experience in veteran housing. Since 2011, the Foundation has committed over $550 million to veteran causes and seeks to invest an additional $750 million by 2030, focusing on projects in major cities across the U.S.

The Oswego County Community Foundation, part of the Central New York Community Foundation, offers diverse grant opportunities to nonprofit organizations in Onondaga and Madison counties. Since 1927, the foundation has invested over $230 million into community projects addressing critical local issues. Their Community Grants program supports innovative projects in arts, education, health, and more, aiming to foster community impact and inclusivity. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public entities.

The Seeds of Sustainability Capacity Building Grant Program, offered by the Western New York Foundation, aims to empower nonprofit organizations with the resources needed to enhance their operational capacity. This program supports initiatives that drive transformative change within local food systems, focusing on BIPOC communities and those disproportionately affected by poverty. By fostering collaboration and providing tailored resources, the foundation seeks to build a thriving and equitable food system in Western New York.

The Central New York Community Foundation offers the Community Grants Program to support innovative projects by nonprofit organizations in Onondaga and Madison counties. Since 1927, they have invested over $230 million to strengthen local nonprofits. The program encourages projects in arts, education, health, and the environment, with a focus on sustainability. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and those serving local residents. Grants aim to promote community impact and capacity building.

The Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) offers Community Grants to support organizations in New York and New Jersey addressing economic security for low-income Korean and Asian Americans. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for projects focused on education, workforce development, and community advocacy. Organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a minimum operational history of six months. KACF prioritizes comprehensive support and measurable outcomes in its funding decisions.

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.

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.

The Promoting Wellness and Healing in Communities Grants, administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health, aim to enhance mental wellness across communities. This initiative focuses on resilience and healing, offering funding of up to $750,000 over three years to support community-based organizations. These grants will facilitate universal prevention strategies, addressing the mental health needs of all New Yorkers and promoting recovery for those facing serious emotional disturbances.

The New York Peer Specialist Independent Practice Association (IPA) aims to enhance collaboration and professional development for the peer specialist workforce in New York. Funded by the New York State Office of Mental Health, the IPA will support organizations in identifying shared goals, staying informed on industry trends, and fostering strong relationships. An annual award of $485,000 is available for five years, with an additional $100,000 in the first year for startup costs.

The New York State Office of Mental Health is offering a grant for the Aging in Place Pilot, which aims to develop five statewide pilot programs for adults aged 55 and older who require enhanced support to live independently. With a total funding of up to $2 million, the initiative focuses on individuals with unmet long-term care needs, enabling them to reside in supportive housing and prevent institutionalization.

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) invites proposals for funding to establish up to eight new Clubhouses across four regions. This initiative aims to enhance access to mental health services by supporting both existing providers converting to the Clubhouse Model and new applicants. The focus is on regions currently lacking accredited Clubhouses, ensuring that adults with serious mental illness receive the necessary support and resources for recovery.

The New York State Office of Mental Health is expanding Partial Hospitalization Programs for Children to enhance access to mental health services for children with serious emotional disturbances. This initiative targets areas lacking such services, aiming to support families during critical times. Eligible providers can seek licensure to establish new programs or expand existing adult services to include children. This effort is vital for community engagement and emotional well-being.

New York State Office of Mental Health

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) oversees a large multi-faceted mental health system serving nearly 800,000 individuals each year. This includes operating 23 psychiatric centers and overseeing the Nathan S. Kline Institute and New York Psychiatric Institute. OMH regulates and certifies more than 6,500 programs operated by local governments and nonprofit agencies.

Mission

Our mission is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a particular focus on providing hope and recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances.

MH253020 Ukraine Refugee Health Program

Many Ukrainians are arriving in the United States with immediate as well as long-term mental health needs. It is critical that mental health providers serving Ukrainian arrivals be knowledgeable of the culture and unique challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers.

The Office of Mental Health announces funds for the following efforts to support Ukrainian arrivals:

• The promotion of health literacy
• coordination of mental health services
• facilitation of wellness group activities

Applicants must identify the county or counties they intend to serve in their application.

New York State Office of Mental Health

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) oversees a large multi-faceted mental health system serving nearly 800,000 individuals each year. This includes operating 23 psychiatric centers and overseeing the Nathan S. Kline Institute and New York Psychiatric Institute. OMH regulates and certifies more than 6,500 programs operated by local governments and nonprofit agencies.

Mission

Our mission is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a particular focus on providing hope and recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances.

Community Based Diversion Programs

The Office of Mental Health announces funds for the development or enhancement of diversion programs. Programs should be rooted in evidence-based programming or emerging promising practice.

The goal of diversion programs is to reduce the risk of criminal justice involvement for adults with behavioral health needs.

Applicants must already be administering services in the following counties:

• Cayuga
• Essex
• Franklin
• Montgomery
• Madison
• Oneida
• St. Lawrence
• Warren/Washington

Target Population

The target population to be served by the proposed diversion program model is individuals at least 18 years of age with complex and/or chronic behavioral health issues and who are involved with the criminal justice system at one or more intercepts on the Sequential Intercept Model. 

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.