Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in New York

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities with budgets over $750,000 providing direct health and related services in New York can seek more than US $75,000 to benefit poor and underserved residents. Mother Cabrini Health Foundation supports programs for immigrants, justice-involved individuals, low-income families, older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, children, youth, and other vulnerable groups statewide.

Nonprofit organizations, community councils, and municipal agencies in New York’s Tompkins County can apply for United Way of Tompkins County’s United Tompkins Community Impact Fund to support local programs and services. Grants from United Way of Tompkins County help organizations address food security, health, mental health, housing, youth success, and support for marginalized communities over a two-year funding cycle.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) nonprofits providing education, human services, health, conservation, or cultural programs, including those in New York, can apply for McGraw Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 for general operating support, projects, or occasional capital needs. Grants are generally limited to organizations in the greater Chicago area.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance timely, actionable projects through the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. Focused on water-related challenges, American Water Works Association support may benefit students connected with New York institutions or projects serving water industry needs.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, American Honda Motor provides New York nonprofits and schools with US $25,000 - US $100,000 for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource-use programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts whose projects benefit New York communities where Honda associates live and work may apply for programmatic support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups advancing environmental and climate justice can seek operating support for grassroots organizing and movement-building in New York. Scherman Foundation supports BIPOC-led efforts focused on climate resilience, environmental justice, green jobs, mass transit equity, and related policy and advocacy, with limited opportunities for groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in New York working on community development, education, workforce preparation, or financial literacy can apply for KeyBank Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support their programs. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help strengthen affordable housing, small business growth, academic success, and job readiness across its retail footprint states, including New York.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in Nassau and Suffolk Counties can apply for US $5,000 - US $50,000 to support program work in areas like arts, education, environment, youth development, housing, hunger, and organizational capacity. Grants from The New York Community Trust help New York nonprofits advance community development and long-term solutions rather than general operating needs.

New York nonprofits supporting women and children through humanitarian aid, education, homelessness services, or job readiness can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation, with awards up to US $750,000. Organizations building long-term self-sufficiency, including programs in food security, microfinance, health care, or disaster relief, may be competitive applicants.

New York education-focused organizations can apply for New York State Education Department’s NY Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants, awarding US $50,000 - US $1,200,000 for community learning centers. Funding supports academic enrichment, youth development, health and wellness, arts, STEM, career readiness, and family engagement programs that complement regular school-day learning.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York City’s five boroughs seeking general operating or project support across human services, legal services, education, workforce development, health, environment, or arts and culture may be eligible. Grants from Venable Foundation average approximately US $10,000 and prioritize programs serving economically disadvantaged and underserved communities.

Environmental and sustainability-focused 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits serving New York communities where Green Mountain Energy operates can seek funding for renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation, and related projects. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help U.S.-based nonprofits with operating-scale sustainability initiatives, offering US $50,000 - US $400,000 for projects with measurable environmental, social, and financial impact.

New York nonprofits and research institutions focused on clean water, freshwater conservation, and ecosystem health can access funding through Lake Champlain Basin Program for projects in the Lake Champlain Basin. Awards of US $25,000 - US $400,000 support research, pilot studies, and planning that advance water quality, habitat restoration, and related environmental stewardship goals.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions conducting biomedical and health-related research, including those in New York, can seek small-scale project funding to engage students and strengthen their research environment. The National Institutes of Health provide AREA awards up to US $375,000 for colleges with limited prior NIH support across diverse biomedical and public health fields.

New York nonprofit organizations seeking support for humanitarian, social, educational, environmental, or arts programs can apply for philanthropic funding that promotes sustainable development and community benefit. La Roche prioritizes accredited charities managing innovative projects, with local Roche affiliates supporting initiatives based and operated in the same country, including those engaging employees in cultural, educational, and social activities.

Soil and Water Conservation Districts in New York seeking project funding for climate-smart agriculture 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 supports livestock waste and feed management, adaptation and resiliency, healthy soils, and agricultural forest management projects.

McAuley Ministries provides New York nonprofit organizations with operating and project funding of US $10,000 - US $500,000 for health, education, basic needs, housing, and community development initiatives. 501(c)(3) entities or those with a fiscal sponsor can seek support for new or ongoing programs, capacity-building, and limited capital projects that advance community well-being.

Municipalities and eligible public agencies in New York can obtain low- or no-interest financing for wastewater, sewer, and related water infrastructure projects through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Grants from New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation help fund treatment facilities, stormwater management, landfill closures, and habitat restoration, which may ease operating pressures for local government entities.

New York 501(c)(3) public charities seeking general operating or program support for arts, environmental, medical research, or veterans initiatives can apply to the Cornelia T. Bailey Charitable Trust. Grants from Cornelia T. Bailey Charitable Trust help nonprofits that align with its mission to advance the arts, education, nature, and science-based solutions.

Early-career clinical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country institutions conducting independent clinical trials can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 in support. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help build long-term research careers; New York-based nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators may be involved as collaborators or hosts.

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.