Best Affordable Housing Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

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 Human Services New York City program aims to alleviate poverty and reduce racial disparities through effective services and public benefits. Focused on early intervention, it supports vulnerable children and families, enhances housing stability, and increases access to essential resources. The initiative encourages collaboration among agencies to implement systemic solutions and improve the lives of low-income New Yorkers, ultimately fostering stability and independence.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Open Competitive Grants Program by The New York Community Trust aims to enhance civic engagement in New York City. It supports initiatives that promote voting, accountability in government, and civic literacy, particularly among children and immigrants. Eligible applicants include public charities that drive policy change and improve community services. The program explicitly excludes individual grants and funding for general operational costs or religious purposes. This initiative is essential for fostering an informed and participatory citizenry.

The Thriving Communities Grants program by The New York Community Trust focuses on community development initiatives. It supports non-profits that enhance affordable housing, promote job creation, and strengthen civic engagement in low-income neighborhoods. With ongoing proposals accepted, this grant aims to empower organizations dedicated to building equitable communities through innovative strategies and effective practices that foster economic opportunities and protect the environment.

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 Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Venable Foundation, a corporate funder, provides grants averaging $10,000 to nonprofits focused on human services, legal support, education, workforce development, youth impact, health, environment, and arts. Funding is targeted at organizations in specific regions, including Washington, DC, Baltimore, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, and Denver, reinforcing equitable opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals.

The Jeannette F. Schlobach Grant Program provides essential support to nonprofit organizations serving residents of Dutchess County, NY, affected by poverty. It focuses on enhancing economic stability, health, and educational opportunities through effective programs such as case management, housing services, and health access. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and faith-based groups. The grant encourages innovative solutions while supporting existing programs, ensuring a lasting impact on the community.

The MGM Resorts Foundation Community Grant Fund supports nonprofit agencies providing essential services in areas such as affordable housing, education, and health. Grants are awarded for a one-year period and focus on regions where MGM Resorts employees live and work. Eligible applicants must comply with diversity policies and serve individuals or families. The foundation does not fund governmental agencies or projects exclusively for medical research. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted support.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. Home is where life happens, where plans are made, and futures begin. It is the foundation for dignity, health, education, wealth, and community. Yet rents keep going up, paychecks don’t keep pace, and good homes in strong neighborhoods are increasingly out of reach.

The system doesn’t work. It must be changed, and it must be changed by us.

Enterprise has the breadth, scale, and expertise to do it. We support community development organizations on the ground. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve.

Together with our partners, we focus on the greatest need — the massive shortage of affordable rental homes — to achieve three goals:

• Increase the supply of affordable homes
• Advance racial equity after decades of systematic racism in housing
• Support residents and strengthen communities to be resilient to the unpredictable, and make upward mobility possible

Since 1982, we have invested $92.0 billion and created 1.1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

Legal Counsel in Administration of Blue Buffers Program

Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. ("Enterprise") was selected as a subrecipient of New York State Housing and Community Renewal to administer the Blue Buffers Program pursuant to a subaward. To fulfill its obligations, Enterprise formed a special purpose entity, Enterprise Assisted Properties, LLC (“EAP”).

Enterprise Assisted Properties ("EAP") has initiated a Request for Proposal (“RFP”) process to identify a legal representation panel which will be able to represent EAP in carrying out the New York State Blue Buffers Voluntary Risk Property Buyout Program.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. Home is where life happens, where plans are made, and futures begin. It is the foundation for dignity, health, education, wealth, and community. Yet rents keep going up, paychecks don’t keep pace, and good homes in strong neighborhoods are increasingly out of reach.

The system doesn’t work. It must be changed, and it must be changed by us.

Enterprise has the breadth, scale, and expertise to do it. We support community development organizations on the ground. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve.

Together with our partners, we focus on the greatest need — the massive shortage of affordable rental homes — to achieve three goals:

• Increase the supply of affordable homes
• Advance racial equity after decades of systematic racism in housing
• Support residents and strengthen communities to be resilient to the unpredictable, and make upward mobility possible

Since 1982, we have invested $92.0 billion and created 1.1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

National Housing Innovation Grant Competition

Home is foundational. It’s where we plant roots, raise and care for our families, and build community bonds. Yet in every corner of the country, millions of people of all ages and backgrounds need a home they can afford.

Wells Fargo is meeting this moment with a powerful grant opportunity. Together with Enterprise, Wells Fargo has launched the third iteration of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. The 2026 cycle of the housing innovation competition will identify and propel proven, ready-to-scale solutions that transform current practices and increase housing choice and access.

Eligible applicants will compete for five individual grants of $2 million to advance their innovation and drive meaningful, systems-level change in the housing and adjacent industries. Winners will gain access to mentorship and coaching from industry leaders and experts and join a powerful network of Breakthrough Challenge innovators.

Focus Areas

This third cycle of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge aims to meet the nation’s affordable housing challenges across all types of communities: Native, rural, suburban, tribal, and urban.

Proposals must encompass one or more of three focus areas:

• Design and Construction
• Finance
• Service Delivery and Programs

Applicants will be asked to show how their proof of concept or pilot program has achieved clear outcomes and success, and provide a clear pathway to expanding the innovation’s reach and impact

Round 1: Criteria and Scoring

Your innovation must meet the criteria below to advance to the official scoring stage.

Type of Community

Innovations can serve all types of communities:

• Rural
• Urban
• Suburban
• Tribal

Location

Priority scoring will be given to applications from entities that are based in – or whose innovations are designed for – one or more of these 28 states, plus D.C.:

• Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C.

Affordability

Innovations must serve residents at these income levels:

• Rental: 80% AMI or below
• Homeownership: 120% AMI or below
• Workforce housing: 120% AMI or below

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.

Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative Round 10

New York leads the nation in affordable housing preservation and construction. The State Fiscal Year 2026-27 Enacted Budget continues to fund Governor Hochul’s comprehensive plan for housing that ensures New Yorkers have access to safe and secure housing. This funding is for the creation or preservation of affordable and supportive housing units.

The Goldman Sachs Community Development Grants Program aims to strengthen low- and moderate-income communities through funding for nonprofits. This initiative includes multi-year unrestricted grants and one-time grants for homeownership initiatives. Eligible organizations must focus on community development, particularly in New York City and parts of New Jersey and Utah. The program emphasizes affordable housing, small business development, and neighborhood revitalization, aligning with the urgent community needs identified through extensive partner consultations.

The Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) offers a community grant to support programs enhancing the economic security of low-income Korean Americans. This multi-year grant provides up to $100,000 annually for organizations focused on education, employment, and financial stability. KACF prioritizes partnerships that address the unique challenges faced by Korean Americans, fostering a culture of giving and community engagement to empower individuals and transform lives.

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.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. We work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

Access to Home

The NYS Access to Home Program provides financial assistance to make residential units accessible for low- and moderate-income persons with disabilities. Assistance with the cost of adapting homes will enable individuals to safely and comfortably continue or return to live in their residences instead of residing in an institutional setting.

Rehabilitation activities reimbursable by grant funds may only include accessibility modifications designed to address the needs of the person living with a substantial limitation caused by a disability. Examples of modification may include wheelchair ramps and lifts, handrails, doorway widening, and roll-in showers.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. We work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

Access to Home for Heroes

The Access to Home for Heroes Program provides financial assistance to make accessibility modifications, emergency home repairs or address code violations to the primary residences of low- and moderate-income veterans with disabilities. Such activities will enable veterans with disabilities to live in their residences safely and comfortably, rather than in an institutional setting. Eligible veterans may be renters or homeowners, with service-related injuries, age, or health related disabilities. Examples of accessibility modifications may include wheelchair ramps and lifts, handrails, doorway widening, and roll-in showers. 

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. We work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

Access to Home for Medicaid Members

The Access to Home for Medicaid Members program was developed in partnership with the New York State Department of Health (DOH). This program provides financial assistance to make dwelling units accessible for low- and moderate-income persons receiving Medicaid and living with a disability. Assistance with the cost of adapting homes to meet the needs of those with disabilities will enable individuals to live in their residences safely and comfortably, instead of residing in an institutional setting. The Access to Home for Medicaid Members program has a secondary long-term goal of lowering health care costs.

Funding may be used to provide financial assistance to make accessibility modifications, to the primary residences of low- and moderate-income individuals living with disabilities. Activities reimbursable by grant funds may only include accessibility modifications designed to address the needs of the person living with a disability. Examples of modifications may include wheelchair ramps and lifts, handrails, doorway widening, and roll-in showers. Review the Access to Home for Medicaid Members Program Manual for more information related to eligible activities.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. We work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

Mobile and Manufactured Home Replacement Program

The New York State funded Mobile and Manufactured Home Replacement (MMHR) Program was developed to assist low- and moderate-income homeowners to replace dilapidated mobile or manufactured homes that are sited on land owned by the homeowner with a new manufactured, modular or site-built home.

• Costs related to the replacement of dilapidated mobile or manufactured homes will be eligible for grant reimbursement. These costs include, but are not limited to:
  • Demolition, removal, disposal of the dilapidated units;
  • Purchase and site prep for new unit;
  • Temporary relocation assistance
  • Permitting, environmental review and testing.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. We work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

RESTORE Program

The Residential Emergency Services to Offer (Home) Repairs to the Elderly (RESTORE) program provides financial resources to assist senior citizen homeowners aged sixty and over with the cost of addressing emergencies and code violations that pose a threat to their health and safety or affect the livability of their home. Assistance with the cost of these critical repairs will enable seniors to continue to live independently in their homes. The funds made available in this RFA are appropriated 2026-27 NYS State Budget funds.

Eligible applicants for the RESTORE programs are units of local government and not for-profit corporations that have been providing relevant service to the community for at least one year prior to application. 

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.