Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits 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 Jewish Life Grants by the Charles H. Revson Foundation support organizations in Israel and North America that address social and spiritual needs within diverse communities. With a focus on collaborative efforts, the Foundation aims to empower under-resourced fields and promote courageous leadership. Current initiatives include enhancing civic service and expanding community chaplaincy. Letters of inquiry are welcome, and grants are available for registered nonprofits, excluding endowments and capital campaigns.

The Morton K. and Jane Blaustein Foundation Grant supports initiatives addressing climate justice, racial equity, and immigrant rights. It prioritizes organizations working towards sustainable climate solutions, advocating against racial injustices, and protecting the rights of immigrants and refugees. The foundation focuses its efforts particularly in areas affected by institutionalized racism and climate change, with a geographic emphasis on Baltimore, New York, and the DC Capital Region. Proposals are welcomed on a rolling basis.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on community transformation in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. With a spend-down structure by 2035, the foundation prioritizes collaborative investments in key areas like active lifestyles, success preparation, caregiver support, and economic development. Emphasizing urgency and innovation, it seeks to create lasting impacts by fostering partnerships and supporting visionary projects that address significant community needs.

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 Tiger Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in New York City, focusing on Education, Family Support, and Youth Workforce Justice. With no deadlines for Letters of Inquiry, the foundation seeks organizations with measurable outcomes, skilled leadership, and community engagement. Their Seed and Expansion Fund supports innovative early-stage organizations aiming to address unmet needs, ensuring effective services are accessible to low-income families and individuals across the city.

The T. Rowe Price Foundation, established in 1981, primarily supports nonprofit organizations in Baltimore, Colorado Springs, San Francisco, and New York. While most grants are by invitation, unsolicited proposals are also considered. The foundation emphasizes community engagement, collaboration, and unrestricted funding to enhance the operational capacity of nonprofits, enabling them to address critical social issues effectively. With over $194 million in grants awarded, it focuses on fostering strong leaders and equitable solutions in the communities it serves.

The Toy Foundation Program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for toy donations to support children in need. The application period runs from January to June, with approved applicants receiving toys by the end of the year. This initiative, part of the Toy Chest program, has positively impacted over 35 million children since 2003, promoting play as essential for emotional and educational development.

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 Grief Reach Cycle 3 grant offers $15,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits dedicated to supporting grieving children and youth. This funding aims to enhance organizational capacity through strategic planning, volunteer engagement, and collaborative partnerships. Organizations must demonstrate a commitment to providing direct services and align their projects with the grant's focus areas. This competitive opportunity seeks to empower underserved communities by expanding access to vital grief support services.

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 M.B. & Edna Zale Foundation Grant aims to support individuals and families in building meaningful lives, focusing on education, social services, and community welfare. The foundation prioritizes innovative programs that promote self-sufficiency and measurable impacts within communities, particularly in Dallas, Palm Beach, and New York. It emphasizes collaboration and seeks proposals for specific projects rather than ongoing operational support, ensuring a focus on transformative initiatives.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Maternal and Child Health Grant supports community-based nonprofit organizations aiming to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes. The foundation prioritizes funding programs that address disparities, improve care access, and promote health throughout the pregnancy journey. Focus areas include reducing pre-term birth rates and severe maternal morbidity. This initiative encourages scalable solutions for measurable impact across various states, ensuring comprehensive support for mothers and infants alike.

Disney Foundation

Disney Foundation Established in 1951 as a nonprofit corporation dedicated exclusively to the support of charitable and educational activities. Contributions to the Foundation come from The Walt Disney Company. In addition to the active support of numerous health, community, educational, and youth organizations in California, Florida, and New York, the Foundation from time to time sponsors its own activities, such as a College Scholarship Program for the children of Disney employees.

Disney Conservation Fund - Corridors and Pathways Grants

Disney Conservation is committed to saving wildlife and building a global community inspired to protect the magic of nature together. Since 1995, Disney Conservation has directed more than $141 million and the expertise of our dedicated teams to support organizations working with communities to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet.

We are pleased to offer a new opportunity for eligible organizations to apply for a two-year conservation grant to advance their community-based efforts to protect, connect, and/or restore wildlife corridors or migratory pathways across both terrestrial and/or aquatic habitats.

Corridors & Pathways Grant Categories

This year, grants will be considered in two categories: 1) Protection, Connection, and Restoration; 2) Innovation

Corridors and Pathways Grants: Protection, Connection, and Restoration

Focus: Protecting, connecting, and/or restoring wildlife corridors or migratory pathways. Air, land, and water/ocean-based corridors will be considered.

Use of funds should align with The Walt Disney Company global charitable giving guidelines here.

The Hyde and Watson Foundation, established in 1983, provides capital grants for projects in New York City and certain New Jersey counties. Funding supports construction, renovations, and equipment purchases for nonprofits with a 501(c)(3) status. Eligible fields include human services, education, health, arts, and the environment. Grants exclude operating support, individual funding, and recurring fees, with a limit of one grant per organization per year. Applications are due by February 1 or August 1.

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 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 PSEG Foundation provides funding for events and initiatives that enhance community safety and environmental stewardship in areas where they operate, such as New Jersey and New York. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with the foundation's focus areas, including sustainable neighborhoods and safety preparedness. The application process is rolling, with a response time of 8 to 12 weeks. Proposals must be submitted online between January 1 and October 31, at least eight weeks before the event.

The American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

The Booth Ferris Foundation, established in 1957, offers grants through its Strengthening NYC Grant Program. This initiative aims to support organizations that promote equity and build vibrant communities in New York City. Eligible entities must demonstrate a strong track record and focus on capacity building to address systemic inequities. The Foundation provides funding for projects that enhance nonprofit infrastructure and sustainability, helping organizations achieve long-term impact in their communities.

The NYSHF Special Projects Fund Grant offers one-time funding to support innovative health projects that address pressing community needs in New York. This initiative seeks to empower organizations that can enhance health outcomes for marginalized populations, while fostering systemic change. Competitive applications should demonstrate potential for replication and sustainability beyond the grant period. This fund represents a unique opportunity for organizations committed to improving public health through impactful projects.

The Grief Reach: Changemaker Supported Community Expansion Cycle offers up to $110,000 to enhance community programs for grieving children. Organizations are encouraged to innovate and expand their services to better meet community needs. The initiative, in partnership with the Judi’s House/JAG Institute, emphasizes training and resources for effective program evaluation over a three-year period, culminating in impactful community expansion projects.

The Grief Reach grant program, supported by the New York Life Foundation and the National Alliance for Children's Grief, invites innovative community expansion proposals to better serve grieving children. Eligible organizations can apply for funding up to $160,000 to enhance their programs, focusing on unique community needs. By collaborating with the Judi's House/JAG Institute, participants will receive essential training and resources for impactful program evaluation, fostering a supportive environment for children and families facing grief.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Behavioral Health Grant aims to address significant challenges in mental health and substance use disorders. With a commitment of up to $90 million over three years, the Foundation seeks partnerships with nonprofits to enhance treatment access, promote prevention strategies, and alleviate loneliness among affected individuals. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions and measurable outcomes, targeting both national and local programs, particularly in states with pressing health disparities.

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.

The Provident Bank Foundation's Empowerment Grant focuses on uplifting marginalized communities by providing flexible funding for initiatives that promote economic self-sufficiency. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 over two years, the program supports organizations in education, human services, and workforce development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate meaningful community impact and align with the Foundation's funding priorities, which include promoting quality education, social safety nets, and career development opportunities.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Food as Medicine Grant aims to enhance access to nutritious foods and improve health outcomes for individuals facing diet-related conditions. This initiative invites qualified nonprofits to submit proposals focused on scalable solutions that address food insecurity and promote health equity. The foundation prioritizes programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes and support whole-person health, particularly for populations at high social risk. Grants will be awarded for a term of 1-3 years, with funding based on program needs.