Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in New York

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.

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 DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Democratic Practice Grant Program, funded by The Rockefeller Brothers Fund, aims to enhance democracy in the U.S. and globally by fostering citizen engagement and supporting inclusive governance. It addresses critical challenges such as political polarization, voting rights, and economic disparities, promoting innovative strategies that empower marginalized voices. The program encourages systemic reform, transparency, and accountability in democratic institutions, ensuring that citizens play an active role in shaping their governance. By leveraging grassroots activism and digital tools, it seeks to revitalize democracy for all.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Harris and Frances Block Foundation, established in 2001, supports small grassroots organizations focused on social and environmental justice. They prioritize equitable solutions and sustainable community development, funding initiatives related to environmental education, justice, and food security. Grants are available to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations in specific geographical areas including Vermont, North Carolina, Virginia, and New York City, excluding funding for lobbying, land acquisition, and scholarships.

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 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.

The Westchester Community Foundation Grant Program offers competitive grants to public charities and groups providing programs in Westchester County. The foundation prioritizes initiatives in human justice, human services, workforce development, youth development, arts, social justice, and technical assistance. This support aims to enhance the lives of residents through diverse projects that address civil rights, economic stability, youth empowerment, and cultural access. Funding fosters community engagement and innovative solutions to local challenges.

The Park Foundation Grants for the Environment focus on ensuring clean and accessible drinking water while opposing shale gas extraction and infrastructure expansion. They fund diverse initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices and policies, particularly within New York State. The Foundation supports advocacy, organizing, and corporate responsibility efforts that align with their mission to foster a just and sustainable environment, empowering communities to protect their natural resources.

The Community Leader (All In Neighborhood) Grants by CitizensNYC offer microgrants of up to $5,000 to support resident-led projects in New York City, focusing on enhancing neighborhood life and fostering community engagement. Eligible applicants must be community-oriented groups or nonprofits with budgets under $250,000. The grants aim to address quality of life improvements and empower local leadership, thereby directly impacting low-income areas and strengthening community ties.

The Japan America Society / Japan Society Capacity Building Grant Program supports grassroots initiatives aimed at enhancing mutual understanding between the U.S. and Japan. With grant amounts up to $30,000 for 12 months, eligible organizations can apply for projects in fundraising, strategic planning, public relations, and more. The program prioritizes projects that foster collaboration and demonstrate sustainability, ensuring a lasting positive impact on communities.

The AEO Better World Foundation Community Grant supports local nonprofit organizations in cities like Pittsburgh and New York City. Established in 1999, the foundation empowers youth by funding programs that educate and uplift teens and young adults. New applicants can request $5,000, while returning organizations may apply for up to $15,000. This initiative reflects AEO's commitment to creating positive change and fostering optimism in the community.

The Intercultural Harmony Initiative Grant, provided by the Laura Jane Musser Fund, supports collaborative projects that foster understanding and cooperation among diverse cultural groups. With funding up to $25,000 for implementation and $5,000 for planning, the initiative prioritizes projects that engage various community members, enhance intercultural communication, and demonstrate tangible benefits. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and local governments in select states, with a focus on grassroots participation and addressing community needs.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

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.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Scherman Foundation's Democracy Program champions the empowerment of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. It focuses on enhancing civic engagement, safeguarding voting rights, and reforming democratic processes to ensure inclusivity and accountability. By supporting locally-rooted organizations in key states, the foundation aims to build a more equitable democracy where diverse voices are heard and political power is reclaimed by those historically marginalized. This program is pivotal for advancing racial justice and fostering systemic change.

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.

Parks & Trails New York

Founded in 1985 by a group of passionate park advocates who believed New York’s magnificent state park system merited its own advocacy group, PTNY’s purview quickly grew to include trails, outdoor recreation, active transportation, and bicycle and pedestrian issues.

Over its tenure, PTNY has successfully prevented the closure of over 100 sites during a critical budget crisis, championed the effort to close gaps in the Erie Canalway Trail, and developed the foundational concepts for the Empire State Trail (EST). Through grants and grassroots support, we’ve directed $10 million to community groups and engaged over one hundred thousand volunteers, ensuring cherished public spaces thrive. Today, these efforts contribute to the remarkable success of nearly 88 million park visits and nearly 10 million annual users on the nation-leading Empire State Trail.

Western New York Trail Town Grants

Background

Administered by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), and with generous funding provided by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, PTNY will offer $60,000 in competitive grants to support a broader initiative aimed at boosting local economies by leveraging visitation to nearby public lands. The grants can be used to promote place-making efforts, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and implement community-driven projects that prioritize active transportation alternatives for cyclists and pedestrians.

Matching Funds

Trail Town Grants require a local match of at least 10% of the total project budget (not the ask). The entire match may be from in-kind sources (volunteer labor, donated materials, etc.) or may be supplemented by cash. The amount funded through this project must be no more than 90% of the total project budget.

The Hudson Valley Organizing Grants provide essential support for grassroots organizations in New York's Hudson Valley, promoting systemic change through community-driven efforts. With a focus on low-income communities and communities of color, these grants empower organizations to mobilize and advocate for justice. Award amounts are typically around $20,000 and are determined by the Hudson Valley Community Funding Committee based on alignment with funding priorities. Applications are open to both new and established groups, ensuring a diverse range of voices in the movement.

The Built to Play Skatepark Grants, funded by the Tony Hawk Foundation, aim to support the creation of free, public skateparks in low-income communities across Southeast Michigan and Western New York. With grants up to $250,000, the program emphasizes community involvement, environmental sustainability, and accessibility. It prioritizes projects designed by experienced contractors that engage local skaters in leadership roles. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering healthy lifestyles and combating childhood obesity through active play.

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 Scherman Foundation's Arts Program supports organizations in New York City that promote economic, political, and cultural transformation for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). By prioritizing BIPOC-led arts initiatives, the foundation aims to create equitable access to resources and decision-making in the arts sector, while fostering community power through artistic expression and activism. This strategic focus ensures the vibrancy and sustainability of local cultural heritage amid ongoing challenges.

The Scherman Foundation's Environmental & Climate Justice Program focuses on empowering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities through grassroots organizing to address climate change and promote racial justice. With a regional emphasis on New York City and State, the program funds multi-issue, community-based organizations that advocate for equitable climate solutions. This initiative aims to dismantle systemic inequalities and foster a Just Transition towards sustainable, democratically controlled systems, ensuring that frontline communities lead the way in climate transformation.

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 Schenectady Foundation's Emergent Needs & Open Grants program supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing community well-being in Schenectady County. With a focus on equitable access to healthy food, neighborhood revitalization, and emergent needs, the Foundation is investing $2 million in 2025 to catalyze transformative change. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations that serve marginalized populations and demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and impact.