Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in New York

Mother Cabrini Health Foundation provides New York 501(c)(3) public charities with more than US $75,000 to deliver direct health and human services for poor and underserved residents. Larger grassroots and community-based organizations with budgets over $750,000 serving priority groups like immigrants, older adults, youth, veterans, and low-income families may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations, community councils, and municipal agencies serving Tompkins County in New York can seek multi-year support for programs addressing local community needs. Grants from United Way of Tompkins County help grassroots groups advance food security, youth success, health, mental health, housing access, and services for marginalized communities through its United Tompkins Community Impact Fund.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations providing education, human services, health, or cultural programs in New York may be eligible for McGraw Foundation support, which is generally limited to the greater Chicago area. Grants provide US $2,000 - US $10,000 for general operating support, specific projects, or occasional capital needs.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with timely, actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association invites students, including those connected to grassroots efforts in New York, to apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship.

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

Grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in New York working on environmental and climate justice can seek funding for organizing, advocacy, and movement-building. Scherman Foundation supports BIPOC-led efforts on renewable energy, green jobs, mass transit, and climate resilience, with limited additional support for groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in New York working on community development, education, workforce readiness, or financial literacy can apply for KeyBank Foundation support, with awards of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help grassroots groups strengthen affordable housing, small business growth, academic success, and employment outcomes in eligible communities.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups working in Nassau and Suffolk Counties can seek project funding for arts, education, environment, youth development, hunger, housing, and organizational capacity. Grants from The New York Community Trust help New York grassroots groups address long-standing community issues with fresh approaches, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $50,000.

Grassroots and other nonprofit organizations in New York working to build self-sufficiency for women, children, and families can seek funding for programs such as homelessness services, education, job readiness, food security, health care, and anti-trafficking. The Father's Table Foundation provides highly selective grants up to US $750,000 to expand or replicate proven, sustainable projects.

Grassroots and community-based organizations in New York running out-of-school or community learning programs can apply for New York State Education Department’s NY Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants, offering US $50,000 - US $1,200,000 for academic enrichment, youth development, and family engagement activities that complement students’ regular school-day learning.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York working on human services, legal aid, education, workforce development, health, environment, or arts and culture can seek general operating or project support. Grants from Venable Foundation help grassroots groups in New York City’s five boroughs with approximately US $10,000 to serve economically disadvantaged residents.

Grassroots and other U.S.-based 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits planning sustainability projects in New York can apply for Green Mountain Energy’s Sun Club Sustainability Grant, with awards from US $50,000 - US $400,000. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help fund renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation, sustainable agriculture, and related environmental initiatives in eligible service-area communities.

New York grassroots and other organizations conducting water quality and ecosystem research can access funding through Lake Champlain Basin Program to support projects in the Lake Champlain Basin. Grants of US $25,000 - US $400,000 fund studies on clean water, healthy ecosystems, pollution, invasive species, and related implementation or planning efforts.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions conducting biomedical and health-related research can use this funding for small-scale projects that engage students and strengthen their research environment. The National Institutes of Health provides up to US $375,000 to eligible baccalaureate-degree–granting institutions across the U.S., including New York, that have historically received limited NIH support.

Grassroots and other accredited charities in New York can seek funding for community-focused projects in humanitarian and social services, science and education, environment, and arts and culture. Roche supports innovative, sustainable initiatives managed locally through its affiliate offices, prioritizing projects that engage employees and collaborate with local authorities and partners.

Soil and Water Conservation Districts in New York can seek US $2,000,000 - US $10,000,000 to implement climate-resilient agriculture projects, including livestock waste and feed management, adaptation, healthy soils, and forest management. New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets funds Best Management Practice systems that reduce agricultural climate impacts and strengthen on-farm resilience.

McAuley Ministries provides New York grassroots and other 501(c)(3) organizations with US $10,000 - US $500,000 for health, education, housing, poverty alleviation, and nonprofit capacity-building initiatives. Eligible projects include new or ongoing programs, capital improvements, and organizational development that address basic needs, community vibrancy, and long-term self-sufficiency in underserved communities.

Municipalities and eligible public agencies in New York can obtain low- or no-interest financing for wastewater, sewer, stormwater, and related clean water infrastructure projects. Grants from New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation help fund construction or restoration of treatment facilities, green infrastructure, landfill closures, and habitat protection, which may benefit grassroots-aligned community initiatives led by local governments.

New York 501(c)(3) public charities seeking general operating or program support for arts, environmental, medical research, or veterans initiatives can apply for this grant. Grants from Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Tr help grassroots organizations provide arts access for youth, advance cancer research, improve water quality, and offer therapeutic services for veterans in eligible regions.

Early-career health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can apply for NIH’s Emerging Global Leader Award to secure protected time and support for independent clinical trial research. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help New York–based partners collaborating with LMIC investigators advance global health projects across cancer, mental health, cardiovascular disease, and other priority areas.

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.