Best Grants for Community Centers in New York

Community centers and other mission-driven organizations in New York that share essential community resources and services can receive in-kind PSA distribution on F.Y. Eye’s free digital screen network. Grants from F.Y. Eye help NYC-based groups reach underserved populations citywide, including through screens in clinics, supportive housing, community centers, and LinkNYC kiosks.

Registered nonprofits in New York working on Jewish life, civic engagement, or community chaplaincy can access funding through the Charles H. Revson Foundation’s Jewish Life grants. The program supports organizations in North America and Israel that meet social and spiritual needs in diverse, multi-faith, and multi-ethnic community settings, including public institutions and urban communities.

Museums and other public institutions in New York seeking to expand photography programming can apply for support to fund acquisitions, exhibitions, and publications. Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation provides these grants nationally, and New York community-centered institutions with photography initiatives may be eligible. The Foundation does not fund individual photographers or scholarships.

New York 501(c)(3) organizations that integrate visual or performing arts into education can access funding through the Cornelia T Bailey Charitable P/Arts Program to strengthen arts-based learning. Grants up to Up to US $25,000 support curriculum revitalization, student engagement, educator development, and evidence-based arts instruction, which may benefit community centers offering arts-focused educational programs.

Community-focused nonprofits in Western New York counties such as Erie, Niagara, and Monroe can apply for Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation grants to advance youth sports, parks and trails, education, caregiving, and economic development initiatives. Community centers in New York may be eligible if their programs address significant local needs within these focus areas.

Community-based nonprofits in New York providing early childhood education, family support, arts, violence prevention, or services for justice-impacted or immigrant families can access funding through the Sills Family Foundation, with typical awards of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Metro New York City community centers offering these programs may be invited to apply after sharing a brief project description.

The Workforce Development Capital Grant Program provides up to $35 million in funding to enhance workforce training capabilities in New York. This initiative supports training providers aiming to modernize facilities and purchase necessary equipment to deliver industry-recognized credentials. With awards ranging from $100,000 to $3 million, the program focuses on responsiveness to industry needs, increasing workforce participation, and improving training for underserved populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities providing education, health services, food security, or affordable housing in New York, especially the greater Bridgeport area, may be eligible for this invitation-only funding. The Elizabeth M Pfriem Foundation supports innovative, growth-ready programs that improve conditions for vulnerable children and families and demonstrate strong leadership and fiscal responsibility.

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, and schools can seek $25,000 - $100,000 for environmental programs focused on decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. Grants from American Honda Motor help community-centered initiatives in eligible U.S. states, including New York, fund education, awareness, and infrastructure projects that reduce environmental impact.

Community centers, schools, libraries, and other 501(c)(3) organizations in New York City serving at-risk children can seek $2,000 to $10,000 for literacy programs that build reading skills and foster a love of books. Grants from Lois Lenski Covey Foundation may support ongoing or new, innovative programs with regular, skilled engagement.

New York arts and culture nonprofits, government cultural institutions, and higher education organizations can access funding for international travel and deep cultural exchange activities. Asian Cultural Council’s Organization Grants, offering up to US $50,000, support cross-border artistic research, cultural immersion, and relationship-building that may benefit community centers with robust arts or cultural programming.

Grants from New York State Education Department help New York community-based and school-affiliated programs provide academic enrichment and comprehensive after-school learning centers. Awards of US $50,000 - US $1,200,000 can fund tutoring, youth development, arts, health and wellness, career and technical education, internships, and family engagement activities that complement students’ regular academic programs.

New York community centers and other organizations hosting public literary readings or workshops can receive mini-grants to pay writers’ fees, with awards up to US $3,000. New York groups can access funding through Poets & Writers to compensate published poets, fiction, creative nonfiction, and performance writers for individual sessions in their programs.

Nonprofit community centers and 501(c)(3) organizations in New York working on basic needs, community development, or cultural enrichment may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial support. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and arts access, with priority for programs engaging Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteers.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations operating community centers or similar programs in Central New York can seek funding for education-focused initiatives, community services, youth development, arts, and related projects. Focused on education, John Ben Snow Foundation invites New York organizations to propose new or enhanced programs, short-term bridge support, matching grants, or last-dollar capital needs, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000.

The Youth Safe Spaces Program aims to address the mental health challenges faced by youth, particularly those aged 12-24, by creating safe spaces for interaction and community engagement. With funding from the New York State Office of Mental Health, this initiative seeks to foster positive relationships, cultural sensitivity, and provide necessary resources. The program will support 3-5 pilot projects, each receiving $250,000 or $500,000 over five years, to enhance mental wellness and community participation among high-risk populations.

501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in New York working on BIPOC-led democracy, civic engagement, and racial justice can apply for Scherman Foundation’s Democracy Program, with awards of US $40,000 - US $200,000. Community-based organizations, coalitions, and arts-driven voter engagement efforts that build BIPOC political power and statewide civic infrastructure may be competitive.

Community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in New York using community organizing and grassroots advocacy can seek multi-year core support to advance racial, economic, gender, and climate justice. Grants from New York Foundation help New York social justice and civil rights organizations with up to US $237,500 plus capacity-building resources and small organizational development grants.

501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in New York City arts can apply for Scherman Foundation’s Arts Program funding to support BIPOC-led cultural, narrative, and “artivism” work. Community-based arts organizations in Central and South Brooklyn, the South Bronx, East and Central Harlem, and the Lower East Side may be especially relevant for community centers focused on racial justice.

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.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups advancing racial, economic, political, or cultural justice for BIPOC communities in New York can apply for Scherman Foundation’s Strengthening New York Communities program. Grants support grassroots organizing, advocacy, and narrative or culture shift on housing and land use, workers’ rights, immigrant justice, and related community power-building efforts.

New York 501(c)(3) public charities operating community-based health or social service programs can access funding through Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to expand equitable access to healthcare for poor and underserved residents. Grants of More than US $75,000 support direct services improving affordability, accessibility, capacity, and culturally competent care, including telehealth and community health education, within New York communities.

New York 501(c)(3) public charities with budgets over $750,000 can seek support for mental and behavioral health programs serving poor or underserved state residents. Focused on improving interventions, access, and prevention, Mother Cabrini Health Foundation invites community-based providers to propose direct service projects that align with Catholic ethical principles and demonstrate strong governance and capacity to serve target populations.

New York 501(c)(3) community-based organizations, educational institutions, and coalitions can seek funding for climate change, clean energy careers, or social justice programs serving New York City and Westchester communities. Con Edison provides support for projects like extreme weather resilience, equitable energy access, and clean energy workforce development, especially in historically marginalized and disadvantaged neighborhoods and community centers.

Community-based health centers, foster care agencies, and workforce development nonprofits in New York City can receive funding for capacity-building, program development, and capital projects. Focused on health, social services, and education, the Ira W. DeCamp Foundation supports 501(c)(3) public charities, which may include community centers offering related services in New York.

The Trinity Grants: Racial Justice Initiative, spearheaded by Trinity Church Wall Street, aims to foster equitable justice systems through community-driven approaches. Focused on mental health, safety, and reducing incarceration, this initiative emphasizes support for marginalized groups, particularly people of color. It addresses the need for restorative justice, legislative reforms, and comprehensive support for those impacted by the criminal legal system, aiming to transform communities and enhance public safety.