Best Grants for Mentoring Programs in New York

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 CTBF: Eager to Learn Grant Program provides essential support for college test preparation and promotes access to trade schools. Aimed at empowering students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, the program funds organizations that enhance SAT and ACT scores and offer mentorship. Grants, capped at $25,000, focus on equitable opportunities in education, ensuring all students can pursue their optimal paths, whether through college or vocational training.

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.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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 Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

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.

Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation

Empowerment through Food Awareness, Access, and Education

We are a private, family-directed, not-for-profit philanthropic organization, established through the estate of Ann B. Zekauskas. We are dedicated to educating students, families, and communities, especially the underserved, on producing, preparing, and eating healthy foods, and to supporting organizations focused on hunger relief and careers in the culinary arts.

We perform our mission through collaborations with and support of approved non-profit organizations within these key areas of giving: nutrition education, food access, and culinary arts training.

Culinary Arts Careers - Advancing the Culinary Arts

When Ann B. Zekauskas was headed to college just after the end of World War II, there were not many professional options for women. Ann chose to study home economics. When she graduated, she took that otherwise traditional degree, moved to New York City, and created a new profession in the burgeoning field of food advertising, becoming the first notable freelance food stylist.

For 60 years, Ann worked with and around those in the advertising and food industries. She spent vacations helping her sister, Nell, and brother-in-law Frank, grow, harvest, and sell fruits and vegetables on their prosperous family farm on Long Island. Throughout her life, Ann saw how professional training in culinary arts could lead to success. She mentored young chefs, food stylists, bakers, and pastry artists to help them achieve their dreams of a career in food — whether on a studio set, in a restaurant, or at their own business.

Through direct giving to culinary training and workforce development programs, we support the next generation of restaurant managers, chefs, food stylists, mixologists, bakers, sommeliers, pastry artists, catering professionals, and more.

Request a Grant

The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers.

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 J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation Grant aims to foster an inclusive environment where individuals of all abilities are respected and valued. The foundation prioritizes funding direct service programs that promote personal growth, self-advocacy, and meaningful engagement for individuals with disabilities. It supports after-school, summer, and work readiness initiatives, focusing on educational and social opportunities. The foundation encourages collaboration and professional development to enhance the effectiveness of funded programs in the New York Metropolitan and Boston areas.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The John Ben Snow Foundation provides funding primarily for tax-exempt organizations in Central New York, focusing on education, arts, community initiatives, and youth programs. Established in 1948, the foundation prioritizes proposals that enhance educational opportunities and reduce barriers for under-resourced individuals. Additionally, it considers projects in environmental and historic preservation, though these areas receive limited funding. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000.

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.

The Triangle Fund Grant supports programs in Steuben, Chemung, and Schuyler counties, aimed at fostering relationships among families, schools, and communities to benefit disadvantaged youth. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, the fund focuses on positive youth development, creative activities, educational achievement, workforce preparation, and support services. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) tax-exempt groups whose missions align with the fund's vision of community engagement and support.

The Edward and Sally Van Lier Fellowship Program, funded by The New York Community Trust, provides grants to support historically underrepresented artists. It targets two development stages: young individuals aged 6-18 and young professionals aged 18-30. The program focuses on artistic training, mentorship, and opportunities for growth within New York City. Eligible organizations must facilitate artistic study and career development while ensuring recipients are not enrolled in degree-granting programs during funding.

The Keith Haring Foundation offers grants primarily to support non-profit organizations that provide educational opportunities for underprivileged youth and those affected by HIV/AIDS. Established by the artist Keith Haring in 1989, the foundation focuses on initiatives that foster self-sufficiency among vulnerable populations in New York City and the Southeastern US. It invites applications from organizations dedicated to promoting Haring's legacy through arts and culture, ensuring impactful, evidence-based programming.

The Liberty Partnerships Program, initiated by the New York State Education Department, aims to foster partnerships among Institutions of Higher Education and communities to support at-risk students. By providing essential services such as tutoring, counseling, and mentoring, the program seeks to enhance student engagement and reduce dropout rates. Through collaborative efforts, this initiative promotes innovative educational strategies that empower students to take active roles in their learning journey.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Community Experts Fund Grant, provided by the Peter & Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, aims to improve the lives of young people facing mental health and developmental challenges in targeted counties. With $350,000 available in 2025, the fund emphasizes mentoring initiatives that empower youth-driven goals. By strengthening existing programs, it seeks to build capacity and support young individuals through quality one-on-one mentoring, distinct from traditional case management, addressing the pressing needs of this vulnerable population.