Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in New York

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York seeking more than US $75,000 for direct health and human services can apply to this program to benefit poor, disadvantaged, or underserved residents. Mother Cabrini Health Foundation supports projects for eight priority groups, including immigrants, low-income families, older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, youth, and young children and parents.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits, community councils, and municipal agencies serving Tompkins County can seek multi-year support for programs addressing food security, health, housing, mental health, and marginalized communities. Grants from United Way of Tompkins County help small nonprofits expand services in areas like youth success, basic needs, and community well-being.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations in the greater Chicago area can receive McGraw Foundation support for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs, typically ranging from US $2,000 - US $10,000. New York nonprofits may be ineligible geographically but can use this listing as a model when seeking similar small grants locally.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to produce actionable results for current water industry challenges. Focused on water-related fields, the American Water Works Association invites applicants whose work may ultimately benefit nonprofit and public-sector efforts in New York and beyond.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools in New York with environmental programs can seek US $25,000 - US $100,000 for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use projects. With a mission to support sustainability, American Honda Motor provides programmatic funding for initiatives like energy efficiency upgrades, onsite solar or wind, recycling, composting, and greenspace improvements in communities where its associates live and work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups focused on environmental and climate justice can seek funding for grassroots organizing, advocacy, and movement-building in New York. Scherman Foundation supports BIPOC-led efforts advancing climate resilience, equitable energy systems, green jobs, and mass transit, with some additional support for groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in New York can seek funding for community development, education, and workforce programs that build thriving futures. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help support affordable housing and homeownership, small business growth, financial literacy, and academic and career success, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $25,000.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in Nassau and Suffolk Counties can apply for New York Community Trust’s Long Island Community Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $50,000 to support specific projects. Funding may support arts for social change, affordable housing, education, environment, hunger relief, youth development, mental health for veterans, and nonprofit capacity-building.

Nonprofit organizations in New York working on self-sufficiency programs for women, children, and families can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation for initiatives like homelessness services, education, employment readiness, and humanitarian aid. Grants up to US $750,000 may support projects in areas such as food security, clean water, health care, child welfare, and anti-human trafficking efforts.

New York nonprofits running after-school or community learning programs can apply for New York State Education Department’s NY Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers, with awards of US $50,000 - US $1,200,000 for academic enrichment and youth development. Funding can also support family engagement, arts, health, technology, career preparation, and related educational activities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York offering human services, legal aid, education, workforce development, youth programs, health, environment, or arts and culture can seek general operating or project support. Grants from Venable Foundation help New York nonprofits with approximately US $10,000 to serve economically disadvantaged and underserved communities in Venable office regions.

New York nonprofits and other organizations conducting clean water and ecosystem research can access funding through Lake Champlain Basin Program for projects in the Lake Champlain Basin. Awards of US $25,000 - US $400,000 support studies on water quality, habitat restoration, pollution, invasive species, and related implementation or planning efforts tied to the basin’s management plan.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits with at least $250K in annual revenue can seek $50,000 - $400,000 for sustainability projects benefiting communities in New York and other eligible states. Grants from Green Mountain Energy support initiatives like renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions conducting biomedical research in New York can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with projects funded up to US $375,000. The U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services’ National Institutes of Health supports small-scale research that engages undergraduate students and strengthens the institution’s research environment; eligible campuses must have limited prior NIH funding.

Nonprofit organizations in New York seeking support for humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects may be eligible for this corporate philanthropy program. La Roche prioritizes innovative, high-quality initiatives managed by accredited charities and typically works through local affiliate offices to support projects operating within the same country as the affiliate.

Soil and Water Conservation Districts in New York can seek funding to implement on-farm climate mitigation and adaptation projects, with awards ranging from US $2,000,000 - US $10,000,000. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets supports livestock waste and feed management, adaptation and resiliency, healthy soils and agroforestry, and agricultural forest management through this program.

McAuley Ministries provides New York nonprofits with grants of US $10,000 - US $500,000 for health, education, basic needs, housing, and community development initiatives. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations or those with a fiscal sponsor may receive program, operating, capacity-building, or capital support that advances vibrant, safe, and self-sufficient communities.

Early-career medical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country academic or research institutions can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored clinical research and career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help New York–based nonprofits collaborating with LMIC investigators advance work in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and environmental health, with awards around Approximately US $140,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York seeking general operating or program support for arts, education, environmental ingenuity, medical research, or veterans initiatives may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Tr help organizations serving New York residents whose projects align with the foundation’s mission to use nature and sciences to better our world.

Municipalities and eligible public agencies in New York can access financing for wastewater, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure projects through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Grants from New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation support construction or restoration of sewers and treatment facilities, stormwater management, landfill closures, and habitat restoration and protection projects across the state.

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 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.

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 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.

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.