Best Chemung County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is committed to improving the health of our communities, making them better places to live, work, play, and raise a family. As a not-for-profit health plan, we strive to offer affordable access to health care. We aim to provide support for efforts focusing on health disparities, social determinants of health, and discrimination affecting our members and their communities. Our investment initiatives aim to help us reach this objective.

Investment opportunities

It is our mission to support impactful community programs, opportunities to seek and apply for funding, and continue to make a real difference. 

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s 31-county region includes: Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Otsego, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, St. Lawrence, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates counties.

Health and Wellness Awards

These awards support funding for initiatives that improve health outcomes by addressing Social Determinants of Health. Priority will be given to proposals targeting conditions and factors linked to adverse health outcomes.

The Cathleen M. Harkness Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., is designed for high school seniors and adult learners pursuing careers in special education, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, or social work. Eligible applicants must reside in Upstate New York or Northern Pennsylvania. This scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers to education, ensuring that deserving students can access the necessary resources for their academic and professional growth.

The Betty O’Connor Memorial/Youth Bowling Scholarship supports high school students in Steuben County who demonstrate a passion for bowling through participation in sanctioned leagues, varsity, or unified bowling. Administered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, this scholarship aims to remove financial barriers to education for deserving individuals in Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania. Applicants must first complete the General Scholarship Application to be considered.

The Bertram L. Newman Memorial Scholarship is offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. It supports high school students in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Yates counties who demonstrate good academic performance. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors or adult learners residing in Upstate New York or Northern Pennsylvania. This scholarship aims to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder access to education and skill development.

The CFECFL Community Grant Program offers competitive grants to nonprofit organizations serving Chemung and Southeastern Steuben counties. Grants support diverse areas including the arts, education, environment, and human services. Eligible organizations must be locally based, IRS 501(c)(3) classified, and demonstrate successful prior grant completion. The program focuses on direct service, capital projects, and organizational development, providing unrestricted funding to enhance nonprofit missions and community impact.

The SOAR Running Club Scholarship, provided by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, supports high school seniors and adult learners in Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants must be members of a running club, preferably SOAR, and have a history of running during high school. Preference is given to students with volunteer hours benefiting the running community, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder educational opportunities.

The Petrillose Family Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., provides financial support to high school seniors and adult learners from Upstate New York or Northern Pennsylvania. Eligible students must be accepted into Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration. The foundation aims to eliminate financial barriers to education, ensuring that deserving individuals can pursue their academic and career goals.

The Patti Perone Volleyball Scholarship, honoring the Southern Tier Volleyball Club, is available to high school seniors and adult learners from Chemung County High School and Corning-Painted Post High School. Eligible applicants must have played varsity or Club USA Volleyball for at least two years, maintain a GPA of 85 or higher, and provide a recommendation from their volleyball coach. The scholarship aims to support students in pursuing higher education and job skills.

The Central Christian Church Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, supports Protestant human service organizations in Chemung County. It prioritizes funding for child care, elder care, hospice, and substance abuse programs. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with projects located within Chemung County, ensuring they meet the community's essential service needs.

The Mikkelsen Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, supports high school seniors and adult learners residing in Upstate New York or Northern Pennsylvania. The scholarship prioritizes students from Chemung County High School, emphasizing good academic performance and a strong work ethic. Preference is given to children of employees or retirees of Zeiser Wilbert Vault, Inc., along with a consideration for financial need. This initiative aims to remove financial barriers to education.

The Michael James Reid Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., supports high school seniors and adult learners residing in Upstate New York or Northern Pennsylvania. Eligible candidates must have a GPA of 82 or higher and demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities. This scholarship aims to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder access to higher education and skill development opportunities.

The McGuire Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, provides $1,000 to eligible high school seniors and adult learners in Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania. This scholarship emphasizes a strong work ethic and concern for others. Applicants must first complete the General Scholarship Application to be considered. It is aimed at reducing financial barriers to education, ensuring deserving individuals can pursue their academic and vocational goals.

The Marian B. Wood Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., supports high school seniors and adult learners in Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania. This scholarship aims to alleviate financial barriers to education, enabling deserving individuals to pursue college or job skills training. Eligible applicants must attend Chemung County High School and plan to enroll at SUNY Geneseo. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to broadening access to post-secondary education.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust Grants focus on enhancing the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This private foundation supports innovative projects that go beyond basic care, ensuring the well-being of homeless and abused animals. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and be located in specific states, including Ohio and parts of Indiana and Michigan. The Trust emphasizes humane treatment and sustainable funding for animal welfare initiatives.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

The Kelly for Kids Community Grants aim to support disadvantaged and disabled youth in Western New York. Founded by former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, the foundation has distributed nearly $5 million to local children's charities. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on health and social services for children in need. The foundation prioritizes innovative programs and equipment improvements, ensuring funds are used effectively to make a significant impact in the community.

The Citizens Grants: Financial Empowerment program supports nonprofits focused on creating measurable impacts in financial education for low to moderate income individuals and small businesses. This grant emphasizes partnerships with established 501(c)(3) organizations and encourages collaborative efforts that demonstrate alignment with funding priorities. By investing in financial literacy, Citizens aims to enhance fiscal health in underserved communities across select geographic areas.

The Citizens Charitable Foundation offers grants focused on Workforce Development and Financial Empowerment. Organizations applying must be IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in specific states. The foundation seeks to partner with high-impact nonprofits to create measurable community impact through innovative programs. Funding is directed towards job training, career education, and coaching initiatives, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and volunteerism.

The NOAA Great Lakes Fish Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants aim to support habitat restoration projects to enhance coastal habitats and promote the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. These grants will focus on projects that align with GLRI goals, particularly in addressing toxic substances and restoring habitats for native fish species affected by degradation. Proposals will be evaluated based on their contribution to environmental priorities set by Lake Committees, ensuring sustainable fish populations in the Great Lakes.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

What We Do

Since our creation by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest private conservation foundation. We work with both the public and private sectors to protect and restore our nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations.

NFWF supports conservation efforts across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Since our founding, we've funded over 23,300 rigorously evaluated projects, awarded to both large environmental organizations and small local initiatives. We do not fund advocacy or litigation, and do not conduct membership campaigns. Instead, we focus on achieving results and building a better future for our world.

Chesapeake Bay Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grants

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the federal-state Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) partnership, is soliciting pre-proposals through the Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) Grants program to improve water quality and reduce nutrient and sediment pollution to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams. Major funding for the INSR Grants program is provided by EPA, with other important contributions from Altria Group, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the U.S. Forest Service. 

The Katherine P. Douglas Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, supports high school seniors and adult learners from Steuben, Chemung, and Schuyler counties pursuing degrees in math, science, health sciences, nursing, or public health at Corning Community College. Applicants must be in the top 15% of their graduating class and provide three recommendations. This scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers to education, fostering access to higher learning.

The Twin Tiers Youth for Christ Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., supports high school seniors and adult learners in Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania. Applicants must secure a recommendation from a pastor of a Christian Church and complete the necessary application materials. This initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers to education, ensuring that deserving candidates can pursue their academic and vocational aspirations.

The Corning Nonprofit Grants program supports community-based initiatives in education, human services, and culture. Eligible nonprofits that align with our criteria may apply for funding on a rolling basis. The application window for invited organizations runs from February 10 to September 15. We emphasize local impact within a 20-mile radius of Corning, NY, ensuring that our contributions foster collective growth and engagement in the community.

The Chesapeake Bay Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) Grant Program, funded by the EPA and Chesapeake Bay Trust, supports innovative green infrastructure projects enhancing community livability. With funding opportunities ranging from conceptual plans to full project implementation, this program aims to reduce stormwater runoff, improve urban green spaces, and boost local water health within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Eligible locations include parts of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, as well as New York.

The First Tee of Corning Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning, offers educational funding for high school seniors and adults from Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Yates counties in New York and Bradford, Tioga counties in Pennsylvania. This scholarship aims to support diligent students who demonstrate responsibility and community involvement, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to higher education and job skills training.

The Ruth Young Climate Justice Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., supports high school graduates from Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Tioga counties pursuing studies in environmental sciences and related fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 78 or higher. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in fostering climate justice and sustainability, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to higher education opportunities.