Best Chemung County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The NRA Foundation provides funding through its State Fund Grant Program to support local groups focused on shooting sports, education, and community outreach. Grants aim to benefit youth, women, veterans, and law enforcement, requiring applicants to have a valid EIN and meet specific eligibility criteria. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over 60,000 grants totaling more than $473 million, ensuring that funds are used for charitable purposes as defined by the IRS.

The Stuart Komer Family Student Aid Award is provided by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. This scholarship aims to support high school seniors and adult learners residing in Upstate New York or Northern Pennsylvania, emphasizing the importance of desire, effort, and work ethic over academic records. It encourages applicants from Chemung County High School and offers financial need-based preferences to ensure access to education.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Thomas A. Wallace Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., supports high school seniors and adult learners residing in Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania. This scholarship aims to assist individuals demonstrating academic excellence and a commitment to community service. With a preference for financial need, it encourages access to post-secondary education, ensuring that cost is not a barrier. Applications require submission of the General Scholarship Application.

The F26AS00083 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants are part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for Fiscal Year 2026. These grants, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support state-level management plans to combat aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes region. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and their designees, with funding awarded through a competitive selection process.

The West Elmira Volunteer Fire Department, affiliated with the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, offers scholarships for high school seniors and adult learners residing in Upstate New York or Northern Pennsylvania. This initiative aims to provide financial support for education and job skill acquisition, ensuring that cost does not hinder access to post-secondary opportunities. The foundation is dedicated to fostering community growth through educational funding.

The William M. Cooper Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, supports high school seniors and adult learners from Chemung County. It values participation in extracurricular activities and considers GPA and SAT scores without requiring the highest grades. Financial need is preferred but not mandatory. This scholarship aims to ensure that educational opportunities are accessible to deserving students in Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania.

The New Car Dealers of WNY Charitable Foundation Grant aims to enhance the well-being of children and families in Western New York. By providing financial support to not-for-profit organizations, the foundation seeks to increase their visibility and impact. Registered not-for-profit organizations can apply for restricted grants, with the board of trustees meeting twice a year to review applications. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to community enrichment and support.

The ARISE Grants, offered by the Appalachian Regional Commission, aim to drive regional economic transformation across 13 Appalachian states. With funding of up to $63.5 million for implementation grants and $10 million maximum awards, the initiative supports collaborative projects that enhance community capacity and economic growth. The program encourages innovative partnerships to strengthen local economies and achieve socioeconomic parity, benefiting over 26 million residents in the Appalachian Region.

The MRT Health Homes Supportive Housing Program, funded by the New York State Department of Health, allocates $86,876,000 over five years to support permanent rental subsidies and housing services for vulnerable homeless Medicaid members. This initiative aims to improve access to health services and stable housing through various permissible uses of funds, including rental subsidies, housing navigation services, and support for life skills development.

The Kurt and Ellen Wohl Scholarship aims to meet the community's diverse needs through creative funding solutions. This scholarship supports individuals aged 25 and older who are returning to college or starting their education, requiring at least 6 credit hours per semester. Eligible institutions must be within 55 miles of Elmira, encompassing schools like Elmira College and Binghamton University. The foundation highlights its commitment to education, arts, and wellness, providing crucial support for community development.

Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Grants Program delivered in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports efforts to improve the condition and connectivity of habitats for at risk and federally listed species.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is committed to operating in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Executive Orders. We continuously monitor legal and regulatory developments to ensure our policies, procedures, and operations align with current federal directives. We encourage all applicants to do the same.  

The ability and extent to which NFWF is able to make awards is contingent upon receipt of funds from federal agencies and/or other funding partners. Final funding decisions will be made based on the applications received and the level and timing of funding received by NFWF.

The WILD Program Pillars are:

• Pillar 1: Restore, conserve, and connect fish and wildlife habitat
• Pillar 2: Improve water quality for fish, wildlife and people
• Pillar 3: Align the power of nature to adapt to changing landscapes
• Pillar 4: Expand access to nature and outdoor recreation for all Americans
• Pillar 5: Build partnership capacity to collaborate and coordinate actions

The Chesapeake WILD Grants Program has three distinct tracks:

• Collaborative Conservation
  • Grants of up to $200,000 will be awarded for projects that support and enhance the capacity of partnerships, networks, and other collaborative models working collaboratively to advance place-based, landscape-scale, and crossjurisdictional habitat restoration, conservation, and connectivity outcomes.
• Planning and Technical Assistance
• Implementation

The Allan S. and Maureen A. Costello Memorial Scholarship aims to address contemporary needs through diverse funding avenues and community awareness. This unique foundation focuses on the holistic well-being of the community, encompassing education, arts, infrastructure, animals, the environment, and wellness. By fostering creative solutions, the scholarship not only supports individual aspirations but also nurtures the collective growth of the community, ensuring a brighter future for all.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

The Julie Ellison Delgrosso Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., aims to support women business owners in Chemung County who have been in business for over three years. This scholarship addresses barriers to growth and facilitates necessary changes in existing businesses, promoting creative solutions to meet the holistic needs of the community, including education and wellness.

The New York State Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program aims to enhance K-12 meal preparation by utilizing fresh local farm products. With a total funding of $50 million over five years, the program will award $5 million to each of the ten regions, encouraging projects that alleviate food insecurity and bolster market opportunities for local producers. This initiative seeks to strengthen the state's food system resiliency while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative aims to revitalize communities impacted by coal industry transitions. This initiative provides funding for projects that diversify local economies, enhance job training, and create new employment opportunities. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the POWER Initiative supports strategic investments that align with regional economic development plans, ensuring a more resilient future for coal-affected areas.

The JGS Fellowship for Photography offers a $7,000 cash grant to photography artists residing in New York State, excluding New York City. This competitive fellowship supports five artists engaged in traditional and experimental photography. Funded by The Joy of Giving Something, the fellowship aims to assist artists in creating new works and exhibitions. Eligible applicants must be at least 25 years old and have lived in a qualifying region of New York State for at least 12 months.

The Educational Foundation of America (EFA) supports the Reproductive Health & Justice Grant Program to enhance access to abortion and contraception throughout the U.S., particularly in Appalachia, Alabama, and Florida. EFA funds innovative organizations that advocate for reproductive rights, provide direct support to abortion services, and leverage impact investing strategies. This commitment aims to ensure reproductive freedom, foster equity, and promote sustainability in underserved communities.

The Fund for Women of the Southern Tier grants support programs aimed at empowering girls and women through education and health initiatives. Managed by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, this fund offers competitive grants to eligible non-profits and individuals in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Yates counties. Award amounts can reach up to $2,500, aimed at removing barriers to educational pursuits and enhancing overall community wellness.

The Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. offers Mini-Grants ranging from $100 to $1,500 to support small-scale projects addressing urgent community needs. Applications must be submitted 30-90 days in advance and are prioritized based on emergent issues. Eligible applicants are 501(c)3 organizations serving Chemung and Southeastern Steuben counties. Funding is competitive and may be partial or denied based on available resources and community priorities.

Rose’s Youth Philanthropists (RYP) empowers youth in Chemung and Southeastern Steuben counties through responsive grantmaking. Funded by the S. Roberts Rose Fund, RYP encourages proposals for projects that involve youth in community needs across arts, education, mentoring, and mental health. The initiative supports diversity, personal responsibility, and civic pride while addressing issues like literacy and home safety. RYP aims to engage youth in meaningful activities that foster creativity and community involvement.

The Fund for Women of the Southern Tier provides annual grants aimed at helping girls and women achieve economic self-sufficiency through education, health, and life skills programs. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations serving specific counties in New York. The fund prioritizes programs that are open to all and accessible to underserved communities, fostering empowerment and growth while ensuring a fair competitive application process.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

The NC Hunter and Jumper Association’s Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports individuals pursuing higher education who have engaged in equestrian activities. Open to undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students, the scholarship aims to assist those attending various educational institutions in the United States. Applications for NCCF scholarships will be accepted from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026. Be sure to check specific eligibility requirements for each scholarship.

The Computational Mathematics program supports research that integrates computation with mathematical analysis, encouraging innovative algorithm development and application. Proposals may range from individual projects to interdisciplinary teams, focusing on new computational techniques to address significant application challenges. The program also emphasizes training for junior mathematicians through hands-on research. Conference proposals must adhere to strict submission timelines to ensure review and funding opportunities, fostering collaboration within the mathematical sciences.

The ROSS Rapid Response Program (RRP) by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides expedited funding to assist communities in addressing urgent social needs. This program offers one-time cost-reimbursable grants for service coordination and direct services, especially in response to emergencies like natural disasters or public health crises. By streamlining the application process, the RRP empowers local leaders to efficiently support residents in HUD-assisted housing, promoting self-sufficiency and resilience.