Best Columbia County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The FCH Rapid Response Grant Program offers support for emergency and time-sensitive needs of 501(c)(3) organizations within its 17-town community in northwest Connecticut. With a funding limit of under $5,000, the program aims to address critical health and equity challenges. Eligible applicants include local organizations and municipal agencies that align with FCH's mission. The program does not fund projects that do not directly benefit community residents or those that discriminate based on various factors.

The New Lebanon Arts and Humanities Fund, managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, aims to enrich the arts and humanities experiences for students and teachers in the New Lebanon School District. Grants ranging from $100 to $4,000 support diverse projects like extracurricular activities, visiting speakers, and professional development. The fund encourages community involvement while maintaining a strict non-discrimination policy. Applications are welcomed from all community members, fostering creativity and excellence in education.

Rubin Community Health Fund Grants

The Hortense and Louis Rubin Community Health Fund was established using proceeds from the operation and sale of the Rubin Dialysis Centers. The fund’s goal is to support programs focused on the prevention, management, and treatment of kidney disease and related health conditions. Managed by the Community Foundation staff and guided by a committee of healthcare experts, the fund is committed to improving public health outcomes.Grantmaking Priorities: The Rubin Community Health Fund considers projects in the Greater Capital Region that align with the following priorities:

• Treatment – Improving Individual Care and Access
  • Maximizing individual care outside of dialysis centers through technology and innovation
  • Expanding or improving access to home dialysis options
• Primary Prevention – Increasing Access to Preventive Services
  • Promoting nutrition and healthy food access
  • Encouraging physical activity
  • Expanding primary care and supportive services
  • Enhancing provider training to improve screening and referrals for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related conditions
• Secondary Prevention and Management Services
  • Improving health literacy to empower individuals
  • Managing and mitigating CKD, End Stage Renal Disease, diabetes, hypertension, and other related conditions
  • Providing universal access to essential support services, such as:
    • Transportation
    • Daycare
    • Case management
    • Technology aimed at preventing dialysis dependency
  • Enhancing management of associated medical conditions

The Taconic Hills Education Enrichment Fund and the Arts & Humanities Fund support diverse educational projects within the Taconic Hills Central School District. Since 2001, the Education Enrichment Fund has aimed to benefit every student, while the Arts and Humanities Fund, established in 2008, focuses specifically on arts projects. Applications are welcomed from students and community members, and preference is given to interdisciplinary and sustainable initiatives.

The Ichabod Crane Central School District Arts and Humanities Fund Grant aims to enhance educational experiences in the arts and humanities for students and teachers. This endowed fund supports a variety of projects including independent studies, new programs, and creative extracurricular activities. Eligible applicants include students, teachers, and community organizations, with grants covering up to 75% of pilot project costs. Preference is given to initiatives that significantly impact the school community.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) is a philanthropic community foundation that empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their charitable goals and strengthen communities across Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster counties in New York. Through the establishment and stewardship of nearly 600 charitable funds totaling over $100 million in assets, CFHV has distributed hundreds of millions in grants and scholarships to address critical needs, including food insecurity, education, senior services, arts and culture, social services, environmental initiatives, and more. The Foundation works with donors to build lasting charitable legacies, offers leadership on community issues, and provides grants and scholarships that create both immediate relief and long-term positive impact throughout the Hudson Valley. 

Kathleen H. Zwissler Memorial Scholarship

Established by Adams Fairacre Farms in honor of Kathleen H. Zwissler, this scholarship provides financial assistance to high school seniors and college students in the Hudson Valley. Eligible applicants must be employees of Adams Fairacre Farms, Inc. or members of an employee’s immediate family and maintain a B average or better. The scholarship awards one non-renewable, one-time payment of $2,000, payable directly to the recipient’s school, to support postsecondary education at an accredited institution.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) is a philanthropic community foundation that empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their charitable goals and strengthen communities across Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster counties in New York. Through the establishment and stewardship of nearly 600 charitable funds totaling over $100 million in assets, CFHV has distributed hundreds of millions in grants and scholarships to address critical needs, including food insecurity, education, senior services, arts and culture, social services, environmental initiatives, and more. The Foundation works with donors to build lasting charitable legacies, offers leadership on community issues, and provides grants and scholarships that create both immediate relief and long-term positive impact throughout the Hudson Valley. 

Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation Scholarship

The Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors and eligible college students who have been meaningfully affected by breast cancer and are pursuing postsecondary education. The scholarship assists students residing in one of nine Hudson Valley–area New York counties who plan to attend an accredited college, university, or trade school and who have participated in breast cancer–related activities. Awards recognize students who have turned personal challenges related to breast cancer into positive action and community engagement. Multiple one-time scholarships are available each year, with award amounts ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, payable directly to the student’s school.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

The Statewide Community Re-grants Program for Arts Education, administered by CREATE Council on the Arts, offers funding between $1,500 and $3,000 for arts education projects in Greene, Columbia, and Schoharie Counties. This initiative aims to enhance local cultural resources by supporting individual artists and nonprofit organizations in collaborative projects that engage communities through artistic learning, particularly in schools and community-based settings.

The Statewide Community Re-grants Program, managed by the CREATE Council on the Arts, aims to enhance community engagement in Columbia, Greene, and Schoharie Counties through public funding. Grants ranging from $1,500 to $7,500 support diverse artistic projects that foster creativity, cultural diversity, and inclusion. This initiative encourages local participation and collaboration between artists and community organizations, ensuring that projects are accessible to the public and contribute to the cultural vitality of the region.

The Statewide Community Re-grants Program, administered by the CREATE Council on the Arts, provides funds to empower individual artists in Columbia, Greene, and Schoharie Counties. Grants of $2,500 to $5,000 support artist-initiated projects that foster community engagement, creativity, and cultural diversity. The program emphasizes local involvement through a peer review panel, ensuring that community needs and aspirations are prioritized in the grant process, thus enriching the overall artistic landscape.

The American Marketing Association NY Capital Region Chapter Scholarship supports high school seniors and current college students in the Greater Capital Region pursuing degrees in marketing or related fields. Offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, this scholarship aims to empower local students to achieve their educational goals and contribute to the community. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply through the universal application to access multiple scholarship opportunities.

The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region

Who We Are

Empowering generous people with meaningful giving opportunities

Since 1968, The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region (CFGCR) has been dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Capital Region. We work with — and for — all our neighbors across the community because together, we are stronger.

 Strategic Partnership Fund

At The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, we know that the most impactful work often happens when we work together. To support this spirit of collaboration, we are proud to launch the Strategic Restructuring & Partnership Fund.

This initiative is specifically designed to support the development and implementation of innovative partnership solutions. Whether your organization is in the early stages of prenegotiation, negotiation, or due diligence or ready to formalize a merger, we are here to provide the support needed to navigate these activities.

The Purpose

By investing in critical "behind-the-scenes" work, including technical assistance, legal and financial analysis and guidance, and change management, the Community Foundation aims to empower nonprofits to move beyond survival and toward a more resilient, sustainable infrastructure to support their missions.

Strategic Partnership Models

The fund provides financial support for a wide spectrum of collaborative efforts, including:

• Exploration & Negotiation: Facilitated dialogue, pre-negotiation, and formal due diligence.
• Structural Integration: Formation of Subsidiary/Parent-Subsidiary models, administrative consolidations, or Management Service Organizations (MSOs).
• Formal Affiliation & Integration: Mergers, acquisitions, and strategic dissolutions.
• Strategic Realignment: Regionalization, downsizing, and organizational restructuring.

The Community Foundation Impact Grants support projects that address pressing community needs in the Capital Region of New York. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $15,000 and focus on areas such as homelessness, disabilities, land conservation, and services for new Americans. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations located within the ten-county region. This funding opportunity aims to leverage local expertise to create significant social impact.

The Bender Scientific Fund Grant aims to support and promote discovery in medicine, science, and technology within the Capital Region. The fund prioritizes research in life sciences and educational projects that foster ongoing learning. It encourages nonprofit organizations and schools to apply for grants, typically ranging from $1,000 to $12,500 for one-year projects. However, it does not support institutional overhead or funding for salaries without justification. Special considerations are required for projects involving human subjects or hazardous materials.

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 Nonprofit Resource Training Grant offers up to $1,000 for tax-exempt organizations to send employees to essential training and conferences. This initiative supports community-based groups that serve low- to moderate-income populations and align with The Ready Commitment. By enhancing employee skills, the grant aims to strengthen nonprofits and their impact in the community, ensuring they provide valuable services effectively.

The NSF Rapid Response Grants support grassroots organizations in New York City and the Hudson Valley that are led by people directly impacted by injustice. These grants enable activists to respond to urgent threats or opportunities, aiming for specific outcomes within three to six months. Emphasizing systemic change, the fund prioritizes organizations that are democratically structured and focus on social justice, particularly those with limited access to traditional funding sources.

The Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation Grant supports local communities through funding for non-profit organizations. Established in 1998, the foundation has contributed over $2.5 million to various sectors, including education, health, and the arts. Grants of up to $2,500 are awarded annually, with a focus on specific funding requests. Eligibility requires a 501(c)(3) status letter, while individuals and political candidates are ineligible for support.

The New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP) is inviting proposals for habitat restoration projects that support wildlife in the Hudson-Raritan Estuary. With $250,000 available, HEP aims to distribute funding through two to four grants for projects lasting one or two years. These initiatives are crucial for enhancing local ecosystems and engaging communities in conservation efforts, as outlined in the Comprehensive Restoration Plan.

The Polisseni Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in upstate New York by supporting organizations that address community needs in education, human services, and civic improvement. To apply, organizations must submit their IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter and ensure their applications are formatted correctly. All submissions must be made two weeks before the scheduled board meeting for consideration.

Hudson River Valley Greenway

Established in 1991, the Hudson River Valley Greenway works to celebrate preserve and enhance the Hudson River Valley through regional planning, natural and cultural resource protection, heritage and environmental education, economic development, and public access.

McHenry Community Planning Grants

The Hudson River Valley Greenway works to celebrate and protect the region’s ecological, scenic, cultural, historic, agricultural, and recreational treasures.

HRVG’s McHenry Community Planning Grant Program provides financial assistance for local and regional planning projects in the Greenway Area. To be considered for a Greenway Community Grant or a Compact Community Grant, projects must incorporate Greenway Criteria – Natural and Cultural Resource Protection, Regional Planning, Economic Development, Public Access to the Hudson River, Heritage and Environmental Education.

In 2025, the program was renamed in honor of Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council Founding Chairman Barnabas McHenry. 

Greenway Communities

Municipalities located within the Greenway Area can become a Greenway Communities. This includes most municipalities in the counties that surround the Hudson River from New York County to Washington and Saratoga Counties.

To become a Greenway Community, a municipality must adopt a resolution committing to HRVG’s resource protection, regional planning, economic development, public access, and education criteria. After the resolution is adopted, municipalities can access funding for municipal and intermunicipal projects.  

Compact Communities

All counties located within the Greenway Area can become Compact Counties. Currently, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, and Dutchess are the only Compact Counties. However, counties as far north as Washington County can join by adopting a Compact Plan - a regional strategy that identifies how a county will integrate Greenway Criteria into its planning work.

To become a Compact Community, a municipality must adopt its county’s plan. After the plan is adopted, municipalities can access higher levels of funding for municipal and intermunicipal projects. 

Compact Community Grant: County Compact Plan Development

The Hudson River Valley Greenway’s Compact Community Grant promotes the economic development of designated Compact Communities while respecting local decision making. Planning projects funded through this program preserve, enhance, and develop the scenic, natural, historic, cultural, and recreational resources in the Hudson River Valley.

A designated Compact Community is a municipality that has formally adopted its County’s Compact Plan, a strategy that identifies how a county will integrate Greenway Criteria into its planning work.

Compact Communities can apply for Compact Community Grants up to $100,000 for county compact plan development. To be considered for a Compact Community Grant, applicants should incorporate the Greenway Criteria. 

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Comprehensive or master planning
• Zoning and subdivision ordinance updates
• Natural resource inventories and protection plans
• Open space inventories and conservation strategies
• Cultural and historic resource planning initiatives
• Waterfront revitalization planning along the Hudson River and its tributaries

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.