Best Columbia County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

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 Understory: Regional Resilience Grants

The Understory has launched a new $4,000,000 grant program as part of our H.E.R.E. (The Hudson Estuary Resilience Effort) initiative.

These Regional Resilience Grants aim to foster social and ecological resilience in the Hudson Valley by supporting local non-profit projects and organizations working in the areas of culture, ecology, food/farming, and shelter.

True resilience comes with connection to and affection for the people and places around us. If we are to withstand the many social and ecological challenges we face here in the Hudson Valley, we need to do it together. Our hope is that these grants will prove to be catalytic in helping us all care for each other and our shared home.

These grants were shaped by Hudson Valley practitioners whom The Understory convened into guilds — groups of local subject-matter experts working in each area. Guild members, along with The Understory staff and other regional experts, will review applications and make funding recommendations. The fund was created with the support of a diverse group of place-focused funders in the Hudson Valley.

Truly, these grants are for this place, and of this place.

Opportunity

We are seeking energetic organizations with great ideas and detailed, realistic, and well-formed plans to foster social and ecological restoration, resilience, and regeneration in the Hudson Valley.

For this program, the Hudson Valley means these ten counties: Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Ulster, and Westchester.

Grants range from $10,000 to $200,000. We expect to award approximately 60-70 grants totaling at least $4,000,000. Most awards are likely to fall between $25,000 and $100,000. That said, all projects will be seriously considered at the lower and upper limits.

We encourage you to size your request to the scope of your work rather than to the floor or the ceiling.

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 Germantown Student Education Arts and Humanities Endowment, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, aims to enhance the educational experience in the arts and humanities for students in the Germantown Central School District. Grants ranging from $100 to $2,500 support projects initiated by teachers, parents, and community members, fostering creativity and academic excellence while ensuring that public funding remains intact.

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 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 Fund for Columbia County: School-to-Work Grants, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, aims to enhance educational opportunities for youth facing challenges in Columbia County. Since 1998, the fund has supported innovative projects that facilitate transitions from school to work, including internships and skill-building programs. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, with a focus on collaboration among nonprofits and educational organizations to create lasting community impact.

The Hudson Schools Arts and Humanities Fund, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, aims to enrich the educational experience for students and teachers in the Hudson City School District. Since 1987, the foundation has supported community-driven initiatives, encouraging collaboration among teachers, students, and community members. Grants are available for projects that enhance learning without replacing public funding, fostering inclusive opportunities for all, regardless of background or identity.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

The 'Fresh and Healthy Food for All in Columbia County' grant, backed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, aims to enhance access to nutritious food for vulnerable households. It supports initiatives like community refrigerators and market match programs, fostering collaboration among local organizations. The program emphasizes education, availability, and co-created solutions to combat food insecurity, ensuring all residents can obtain healthy food options, thereby strengthening the community's food system.

Our Programs

For over 25 years, Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming has been a leader in building a resilient and equitable food system in New York’s Hudson Valley. Through four interconnected strategies, we strengthen our region’s food system while serving as a national model for transformative, regionally-based solutions.

Core Strategies

Our strategic approaches are not standalone efforts, but a dynamic, interwoven framework that collectively advances our vision of a resilient and equitable regional food system. By incorporating all four strategies into every one of our programs, we create comprehensive solutions that amplify our impact across the agricultural landscape.

Hudson Valley Farm Relief Fund

The Glynwood Center for Food and Farming established the Hudson Valley Farm Relief Fund, an emergency initiative to provide critical financial assistance to farms across eleven New York counties that have lost expected USDA funding due to the federal funding freeze. The Fund was a time-limited initiative, and is separate from Glynwood's core programming.

The Neighbor-to-Neighbor Grant provides crucial emergency funding to individuals and families facing economic hardships in the Berkshire Taconic region. This program offers small, strategic grants for overdue utilities, medical bills, short-term housing costs, and transportation issues. Funds are disbursed directly to vendors on behalf of those in need, ensuring immediate assistance without long-term obligations. Supported by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, the initiative exemplifies community solidarity, with local social service agencies facilitating the distribution of aid.

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 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) in New York provides essential funding for nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks. It offers financial support for physical and cybersecurity enhancements, helping organizations located outside urban areas to strengthen their security measures. Prequalification in the New York Statewide Financial System is required for applicants. This initiative underscores the commitment of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to enhance community safety and resilience.

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 Barnabas McHenry Hudson River Valley Awards support exceptional young leaders in environmental conservation, historic preservation, and the arts. Awarded annually, these prestigious grants of up to $5,000 encourage students to engage in impactful projects with local nonprofits. Since 2007, the awards have honored the legacy of Barnabas McHenry, fostering a new generation of environmental advocates and cultural stewards dedicated to enhancing the Hudson Valley's unique resources.

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.

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Since 1987, we have strengthened communities through philanthropy and leadership. We channel generosity where it is needed, bringing together resources and passion to tackle our region’s most pressing issues and create lasting change.

The Region We Serve

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation serves Berkshire, Columbia, northeast Dutchess and northwest Litchfield counties. This unique area where New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts meet contains 2,200 square miles of natural beauty and small-town charm that is home to nearly 230,000 people.

Fund for Columbia County: General Operating Support Grants

Introduction

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation established the Fund for Columbia County (FCC) in 1998 to help strengthen communities and improve the quality of life for everyone in Columbia County. The fund serves as a resource for organizations that make life safer, healthier, and more equitable for all residents of the county.

Grants for General Operating Support

Through its General Operating Support Grants, FCC supports organizations that have a deep, lasting, and positive impact on the residents of Columbia County, with particular emphasis on low-income and underserved adults and children.

FCC’s primary focus areas include:

• Youth development
• Education
• Services for the elderly
• Health and social services
• Civic and community engagement through arts, culture, and education

These Grants provide flexible general operating support, which may include:

• Personnel and overhead costs
• Planning and implementation of programs
• Technology, equipment, or material costs
• Strategic planning, staff/board development, and/or succession planning
• Investments to increase organizational capacity
• Other annual operating expenses

The Hudson River Estuary Program - River Education grant offers approximately $300,000 to support projects enhancing education about the estuary. Eligible applicants include governmental and non-profit organizations within New York State. The program aims to improve climate resilience and environmental education while ensuring accessibility for diverse communities. Grant awards range from $20,000 to $100,000, with a focus on projects that foster learning about the Hudson River Estuary and its resources.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

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.

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 Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation has been committed to community support for over 85 years, offering funding and in-kind donations to various organizations. They prioritize 501(c)(3) non-profits that enhance cultural and economic vitality, and provide resources for local events, youth sports, and cultural initiatives. Applications for support are encouraged from organizations that align with their values, emphasizing community improvement and collaboration. For assistance, contact local stores for resources like ticket printing and promotional support.

The TD Charitable Foundation has been dedicated to improving community quality of life since 2002, contributing over $254 million to non-profit organizations. They fund initiatives aligned with their corporate citizenship goals, focusing on Better Health, Connected Communities, Financial Security, and Vibrant Planet. Special consideration is given to programs that support inclusivity for diverse and historically underserved communities. Their commitment to enhancing lives through targeted grants reflects their core values and social responsibility.

The Mid-Hudson Valley Designated Grants program, funded by the Dyson Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, and Ulster counties. It focuses on addressing essential human needs like housing and healthcare for marginalized communities. Grants are available for specific purposes, including youth programs and economic development efforts, ensuring a direct impact on local communities and promoting equitable access to resources.