Best Dutchess County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

501(c)(3) nonprofits running out-of-school youth programs in Dutchess County, New York can apply for Dyson Foundation’s Designated Grants to support after-school, summer, or year-round activities. Programs prioritizing economically disadvantaged children, youth development, working-family schedules, and supports like transportation and meals are especially competitive, and faith-based providers may qualify if services are non-discriminatory and community-focused.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic human needs in Dutchess County, New York can seek designated funding for specific programs such as housing, family stability, youth development, health care and behavioral health, food access, and related services. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, Dyson Foundation also considers youth after-school and summer programs and charitable economic development projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Dutchess County, New York providing basic human needs, youth development, health care access, food access, or related human services may be eligible for flexible general operating support. Focused on economically disadvantaged or marginalized residents, the Dyson Foundation offers unrestricted funding to prior grantees meeting its governance and leadership criteria.

 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 Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven causes in Dutchess County, New York may be eligible for Ameriprise Community Grants, which are available across the U.S. Grants from Ameriprise Financial help fund hunger relief, shelter and housing, adult self-sufficiency, cultural enrichment, and community vitality initiatives, especially where Ameriprise volunteers are engaged.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies, and tribes serving breast health or breast cancer needs in Dutchess County, New York can apply for Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley’s Miles of Hope funding. Grants support education, outreach, screening, treatment, support programs, and related financial or ancillary services in the Hudson Valley.

Nonprofit animal welfare agencies rescuing, sheltering, and defending animals in Dutchess County, New York and nearby counties can seek support for their work. Grants from Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan prioritize 501(c)(3) organizations in Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Putnam, Sullivan, and Rockland Counties serving domestic animals and pets.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving low-income residents in Dutchess County, New York can receive up to US $20,000 for general operating support, programs, equipment, and pilots that improve economic stability, health, education, and pet welfare. Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley also accepts applicants serving nearby Putnam and Ulster Counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Dutchess County, New York seeking capacity-building support for planning, board development, assessments, or technology upgrades can apply for up to US $10,000. The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Planning and Technical Assistance grants prioritize smaller-budget organizations with defined projects that strengthen effectiveness and advance their missions in the Berkshire Taconic region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Dutchess County, New York and nearby counties can apply for Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley’s Hudson Valley Farm Fresh Food grants, awarding up to US $20,000 annually for multi-year support. Funding supports programs increasing access to local farm-fresh food, nutrition education, capacity-building equipment, evaluation, and food systems solutions for food-insecure residents.

Young people ages 13 to 19 in Dutchess County, New York, can receive $200 - $800 to join summer arts enrichment programs, including apprenticeships, internships, or learning a musical instrument. Grants from Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation help cover tuition, art supplies, or travel and living costs for youth exploring new artistic ventures.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Grants from Mutual of America Foundation help Dutchess County, New York nonprofits that lead strong community partnerships showcasing collaboration across public, private, or social sectors. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations whose partnership models improve lives, address significant social issues, and can be replicated elsewhere may be eligible for this national Community Partnership Award competition.

New York State Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services

The New York State Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services stands as a beacon of support and resource for faith-based and nonprofit organizations across the state. With a mission deeply rooted in Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to support and expand these communities, the Office is dedicated to fostering growth, equity, and connectivity.  

At its core, the Office aims to empower Faith and Nonprofit organizations. By providing essential information, facilitating access to state grants, and enhancing organizational capacities, it seeks to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all New Yorkers.  

OFNDS Technical Assistance Request for Application (RFA)

This RFA seeks to award funding that will develop a program to provide free technical assistance to nonprofits across New York State. The program seeks to build organizational capacity, improve nonprofits' ability to maximize funding opportunities, expand programmatic impact, and ensure accountability to fiscal compliance standards necessary to do business with New York State. 

Overview- Proposed Areas for Technical Assistance

The purpose of this grant is to fund qualified nonprofit organizations to administer a no-cost Technical Assistance program for the nonprofit community in New York State. Under this grant, the Technical Assistance provider will assist nonprofit organizations with a presence in the assigned region with fiscal infrastructure planning and development, and organizational compliance required to do business in and with New York State, and resource development. These services will increase the nonprofits’ ability to secure, administer and sustain public funding opportunities for New York State grants, and community initiatives.

The Technical Assistance proposed should be practical and tailored to the needs and realities of smaller organizations with limited staff and resources. Successful applicants are required to provide Technical Assistance in a group setting or to individual organizations, as needed. 

Preference will be given to organizations with three or more years’ experience providing similar services to nonprofit organizations. 

Award Regions

Awards will be granted to qualified nonprofit organizations according to two regions: Region A, Downstate; and Region B, Upstate. 

Region B, Upstate

• Capital Region (Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington Counties)
• Central NY (Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego)
• Finger Lakes (Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates)
• Mid-Hudson (Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, Ulster)
• Mohawk Valley (Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie)
• North Country (Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence)
• Southern Tier (Broome, Delaware, Chemung, Chenango, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins); and
• Western NY (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara)

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups serving Dutchess County, New York can seek general operating support for core administrative costs, capacity building, and ongoing programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley prioritizes early childhood education, food security, housing, mental health, and transportation, especially for historically marginalized populations, with awards from US $2,500 - US $20,000.

Tax-exempt organizations promoting animal welfare in Dutchess County, New York can seek grants supporting programs or services for cats, dogs, and retired circus or farm animals. Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley awards US $500 - US $2,000, helping local 501(c)(3) nonprofits enhance care and protection for domestic and retired animals.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations in Dutchess County, New York, or those clearly serving its residents, can seek up to US $3,000 for arts, culture, and education projects. With a mission to strengthen community life, Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley prioritizes programs increasing access for young people and senior citizens to facilities and events.

Nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations in Dutchess County, New York can receive approximately US $15,000 for programs preserving and strengthening Jewish culture and institutions. Grants from Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley support Jewish heritage education, Holocaust/genocide education, and Israeli culture and history, including arts, lectures, and collaborative projects with Jewish and non-Jewish partners.

Students and student groups ages 14–22 in Dutchess County, New York planning international travel for community-based humanitarian, study, or work experiences can receive US $500 - US $1,500. Focused on youth education and enrichment abroad, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation supports projects that promote international peace and justice and include sharing experiences afterward.

Nonprofit organizations in Dutchess County, New York can seek funding to purchase, exhibit, or commission work by mid-career visual artists through the Artist Resource Trust (A.R.T.) Fund, with awards ranging from US $1,500 - US $7,000. The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation requires a 1:1 cash match and a two-year gap between A.R.T. grants.

Nonprofits, public agencies, and community organizations serving immigrant residents in northeast Dutchess County can apply for up to US $10,000 to start or expand local support programs. Grants from Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation help Dutchess County, New York organizations develop collaborative services that improve education and financial self-sufficiency for immigrant families.

Teachers, students, community members, and nonprofits in the Webutuck Central School District in Dutchess County, New York can apply for Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Webutuck Quest for Excellence Fund, awarding US $500 - US $1,500 for high-quality academic enrichment projects. Funding covers direct costs for initiatives like new programs, creative projects, field trips, and teacher professional development.