Best Genesee County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven social enterprises in Genesee County, New York can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation’s support; awards up to US $300,000 for scalable solutions serving underserved communities. Organizations should be post-pilot, under 10 years old, and aiming to reach at least 10,000 people within five years.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Genesee County, New York can seek support for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Focus areas include auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, financial literacy, job training, food insecurity, and K–12 and higher education, including STEM and college-career pathways.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in the U.S. offering arts and science programming, especially for youth, can seek more than US $100,000 to support programs, capital projects, or limited general and endowment needs. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help organizations, including those serving Genesee County, New York, with arts education, artist development, museums, and performing arts initiatives.

Genesee County, New York nonprofits can access funding through the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation for projects in youth sports and recreation, parks and trails, education and job readiness, caregiver support, and entrepreneurship and economic development. 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible intermediaries serving Western New York communities may benefit from bold, collaborative, and innovative initiatives.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Genesee County, New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on food systems can seek up to US $2,500 to strengthen organizational capacity through professional development and specialized services. Grants from Western New York Foundation support training, consultant assistance, specialty contract services, and certification or accreditation costs for organizations headquartered in eligible Western New York counties.

Small to mid-sized 501(c)(3) arts and culture nonprofits in Genesee County, New York can access general operating and capacity-building support, with awards up to US $15,000. Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Arts & Culture Initiative also offers micro grants and continued support for eligible prior grantees across nine Western New York counties.

Greater Rochester Health Foundation provides Genesee County, New York nonprofits with up to US $5,000 for community and fundraising events that promote health equity and community well-being. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can fund dinners, athletic fundraisers, health fairs, educational events, or staff trainings serving the foundation’s nine-county region, with applications reviewed quarterly based on event date.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) organizations offering arts and cultural programming in Genesee County, New York can apply for $5,000 - $10,000 to expand access, sustain growth, or celebrate local diversity. Grants from Rochester Area Community Foundation help arts and culture groups across its eight-county region strengthen regional vitality and organizational capacity.

Genesee County, New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies supporting caregivers of underserved people can access funding through Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, with awards from US $10,000 - US $25,000. Projects should expand caregiver access to resources such as transportation assistance, volunteer support, or training, with preference for programs serving older adults.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Genesee County, New York can receive US $10,000 - US $50,000 to plan, develop, or construct community spaces and infrastructure that support healthy, active living. The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s Design and Access grants can fund projects like trails, walkability and bikeability improvements, and enhanced greenways or recreation corridors.

Genesee County, New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering youth sports activities can access funding through the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo for programs that get kids active. Grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 support objectives like free play, sport sampling, in-town leagues, coach training, and prevention-focused youth sports initiatives.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in Genesee County, New York can apply for the WNY Forward Fund’s Strategic Alliances & Nonprofit Resiliency grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000 for nonrecurring costs of strategic partnerships, mergers, shared services, restructures, or dissolution planning. Administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and partners, this funding supports long-term organizational resilience.

Genesee County, New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on local or regional food systems can access funding through the Western New York Foundation to build organizational capacity and resilience. Small to mid-size organizations in the seven Western New York counties may seek support for leadership, collaboration, communications, financial stability, programming, and operational effectiveness, with emphasis on equity and wellbeing.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups focused on food systems, arts and culture, or rural communities in Genesee County, New York can access intensive capacity-building support through the Impact Capacity Assessment Program Core. Western New York Foundation provides a six-month coaching program plus a US $10,000 stipend for leadership, board development, and organizational planning.

Susan A. Cowell Scholarship

For academically talented and community-minded high school graduates continuing their education in college, graduate school, or a trade/technical school.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $1,000; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Rochester Area Community Foundation

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Clark Family Mental Health and Disability Scholarship

Barbara and Tom Clark have been blessed with good health, four children, grandchildren, and a comfortable lifestyle. They come from modest backgrounds with parents who provided them with educational opportunities and strong work ethics, which has enabled them to be in a position to share their good fortune with others. Their youngest child, born with Down Syndrome, has been the beneficiary of many services provided by agencies and health systems serving the developmentally disabled. With their help, she has grown into a fine young woman.

Both Barbara and Tom have been closely involved with agencies serving the disadvantaged and have personally witnessed the skills and dedication of those who have chosen this career. This scholarship was established to assist individuals dedicated to serving in the field of developmental disabilities or mental health with their advanced educational pursuits. Through this scholarship, the Clarks desire to help these individuals with the educational requirements to improve their skills in serving those in need.

Purpose of Scholarship

• To provide financial support for individuals working in or planning to work in the fields of developmental disabilities or behavioral health within the eight-county area surrounding Rochester (Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties) who wish to pursue a master’s degree in their field. The intent of this scholarship is to elevate the state of practice and increase the number of individuals serving in the fields of developmental disabilities and behavioral health.

Award Details

• Number of recipients and award amounts vary. The amount awarded will be based on the student’s actual cost of attendance, financial need, and receipt of other available grants and financial resources. Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.
• Awards may be used for tuition, books, fees, and other graduate level educational expenses.
• The scholarship is a one-time award; however, students may reapply in future years and receive a maximum of four awards during a consecutive six-year period.

Genesee County, New York nonprofits providing PreK-12 arts education can access funding through Rochester Area Community Foundation’s Vitality Grants: Arts Education, awarding US $5,000 - US $10,000. 501(c)(3)s and fiscally sponsored groups in the eight-county region may fund arts programming, access supports, and staff or teaching artist professional development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local agencies building free, public concrete skateparks for youth in eligible counties, including Genesee County, New York, can seek funding for construction and environmental design. With a mission to expand active play, Tony Hawk Foundation provides up to US $25,000 plus advisory support for community-driven skatepark projects serving low- to middle-income areas.

With a mission to build a healthier, more equitable region, Greater Rochester Health Foundation provides Genesee County, New York nonprofits and community entities with US $25,000 - US $175,000 annually for up to three years. Funding can support programs, general operations, compensation, or advocacy that stabilize services and address health inequities for high-risk populations.

Genesee County, New York 501(c)(3) arts nonprofits presenting traditional ballet, opera, or other classical performances can access funding through the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s Oliver G. & Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts. Support is typically matching funds for live, high-quality classical works that preserve original choreography, language, and repertory traditions.

With a mission to improve quality of life, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides Genesee County, New York nonprofits with project, operating, and capital support for community-focused programs. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations near O’Reilly Auto Parts locations working on poverty, workforce development, health, disaster relief, and related services may be eligible if they meet the nondiscrimination requirements.

Nonprofit public charities serving LGBTQIA+ communities in Genesee County and the Greater Rochester eight-county region can apply for $1,000 - $5,000 to support inclusive programs and activities. With a mission to strengthen LGBT+ inclusion, Rochester Area Community Foundation funds organizations with or developing LGBT+-inclusive nondiscrimination policies.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) organizations in Genesee County, New York can seek US $15,000 - US $20,000 to preserve historical assets and strengthen regional vitality. Rochester Area Community Foundation funds projects that support historic preservation, community or neighborhood revitalization, sense of place, and new opportunities for community engagement with local history.

East Hill Foundation provides Genesee County, New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for projects that address community needs and enhance residents’ quality of life. Organizations serving basic human needs such as food, clothing, and shelter across Western New York’s eight counties, including Genesee County, can apply for awards up to US $50,000.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.