Best Greene County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

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: Inter-Municipal Projects

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 $110,000 for inter-municipal projects. 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 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 Delaware River Watershed Protection Fund: Catalyst Grants, initiated in 2014 by the Open Space Institute, aims to enhance water resource management and land protection. These grants support organizations addressing climate change, environmental justice, and community resilience. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous-led groups. Funded projects should integrate science into conservation plans, focusing on water quality and stewardship. The initiative collaborates with the William Penn Foundation to ensure sustainable water practices across the Delaware River watershed.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or those with a fiscal sponsor serving Greene County, New York can apply for Community Foundation Impact Grants, which award US $1,000 - US $15,000 for one-year projects. Grants from The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region support community services, homelessness, disability services, land conservation, and programs for new Americans in the Capital Region.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored artists in Greene County, New York can receive US $1,000 - US $7,500 for community-based arts and cultural projects that are open to the public. Focused on public arts access and cultural participation, CREATE Council on the Arts supports exhibitions, performances, workshops, festivals, screenings, and readings.

The Conservancy Trail Grants, offered by the New York State Hudson River Valley Greenway, support recreational trail projects that align with the goals of the Greenway Trail Program. Eligible projects include trail construction, rehabilitation, education, and disaster recovery. This program emphasizes enhancing connections to the Empire State Trail, ensuring that funding fosters sustainable and accessible outdoor experiences for all.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts in Greene County, New York can seek funding for medicine, biotechnology, life sciences research, and related STEM education projects, with awards from US $1,000 - US $12,500. With a mission to advance science and technology in the Capital Region, The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region prioritizes projects engaging young people in discovery and learning.

Greene County, New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic human needs can access funding through the Dyson Foundation for designated programs. Eligible projects include housing, food access, health care and behavioral health, youth development, after-school or summer programs, and charitable economic development serving economically disadvantaged or marginalized residents in the Mid-Hudson Valley counties.

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 Amcor Community Support Grants Program, administered by the Amcor Cares Foundation, provides funding for projects that benefit local communities. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions that serve Amcor Flexibles North America facility communities. Focus areas include fighting hunger, supporting disaster relief, expanding STEM education, and enhancing health and wellness. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and grant amounts typically exceed $1,000.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - New York

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

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 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 NBRC Catalyst Program aims to stimulate economic growth in northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York by funding innovative projects that address regional economic needs. It supports initiatives like modernizing public services, enhancing transportation infrastructure, and developing workforce programs. By fostering partnerships and leveraging private investments, the program seeks to alleviate economic distress and improve rural vitality, ultimately leading to job creation and sustainable community development.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies, and tribes providing breast health or breast cancer services in Greene County, New York can apply for Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley’s Miles of Hope funding. Grants support education, outreach to special populations, support programs (including complementary medicine), and financial aid for social and ancillary services.

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 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.

Rural 501(c)(3) arts organizations in Greene County, New York can apply for Laura Jane Musser Fund’s Rural Arts Initiative, with awards up to US $12,000 for general operating support. Eligible groups must be small-budget, community-based arts nonprofits expanding access and participation in literary, visual, music, or performing arts.

The Greene County Rural Health Network offers mini-grants of up to $1,500 to organizations aiming to improve local health outcomes. The program prioritizes initiatives focused on weight loss, nutrition, exercise, mental health, and diabetes management. Eligible applicants include for-profit and non-profit entities serving Greene County residents. Funds can support one-time events or ongoing activities, but cannot be used for advertising in brochures. Proposals aligning with these priorities will be favored, although other initiatives are welcome.

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 A. Lindsay & Olive B. O’Connor Foundation offers grants up to $2,000 aimed at enhancing the lives of children and youth in Delaware County, NY. Eligible applicants include municipalities, religious organizations, and 501(c)(3) entities. However, individual applicants and proposals for debt repayment or completed projects are not considered. This initiative seeks to directly impact the community's quality of life.

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.

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.

The Small Grants That Enrich Communities Grant Program, supported by The Amcor Cares Foundation, aims to enhance community welfare through funding for various initiatives. Eligible organizations include 501c3 designated nonprofits and accredited educational institutions. The program supports youth sports, educational enrichment, and community events, while it does not accept applications from individuals or political organizations. Committed to community development, Amcor Cares has been actively contributing since 1959.

Department of Business and Economic Affairs

The Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) is the premier resource for businesses considering expansion in, or relocation to, New Hampshire, as well as people seeking a home in a place where they can balance their careers amid the natural beauty it offers.

Dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of the state and promoting it as a destination for domestic and international visitors, BEA is comprised of the Division of Economic Development, Division of Planning & Community Development, and the Division of Travel and Tourism Development.

Within these divisions are programs that support BEA’s mission to keep the state’s economy strong and competitive, from international trade and government procurement to workforce development and municipal planning.

About NBRC

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is a partnership between the federal government and the states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The NBRC targets resources to promote economic growth strategies and projects in designated counties within its member states. 

Mission Statement: The mission of the Northern Border Regional Commission is to catalyze community vitality and economic prosperity in the northern border region with flexible funding and strategic support.

Forest Economy Grant Program

The Forest Economy Program, administered by the Northern Border Regional Commission, makes awards in the form of Grant Agreements. The program stimulates economic growth in the forest-based industries, including new technologies and viable business models, across the NBRC four-state region in alignment with state economic development plans and forest economy initiatives. 

NBRC's Forest Economy Program (FEP) is designed to support state-identified development plans for the regional forest economy and to assist in the industry’s evolution to include new technologies and viable business models.

Forest Economy Program Priorities  

Successful projects support a broad range of initiatives such as, but not limited to:

• Public infrastructure projects that directly support the forest industry;  
• Community development projects that support the diversified use of forest for economic activity;  
• Workforce training and development projects for the purpose of building the skills and recruiting and retaining the workforce needed for forest businesses, and;
• Marketing, communication and education projects that are paired with a public infrastructure, community development or workforce training or development project.  
• Basic research projects will not be considered. Preference will be given to applied research and demonstration projects that demonstrate a strong connection to industry.