Best Hamilton County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Hamilton County, New York that run existing digital literacy or broadband education programs for families or seniors can apply for Spectrum Communications’ Spectrum Digital Education Grants, offering US $2,500 - US $50,000. Programs must serve low-income or multicultural communities in Spectrum markets and track participant impact and demographics.

The Kelsey Trust, established in 1988, supports organizations that benefit the people and protect the environment of the Lake Champlain Basin. With a preference for local initiatives, the Trust collaborates with the Vermont Community Foundation for grantmaking. The Spring Grants focus on education and environmental projects, with a Letter of Interest deadline of June 1st and grant decisions announced by June 30th. Organizations eligible must be tax-exempt or public agencies in Vermont or New York.

Hamilton County, New York residents and small informal groups who spark community connection and belonging can direct Adirondack Foundation’s Kindling Award grants to a local organization they work with. Honorees choose a community-based nonprofit, such as a library, youth group, volunteer fire department, or similar organization, to receive a US $1,000 grant in their honor.

Great Lakes tribes or their designees working in Hamilton County, New York and the wider Great Lakes Basin can receive US $20,000 - US $100,000 to develop or implement Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports prevention, early detection, rapid response, and control projects that protect Great Lakes ecosystems.

Research institutions and organizations conducting fisheries and ichthyology studies in Hamilton County, New York can apply for Great Lakes Fisheries Trust’s competitive grants, with awards up to US $1,300,000 for ecological and biological research to inform fishery management. Projects may include hypothesis-driven research, tools, resources, and capacity-building that support resilient, self-sustaining fish populations.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

Local governments and community-based organizations in Hamilton County, New York can seek Chesapeake Bay Trust funding for green streets, green infrastructure, community greening, and urban tree canopy projects that reduce stormwater runoff and improve local waters. Focused on green infrastructure, the program offers up to US $175,000 for planning, design, implementation, and related white papers.

Graduate students, researchers, teachers, environmental educators, organizations, and citizen-science leaders in Hamilton County, New York can apply for Northern New York Audubon’s Cullman Grants, awarding up to US $2,500 for bird-focused projects. Funding supports research, education, and outreach that benefit bird species and promote public enjoyment and appreciation of birds and their habitats.

State agencies or their designees in Hamilton County, New York can apply for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grants to implement approved Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans, with awards ranging from US $100,000 - US $600,000. Funding supports aquatic invasive species control, fish conservation, and related wildlife health efforts under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

The Cloudsplitter Foundation offers Program and Project Support Grants aimed at well-defined initiatives with specific needs and budgets. With a focus on the Adirondack region, these grants prioritize projects that foster community support and collaboration among stakeholders. Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals early due to high demand, as funding is limited to a percentage of project costs. The Foundation seeks to empower organizations that show potential for significant community impact.

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.

Teams to Promote Aging in Place in OMH Supportive Housing (TPAP) 

Request for Proposals

The purpose of “Teams to Promote Aging in Place in OMH Supportive Housing or TPAP” Geriatric Demonstration Project is to facilitate supportive housing residents aging in place based on their priorities and preferences who are age 55 years and older, as well as residents younger than 55 years living with complex medical conditions that necessitate homecare. Older adults living in OMH supportive housing are at risk of losing community tenure due to emerging unmet care coordination, cross service system navigation, and homecare needs compounded by lack of connection to social determinants of health (SDOH) resources, and community and natural supports. Grant funding will support an enhanced home care rate, provision of at least one paid peer professional, and enhanced care coordination with the local office for aging and community partners that addresses social determinants of health and social engagement needs. OMH supportive housing residents identified as at risk for losing community tenure will be supported by an interdisciplinary care team of (1) an OMH supportive housing case manager, (2) a local office for aging case manager, (3) a homecare professional, and (4) at least one mental health or substance use/gambling peer professional who will collaborate with the residents to identify outstanding service and social needs. This will build a person-centered, holistic plan that is based on the older adult’s priorities and preferences for aging in place. A peer professional in this RFP is defined as a person certified, or provisionally certified, as a mental health Peer Specialist through the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board or a person certified, or provisionally certified, as a substance use/gambling Recovery Peer Advocate through the New York Certification Board. Grantees will also be required to collaborate with community-based organizations across service systems, including mental health, aging, substance use, and gambling harms, that also address social determinants of health and social engagement needs, such as, but not limited to, Social Care Networks, Rural Health Networks, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Older Adult Rural Support Program, Regional Economic Development Councils, or Downtown Revitalization Initiatives. This may include projects focused on community inclusion, the Dwyer Veterans Peer-to-Peer Support Program, club houses, OASAS and OMH recovery centers, older adult centers, faith-based, civic, arts, cultural organizations, etc. To foster sharing of best practices in meeting the holistic needs of OMH supportive housing residents, grantees and their partners will participate in virtual and in-person learning collaboratives that include crossdisciplinary training curriculum consisting of trainings chosen in consultation with the chosen grantees and the Geriatric Interagency Mental Health Substance Use Disorder Planning Council and the Master Plan for Aging advisory groups.

Wrap around funding will be available to provide services and goods not covered through existing reimbursement channels that support aging in place in OMH supportive housing. Examples include, but are not limited to, non-medical transportation, memberships to community groups and/or gyms, continuing education, supplies to support personal interests and hobbies, large print calendars, pill containers, and mobility aids. Wrap-around funding can also be used to provide technological support based on the residents’ needs and preferences. Examples include equipment (laptops, computers, personal devices, and/or internet access), online communities and devices to support engagement (Virtual Senior Centers, GetSetUp, Discover Live interactive virtual tours, animatronic pets, and online support through self-help and peer support groups), and technology literacy classes (for email, video chats with friends, children, grandchildren, etc., banking, patient portals, and education on fraud protection) are additional supports to help people use technology to age in place.

This RFP can be used to expand or enhance existing aging programs in OMH supportive housing or can be used to develop a new program that meets all the program requirements. OMH CR-SROs awarded the “Aging in Place Pilot” grant MH253015 may also apply for this grant for their supportive housing programs.

All types of proposals will be evaluated using the same criteria and applicants must identify the geographic designation they will serve, rural or non-rural. Rural counties in NYS are listed in the table below.

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.

Nonprofits and public entities in Hamilton County, New York can seek funding for economic and community development projects that address local economic distress and growth. Northern Border Regional Commission supports initiatives such as public infrastructure upgrades, transportation improvements, workforce development facilities, outdoor recreation economy projects, and new childcare or healthcare facilities across its four-state region.

Hamilton County, New York nonprofits can access funding through the Charles R Wood Foundation for programs serving children, healthcare, and the arts. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities may apply year-round for core, collaborative, or special healthcare initiative projects, with applications reviewed twice annually and priority for programs and capital projects in the Lake George Region and surrounding areas.

The Special and Urgent Needs Fund Grant by the Adirondack Foundation provides critical financial support to local communities and nonprofits facing unexpected challenges. This fund is designed to address immediate needs such as emergency repairs, unbudgeted resources, and recovery efforts following disasters. Eligible organizations must be located in the Adirondack region of New York and meet specific criteria, ensuring assistance is directed to those most in need during times of crisis.

The Generous Acts Grant Program, backed by the Adirondack Foundation, supports nonprofits and community organizations in the Adirondack Region. Since 2014, it has allocated over $1 million to initiatives addressing basic needs, educational pathways, and economic vitality. Grants range from $2,500 to $30,000, focusing on underserved populations and promoting collaboration for a more inclusive future. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with the program's mission to tackle racial and economic disparities.

Nonprofit and community-based health initiatives in Hamilton County, New York that improve wellness and address health disparities can seek Health and Wellness Awards to support their programs. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield funds projects targeting social determinants of health and conditions linked to adverse health outcomes across its 31-county New York service area.

Nonprofit and community-based health programs in Hamilton County, New York working on health disparities and social determinants of health can apply for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Health Equity Innovation Awards. These awards support innovative approaches, including new outreach, technology integration, organizational change, and collaborative partnerships, within Excellus’s 31-county upstate New York service area.

Nonprofit organizations and other eligible entities with projects improving the Great Lakes ecosystem can seek support for impactful work affecting Hamilton County, New York. Great Lakes Protection Fund provides Hamilton County, New York freshwater conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts with funding for collaborative, science-based, action-oriented projects that deliver measurable, regionally significant environmental benefits across the basin.

Food pantries and emergency food providers operated by nonprofits or municipalities in Hamilton County, New York can apply for Adirondack Foundation’s Small Grants for Small Food Pantries, with awards up to US $1,500 for infrastructure improvements. Funding supports equipment, technology, volunteer training, and signage to expand fresh food options and promote healthy eating.

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 JGS Fellowship for Photography offers a $7,000 cash grant to photography artists residing in New York State, excluding New York City. This competitive fellowship supports five artists engaged in traditional and experimental photography. Funded by The Joy of Giving Something, the fellowship aims to assist artists in creating new works and exhibitions. Eligible applicants must be at least 25 years old and have lived in a qualifying region of New York State for at least 12 months.

Nonprofit organizations and schools in Hamilton County, New York running environmental, gardening, or conservation programs can apply for Adirondack Garden Club’s 1928 AGC Founders Fund. Grants support projects that promote gardening knowledge, protect native plants and birds, encourage civic planting, and conserve natural resources, which may benefit Hamilton County nonprofits focused on local environmental stewardship.

The Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

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.

With a mission to improve quality of life, Polisseni Foundation provides Hamilton County, New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for education, human services, and civic improvement projects. Organizations serving upstate New York communities, including Hamilton County, can apply using the foundation’s required application format and timeline for board meeting review.