Best Monroe County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Edna A. Lauterbach Scholarship, established by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports non-traditional age nurses in New York State seeking business-related education to enhance their skills. Since 1968, CFGCR has empowered generous individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities. This scholarship honors Edna A. Lauterbach, a dedicated RN and former leader in healthcare, ensuring that registered and licensed practical nurses can continue their professional development.

The Capital Region Chamber Continuing Education Scholarship, funded by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports non-traditional students over 25 years old who are beginning or returning to college or pursuing trade certifications. Applicants must reside in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, or Schenectady counties and demonstrate financial need. Since 1968, CFGCR has empowered individuals with meaningful giving opportunities, enhancing the quality of life in the Greater Capital Region.

The Early-Career Research Excellence Award, established by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation in 2019, recognizes and supports promising investigators advancing knowledge in occupational therapy. Recipients receive a $5,000 honorarium and present their research at the AOTA Inspire Annual Conference. Eligibility includes being a certified occupational therapist with a doctoral degree and within six years post-degree. This award aims to highlight research that impacts health and practice in the field.

The Energy Efficiency and Clean Technology Training program by NYSERDA aims to enhance New York's clean energy workforce through technical training and job placement services. Proposals are invited to build training infrastructure that meets industry demands, focusing on equity and inclusivity. Special consideration will be given to projects led by certified Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs). Concept Papers are due by November 18, 2025.

The YoungArts National Competition, established in 1981, supports exceptional young artists aged 15-18 in the U.S. through a competitive application process. Winners receive financial awards up to $10,000, mentorship from renowned artists, and lifelong artistic support. This prestigious program allows participants to affirm their identity as artists while gaining access to a robust network of peers and mentors, exclusive opportunities, and national recognition, making it a vital stepping stone in their creative journeys.

The Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) initiative, spearheaded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development along with several other prominent institutes, aims to encourage innovative research projects. While applications are not currently open, potential applicants are urged to prepare collaborative proposals that leverage cutting-edge technologies. This funding opportunity, utilizing the P50 Research Program Projects and Centers activity code, seeks to build upon over two decades of research advancements.

The Autism Centers of Excellence R01 aims to advance research in autism through collaborative networks, enhancing the past 23 years of progress. This initiative encourages innovative methods and technologies, inviting experts to consider applying for future funding opportunities. Although applications are not currently solicited, potential applicants are urged to form meaningful collaborations. This funding opportunity reflects a commitment to improving research in autism, leveraging diverse scientific expertise to address critical challenges in the field.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants program aims to enhance the economic viability of agricultural producers through targeted risk management education. Funded by the University of Delaware, this initiative offers grants of up to $75,000 for projects addressing production, marketing, financial, legal, or human risks. The grants are expected to support 12-15 new projects over an 18-month duration, from April 2026 to September 2027, subject to funding availability and application quality.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants: Exploratory Projects aim to enhance agricultural producers' economic viability through innovative risk management education. Funded by the University of Delaware, these grants offer up to $10,000 for projects that address emerging risk topics or support producer workshops. With an 18-month duration from April 2026 to September 2027, this initiative encourages the development of new educational approaches to better serve the needs of farmers and ranchers.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants focus on underutilization of crop insurance projects to enhance agricultural producers' economic viability. This initiative, backed by the Northeast ERME Center and others, provides funding to deliver education in various risk management areas. Grants up to $100,000 are available for projects running from April 2026 to September 2027, with plans to support 7-10 new projects based on quality applications and funding availability.

The Stickley Scholarship Fund, established by L. & J. G. Stickley, Inc., offers four annual scholarships for graduating high school students who are children of full-time employees with over two years of service. This initiative promotes educational equity by making higher education more accessible, emphasizing the importance of financial need, community service, and academic achievement. Awarded in honor of Edward J. Audi, this scholarship aims to empower students to pursue their academic goals.

The Peter N. Whitcher Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to eligible children of current or deceased members of the Iron Workers District Council of Western New York. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing high school graduation, higher education, or professional development, thus enhancing their educational opportunities and fostering equity in the community. Established by a key figure in the American labor movement, it reflects a commitment to uplift future generations through accessible education.

The Women's Fund Scholarship Award, established in 2014 by the Ashland County Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to female residents of Ashland County. It aims to empower women by supporting their education and job training goals, thereby improving their lives and their families' futures. This scholarship is available to high school seniors, college students, and non-traditional students, offering crucial resources for career advancement.

The Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Fund, established by the Syracuse Alumni chapter in 1973, aims to support men of color pursuing education. This fund honors the legacy of its founders and provides up to two scholarships annually, ensuring access to educational opportunities that can transform lives. The scholarship reflects the commitment of the Central New York Community Foundation to promote equity and shared prosperity in the region, helping students achieve their academic and professional goals.

The William K. Wiley Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors and non-traditional students from Ashland County who are pursuing degrees in History or related fields. Established in memory of William K. Wiley, this scholarship honors his contributions to the community. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 and complete a 20-hour internship at the Historical Society, fostering a commitment to preserving local history.

The Josh Allyn Scholarship, established by Josh Allyn, provides financial support to students from specific districts in New York who plan to pursue a degree in agriculture, food science, or engineering, or come from farming families. This scholarship is renewable for up to four years, contingent upon maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 and proof of enrollment. Scholarships play a crucial role in advancing educational equity and opportunities for students in the region.

The James and Linda Ward Memorial Scholarship Fund honors a dedicated physics teacher, Jim Ward, who inspired many students at Henninger High School. Established by his family, this scholarship aims to support students graduating from Henninger or Nottingham High School who have completed a physics course and plan to attend college. By providing financial assistance, it contributes to educational equity and empowers students to pursue their academic dreams.

The William and Marlene Rose Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools who plan to major in Pre-Med or Nursing. Eligible students must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and be accepted to an accredited four-year college or university. This scholarship aims to assist deserving students in pursuing their education in the medical field.

The Hillrom Scholarship Fund, established by Hillrom/Welch Allyn, aims to support the educational aspirations of graduating seniors who are children or grandchildren of employees from the Skaneateles Falls facility. This initiative promotes equitable access to education, particularly for students pursuing studies in STEAM fields at accredited colleges or universities. By focusing on academic excellence and community involvement, the fund seeks to empower future leaders and enhance opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The TW and Marjorie Smith Scholarship, established by the Ashland County Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from any Ashland County high school who are pursuing a degree in Agriculture or a related field. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance for education at accredited colleges or universities but also honors the Smiths' commitment to benefiting their local community.

The Deb Duethorn Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Deb Duethorn, a dedicated flight nurse and educator, by providing financial support for students pursuing careers in nursing, emergency medical services, law enforcement, or firefighting. Established after her passing in 1996, this scholarship aims to make education more accessible, reflecting the Central New York Community Foundation's commitment to equity and opportunity. Only one scholarship is awarded, making it a significant opportunity for eligible applicants.

The Clyde E. Rutherford Leadership Scholarship honors the legacy of Clyde Rutherford, former board president of Dairylea Cooperative Inc. This scholarship aims to support high school graduates and college students pursuing degrees in agriculture, especially dairy. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the dairy industry and community involvement, reflecting Clyde's values. Three scholarships are available annually, emphasizing leadership and cooperative spirit, to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders.

The Carol Hansen & Ethel Bauder Fund, established by Robert E. Hansen, supports scholarships for children of Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department members. Aimed at promoting education equity, it offers renewable scholarships for up to four years for eligible high school graduates who volunteer or have parents in the department. This initiative highlights the importance of community service and provides transformative educational opportunities for deserving students.

The Shari Simon Greenberg Community Scholarship, offered by the Simon Youth Foundation, supports high school seniors residing near Simon malls. This scholarship aims to help first-generation college students and those with financial need pursue higher education. With an annual funding of approximately $1 million, the foundation ensures more students have the opportunity to chase their dreams by alleviating post-secondary expenses for those determined to learn.

The William & Martha Buckingham Scholarship - Renewal, managed by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools with a GPA of 2.75 or higher. This scholarship aids students accepted into accredited colleges or universities and can be renewed for up to three years with proof of enrollment and academic standing. Established by Bill and Martha Buckingham, it reflects their commitment to giving back to the community they adopted as their own.

The Tim and Sharon (Hemmeter) Buren Scholarship, managed by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors and current students from Mapleton or Northwestern high schools. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and gain acceptance to an accredited college or vocational school. This scholarship encourages educational advancement, providing crucial financial assistance to both traditional and non-traditional students, thereby contributing to the community's future prosperity.

The Ronald Crall Family Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from any Ashland County high school, including home-schooled students. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be accepted to an accredited college or university. This scholarship honors Ron Crall’s legacy, providing financial assistance to students in need, ensuring they can pursue higher education without financial stress, similar to the support his family received.