Best New York Grants for Nonprofits

The Climate Smart Communities Grant Program in New York provides municipalities with funding to combat climate change through greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and adaptation projects. With at least $22 million available, eligible projects range from GHG reduction initiatives to climate adaptation strategies. The program also supports certification efforts for communities striving to achieve Climate Smart Community status. By fostering innovative local solutions, this grant aims to enhance resilience against climate-related challenges.

The Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) in New York State provides funding for projects that enhance water quality and combat climate change through innovative green technologies. Grants cover up to 90% of construction costs, promoting practices such as green stormwater infrastructure and energy efficiency. Projects are evaluated on their potential impact, sustainability, and ability to foster collaboration. This initiative aims to drive environmental innovation while supporting local communities in addressing pressing ecological challenges.

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund Grant offers municipalities in New York State access to low or no-interest financing for vital wastewater and sewer infrastructure projects. This initiative supports various projects, including the construction of wastewater treatment facilities and stormwater management systems. By repaying their loans, communities can reinvest in future projects, ensuring sustainable funding for essential environmental protection and infrastructure improvements across the state.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

George A. and Catherine V. Quill Scholarship

Through the thoughtfulness and generosity of George A. Quill and his wife Catherine V. Quill a scholarship fund has been established for the benefit of the residents of Dutchess and Orange counties. Mr. and Mrs. Quill were active in their community as residents of Beacon New York for 35 years. The Quills encouraged young people to have faith in God. They stressed the importance in getting a good education being self sufficient and living a respectable and honest life.

This scholarship is not necessarily intended for those students with the highest grade point average but rather intended for those students who must apply themselves to prosper or those who are able to demonstrate financial need.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Beacon High School, John Jay High School, Newburgh Free Academy, Poughkeepsie High School, Roy C. Ketcham High School

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is offering funding through the Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund to eligible not-for-profit shelters and humane societies. This grant supports capital projects that enhance the health and care of sheltered dogs and cats, such as construction, renovation, or expansion of facilities. Organizations can apply for funding for specific components of larger projects, ensuring better containment and welfare of animals.

The CFF Champions Award celebrates organizations in the NY-NJ-CT region that drive food system change towards equity, sustainability, and economic viability. Each year, the award promotes exemplary work, offering a $10,000 grant to support transformative initiatives. Awardees present their efforts at the Annual Gathering, share updates with the CFF network, and contribute to future selection committees, fostering collaboration and community engagement in building a better food system.

The Scott Ralls Fund Grant, administered by the American Camping Association, NY and NJ, supports capital improvement projects for nonprofit accredited camps. Established in honor of Scott Ralls, a dedicated advocate for the camp industry, the fund has distributed over $372,000 to enhance the camp experience. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit accredited member camps, with a preference for projects that are standalone and can be completed within a year.

The Historic Preservation Grant Program, part of the Environmental Protection Fund, supports projects enhancing parks and historic sites in New York. This matching grant program aims to acquire, develop, and improve properties listed on state or national registers, ensuring long-term public benefits through preservation covenants and conservation easements. Applicants, including municipalities and nonprofits, are evaluated on criteria such as project significance, public awareness, and the ability to complete the project effectively, fostering stewardship of historic resources.

The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program RFP (NY) invites proposals from eligible applicants to obtain funding for housing initiatives aimed at low-income individuals facing homelessness. This program, governed by the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, provides state-funded grants and loans for acquiring, constructing, or rehabilitating housing. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until funds are exhausted, ensuring ongoing support for those in need of stable housing solutions.

The Advanced Course Access (ACA) Program aims to enhance equity in advanced course access for high school students in New York. With a funding allocation of $1.5 million per year, the program supports virtual and blended learning methods to help students in underserved districts gain access to Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and dual-credit courses. The initiative seeks to reduce financial burdens on schools while providing targeted support for teachers and students to improve success rates in advanced coursework.

The Environmental Protection Fund Grant Program for Parks, Preservation and Heritage (EPF) offers matching grants for the acquisition, development, and improvement of parks, historic properties, and heritage areas in New York. It supports municipalities and not-for-profits, ensuring long-term protection of funded projects. The program encompasses three categories: Parks, Historic Preservation, and Heritage Areas, aimed at enhancing recreational facilities and preserving cultural heritage through well-defined projects and planning.

The Moonlight Mile Fund Grant supports women aged 18 and older in Massachusetts and New York, providing matching funds for alternative healing, professional training, and athletic equipment. Applicants can receive awards ranging from $500 to $1,200, aimed at helping them fulfill their dreams. This initiative honors Deborah Reich's legacy, encouraging women to pursue their passions and achieve their potential while fostering personal well-being through various means of support.

The Transformative Youth Justice Hubs initiative by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services aims to establish four collaborative hubs to enhance youth justice systems. With $4 million funding, each hub will receive approximately $1 million over three years, focusing on community-driven solutions and coordination of resources. This program emphasizes prevention, justice, and youth well-being, ensuring that local communities can effectively address barriers to support youth in achieving their full potential.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

The Climate Justice Fellowship, funded by NYSERDA, invites organizations to host a full-time fellow for one year to advance climate justice and clean energy initiatives in Disadvantaged Communities. Eligible fellows, who must be NYS residents from Priority Populations, will receive a salary and professional development support. NYSERDA aims to fund approximately 150 fellowships by 2026, with a total budget of $6 million. Host employers must apply to confirm eligibility and facilitate fellows' projects.

New York Farm Viability Institute

The New York Farm Viability Institute is a nonprofit grantmaking organization. We run a competitive grant program seeking to fund agricultural research and education projects that will create and share knowledge to improve the economic viability of New York’s farmers.

Our Mission

Our mission is to help New York farmers become more profitable and improve the long-term economic viability and sustainability of our state’s farms, the food system, and the communities which they serve.

We strive to achieve our mission through a farmer-driven grant making process connecting farmer-identified needs to practical research and education solutions.

We amplify our efforts and the efforts of others through leadership and collaboration. This creation and sharing of knowledge results in positive farm-level impact.

NYFVI administers both research and education as well as direct grants for farms and food businesses.

NYS Grown & Certified Research and Development Grant

The NYS Grown & Certified Research and Development Grant (GCRD) is specifically for entities that are already enrolled in the New York State Grown & Certified program. This grant is to help NYS Grown & Certified farmers, food processors and distributers pay for Research & Development services required to help launch new NYS Grown & Certified food products, or increase the production, distribution, or safety of existing NYS Grown & Certified food products.

The NYS G&C Research and Development grant is a non-competitive grant.

The Ford Philanthropy Advanced Manufacturing & Trades SkillPointe Scholarship provides $5,000 scholarships for students pursuing high-demand skilled trades and technical careers. Sponsored by the SkillPointe Foundation, this initiative addresses the skills gap by funding scholarships for various fields, including manufacturing, energy, and construction. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution and reside in specific locations. The program aims to empower individuals with hands-on skills and industry-recognized credentials.

The New York Lake Champlain Basin Wetland and Floodplain Restoration Projects aim to enhance the ecological health of the Lake Champlain Basin by restoring critical wetlands and floodplains. With approximately $1,300,000 available in funding, this initiative seeks proposals that will improve water quality and support biodiversity. By collaborating with local agencies and organizations, the program emphasizes the conservation of vital habitats, ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations.

The FVI Research and Education Grant aims to enhance the economic viability of New York's farms through innovative research and educational outreach. By funding projects that demonstrate clear benefits to farmers, the program seeks to improve farm practices, foster industry innovation, and support the adoption of new technologies. With approximately $1.5 million awarded each round, the initiative emphasizes collaboration with farmers to address production challenges and encourage data-driven decision-making.

The National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) aims to protect coastal communities through nature-based solutions, enhancing habitats while addressing the growing threats of climate change. Established in 2018, the fund focuses on restoring vital ecosystems like marshes and reefs to mitigate flooding impacts. With rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity, NCRF invests in community-led projects that foster resilience, ensuring both people and wildlife can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The New York State Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers financial assistance for Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) to protect vital croplands and grasslands. This initiative supports landowners, including American Indian tribes and local governments, in maintaining agricultural land use by limiting non-agricultural development. By preserving these lands, the program ensures food security and promotes environmental quality, while also fostering local partnerships for sustainable land stewardship.

The NY Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs) program offers funding up to $50,000 to eligible community groups for independent technical assistance related to environmental remediation activities. TAGs help communities understand contamination issues and the remediation process at significant threat sites, as designated by the State Superfund Program and the Brownfield Cleanup Program. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation encourages applications from non-profit organizations looking to enhance public awareness and involvement in environmental decision-making.

The Liberty Mutual Scholarship, funded by the Liberty Mutual Foundation, offers financial support to students pursuing degrees in industrial hygiene and related fields. Over 30 years, AIHF has awarded over $3.1 million to eligible students. Applicants must be enrolled in specific accredited programs by Fall 2026. The scholarship encourages applications from all qualified students, including those not in listed programs, provided a school administrator submits a justification for their inclusion. Complete applications are due by January 5, 2026.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Acacio “Roger” Rodrigues Memorial Scholarship

Established by the Rodrigues family, in memory of Acacio “Roger” Rodrigues, scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors or current undergraduate who reside in Dutchess, Putnam or Westchester County, New York or Fairfield County, Connecticut and who plan to study in a field which will lead to a career in the building/construction industry. These fields include but are not limited to engineering, construction management, electrical construction technology, plumbing and heating, welding and fabrication, etc. The scholarships will be awarded to individuals who are or will be full time students at any accredited vocational school, college or university in the United States.

Renewable for up to three additional years and payable to the school.

Current High School

Any high school in Dutchess, Putnam or Westchester County, New York or Fairfield County, Connecticut

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The George I. Alden Trust offers a Higher Education Grant aimed at supporting independent colleges and universities in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The Trust prioritizes capital needs to enhance the educational experience, approving grants up to $100,000 for first-time applicants. Eligible institutions must have a minimum of 1,000 full-time undergraduate students and demonstrate a commitment to educational excellence and effective administration.

The Sprague Charitable Contribution Program focuses on giving back to communities through charitable donations. With awards ranging from $250 to $10,000, priority is given to organizations that support children and environmental stewardship, particularly within Sprague's operational areas. The program seeks impactful contributions that can achieve significant results, reflecting Sprague's commitment to social responsibility and community improvement.