Best New York Grants for Nonprofits

The NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship, administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts, offers an $8,000 unrestricted cash grant to artists residing in New York State and Tribal Nations. This prestigious fellowship supports artists across various disciplines, enhancing their creative pursuits and professional development. Eligible applicants must be at least 25 years old, maintain residency for two years, and not be enrolled in a degree program. The fellowship fosters artistic innovation and community engagement.

The Empire State Trail Town Program, managed by Parks & Trails New York, aims to transform communities along the iconic Empire State Trail into vibrant, trail-friendly destinations. Through expert guidance, the program supports local initiatives to enhance outdoor recreation, promote tourism, and strengthen community identities as trail towns. Applications for the 2026 round are now open, inviting eligible cities, villages, and towns to unlock the economic potential of outdoor recreation along this renowned trail.

The AHC Home Improvement Request for Proposals aims to enhance homeownership opportunities for low and moderate-income families in New York. Through grants of up to $75,000, the program supports governmental and non-profit organizations in promoting affordable housing, community stabilization, and home renovations. Eligible applicants include municipalities and charitable organizations dedicated to affordable housing. This initiative addresses the critical need for affordable homeownership alternatives and encourages the development of viable housing solutions.

The AHC Acquisition & Rehabilitation RFP aims to enhance homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income families in New York. By providing grants up to $75,000 for various project types, including new constructions and home renovations, the program fosters community development and stability. Eligible applicants include municipalities and not-for-profit organizations dedicated to affordable housing. This initiative is essential for ensuring sustainable living conditions and promoting homeownership alternatives in the local market.

The NYS Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program: Track 1 provides essential funding to assist new farmers in establishing sustainable commercial agricultural businesses. With $850,000 available, grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 will be awarded to eligible applicants who have been farming for less than 10 years. This initiative, administered by the New York Farm Viability Institute, aims to support the growth of independent agricultural enterprises across the state.

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.

The Documentary Heritage Program: Access Grant aims to enhance the documentation of New York State’s diverse history by funding projects that focus on under-represented groups. Administered by the New York State Archives, this program offers $92,000 in grants for the 2026-2027 period, encouraging not-for-profits to collect and share historical records. The initiative fosters equity in historical representation and aims to create comprehensive access to New York's rich cultural heritage.

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.

Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program

The BFCG is a competitive funding opportunity administered in partnership with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The program will provide 1.7 million to support beginning farmers in building financially sustainable, independent, commercial agricultural enterprises throughout New York State. All projects must be based completely in New York State. 

Purpose of Grants

The use of these grant funds is deliberately broad to allow a wide range of applicants to determine what will create the strongest financial benefit for their business or the business they plan to start. Applicants should be ready to explain why each item they are requesting is a good investment in their business and how it aligns with their proposed project goals. All applicants must be able to provide a reasonable estimate of the operational outcomes and the potential short- and long-term economic benefits that the use of these funds will create.

What can be funded?

• Start-up, improvement or expansion of farm operations
• Purchase of land, machinery, equipment, or livestock
• Construction or improvement of structures
• Marketing initiatives
• Worker or apprenticeship training
• Other business needs tied to financial impact 

Grant Size and Duration

There are two funding opportunities (Track 1 and Track 2); the proposal deadline, use of funds, and process for both opportunities are the same. Both tracks will utilize the ame application.

Track 1

The smaller Track 1 projects are anticipated to be simpler and, therefore, able to be completed in a shorter timeframe. 

Award Range: $5,000 - $50,000; Project Timeline: 18 Months from contract

RFP #305: Documentary Heritage Program 2026-2027

Purpose of Grant

Documentary Heritage Program (DHP) grants are designed to build more comprehensive and equitable documentation of New York State’s history and culture by supporting projects that identify, survey, collect, arrange, describe, and make available records that relate to groups and topics traditionally under-represented in the State’s historical record. DHP is administered by the New York State Archives, a unit of the New York State Education Department.

Grant Term

October 1st, 2026 - September 30th, 2027

Description of Program

The Documentary Heritage Program is a statewide program established in 1988 by the New York Documentary Heritage Act (Education Law, Section 140) to provide financial support and guidance to not-for-profit organizations that hold, collect, and make available New York State's historical records. In 2026-2027, a total of $92,000 is available for DHP Grants.

The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) Community Grants support local organizations and government agencies in New York to implement pollution prevention practices. By funding projects that promote sustainability and environmental awareness, NYSP2I aims to enhance community health and economic vitality. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and local governments focused on environmental issues, fostering collaborations that can lead to broader community impacts and replicable sustainable practices.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Geophysical Society of Pittsburgh Scholarship

The Geophysical Society of Pittsburgh Scholarship Fund was established in 2013 by the Geophysical Society of Pittsburgh.

Scholarship Details

• Available to Adult Students
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

Purpose

The purpose of this grant program is to support landowners in restoring their forests or assist with establishing new forests. Healthy forests cover provide vital services to our communities, such as clean water, wildlife habitat, a sustainable economic resource, and is an essential tool in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Today, New York forests face challenges to regeneration including:

• deer browse- deer consuming tree seeds and young trees;
• competing vegetation- which shades out seeds and young trees, limiting germination and restricting tree growth
• extreme weather events- hotter and drier growing seasons paired with more intense  rain events, which weaken trees, making it more difficult for them to defend against insects and disease outbreaks.

Active management of our forests is essential to increase the health and resiliency of New York’s forests and the continued regeneration of young trees into the future.

Through Regenerate NY, landowners can apply for financial assistance for projects on their land that support the establishment and renewal of healthy forests. New this year, grants will follow a new system called a Performance Based Payment. This new payment structure will allow landowners to receive partial advance payments to carry out planned work, by submitting workplans and budgets at the beginning of the planning process. Funds will be released each year of the project following the workplan and annual reports.

More information for applicants can be found in the Request for Applications (RFA).

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 AAAAI/ Elliot and Roslyn Jaffe Third-Year Fellowship Food Allergy Research Award supports third or fourth-year allergy/immunology or gastroenterology fellows at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. This fellowship aims to foster academic careers in food allergy research by funding educational and research activities. Eligible candidates must be in training, conduct research at Mount Sinai, and be AAAAI In-training members. Priority is given to those with a documented career plan for future research funding.

Western New York Foundation

The Western New York Foundation is a philanthropic organization created to support activities that improve the quality of life for people who live in the seven (7) counties of Western New York. Since 1951, we have had the privilege of partnering with nonprofits to amplify their good work and maximize their impact on the communities they serve. 

Small Grant Program

The Buffalo Bills Foundation and the Western New York Foundation are partnering to offer small grants to organizations working within our local and regional food system. Grants are available to support professional development, consultant support, specialty contract services, or certifications and accreditations that build an organization’s knowledge, skills, and leadership. 

Eligible Uses

Grant funds may be used for:

• Professional Development (trainings, conferences, courses, and related travel)
• Consultant Support (strategic planning, communications, evaluation, and similar services)
• Specialty Contract Services (legal, financial, accounting, or other professional services)
• Certification & Accreditation (costs associated with obtaining or maintaining certifications or accreditations)

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to increase diversity in assistant coaching roles by providing financial support to member institutions. Over two years, selected schools receive $15,000 to cover salaries, requiring a matching contribution. This initiative encourages ethnic minority and gender representation, allowing up to 11 institutions to benefit annually, thus enhancing inclusivity in collegiate sports.

The Readings & Workshops Mini-Grants provide funding for individual readings and workshops, ranging from $150 to $450 per session. Open to New York State and California organizations, these grants support writers' participation in events. Eligible organizations include colleges, cultural centers, and libraries. Priority is given to those serving diverse audiences and presenting in underserved areas. The application process requires details about the writer and event dates. Grant amounts are capped annually, and matching funds are encouraged.

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.

New York Public Library 

The New York Public Library has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas, and education for all New Yorkers for more than 125 years. Founded in 1895, NYPL is the nation’s largest public library system, featuring 92 locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, including our world-renowned research centers at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Together with our circulating branches, including the all-new Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL), the Library provides an extraordinary richness of resources and opportunities available to all.

Kate Medina Fellowship for Literary Narrative Nonfiction

The New York Public Library and Random House Publishing Group are pleased to offer the Kate Medina Fellowship for Literary Narrative Nonfiction to support writers whose projects engage meaningfully with collections accessible onsite at the Library’s flagship Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. Projects requiring access to original materials including manuscripts, archives, books, photographs, prints, maps, newspapers, and journals will be given preference, but all worthy projects will be considered.

Established with the generous support of Kate Medina and Random House Publishing Group, the fellowship promotes originality and excellence in nonfiction works that combine strong storytelling, reportorial precision, artistic writing, and depth of research into important subjects and ideas. The selected fellow will receive a stipend of $30,000 to support four continuous months of research to be taken between September 1, 2026 - March 15, 2027.

Fellows at The New York Public Library have sustained access to the Library’s world-class collections and space to work in one of the shared study rooms of the Vartan Gregorian Center for Research in the Humanities. The Library will provide opportunities to connect with our expert librarians, subject specialists, and curators for consultation or guidance and to engage with NYPL’s broader scholarly community. As part of the Library’s commitment to expanding knowledge in the humanities more broadly, and to provide Fellows with public platforms for their scholarship and research, each Fellow will be expected to give a presentation on their work at the Schwarzman Building and to provide a blog post for the research channel of the NYPL blog. 

Project Proposal

Successful project proposals will include a thorough explanation of how in-person access to collections accessible at The New York Public Library is essential to the progress and completion of the project. Proposals should also include:

• Abstract of the project's major themes, questions, and arguments
• Significance of the project
• Project plan, including a timeline of your work with the Library's collections during the fellowship term and a desired start date
• Expected project outcomes including existing book contractual obligations, if any
• Personal statement detailing the impact this fellowship would have on your project and/or career as well as the likelihood of successfully completing your project without this fellowship

The Incubator for Executive Leaders of Color, supported by the Altman Foundation, offers a transformative leadership training program for 16-18 BIPOC arts administrators from April to September 2024. This initiative emphasizes professional development, inclusivity, and racial equity, aiming to enhance the sustainability and success of their organizations. Participants will engage in discussions, explore innovative models in arts administration, and build a supportive community, ensuring their voices influence the broader arts landscape in New York City.

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.