Best New York City Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Achelis and Bodman Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on grantmaking in New York City and northern New Jersey, addressing critical issues in six program areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Employment, Health, Public Policy, and Youth and Families. Emphasizing support for nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), the Foundation aims to improve local communities through impactful grants while prioritizing accountability and excellence in various sectors.

The Mayer Foundation, a New York nonprofit established in 2002, focuses on economic relief grants for individuals facing hardship due to poverty or disaster. It supports IRS 501(C)(3) organizations with grants for educational and humanitarian purposes, and provides scholarships to students aiming for higher education. Typical grant sizes are around $2,000, aimed at fostering community welfare and educational advancement. The foundation's work significantly impacts the lives of those in need, especially in New York City.

The Double-R Foundation Grants provide essential support to volunteer-based organizations in New York City, enhancing community services and promoting artistic endeavors. Focused on enriching lives, the foundation backs a variety of projects, including arts, job training, legal aid, and health services. Eligible applicants are authorized 501(c)(3) organizations committed to serving local residents. By prioritizing long-term stability and innovative community solutions, the foundation aims to foster a harmonious urban environment.

Furthermore Grants in Publishing support nonfiction books focused on art, architecture, design, cultural history, and conservation, aiming to engage an informed audience. Grants cover essential publication components like writing, editing, and design. Eligible recipients include 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. and abroad. Preference is given to projects with established publisher commitments and distribution plans. Note that individual applications are not accepted. More details can be found on their FAQ page.

F.Y. Eye's PSA Grant Program empowers nonprofits in NYC by providing free advertising space through its unique PSA Network. This initiative aims to amplify vital community messages and resources, ensuring underserved populations receive essential information. By collaborating with local artists and creators, the program fosters public awareness and engagement. Nonprofits can share their messages at no cost, leveraging a significant media value of approximately $150,000, to promote narrative change and essential services across the five boroughs.

The Healthy Lives Grant Program by The New York Community Trust aims to enhance health services for older adults and individuals with disabilities in New York City. It focuses on creating an equitable healthcare system by supporting projects that improve access to care, reduce health disparities, and empower individuals through skill development. The program prioritizes innovative solutions that foster independence and community engagement, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs.

The Human Services New York City program aims to alleviate poverty and reduce racial disparities through effective services and public benefits. Focused on early intervention, it supports vulnerable children and families, enhances housing stability, and increases access to essential resources. The initiative encourages collaboration among agencies to implement systemic solutions and improve the lives of low-income New Yorkers, ultimately fostering stability and independence.

The Pinkerton Foundation Grant supports nonprofit public charitable organizations in New York City that serve economically disadvantaged youth and families. The foundation favors direct-service programs that empower young people to reach their full potential through academic, career, and cultural opportunities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, and the foundation typically awards grants for programs that can achieve substantial progress in three years or less.

The Sills Family Foundation provides grants to nonprofits focused on early childhood education, environmental justice, arts and culture, and support for families in crisis. They prioritize programs benefiting communities affected by the criminal justice system, as well as refugees and asylees. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with an emphasis on systemic change and community-based solutions. The foundation operates primarily in metro New York City and California, accepting applications for one-year grants only.

The Social Impact Fund - Nationwide Grant supports innovative solutions addressing health care access, food security, and economic empowerment. Funded by the American Heart Association, this grant prioritizes community-led projects from organizations with under $10M in revenue. Eligible entities include both for-profit and nonprofit organizations based in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Grants can provide up to $250,000 to initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact, fostering sustainable change in health and wellness.

The Tiger Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in New York City, focusing on Education, Family Support, and Youth Workforce Justice. With no deadlines for Letters of Inquiry, the foundation seeks organizations with measurable outcomes, skilled leadership, and community engagement. Their Seed and Expansion Fund supports innovative early-stage organizations aiming to address unmet needs, ensuring effective services are accessible to low-income families and individuals across the city.

The Hyde and Watson Foundation, established in 1983, provides capital grants for projects in New York City and certain New Jersey counties. Funding supports construction, renovations, and equipment purchases for nonprofits with a 501(c)(3) status. Eligible fields include human services, education, health, arts, and the environment. Grants exclude operating support, individual funding, and recurring fees, with a limit of one grant per organization per year. Applications are due by February 1 or August 1.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Champions in Action Grant, offered by the Citizens Charitable Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Southern Florida. This funding, totaling $50,000, aims to empower nonprofits addressing social challenges through innovative solutions. With an application deadline extended to August 22, 2025, eligible organizations can gain not only financial support but also media coverage and volunteer assistance to enhance their community impact.

The Venable Foundation, a corporate funder, provides grants averaging $10,000 to nonprofits focused on human services, legal support, education, workforce development, youth impact, health, environment, and arts. Funding is targeted at organizations in specific regions, including Washington, DC, Baltimore, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, and Denver, reinforcing equitable opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Community Vitality, supported by Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to enhance the vibrancy of dairy communities in the East and West Regions. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 are available for organizations focused on rural development, education, and community resources. Eligible applicants must have a 501c3 status and serve specific geographic areas, ensuring support reaches those in need.

Impact 100 NYC is dedicated to transforming communities through collective giving, providing $100,000 grants annually to local nonprofits in New York City. By focusing on innovative projects that serve underserved populations, they aim to address unmet needs and promote social change. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, operate within NYC, and meet specific budgetary requirements. The initiative not only empowers local nonprofits but also raises awareness of lesser-known impactful programs.

The Marion E. Kenworthy-Sarah H. Swift Foundation, established in 1962, focuses on enhancing the mental and emotional health of youth up to age 26 through grants for innovative programs in social work and psychiatry. They prioritize funding clinical mental health services within New York City's five boroughs, emphasizing operational support with a minimum grant of $25,000. The foundation values collaborative efforts between professions to improve mental health understanding and services for young people.

Food insecurity impacts every town in America — rural, urban, and all the communities on every road in between. It affects all age groups — from children through seniors — including about one-third of college students. It happens for different reasons — a lost job, a natural disaster, a pandemic, and more.

Ann B. Zekauskas saw this food insecurity first-hand while volunteering in New York City soup kitchens, often on Thanksgiving. She knew that people go hungry every day — and that many food-insecure people are prone to obesity. Limited options often lead to food choices that are higher in calories, but lower in nutrition.

Whether it’s to aid a family that has fallen on hard times or to assist a community or a country during a crisis, we support food banks, neighborhood kitchens, and other hunger relief organizations to provide the next healthy meal to those in need.

The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers. 

The Nissan Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that promote cultural diversity and heritage. Established in 1992, the foundation focuses on enhancing community quality of life where Nissan operates. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, be active for over three years, and serve specific communities. Ineligible programs include those not aligned with the foundation's mission, such as disease advocacy and political activities. The foundation does not provide multi-year grants, but organizations can reapply for funding in subsequent cycles.

The Booth Ferris Foundation, established in 1957, offers grants through its Strengthening NYC Grant Program. This initiative aims to support organizations that promote equity and build vibrant communities in New York City. Eligible entities must demonstrate a strong track record and focus on capacity building to address systemic inequities. The Foundation provides funding for projects that enhance nonprofit infrastructure and sustainability, helping organizations achieve long-term impact in their communities.

The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) offers Organization Grants to arts and culture organizations in Asia and the U.S., promoting cultural exchange through travel and collaborative activities. These grants support immersive experiences, research, and access to artistic communities, fostering international dialogue and relationship-building. Organizations must be nonprofit or educational institutions, legally registered in eligible regions, and demonstrate a minimum of five years of relevant programming. ACC provides additional support to enhance project feasibility.

The Home Depot Foundation's Veteran Housing Grants Program aims to enhance the lives of U.S. veterans by funding the construction or rehabilitation of supportive housing. Grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with experience in veteran housing. Since 2011, the Foundation has committed over $550 million to veteran causes and seeks to invest an additional $750 million by 2030, focusing on projects in major cities across the U.S.

The Juliet Lea Hillman Simonds Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations, focusing on education, visual arts, writing, and literature, primarily in Pittsburgh. The grant has a rolling application process, with no deadlines, and also considers limited contributions in other areas such as human services and environmental protection. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and public charities. This foundation does not fund individuals but may support select scholarships.

The Booth Ferris Foundation offers grants to arts and culture organizations in New York City, aiming to enhance the city's cultural vibrancy. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate artistic excellence, engage diverse audiences, and maintain robust fiscal health with budgets over $1 million. Support is available for capacity building and capital projects, with an emphasis on sustainability and measurable outcomes. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The application deadline is February 1.

The New York Foundation Core Grants support community organizing, grassroots advocacy, and movement-building efforts in New York City. Grants of $47,500 per year are available for up to three years for established groups and five years for emerging ones. In addition to funding, grantees gain access to capacity-building resources, including legal services, workshops, and small responsive grants. The foundation prioritizes organizations led by marginalized communities and those addressing systemic injustices.

Con Edison is committed to fostering a clean and equitable energy future by supporting community-based organizations in New York City and Westchester. Focus areas include climate change adaptation, social justice initiatives, and clean energy careers. The funding prioritizes programs that serve historically marginalized communities, promote environmental stewardship, and enhance economic opportunities. Through these efforts, Con Edison aims to empower local organizations to address systemic inequities and build resilience against climate challenges.