Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in New York

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.

Thomas W. Haggerty Memorial Scholarship

A scholarship/donor advised fund established by Mrs. Ellen Haggerty in memory of her husband, Thomas, who was a social worker in Wappingers Central School District, income from this fund is used to provide scholarships to graduating seniors of John Jay High School and/or Roy C. Ketcham High School who have struggled to overcome personal, financial, family, or educational difficulties.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

John Jay High School or Roy C. Ketcham High School

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.

Through Dylan’s Eyes (The Dylan Feller Memorial Scholarship)

The scholarship was established in 2018 by the Feller family to honor the memory of Dylan Feller who was an Eagle Scout with a passion for photography. The scholarship is available for graduating students interested in photography and graphic communications attending any Dutchess County High School or DC BOCES/CTI.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Any Dutchess County high school or DC BOCES/CTI

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.

Jay Lamando Scholarship

Established by family and friends to honor his personal challenges against diabetes this scholarship recognizes the impact of others can have on an individual life celebrating character, discipline, family and teamwork. The scholarship will be awarded to graduating seniors from John Jay and Roy C. Ketcham High Schools who play on an athletic team or are active in after school club(s)/activities and plan to attend an accredited college full time.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

John Jay High School, Roy C. Ketcham High School

The Coby Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, focusing on innovative projects related to textiles and fashion. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of inquiry with a project description and budget at least nine months prior to the project start. The foundation seeks exhibitions, public programs, and publications that enhance understanding of textile arts, while promoting underrepresented artists and cultures.

The New York Peer Specialist Independent Practice Association (IPA) aims to enhance collaboration and professional development for the peer specialist workforce in New York. Funded by the New York State Office of Mental Health, the IPA will support organizations in identifying shared goals, staying informed on industry trends, and fostering strong relationships. An annual award of $485,000 is available for five years, with an additional $100,000 in the first year for startup costs.

Parks & Trails New York

Founded in 1985 by a group of passionate park advocates who believed New York’s magnificent state park system merited its own advocacy group, PTNY’s purview quickly grew to include trails, outdoor recreation, active transportation, and bicycle and pedestrian issues.

Over its tenure, PTNY has successfully prevented the closure of over 100 sites during a critical budget crisis, championed the effort to close gaps in the Erie Canalway Trail, and developed the foundational concepts for the Empire State Trail (EST). Through grants and grassroots support, we’ve directed $10 million to community groups and engaged over one hundred thousand volunteers, ensuring cherished public spaces thrive. Today, these efforts contribute to the remarkable success of nearly 88 million park visits and nearly 10 million annual users on the nation-leading Empire State Trail.

Western New York Trail Town Grants

Background

Administered by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), and with generous funding provided by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, PTNY will offer $60,000 in competitive grants to support a broader initiative aimed at boosting local economies by leveraging visitation to nearby public lands. The grants can be used to promote place-making efforts, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and implement community-driven projects that prioritize active transportation alternatives for cyclists and pedestrians.

Matching Funds

Trail Town Grants require a local match of at least 10% of the total project budget (not the ask). The entire match may be from in-kind sources (volunteer labor, donated materials, etc.) or may be supplemented by cash. The amount funded through this project must be no more than 90% of the total project budget.

The Special Presenter Initiatives Grants, offered by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation in partnership with various local arts organizations, aim to support the presentation of professional performing artists at small and mid-size community venues. This initiative encourages projects that feature touring artists and includes community engagement activities, fostering meaningful interactions between artists and local audiences. The program seeks to enhance the cultural landscape of the participating jurisdictions through diverse and innovative performances.

The ASHRAE Region I Setty Family Foundation Scholarship offers a one-year award for undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students attending institutions in ASHRAE Region I or those who graduated from high schools in the area. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet specific program criteria, promoting excellence in HVAC&R education. This scholarship supports future leaders in the field, ensuring a sustainable built environment.

The Central New York Chapter King-Traugott Scholarship, offered by the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, supports undergraduate students in mechanical or architectural engineering. Candidates must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 and meet specific criteria, including enrollment in accredited programs or recognized ASHRAE student branches. This scholarship aims to cultivate future leaders in the HVAC&R industry while promoting sustainable practices within engineering education.

The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award offers an $8,000 grant to a New York State-based LGBTQ+ playwright or screenwriter. This honor celebrates the legacy of Ryan Hudak, a talented creator who passed away in 2022. The award supports individuals living in New York, including the five boroughs of NYC. It is intended for applicants with completed works, ensuring that funds are not restricted to specific projects, fostering creativity and artistic expression.

The NYSCA Reserve Fund Grants (RFG) aim to provide financial support to nonprofit arts organizations in New York State, helping them establish or enhance reserve funds. With grant amounts ranging from $10,000 to $75,000, eligible organizations must have a budget under $3 million and have received NYSCA funding in the past three years. The initiative addresses industry volatility, offering not only funds but also supplementary services to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project - Capital Grants Application Fall 2025 by the Open Space Institute aims to enhance conservation across the Appalachian Mountain region. With a focus on biodiversity, climate resilience, and community benefits, this initiative supports the acquisition of land and conservation easements. As a vital climate refuge, the Appalachians play a crucial role in safeguarding habitats and providing public recreation opportunities for the 26 million residents living in this area.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal

HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. We work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

Community Development Block Grant

The NYS Community Development Block Grant or CDBG Program is a unique source of federal funding for Cities, Town, Villages, and Counties to assist low- and moderate-income communities, households, and people.

CDBG funding assistance can include everything from drinking water and sanitary sewer projects to grants for home repair, senior and community center improvements to grants to small business for start-up and expansion.

The NYS CDBG program provides financial assistance to eligible cities, towns, and villages with populations under 50,000 and counties with an area population under 200,000, in order to develop viable communities by providing decent, affordable housing, and suitable living environments, as well as expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. 

Expert technical assistance is always available to help your community apply for and administer CDBG funds, and to help direct assistance to where it is needed most.

Eligible Activities

CDBG funding may be used for eligible activities as outlined below. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of eligible activities and applicants are encouraged to develop projects in response to local need that may not fit neatly in any one category. In these cases, applicants are encouraged to contact OCR for additional guidance prior to applying.

Funding is available for the following activities: 1) Public Facility; 2) Community Planning; 3) Economic Development - Stand-Alone Business Assistance; 4) Economic Development - Microenterprise Assistance; and 5) Imminent Threat.

Public Facility

NYS CDBG funds support a variety of public facility and public improvement projects, such as the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or installation of public facilities. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Senior centers
• Accessibility modifications for the removal of architectural barriers
• Neighborhood facilities, including but not limited to, libraries, childcare centers, recreational facilities, parks, playgrounds
• Facilities for persons with special needs such as facilities for the homeless or domestic violence shelters, nursing homes, or group homes for the disabled
• Infrastructure improvements including construction and installation of streets, curbs, lighting and broadband
• Emergency facilities and equipment

In general, public facilities and public improvements include all facilities and improvements that are publicly owned, or that are owned by a nonprofit and open to the public. 

New York State Homes and Community Renewal

HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. We work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

Community Development Block Grant

The NYS Community Development Block Grant or CDBG Program is a unique source of federal funding for Cities, Town, Villages, and Counties to assist low- and moderate-income communities, households, and people.

CDBG funding assistance can include everything from drinking water and sanitary sewer projects to grants for home repair, senior and community center improvements to grants to small business for start-up and expansion.

The NYS CDBG program provides financial assistance to eligible cities, towns, and villages with populations under 50,000 and counties with an area population under 200,000, in order to develop viable communities by providing decent, affordable housing, and suitable living environments, as well as expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. 

Expert technical assistance is always available to help your community apply for and administer CDBG funds, and to help direct assistance to where it is needed most.

Eligible Activities

CDBG funding may be used for eligible activities as outlined below. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of eligible activities and applicants are encouraged to develop projects in response to local need that may not fit neatly in any one category. In these cases, applicants are encouraged to contact OCR for additional guidance prior to applying.

Funding is available for the following activities: 1) Public Facility; 2) Community Planning; 3) Economic Development - Stand-Alone Business Assistance; 4) Economic Development - Microenterprise Assistance; and 5) Imminent Threat.

Community Planning

CDBG Community Planning grants enable communities to conduct assessments and develop clearly articulated strategies for addressing local community development issues. The study, analysis and planning of any community planning activity should identify eligible projects for subsequent CBDG funding. There are two categories of planning grants:

• Community Needs Assessments
• Project Readiness Plans

The NYS Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) supports low- and moderate-income communities through funding for various activities such as public facilities, economic development, and community planning. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and compliance with public participation requirements is essential. The program aims to enhance housing opportunities and economic growth in smaller municipalities, providing technical assistance to ensure effective use of funds for community development.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal

HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. We work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

Community Development Block Grant

The NYS Community Development Block Grant or CDBG Program is a unique source of federal funding for Cities, Town, Villages, and Counties to assist low- and moderate-income communities, households, and people.

CDBG funding assistance can include everything from drinking water and sanitary sewer projects to grants for home repair, senior and community center improvements to grants to small business for start-up and expansion.

The NYS CDBG program provides financial assistance to eligible cities, towns, and villages with populations under 50,000 and counties with an area population under 200,000, in order to develop viable communities by providing decent, affordable housing, and suitable living environments, as well as expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. 

Expert technical assistance is always available to help your community apply for and administer CDBG funds, and to help direct assistance to where it is needed most.

Eligible Activities

CDBG funding may be used for eligible activities as outlined below. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of eligible activities and applicants are encouraged to develop projects in response to local need that may not fit neatly in any one category. In these cases, applicants are encouraged to contact OCR for additional guidance prior to applying.

Funding is available for the following activities: 1) Public Facility; 2) Community Planning; 3) Economic Development - Stand-Alone Business Assistance; 4) Economic Development - Microenterprise Assistance; and 5) Imminent Threat.

Economic Development

CDBG funds may be used to assist a specific, stand-alone business or to assist a community to establish a microenterprise assistance program to support multiple businesses.

Microenterprise Assistance

Funding is provided to eligible communities to provide entrepreneurial training and financial assistance to forprofit businesses with five (5) or fewer employees, including the owner(s), for an identified CDBG eligible activity which will result in the creation or retention of permanent, private sector job opportunities, principally for persons from low-moderate income families. Businesses under this category may also meet HUD requirements if owned by a documented low to moderate income person.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal

HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. We work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

Community Development Block Grant

The NYS Community Development Block Grant or CDBG Program is a unique source of federal funding for Cities, Town, Villages, and Counties to assist low- and moderate-income communities, households, and people.

CDBG funding assistance can include everything from drinking water and sanitary sewer projects to grants for home repair, senior and community center improvements to grants to small business for start-up and expansion.

The NYS CDBG program provides financial assistance to eligible cities, towns, and villages with populations under 50,000 and counties with an area population under 200,000, in order to develop viable communities by providing decent, affordable housing, and suitable living environments, as well as expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. 

Expert technical assistance is always available to help your community apply for and administer CDBG funds, and to help direct assistance to where it is needed most.

Eligible Activities

CDBG funding may be used for eligible activities as outlined below. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of eligible activities and applicants are encouraged to develop projects in response to local need that may not fit neatly in any one category. In these cases, applicants are encouraged to contact OCR for additional guidance prior to applying.

Funding is available for the following activities: 1) Public Facility; 2) Community Planning; 3) Economic Development - Stand-Alone Business Assistance; 4) Economic Development - Microenterprise Assistance; and 5) Imminent Threat.

Imminent Threat

Funds may be requested to provide eligible municipal applicants financial support for activities that alleviate existing conditions that have a blighting influence or pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community. Applicants will be required to demonstrate a compelling need for public investment and document that no other funding sources are available. CDBG Imminent Threat funds may be used to cover costs associated with:

• Repairs or improvements to water/sewer systems, storm sewer drainage, flood walls, roads, sidewalks and culverts
• Demolition and/or clearance of damaged structures including environmental assessments and mitigation, site work, architectural, and engineering fees
• Public services required as a result of disaster 

Imminent Threat projects typically meet HUD’s (national objective) requirements in one of two ways: Urgent Need or Slum/Blight conditions.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project Catalyst Grant supports climate-informed planning for land protection and stewardship in the Appalachian region. With funding up to $20,000 available, the grant aims to enhance community resilience and promote strategic land conservation efforts. Eligible applicants include land trusts, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities. Projects should prioritize broad-scale conservation planning and engage local communities to ensure specific benefits are achieved within a 12-18 month timeframe.

The New York Community Trust

Mission

As New York’s community foundation, we foster and engage in enduring and innovative philanthropy.

From the creation of the first donor-advised fund to our vital role in the region’s response to the AIDS crisis, September 11th, and COVID-19, The Trust has always been a pioneer, innovator, and leader.

New York Pollinator Conservation Fund

This year, the New York Pollinator Conservation Fund invites proposals for small projects ($5,000 – $20,000) to be implemented in disadvantaged communities, identified through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Nonprofits or volunteer-led organizations are eligible to apply if they are either: 1) located in the disadvantaged community where the project will be implemented; or 2) located outside the disadvantaged community where the project will be implemented but have at least one year of experience working in the community. Organizations located in the disadvantaged community where a project will be implemented will receive preference.

To be competitive, projects should be consistent with the recommendations of the 2016 New York State Pollinator Protection Plan and subsequent updates. Projects must focus on one or more of the following:

• Preventing, abating, mitigating, or controlling prior or ongoing water, land, or air pollution affecting pollinators and their habitat
• Creating, managing, restoring, or enhancing pollinator habitat, including working with property owners or managers
• Undertaking pollinator-related research, monitoring, education, and outreach
• Working with tribal authorities and local governments to support the development and implementation of pollinator-friendly policies, programs, and activities.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project Capital Grant, offered by the Open Space Institute, supports vital conservation initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and enhancing landscape connectivity. Established in 1974, the OSI has protected over 2.5 million acres in the Eastern US and Canada, focusing on land that ensures clean drinking water and wildlife habitats. This grant is specifically for projects within the Appalachian Landscapes Project service area, promoting sustainable community benefits.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program is offering grants of up to $20,000 for educational property assessments focused on stormwater management. This initiative aims to engage landowners in the Lake Champlain Basin to enhance property management for clean water and ecological resilience. With approximately $490,000 in total funding available, eligible organizations can submit proposals to support sustainable practices. The program encourages community partnerships and provides resources for implementing best management practices.

The Food Access Infrastructure Initiative Grant, offered by Farm Credit East, provides funding up to $50,000 to organizations aimed at enhancing food security in the Northeast. Eligible projects include improving produce handling, expanding storage capacity, and enhancing distribution capabilities. Non-profit organizations within Farm Credit East's territory are encouraged to apply for support in capital projects that improve food distribution infrastructure.

Harkness Foundation for Dance

The Harkness Foundation for Dance is a private grant-making foundation dedicated to invigorating and supporting the dance art form, predominantly in New York City. Since its inception the Foundation has contributed significantly to the dance field, extending grants to over 660 organizations and fiscally-sponsored artists. The Harkness Board of Trustees meets three times annually to consider proposals. The Foundation stands in solidarity with social and racial justice work in the dance field, and we are committed to ongoing evaluation of equitable practices in our grantmaking.

There are four major areas of support:

• Dance creation
• Dance presentation
• Dance education
• Dance medicine/other services to the dance field

Project Grants

Project grants provide targeted support for specific projects. Pilot projects and collaborative projects involving multiple organizations may also be considered.

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.

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 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.

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.

Andy Vito/Harold Tompkins/Ron Vece Scholarship Fund

Established by the Hudson Valley Umpires Association in memory of Andy Vito, Harold Tompkins and Ron Vece, this scholarship is available to graduating seniors from Dutchess County high schools, Putnam Valley High School, Highland High School, New Paltz High School, Marlboro High School or Wallkill High School who have played high school baseball.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

All Dutchess County High Schools, Putnam Valley High School, Highland High School, New Paltz High School, Marlboro High School and Wallkill High School.