Best Grants for Women in New York

The Foundation

In 1946, The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation was established by Francis Cardinal Spellman to honor the legacy of Alfred Emanuel Smith, New York’s most renowned Catholic governor and the first Roman Catholic to run for President of the United States on a major party ticket.

Our Grants

The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation grants support family services, education, and healthcare.

We understand that although life can be unfair, an investment in those who are less fortunate can help to level the playing field.

Grant Procedure

Founded in 1946 to honor the memory of renowned New York Governor and champion of the “little people,” Alfred Emanuel Smith, The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation awards annual grants to organizations that bring hope and support to the poor, sick, and underprivileged within the Archdiocese of New York, regardless of race, creed, or color. Selected organizations are well-managed, financially stable, and propose projects that are worthy, purposeful, and clearly targeted. Charitable efforts are directed primarily toward organizations that serve:

Individuals facing physical, developmental, or emotional challenges who can achieve improved health and well-being through specialized medical and therapeutic services. 

Children and youth affected by poverty or other barriers who can reach their full potential through innovative educational programs and learning opportunities. 

Families and children in need of social support or foster care, whose stability, safety, and long-term prospects can be strengthened through targeted, outcome-driven services. 

New York NCAA Division II schools and multisport conference offices seeking to fund full-time entry-level athletics administration internships for women and ethnic minorities can access this program, which provides US $30,000 plus professional development support. These National Collegiate Athletic Association grants support one academic-year position focused on administration, student-athlete welfare, and diversity initiatives.

New York NCAA Division II colleges and multisport conferences seeking to expand ethnic minority and women’s leadership in athletics administration can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Grants support new full-time mid- to senior-level roles over five years, with responsibilities such as strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare.

NCAA Division II member colleges creating new assistant coaching positions to advance ethnic minority and gender representation can apply for the Coaching Enhancement Grant, including schools in New York. With a mission to support inclusive athletics, the National Collegiate Athletic Association provides US $48,000 over three years toward salary, wages, and benefits for the hired coach.

NCAA Division III conferences and institutions seeking to expand ethnic minority and women’s representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration can apply for this national Strategic Alliance Matching Grant. The National Collegiate Athletic Association funds five-year, full-time administrative positions that cover areas like strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare, including in New York.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with established education or health programs can apply for L B Research and Education Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $75,000 to expand proven work serving underserved populations. New York organizations supporting women and girls through adolescent, post-secondary, vocational education, or mental and physical health access may be especially competitive.

Focused on supporting emerging women and non-binary visual artists, A.I.R. Gallery invites New York creatives to apply for its A.I.R. Fellowship Program. This 12-month fellowship offers a first solo exhibition in NYC, professional development workshops, mentorship, studio visits, and a US $3,000 stipend for artists in New York City, adjoining counties, or the Hudson Valley.

New York City nonprofits that help unemployed or underemployed, low-income women become self-sufficient can apply for the Edward & Ellen Roche Relief Foundation’s grants, awarding US $15,000 - US $25,000 for supportive programs. Organizations serving disadvantaged women and children, especially those offering job training and placement, may be strong candidates for this women-focused funding.

NCAA Division III member colleges in New York can receive funding to create new assistant coaching positions that increase ethnic minority and gender representation in any NCAA-sponsored sport. The National Collegiate Athletic Association provides two years of support for salary, wages, and benefits, with institutions required to match the funding to advance diversity for women and minorities in athletics.

Female high school seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree and interested in women and girl services may be eligible for scholarship support, including students from New York. Erie County Community Foundation provides this academic scholarship funding, with financial need considered and a minimum 3.5 GPA required for graduating seniors of specified high schools.

Women and nontraditional female students seeking undergraduate or vocational education can receive scholarship support for study at accredited U.S. institutions. With a mission to strengthen communities, Erie County Community Foundation provides New York women and girl services with information on the Zonta Club of Greater Sandusky Nontraditional Students Scholarship Fund, which aids eligible residents of select Ohio counties returning to school.

Female high school seniors pursuing STEM or medical degrees can apply for Erie County Community Foundation’s Zonta Club of Greater Sandusky scholarship, supporting residents of Erie, Huron, or Ottawa Counties in Ohio. New York organizations serving young women in education may share this opportunity with eligible students headed to accredited nonprofit institutions.

Women and girl service organizations supporting domestic violence survivors’ education may be eligible for scholarships helping women return to the workforce, including those in New York. Community Foundation for Southwest Washington offers the YWCA Clark County Chan Barnett Scholarship, awarding US $1,000 - US $4,000 to Washington state residents with YWCA Clark County ties who demonstrate financial need.

Nonprofit organizations in Cayuga and Onondaga Counties, New York can seek funding for women’s health, reproductive justice, and related community initiatives, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000. The Allyn Family Foundation’s Opportunity Fund also supports early childhood development, economic opportunity, and vibrant neighborhood projects that build an equitable, prosperous community.

With a mission to honor women leaders, L'Oreal Paris provides New York women- and girl-serving nonprofits with US $25,000 to advance education, child welfare, community development, and volunteerism initiatives. Organizations selected join the Women of Worth program, gaining mentorship and a national platform to elevate their work across the U.S. and territories.

Mid-career women of color environmental leaders in New York can receive personal support to advance their leadership and impact. Grants from Rachels Network help women and girl services and environmental stewardship advocates across the U.S., including New York, with a US $15,000 personal award plus potential organizational funding and wraparound leadership services.

The Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award is an impactful initiative aimed at supporting mid-career women of color in environmental leadership. This award provides recipients with a personal grant of $15,000 and, if applicable, an organizational grant of $10,000. It also offers essential leadership services and public recognition, fostering a community of empowered women dedicated to creating a healthier and more just world. The award exemplifies Rachel’s Network’s commitment to environmental advocacy and the promotion of women as leaders.

About Us

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Mission & Values

Our vision is for just, equitable and resilient communities.

Our mission is to inspire enduring philanthropy and enable community solutions to improve the quality of life in our region.

We value all people, all partners and our region.

Common Scholarship Application

Achieve your Higher Education Dreams

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

The Springfield Women’s Club Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, aims to support women over 19 from Hampden County pursuing two- or four-year degrees. Eligible students can apply through a single online application that matches them with various scholarships, providing up to $3,000 in financial assistance. This initiative encourages women to further their education while addressing the unique needs of the community.

With a mission to support advanced Russian and Soviet historical scholarship, Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies provides New York doctoral students with up to US $28,000 for dissertation research or completion. Candidates must study 19th–early 21st century Russian/Soviet history, with one fellowship designated for women’s and gender studies topics.

AAUW branches and state affiliates in New York designing or running hands-on STEM programs for girls in grades K–12 can receive up to US $10,000 to expand or deepen their initiatives. American Association of University Women supports projects that build STEM skills, confidence, identity, mentoring, and college or career preparation for girls and young women.

New York nonprofits and educational institutions running STEM programs for girls in grades K–12 can access funding through American Association of University Women to support community-based projects. Grants up to US $50,000 back hands-on STEM learning, mentorship with women in STEM, family engagement, and confidence-building, with priority for historically underrepresented communities in the U.S. and its territories.

Women and nonbinary adults pursuing technical, vocational, or first college degrees can receive non-tuition educational support through the Jeannette Rankin Foundation’s Emerge Grant. The program provides up to US $12,500 for students at accredited, nonprofit U.S. institutions; while focused on Georgia and Montana residents, it may interest similar learners in New York.

Women and nonbinary adult students in New York and nationwide can apply for the Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant, offering up to US $2,500 annually in unrestricted, non-tuition support. Eligible applicants are 35 or older, demonstrate financial need, and are pursuing technical, vocational, associate’s, or first bachelor’s degrees at accredited U.S. institutions.

The Bernice M. Brightbill Fund Scholarship offers a one-time award to a senior female student from the Central Dauphin School District pursuing a college degree in business studies. This scholarship aims to support students demonstrating financial need, regardless of citizenship or documentation status. Eligible applicants can apply for multiple scholarships and may be selected for any or all they qualify for, promoting accessibility in education.

Grassroots Voices, led by Vital Voices Global Partnership Inc, empowers young women aged 18-25 in the U.S. engaged in grassroots justice work. This program offers a unique opportunity to join a supportive cohort, travel to Washington, D.C., and engage with influential women leaders. Participants will enhance their skills and amplify their impact on critical issues like social inequity and reproductive justice, fostering a community of changemakers dedicated to transforming their lives and the world.

The Fund for Women of the Southern Tier Achieve Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., provides financial assistance to women in Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, and Yates Counties. This grant aims to eliminate barriers to educational pursuits, supporting expenses like textbooks, technical supplies, and tuition fees. By empowering women to continue their education, the fund fosters a spirit of community and opportunity in Upstate New York.