Best Neuroscience Grants in New York

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding that may complement neuroscience-related work. Focused on community impact, Costco Foundation invites organizations to apply for charitable contributions that demonstrate clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support in areas where Costco operates.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through health, education, development, or welfare programs in New York and beyond can seek up to US $15,000 for direct-service projects. The Dan Paul Foundation supports efforts such as child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, environmental education, refugee enrichment, and scholarships, which may complement neuroscience-related youth initiatives.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Educational institutions, government programs, and eligible nonprofits in New York can seek funding for safety, education, and community development projects that improve daily life and strengthen neighborhoods. Focused on initiatives like disaster preparedness, affordable housing, financial literacy, and K–12 or higher education, State Farm Companies Foundation support may benefit organizations whose neuroscience-related work overlaps these priorities.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in New York offering impactful arts or science programming for broad U.S. audiences can seek more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or limited general support. William Randolph Hearst Foundation favors arts education, artist development, and STEAM-focused science initiatives that demonstrate measurable outcomes and strong organizational capacity.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

New York organizations and social enterprises improving education, child health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; awards are more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible applicants must have a U.S. Federal TIN and align with the foundation’s mission and values.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering early childhood education or community economic development programs in New York communities where PNC operates may be eligible for this funding. With a mission to strengthen and enrich local communities, PNC Foundation provides grants for education, affordable housing, community services, arts and culture, and revitalization benefiting low- and moderate-income residents.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, or disaster relief in New York and worldwide can apply for support from Semnani Family Foundation. Semnani Family Foundation provides New York neuroscience and health-focused groups with funding to improve healthcare access, support vulnerable populations, and deliver critical human and social services in marginalized communities.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits conducting charitable, scientific, medical, or educational work can access funding through Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for programs carried out in the U.S. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under federal law, with funds supporting well-managed initiatives that broadly benefit their target populations and contribute to general welfare; neuroscience-related projects may be competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York can seek sponsorship support for community-focused programs, including basic needs, housing, workforce development, arts, environment, and inclusion initiatives. Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides regional U.S. sponsorships that may benefit organizations whose neuroscience-related work also advances economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or safety from domestic violence near New York TJX locations can apply for The Tjx Foundation’s grants. Eligible groups must be within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office and may include neuroscience-related programs that fit these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental or human services programs in New York can apply for unrestricted grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Focused on environment and community services, Lawrence Foundation invites eligible applicants whose work may intersect with neuroscience-related initiatives.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Utilizing the Full Power of Empire AI Request for Applications

The Simons Foundation (SF) intends to support cutting-edge mathematics and basic science research, drawing on the advanced computational power of the Empire AI.

Toward this goal, SF plans to initiate a new program to fund six to 12 proposals through a competitive open call to the Empire AI research community.

A successful proposal will outline an ambitious two-year research program in one of the following fields, or at their intersections: computational astrophysics and physics, computational biology, mathematics, neuroscience and computational physical chemistry. Each proposal will necessarily rely on the development and utilization of foundational machine learning models, aimed at solving problems of fundamental importance in the above-listed disciplines.

Computational biophysics, neuroscience, ecology and evolution, plant biology, optimal transport, multiscale physics, fluid dynamics and numerical general relativity are representative examples of fields that could use multinode clusters of GPUs of Empire AI, which is a requirement of the program. All submitted proposals should detail how their work will use multinode clusters of GPUs in Empire AI. Proposals focused on data curation and creation of datasets can be considered in exceptional cases, as long as the attained data will be used by the proposers for solving scientific problems as part of the same proposal.

The program’s total budget is expected to be $6 million USD over a two-year period.

Funding

Award Amount: There is no maximum budget total for an individual award. The total amount requested should reflect the proposed research. All award amounts are inclusive of indirect costs (see our grant policies). Please note that we anticipate funding six to 12 applications. The total program’s budget of $6 million USD over two years will be spread across all awards.

Award Duration: June 1, 2027, through May 31, 2029.

Number of Awards: We expect to select six to 12 applications for funding.

The MIND Prize provides New York neuroscience researchers and institutions with major support for innovative neurodegenerative disease research. The Pershing Square Foundation offers US $750,000 over three years for early- to mid-career investigators pursuing bold projects in areas such as brain imaging, mapping, neurobiology, machine learning, drug delivery, and synthetic biology.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit organizations improving community quality of life in New York can seek project, operating, or capital support for economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief programs. With a mission to strengthen underserved communities, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations in O'Reilly Auto Parts service areas, which may include neuroscience-related health initiatives.

Researchers conducting outstanding neurobiological work in cognitive neuroscience related to psychiatric disease can receive US $40,000 through this prize, including those based in New York. Focused on cellular, physiological, or behavioral research, the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation honors the winner at its annual International Awards Dinner in New York City.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York working on youth education, family services, hunger, housing, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for community programs. Neuroscience-focused nonprofits serving underserved youth or families may be eligible if their projects fit these categories.

Early-career assistant professors running independent biomedical research labs at nominated institutions can receive US $75,000 - US $300,000 to support innovative work in human health, including neuroscience, in New York and nationwide. Pew Charitable Trusts funds flexible research expenses over four years, with one institutional nominee and strong emphasis on high-impact, pioneering science.

Nonprofit organizations in New York with strong, replicable community partnerships addressing significant social issues can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners, selecting six exemplary partnerships each year that measurably improve lives and communities.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including 501(c)(3)s in New York, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s global grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $250,000 for social and humanitarian programs. Neuroscience-focused organizations addressing disability, mental health, or related disadvantages may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s revenue, mission alignment, and non-sectarian criteria.

About Us

The Simons Foundation’s mission is to advance the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences.

Since its founding in 1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons, the foundation has been a champion of basic science through grant funding, support for research and public engagement. We believe in asking big questions and providing sustained support to researchers working to unravel the mysteries of the universe.

Through our work we make space for scientific discovery.

Junior Fellows of the Simons Society of Fellows

The Simons Foundation invites nominations for Junior Fellows of the Simons Society of Fellows. This year’s call is open to any individual who meets the nominator eligibility requirements outlined below and is interested in nominating a candidate for a Junior Fellowship.

Junior Fellows are outstanding young scientists who receive support from the foundation for up to 3 years to conduct independent research at an NYC educational institution. The foundation requires Junior Fellows to attend weekly lectures and dinners at the foundation during the academic year, as well as an annual conference and a 4-day weekend retreat.

Funding

Award Amount: In 2027/28, a Junior Fellow will receive a stipend of $102,799, funds for fringe benefits based on the host institutional fringe rate, as well as a $10,000 research allowance. The Junior Fellow’s New York City host institution will receive an additional 20 percent in indirect costs. A Junior Fellow’s salary support automatically increases by three percent each funding year.

Award Duration: Junior Fellows are appointed for up to three years. A fellowship must begin on July 1, August 1 or September 1, 2027.

Number of Awards: In 2027, the foundation expects to appoint up to 15 Junior Fellows.

Allowable Expenses

The research funds provided to the Junior Fellow may be used to support expenses in the following categories:

• Scientific domestic or international travel by the Junior Fellow.
• Small equipment, supplies and other expenses directly benefiting the Junior Fellow’s research.
• Expenses related to travel or hosting scientific visitors and collaborators.