Best New York County 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 Healthy Lives: Biomedical Research Grant Program, funded by The New York Community Trust, aims to enhance health services for New Yorkers, focusing on equitable care for vulnerable populations. It supports early to mid-career researchers working on critical health issues like cancer and heart disease. The program seeks to empower nonprofits and academic institutions in metropolitan New York to innovate and develop their research initiatives, ensuring impactful community health improvements.

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 New York State Historic Marker Grant Program, initiated by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, aims to preserve local history through the installation of historical markers. This program celebrates significant events, people, and places from 1683 to 1925, having funded over 1,150 markers statewide since 2006. Applicants must provide detailed historical documentation to ensure accuracy, as well as adhere to specific placement guidelines to enhance community engagement and tourism.

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 Goldman Sachs Community Development Grants Program aims to strengthen low- and moderate-income communities through funding for nonprofits. This initiative includes multi-year unrestricted grants and one-time grants for homeownership initiatives. Eligible organizations must focus on community development, particularly in New York City and parts of New Jersey and Utah. The program emphasizes affordable housing, small business development, and neighborhood revitalization, aligning with the urgent community needs identified through extensive partner consultations.

The M.B. & Edna Zale Foundation Grant aims to support individuals and families in building meaningful lives, focusing on education, social services, and community welfare. The foundation prioritizes innovative programs that promote self-sufficiency and measurable impacts within communities, particularly in Dallas, Palm Beach, and New York. It emphasizes collaboration and seeks proposals for specific projects rather than ongoing operational support, ensuring a focus on transformative initiatives.

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 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 NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant Program, a collaboration between the New York State Council on the Arts and Greater Hudson Heritage Network, offers funding for the conservation of various objects in New York's museums and cultural organizations. This grant supports projects that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, encouraging the preservation of artifacts from historically marginalized communities. Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply to enhance their collections while adhering to New York State guidelines.

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.

The Westchester Youth Civic Engagement Grants aim to empower young people (up to age 24) to actively participate in civic life. By supporting youth-led projects that promote democracy and social equity, the program encourages nonpartisan initiatives across diverse issue areas. Grants of up to $100,000 over two years will fund projects such as local government involvement, voter registration drives, and media literacy initiatives, fostering critical skills and resilience among youth to become active changemakers in their communities.

The Supplier Diversity Partnership Grant Opportunity, led by the NY Small Business Funders Collective, aims to enhance supplier diversity for historically excluded entrepreneurs in NYC. This initiative focuses on innovative procurement solutions, fostering partnerships between buyers and sellers, and empowering Black, Latinx, AAPI, Indigenous, and women-owned businesses. The grant supports initiatives that address barriers in accessing contracts and promotes community-driven approaches to economic development, with funding ranging from $100,000 to $250,000.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

New York State Office of Mental Health

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) oversees a large multi-faceted mental health system serving nearly 800,000 individuals each year. This includes operating 23 psychiatric centers and overseeing the Nathan S. Kline Institute and New York Psychiatric Institute. OMH regulates and certifies more than 6,500 programs operated by local governments and nonprofit agencies.

Mission

Our mission is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a particular focus on providing hope and recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances.

MH253020 Ukraine Refugee Health Program

Many Ukrainians are arriving in the United States with immediate as well as long-term mental health needs. It is critical that mental health providers serving Ukrainian arrivals be knowledgeable of the culture and unique challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers.

The Office of Mental Health announces funds for the following efforts to support Ukrainian arrivals:

• The promotion of health literacy
• coordination of mental health services
• facilitation of wellness group activities

Applicants must identify the county or counties they intend to serve in their application.

The Elizabeth Pastor Ashland University Music Education Scholarship supports music students at Ashland University, honoring the legacy of Elizabeth Pastor, a renowned pianist and educator. This scholarship aims to assist students pursuing a music-related career, reflecting Pastor's belief in the transformative power of art. Established through her estate plan, it embodies her commitment to fostering musical talent and enriching the community through education and the arts.

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.

The Dr. U.R. Plante Medical Scholarship, established by the Adirondack Foundation, honors the legacy of Dr. U.R. Plante, a dedicated physician in rural New York. This scholarship aims to support students from the Adirondack region pursuing medical education, with amounts up to $10,000. Eligible applicants must be accepted into an accredited medical school and demonstrate a commitment to serving their community post-graduation. This initiative not only fosters education but also encourages the return of healthcare professionals to underserved areas.

The Heisman Trophy Youth Development Fund, established by the Heisman Trophy Trust in 2017, supports nonprofits in New York City and surrounding areas that promote athletics, academics, and youth development for individuals up to 18 years old. The Fund aims to engage youth in academic pursuits, teach leadership and teamwork, and ensure sports opportunities are accessible to all. Grants range from $20,000 to $40,000 for one year, inviting organizations that align with these objectives.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Hunger Relief, sponsored by the Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to combat food insecurity in rural communities. Grants between $1,000 and $20,000 are available for organizations supporting food banks, meal programs, and community gardens. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, this initiative prioritizes nonprofits with 501c3 status serving specific regions in the East and West. The program seeks to enhance the vibrancy of member-owner communities while fostering educational and community vitality.