Best New York County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Manhattan Arts Grants: Creative Learning, managed by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, supports local artists and organizations in providing community-based arts education, particularly for older adults. Established in 1983, this program enhances public spaces through artistic engagement and offers crucial funding to those unable to access city or state arts funding directly. With backing from various cultural institutions, it fosters creativity and resilience within Manhattan's diverse communities.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

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 Investors Foundation Grant aims to create positive, lasting impacts in communities through support for arts, education, health and human services, youth programs, and affordable housing. With over $40 million awarded since 2005, the Foundation aligns its efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on key areas such as poverty alleviation and quality education. Organizations eligible for grants must be 501(c)(3) compliant and serve specific communities in New Jersey and New York.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - New York

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

The Affinity Legacy Community Grant Program aims to enhance health and well-being in underserved communities through funding for organizations focused on mental health, food insecurity, re-entry for formerly incarcerated individuals, and consumer health education. Eligible groups must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities operating within Affinity's 10-county service area. This initiative reflects a commitment to collaboration and compassion, ensuring vital support for those in need.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

The Trinity Grants: Racial Justice Initiative, spearheaded by Trinity Church Wall Street, aims to foster equitable justice systems through community-driven approaches. Focused on mental health, safety, and reducing incarceration, this initiative emphasizes support for marginalized groups, particularly people of color. It addresses the need for restorative justice, legislative reforms, and comprehensive support for those impacted by the criminal legal system, aiming to transform communities and enhance public safety.

The NRA Foundation State Fund Grant in New York supports initiatives that enhance firearms education, promote safety in shooting sports, and encourage responsible firearms use. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and state-recognized nonprofits. The grant aims to provide financial assistance for projects that align with the Foundation's mission and foster public benefit. Organizations not recognized as nonprofits or governmental agencies must demonstrate equivalent public benefit to qualify for funding.

The Housing for Everyone Grant Competition, part of the 2026 Initiative, aims to support eviction prevention in low-to moderate-income communities. This 20th annual initiative recognizes the destabilizing impact of eviction and displacement on families, which leads to job loss, school disruptions, and health issues. By funding innovative organizations, the competition seeks to provide stability for renters, enabling them to stay in their homes and communities.

Expanding Access to Middle-Wage Occupations

Request for Proposals

The New York City Workforce Funders Collaborative invites proposals for system and pathway models and policy and advocacy efforts that expand access to middle-wage occupations and upskilling opportunities for low-income New Yorkers. Proposals may be submitted by a single organization or a coalition of organizations working together with one organization as the lead.

 The New York City Workforce Funders Collaborative will award grants of up to $500,000 for projects that build the capacity of a New York City workforce development system to connect low-income New Yorkers to a middle-wage occupation or a group of occupations. The City’s workforce development systems include its public workforce agencies; the field of nonprofit organizations; the City University of New York (CUNY) system; the field of labor unions; industry partnership hubs; and New York City Public Schools.

Competitive submissions will:

• Strengthen or expand training pathways to middle-wage occupations;
• Strengthen or expand advancement models that help workers secure middle-wage positions; and/or
•  Address structural barriers to effective middle-wage pathways for low-income New Yorkers.

Spencer Foundation

The Spencer Foundation has been a leading funder of education research since 1971 and is the only national foundation focused exclusively on supporting education research. We believe education research is integral to improving education, making education systems more equitable, and increasing opportunities to learn across the lifespan.

Our Goals: Invest in education research that is transformative, methodologically rigorous, and helps create a better society; Support high-quality education research training; Broaden the range of scholars and scholarship in education research; Strengthen the impact of education research for improving educational practice; Make education research more accessible to public audiences.

Spencer Education Journalism Fellowship

The Spencer Education Journalism Fellowship, headquartered at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, is dedicated to supporting long-form reporting that enhances the public’s understanding of education.

This fellowship allows journalists to spend the academic year at Columbia University studying with scholars from a variety of disciplines and with mentors in the Journalism School. The program contributes to the Foundation’s goal of engaging with the public in order to make education research more accessible. Projects by prior fellows have resulted in books, radio documentaries and major pieces in national magazines and other outlets. 

The Samuels Foundation: Performing Arts Grant supports New York City's not-for-profit performing arts organizations, focusing on high-quality productions in dance, music, opera, and theatre. With a commitment to both established and emerging groups, this grant aims to enhance the cultural landscape while maintaining an open-door policy for new applicants. Organizations may apply once a year, and while general operating support is prioritized, proposals for creative projects are also welcomed. Note that funding is limited, and not all applications will be successful.

The Samuels Foundation's Healthy Aging Grant Program aims to enhance the health and quality of life for elderly residents in New York City. It supports innovative patient-based services that improve access to care, promote measurable quality changes, and address the needs of underserved populations. The Foundation prioritizes sustainable programs that continue to thrive post-funding, ensuring long-term positive impacts on the aging community through effective healthcare delivery and support services.

The Youth Service Improvement Grants (YSIG) program, funded by the William T Grant Foundation Inc, aims to enhance the quality of direct services for youth aged 5 to 25 in New York City. It encourages nonprofit organizations to identify and address service gaps while fostering critical reflection on their practices. In addition to financial support, the program offers technical assistance and peer-learning opportunities, creating a collaborative environment for organizations to strengthen their impact on youth.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

Expanding Access to Middle-Wage Occupations

Request for Proposals

The New York City Workforce Funders Collaborative invites proposals for system and pathway models and policy and advocacy efforts that expand access to middle-wage occupations and upskilling opportunities for low-income New Yorkers. Proposals may be submitted by a single organization or a coalition of organizations working together with one organization as the lead.

The collaborative will award grants of up to $200,000 for policy and advocacy efforts that:

• Increase the share of New York City’s middle-wage occupations;
• Expand access to middle-wage occupations for low-income New Yorkers, with a focus on reducing structural barriers to entry and advancement (including advocacy to increase public investments in pathways to middle-wage occupations);
• Develop and/or advance public policy solutions to support reskilling and upskilling for workers who have experienced labor market disruption; and/or 
• Implement concrete reforms to NYC’s workforce development systems that facilitate new or improved solutions to move more New Yorkers into middle-wage occupations.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

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.

The Manhattan Arts Grants: UMEZ Arts Engagement program supports Upper Manhattan artists and arts organizations in accessing funds to enhance cultural presentations. Managed by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, this initiative fosters community engagement through diverse art projects, promoting equity and accessibility in the arts. Since its inception in 1983, it has bolstered the cultural vibrancy of Manhattan, providing vital resources for artistic expression and collaboration within the community.

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.

About The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) 

Founded by visionary community leaders in 1962, the Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) is a pioneer in advancing cultural equity in the Bronx. From our early beginnings as a presenter of affordable arts programming in select Bronx neighborhoods, we have grown into a cultural hub that serves the entire creative ecosystem of the borough. Our programs serve artists, the public, and the field at large by building connections, providing resources, and advocating for equitable practices. Then as now, we focus on supporting the work of underrepresented groups – especially artists of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Through this lens we offer affordable programs for seniors and youth and provide direct services to over 1,500 artists and 250 community-based arts groups each year. 

About The Longwood Arts Project 

Founded in 1981, the Longwood Arts Project is a flagship program of the Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA). It was one of the first alternative gallery spaces in the Bronx and to this day it maintains its pioneering focus on artists whose traditions and cultural practices are underrepresented by mainstream venues. The Longwood Arts Project derives its name from its original location at PS39 on Longwood Avenue. From 2003 to 2023, the Longwood Arts Project relocated to the campus of Hostos Community College. Since September 2024 the Longwood Arts Project operates at BCA headquarters on East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx and at external venues. 

The Longwood Arts Project predominantly showcases artists of color, women and LGBTQ+ artists. Its exhibitions explore Bronx history, intersectional Bronx cultures, and social justice issues facing our communities. The Longwood Arts Project also offers programs for youth and adults that encourage dialogue and explore exhibition themes in greater depth. 

2027 Open Call For Curators

The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) invites independent curators, artists, and arts professionals to submit exhibition proposals for the Longwood Arts Project. We welcome bold, innovative, and thoughtfully conceived exhibitions that engage with personal, social, cultural, political, historical, or experimental subjects and reflect a clear curatorial vision.

All themes are welcome. Proposals will be evaluated based on conceptual clarity, artist selection, feasibility, and meaningful engagement with Bronx communities.

Role of the Curator

• Independent curators, artists, and arts professionals residing in New York City are eligible to apply.
• Selected curators will be responsible for coordinating with participating artists, sourcing exhibition materials, and writing all exhibition text.
• Curators must be present during installation, deinstallation, and the exhibition opening. If they are unable to attend, they must designate a qualified representative.
• We seek curators who push boundaries and demonstrate familiarity with Bronx artists and communities.

Honoraria & Support

• The curator will receive a $2,500 honorarium for curating and organizing the exhibition, including coordinating with participating artists.
• Each participating artist will receive a $300 honorarium.
• The Longwood Arts Project covers the cost of artwork insurance and professional art handling.
• A BCA staff member will support the curator with exhibition logistics, including artist contracts, coordination with art handlers, and promotional activities.
• BCA is not responsible for shipping artworks to or from the exhibition venue and travel stipends will not be provided.  

The Altman Foundation Grant invites organizations with 501(c)(3) status in New York City to submit Letters of Inquiry for health-related projects. This funding focuses on improving access to quality healthcare for underserved populations, enhancing the capacity of local service providers, and addressing structural barriers to health equity. New grants are currently limited, and only health-related LOIs will be accepted. Eligible applicants should review specific interests outlined by the Foundation before applying.

The New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP) is inviting proposals for habitat restoration projects that support wildlife in the Hudson-Raritan Estuary. With $250,000 available, HEP aims to distribute funding through two to four grants for projects lasting one or two years. These initiatives are crucial for enhancing local ecosystems and engaging communities in conservation efforts, as outlined in the Comprehensive Restoration Plan.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

Mission

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies.

The Division accomplishes this core mission through its directorates and several cross-cutting support units including Counter Terrorism, Emergency Management, Fire Prevention and Control, Interoperable & Emergency Communications, Disaster Recovery, and Administration & Finance, which coordinate the response of State agencies in support of local government.

The people of DHSES are dedicated to working closely on a daily basis with all levels of government, the private sector, and volunteer organizations to improve the readiness and response capabilities of communities throughout the Empire State. 

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

The NSGP provides funding for physical and cybersecurity enhancements and other security-related activities to nonprofit (501 c3) organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack.

NSGP funding is awarded under two funding sources: NSGP-Urban Area (UA), for eligible organizations located within UASI areas (the New York City area) and NSGP-State (S), for eligible organizations located outside designated UASI areas. 

NSGP - Urban Area (NSGP-UA)

Funding is being made available in New York State to support nonprofit organizations that are located within the New York City urban area. Eligible organizations with sites located in the NYC urban area which includes: the five boroughs in New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County and Westchester County are eligible to apply to NSGP-UA.