Best New York County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

Community Finance Initiative 

Advancing the financial resilience of low-income households across the U.S.

This model enables us to engage and support a broad range of organizations across the globe to tackle some of the most pressing social issues of our time.

The Citi Foundation’s 2026 Community Finance Initiative commits $35 million to support programming that bolsters the financial stability, strength and safety of low-income households in the U.S.

Focus Areas

The Foundation seeks to support organizations advancing low-income household financial resilience in the United States across three focus areas:

Stabilize: Programs that help low-income households to build financial skills and confidence to manage daily finances and navigate financial stress.

• Financial coaching on budgeting, credit, debt reduction and savings strategies.
• Digital tools offering personalized financial guidance and product navigation.
• Assistance with public benefits and social safety net programs.

Strengthen: Programs that help low-income households build and repair credit, as well as short- and long-term financial assets.

• Financial products or services for credit building and credit repair.
• Initiatives to increase savings, including emergency funds.
• Support for homeownership, including readiness, preservation and long-term stability (e.g., first-time buyer assistance, preventing displacement and support systems for aging in place resources).

Safeguard: Programs that protect low-income household financial security by preventing and addressing financial losses.

• Education and support for the safe and confident use of digital financial tools.
• Fraud and scam awareness, prevention and recovery initiatives, including protection from identity theft.
• Interventions to help households recover from major financial shocks (e.g., healthcare costs, extended family care, job transitions or natural disasters).

Funding Opportunity

The Foundation plans to award 70 $500,000 (USD) grants (to be disbursed over two years) totaling $35 million to community organizations working in select communities where Citi has a presence.

The grants will be restricted and are anticipated to be disbursed in two annual payments in 2026 and 2027. Proposed projects should be for a term of 24 months, starting no sooner than August 1, 2026 and ending no later than December 31, 2028.

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.

The City of Water Day Grants support organizations across New York and New Jersey in hosting free community events focused on waterfront engagement and climate resilience. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $4,000, organizations can collaborate with local artists and schools to promote awareness of climate change through interactive activities. This year's theme emphasizes the interconnectedness of NY and NJ communities, aiming to foster a sustainable and vibrant waterfront experience for all.

The Met's Leonard A. Lauder Fellowship in Modern Art offers a unique opportunity for mid-career scholars to engage in focused research on modern art. Established in 2013, this fellowship supports research spanning various disciplines, including art history, philosophy, and anthropology. The fellowship provides a stipend of $70,000, a research allowance, and health insurance. In addition to their research, fellows will mentor early-career scholars and lead seminars, fostering a collaborative academic community.

The DGF Fellows program is a year-long New York City-based intensive for professional dramatists who are looking to develop their existing work at the next level of their careers. The Fellows program is a free program hosted by the Dramatists Guild Foundation, designed to eliminate historical barriers of entry for many emerging dramatists.

This cohort of playwrights, composers, lyricists, librettists, and bookwriters will work together under the guidance and leadership of prominent program chairs to develop their current work in pursuit of further development and production.

This year, the program will work as an accelerator program for dramatists with existing works still in their revision process. Within the structure of the program is a uniquely successful format of partnering playwrights and musical theater writers during the learning process. Fellows who are selected will receive a $5,000 scholarship, access to career resources, and the opportunity to partner with several arts organizations.

Additionally, the program provides its Fellows with one-on-one mentoring from accomplished professionals in the field who help them hone their process, find their unique voice, and revise and edit existing work ready for development. At the end of the program, each Fellow will have an opportunity to participate in a presentation of their work for top theater professionals.

The Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Prize is awarded to early-career scientists in the New York area who are pursuing innovative cancer research. Established by the Pershing Square Foundation in partnership with The Sohn Conference Foundation, the prize offers $250,000 annually for up to three years. With a commitment of over $49 million since 2013, the Alliance aims to accelerate cancer cures by fostering collaborations between academia and industry, providing a unique network and access to vital resources for groundbreaking research.

The Lily Palmer Fry Memorial Grant, managed by Bank of America, focuses on supporting summer camp opportunities for underserved children. Established in 1954, this grant prioritizes traditional camp programs that allow urban children to experience the natural environment, promoting their personal growth and development. By targeting specific community needs, the grant aims to provide enriching outdoor experiences that foster a sense of belonging and adventure for children in urban settings.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

The Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) offers Community Grants to support organizations in New York and New Jersey addressing economic security for low-income Korean and Asian Americans. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for projects focused on education, workforce development, and community advocacy. Organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a minimum operational history of six months. KACF prioritizes comprehensive support and measurable outcomes in its funding decisions.

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.

The Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellowship at The Met offers a two-year opportunity for scholars to engage deeply with the Museum's collection while gaining valuable curatorial training. This fellowship emphasizes research in provenance and art history, allowing fellows to work closely with curators and contribute to ongoing scholarship. With a focus on fostering a collaborative community of scholars, it aims to expand knowledge and understanding of art across cultures and time periods.

The New York City Good Neighbor Committee Grants support local organizations in NYC focusing on arts, education, and human services. This initiative aims to strengthen the Ford Foundation's ties with community-based organizations, providing them with unrestricted funding to address local needs. Eligible applicants must be based in New York City, possess 501(c)(3) status, and be accountable to the communities they serve. The program is designed to enhance the quality of life for marginalized individuals and foster community engagement.

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 Met's Eugene V. Thaw Fellowship for Collections Cataloguing offers a unique opportunity for scholars to engage in the cataloguing of European paintings. This 12-month fellowship trains emerging museum professionals in critical research and documentation practices essential for art history. With a focus on personal development within collections cataloguing, fellows gain valuable experience while contributing to the museum's mission of connecting people with art. A salary of $47,000 and additional benefits support this enriching academic endeavor.

The Leon Levy Center for Biography Fellowship, established in 2007, supports writers from all backgrounds in crafting biographies. It offers four resident fellowships and a Sloan fellowship for biographies in science, with a stipend of $72,000. Fellows gain writing space at CUNY Graduate Center, access to research facilities, and opportunities to engage in seminars and public events. This fellowship encourages both emerging and established writers to contribute to the vibrant biography community.

The Santander Charitable Sponsorship Program focuses on supporting low- to moderate-income communities primarily in the Northeast and Florida. With a commitment of $100 million in charitable giving, the program addresses key community development needs, including affordable housing, job creation, financial education, and disaster relief. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status or be public agencies, demonstrating capacity to meet community needs. Unsolicited applications are not accepted.

The Community Fund by NewYork-Presbyterian aims to empower community-based organizations (CBOs) in New York City and Westchester. Launched in 2023, it addresses health disparities by funding programs targeting social determinants of health, such as social isolation, housing insecurity, and economic recovery. Grants range from $75,000 to $150,000 annually, with a maximum of $300,000 over two years, reflecting a commitment to improving health outcomes in underserved neighborhoods.

The Bristol Myers Squibb Graduate Student Research Training Award promotes diversity in toxicology by supporting Black/African American, Latinx/Hispanic American, or Indigenous American graduate students in US-based PhD programs. With a budget of up to $10,000, the award facilitates research, training, and mentorship opportunities. This initiative aims to enhance the diversity of scientists in toxicology, fostering innovation and better understanding of patient and community needs.

The Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower youth in underserved communities, addressing racial inequities and promoting wellness. Grants range from $25,000 to $100,000 and are available for youth programming and capital improvement projects. Eligible organizations must serve low-to-moderate income communities, have diverse leadership, and engage local Foot Locker teams in volunteer efforts. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for youth by connecting them with essential services and mentorship.

The T. Rowe Price Foundation, established in 1981, primarily supports nonprofit organizations in Baltimore, Colorado Springs, San Francisco, and New York. While most grants are by invitation, unsolicited proposals are also considered. The foundation emphasizes community engagement, collaboration, and unrestricted funding to enhance the operational capacity of nonprofits, enabling them to address critical social issues effectively. With over $194 million in grants awarded, it focuses on fostering strong leaders and equitable solutions in the communities it serves.

The NewYork-Presbyterian Mini-Grants Program offers financial support to community-based organizations (CBOs) in New York City and Westchester County, focusing on health and wellness initiatives. Launched in 2011, it aims to assist CBOs in creating sustainable programs addressing nutrition, urban gardening, and youth development. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000 over three years, with an emphasis on projects serving specific neighborhoods like Crown Heights and Harlem. Eligible organizations must maintain a budget under $500,000 and demonstrate proof of nonprofit status.

The Lily Auchincloss Foundation, established in 1997, aims to enhance the quality of life in New York City through grants focused on human services, arts, and environmental initiatives. The foundation supports small to mid-sized organizations across the five boroughs, providing both general operating and program-specific funding. Its Human Services cycle prioritizes organizations dedicated to social change and education, ensuring a positive impact on all residents' lives.

The NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program is inviting Bronx-based arts organizations to participate in an Artist in Residence program aimed at enhancing community engagement with the Harlem River. Funded by the EPA, this initiative addresses critical water quality issues while promoting arts and culture. A total of $20,000 is available for grants to support this program, which will run from October 2024 to March 2026, fostering connections between local communities and their natural resources.

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 Dennis and Barbara Marion Family Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting a wide range of causes including children's well-being, education, the arts, healthcare, and environmental conservation. With a focus on community impact, the foundation empowers organizations to address pressing challenges and create meaningful change. Since its inception, it has funded transformative initiatives that enhance quality of life and uplift communities, reflecting the Marions' legacy of compassion and dedication to service.

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.

The Woodman Family Foundation Housing Stability Grant for Artists provides $30,000 over three years to NYC-based visual artists facing housing instability. This initiative addresses the rising unaffordability of rental housing in New York City, aiming to enhance artists' housing security. The funds can be used for rent, security deposits, or utilities, allowing recipients to maintain focus on their artistic practices while ensuring stable living conditions. This grant supports five artists in its inaugural cycle.