Best Air Quality Grants in New York

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

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.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Health and Wellbeing Grantmaking program by Coefficient Giving focuses on addressing critical health and welfare issues worldwide. With an emphasis on proactive engagement and evidence-based solutions, the initiative supports projects that improve health outcomes and wellbeing. The program prioritizes funding for organizations tackling neglected global health challenges, advocating for effective philanthropy, and enhancing the lives of both humans and animals in vulnerable communities.

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.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Healthy Lives Grant Program by The New York Community Trust aims to enhance health services for older adults and individuals with disabilities in New York City. It focuses on creating an equitable healthcare system by supporting projects that improve access to care, reduce health disparities, and empower individuals through skill development. The program prioritizes innovative solutions that foster independence and community engagement, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs.

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.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Sills Family Foundation provides grants to nonprofits focused on early childhood education, environmental justice, arts and culture, and support for families in crisis. They prioritize programs benefiting communities affected by the criminal justice system, as well as refugees and asylees. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with an emphasis on systemic change and community-based solutions. The foundation operates primarily in metro New York City and California, accepting applications for one-year grants only.

New York Department of State

The New York Department of State’s core mission is to provide a better quality of life and expand opportunities for all New Yorkers by fostering community revitalization, catalyzing economic growth through business formation, protecting consumers, helping new Americans, supporting local governments, assisting individuals and families to achieve upward economic mobility, and ensuring safety and integrity through the regulation of licensed occupations and the development of building standards and codes.

Community Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction Grants

The NYS Department of State (Department or DOS), through the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (Bond Act), is soliciting applications from eligible applicants through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) for Community Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction Grants. These grants will enhance community resilience and reduce flood risk through the implementation of the following project types:

• Coastal Rehabilitation and Resilience Projects
• Inland Flooding and Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) Implementation Projects 

State assistance awarded and paid shall not exceed 90% of the total eligible project costs set forth in the application and as approved by the Department.

Community Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction Grant implementation projects may include completion of final design and construction, or construction-only for eligible projects. Projects should prioritize nature-based and natural solutions where feasible and provision of co-benefits. 

Coastal Rehabilitation and Resilience Projects

Coastal Rehabilitation and Resilience Projects align with the Coastal Zone Management Act of 19721; a federal law with the goal to guide development in a manner that preserves, protects, and where possible, restores or enhances the uses and resources of the nation’s coastal zone. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) approved New York State’s Coastal Management Program (NYS CMP)2 in 1982, which provides a framework for federal and State agency decision-making for actions that have a reasonably foreseeable effect on the State’s coastal uses and resources. The State’s coastal area includes but is not limited to waters and lands bordering the St. Lawrence, Niagara, and Lower Hudson Rivers, the Great Lakes, Long Island Sound, and all tidal waters.3 DOS is the delegated state agency administrator of the NYS CMP, which implements the Coastal Zone Management Act on behalf of NOAA.

New York Department of State

The New York Department of State’s core mission is to provide a better quality of life and expand opportunities for all New Yorkers by fostering community revitalization, catalyzing economic growth through business formation, protecting consumers, helping new Americans, supporting local governments, assisting individuals and families to achieve upward economic mobility, and ensuring safety and integrity through the regulation of licensed occupations and the development of building standards and codes.

Community Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction Grants

The NYS Department of State (Department or DOS), through the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (Bond Act), is soliciting applications from eligible applicants through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) for Community Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction Grants. These grants will enhance community resilience and reduce flood risk through the implementation of the following project types:

• Coastal Rehabilitation and Resilience Projects
• Inland Flooding and Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) Implementation Projects 

State assistance awarded and paid shall not exceed 90% of the total eligible project costs set forth in the application and as approved by the Department.

Community Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction Grant implementation projects may include completion of final design and construction, or construction-only for eligible projects. Projects should prioritize nature-based and natural solutions where feasible and provision of co-benefits. 

Inland Flooding and Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) Implementation Projects 

Inland Flooding and LWRP Implementation Projects address restoration and flood risk reduction through implementation of a complete or substantially complete LWRP or LWRP Component, including a watershed management plan funded by DOS. New York State’s approach to managing waterfront areas recognizes that municipalities are in the best position to determine their own waterfront objectives and needs in a manner consistent with the goals and requirements of the Waterfront Revitalization of Coastal Areas and Inland Waterways Act.4 Accordingly, the Department encourages waterfront communities to prepare and implement LWRPs. An LWRP is a comprehensive land and water use plan that expresses a vision for a community’s waterfront area, proactively plans for current and future climate hazards, addresses State Coastal Policies to reflect local or regional needs, and outlines the organizational structure, local laws, and waterfront revitalization projects necessary to implement the program.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created on July 1, 1970 to combine all state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment into a single agency.

DEC's Mission: "To conserve, improve and protect New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being."

DEC's goal is to achieve this mission through the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity and social well-being, including environmental justice and the empowerment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that affect their lives.

Resilient Watersheds Grant Program

$60 million of Environmental Bond Act funding is available for implementation of flood mitigation projects across New York State through the Resilient Watersheds Grant (RWG) Program. Applicants to RWG must either be a recipient of a Resilient NY flood study or possess a DEC-approved comparable study, and prepared to supply a 10% match.

Description

The Resilient Watersheds Grant (RWG) program is a competitive, statewide grant program open to local governments, Indian Nations, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, state agencies, and not-for-profit corporations. The overall goal of RWG is to implement projects that build community resilience, reduce risk of flooding, erosion, and ice jams during extreme weather events, enhance climate resilience, and/ or implement natural and nature-based feature construction while supporting healthy riparian habitats. This funding is for the implementation or construction of projects, not projects exclusively for planning and/ or design.

At least five total rounds are anticipated for RWG.

Funding Overview

The Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 allocated $4.2 billion for state agencies, local governments, and partners to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, improve resilience, and create green jobs. The first round of RWG closed in 2025 and awarded $55 million in funding to 15 applicants. The RWG program has a total of $60 million available for the second round of applications, opening in 2026. RWG awards received may fund up to 90% of eligible project costs, resulting in a 10% match requirement. Projects are funded to the extent of available funds based on the evaluation criteria. The RWG program, in its sole discretion, may fund all or a portion of an eligible project and will determine the percentage amount available for any project. A local match for the balance of the estimated project cost is required.

The CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund Grant, established in partnership with the Northern New York Community Foundation, aims to support community programs focused on educational initiatives. Nonprofit organizations can apply once per year for grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Areas of focus include libraries, child care, vocational training, and other projects enhancing educational opportunities in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. The fund reflects CAR-FRESHNER's commitment to its community and quality service.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created on July 1, 1970 to combine all state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment into a single agency.

DEC's Mission: "To conserve, improve and protect New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being."

DEC's goal is to achieve this mission through the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity and social well-being, including environmental justice and the empowerment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that affect their lives.

Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trust (FCELT) Program

The Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts Program offers competitive matching grants to qualified New York land trusts to fund the acquisition of conservation easements on forestland that will increase the pace of forested land conservation to combat the impacts of a changing climate.

The program provides up to $1.35 million from the Environmental Protection Fund for grants to land trusts to protect forestland through conservation easements. The program is administered by the Land Trust Alliance in coordination with DEC.

The Green Resiliency Grants (NY) program, administered by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, supports projects improving water quality and addressing extreme weather effects. Funded by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, grants range from $1 million to $10 million, covering up to 90% of eligible costs. Priority is given to disadvantaged communities, ensuring at least 35% benefit from the funding, promoting sustainable infrastructure across New York State.

The Civic Science Media Project Grants, offered by Montclair State University's Center for Cooperative Media, aim to enhance local journalism and foster collaboration between scientists and media. With up to $15,000 available for each of the 10 awards, projects should promote community engagement in scientific discourse, focusing on pressing issues like climate change and public health. This initiative encourages diverse participation, ensuring that local voices shape the narrative and enhance public understanding of science.

The Community Forest Conservation Grant Program, funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, supports municipal land acquisition for community forests. These vital spaces enhance wildlife habitat, improve air and water quality, and promote public health. By fostering local ownership and management, this program encourages community engagement and connection to nature. Additionally, it aligns with New York's goal to conserve 30% of its lands and waters by 2030, strengthening biodiversity and climate resiliency.

The Climate Impacts and Adaptation Research (PON 6034) program, funded by NYSERDA, aims to enhance community resilience in New York State while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With a budget of $1.3 million, it supports projects addressing vulnerabilities in underreported populations, indoor air quality, compound events, and climate projections. The program encourages collaboration and requires a minimum of 25% cost-sharing, facilitating the development of critical adaptation strategies to combat the impacts of climate change.

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.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The ASHRAE Region I Setty Family Foundation Scholarship offers a one-year award for undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students attending institutions in ASHRAE Region I or those who graduated from high schools in the area. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet specific program criteria, promoting excellence in HVAC&R education. This scholarship supports future leaders in the field, ensuring a sustainable built environment.

The Central New York Chapter King-Traugott Scholarship, offered by the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, supports undergraduate students in mechanical or architectural engineering. Candidates must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 and meet specific criteria, including enrollment in accredited programs or recognized ASHRAE student branches. This scholarship aims to cultivate future leaders in the HVAC&R industry while promoting sustainable practices within engineering education.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.