Best Community Development Grants in New York

Local governments in New York seeking funding for community planning and development projects can apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Community Planning support, offering up to US $50,000. Grants from New York State Homes and Community Renewal help cities, towns, villages, and counties assess needs and create strategies that identify future eligible CDBG projects.

Local governments in New York seeking to support stand-alone business development and related public infrastructure can apply for New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Community Development Block Grant funds. Grants from New York State Homes and Community Renewal help New York community development and revitalization efforts by financing for-profit business assistance that creates or retains permanent jobs for low- and moderate-income residents.

With a mission to support community development, New York State Homes and Community Renewal provides New York municipalities with funding to create microenterprise assistance programs. Eligible cities, towns, villages, and counties can offer entrepreneurial training and financial assistance to very small for-profit businesses, supporting job creation and retention for low- and moderate-income residents, with awards ranging from US $100,000 - US $300,000.

With a mission to strengthen communities, New York State Homes and Community Renewal provides New York municipal governments with Community Development Block Grant Imminent Threat funding to address serious community health and safety risks. Eligible cities, towns, villages, and counties may request up to US $1,000,000 for urgent infrastructure repairs, demolition of unsafe structures, or disaster-related public services in low- and moderate-income areas.

Eligible New York cities, towns, villages, and counties can use this Community Development Block Grant to develop or improve public facilities and infrastructure for low- and moderate-income residents, with awards up to US $1,000,000. With a mission to strengthen affordable, vibrant communities, New York State Homes and Community Renewal supports projects like senior centers, accessibility upgrades, parks, and emergency facilities.

New York local governments and partners seeking funding for community development, public facilities, or related services in New York can access funding through New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The NYS Community Development Block Grant Program offers US $25,000 - US $1,000,000 for projects such as infrastructure, housing-related services, childcare, shelters, parks, and economic development activities.

Marilyn Lichtman Foundation provides New York and Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for community development, community services, and related programs. Eligible organizations must be based in these states and focus their activities there, including initiatives supporting veterans, service animals, and wildlife that strengthen local communities in New York.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations strengthening community resources and opportunities in New York and other eligible rural regions can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation’s Community Vitality grants, with awards of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Funding supports rural community development efforts such as education programs, city improvements, first responders, and economic development in Land O’Lakes dairy communities.

New York community organizations working on health, economic stability, or neighborhood revitalization can seek funding to improve residents’ wellbeing and resilience. Focused on community health and economic resilience, Highmark supports programs such as access to care, food and housing security, workforce preparation, and community development, with preference for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in its core service areas.

New York 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups advancing racial and economic justice can seek support for community organizing, housing and land use, workers’ rights, and immigrant justice. Scherman Foundation provides New York community development efforts with flexible funding that centers BIPOC-led, intersectional, movement-building work, including narrative and culture shift tied to these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York can receive support for community development, education, arts and culture, and civic initiatives that enhance local quality of life. Peckham Family Foundation focuses on locally based groups in New York and New England, with funding decisions made by a community-rooted grants committee.

Nonprofit charitable organizations supporting community development, education, workforce, or financial capability programs in New York can apply for KeyBank Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help strengthen affordable housing, small business growth, academic and career success, and job readiness in communities across its retail banking footprint.

New York 501(c)(3) organizations working on community, housing, social services, education, health, or historic preservation projects can seek funding for programs or capital needs. FJ Brotherton Charitable Trust primarily supports charitable work across the northeastern to southeastern U.S., with grants restricted to activities within the country.

About Us

The mission of Empire State Development (“ESD”) is to promote a vigorous, inclusive and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, local economies across New York State through the efficient use of loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development, marketing, and other forms of assistance. 

FAST-NY

Under New York’s FAST NY Shovel-Ready Grant Program, Empire State Development will provide up to $400 million in grants to prepare and develop sites statewide to jumpstart New York’s shovel-readiness and increase its attractiveness to large employers, including high-tech manufacturing, particularly semiconductor manufacturing, interstate distribution and logistics businesses. The program will help diversify New York State’s economy while propelling new investments for businesses, communities and job creation.

Overview

Under the Program, ESD provides grants for pre-development activities and infrastructure investments to develop sites that will attract many eligible industries —including, but need not be limited to, high-tech manufacturing, clean-tech renewable energy, life sciences, agribusiness, optics, transportation equipment, materials processing, industrial machinery manufacturing and other advanced manufacturing. These sites can also be used for interstate distribution and logistics. However, ESD may give priority to semiconductor manufacturing projects and related industry and supply chain projects. The Program further provides ESD the ability to award a “FAST NY Shovel-Ready Certification,” for sites that meet high standards of shovel readiness, to support and enhance their marketing efforts to attract many more industries. 

Track A - FAST NY Shovel-Ready Certification 

• This no-cost designation by ESD for site-marketing purposes establishes that the applicant has worked proactively with New York State (the “State”) to address all major permitting issues prior to a business expressing interest in the location. 

Track B - FAST NY Pre-Development Grants  

• Working capital grants of up to $500,000 per site will be awarded to fund the cost of necessary pre-development site planning and reviews for future shovel-ready sites.  
• Grants will fund necessary costs to assist grantees in completing pre-development activities, such as those required for FAST NY Shovel-Ready Certification. 

Track C - FAST NY Infrastructure Improvements  

• Capital grants will be awarded to improve the shovel-readiness of existing, mature sites by funding infrastructure improvements such as water, sewer, transportation, electricity, gas and other capital-eligible site improvement costs.  
• Competitive grant awards will be available to sites that have substantially met the requirements of FAST NY Shovel-Ready certification. 

M&T Charitable Foundation 

Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve. During our 165-year history, we evolved with the needs of our locations, and are guided by a leadership team that holds us accountable.

Adapting to the needs of our neighbors means finding new solutions and sharing the Research & Insights we learn along the way. We support local organizations by volunteering our time and reinvesting in our community.

M&T Charitable Foundation Community Sponsorship Program

At M&T Bank we are building a stronger community - together. Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve.

Community Sponsorships enable us to partner with nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in the regions we operate.

Our goal is to make meaningful community-based contributions and to work closely with the organizations we support beyond a financial commitment. At M&T Bank, we consider supporting sponsorship opportunities that result in a mutually beneficial partnership.

Community and economic revitalization organizations in New York can seek funding for initiatives and events that advance Harlem CDC’s mission through the CERSP Grant Program. Focused on community development and local economic growth, Empire State Development offers grants up to US $40,000 to support projects that strengthen neighborhood economies and services.

Community-based not-for-profit corporations in New York that serve as Neighborhood or Rural Preservation Companies can apply for New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s administrative funding to support housing and community services. Support helps sustain activities like housing preservation and rehabilitation, counseling, accessibility modifications, weatherization, and downtown revitalization that strengthen community development and affordable housing.

New York property owners and developers with contaminated brownfield sites can receive support to clean up and redevelop properties through the Brownfield Cleanup Program. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provides New York community development and revitalization projects with incentives to remediate pollution, encouraging private-sector investment and the renewal of economically blighted areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, government entities, and public or charter schools in New York near the Norfolk Southern network can seek project grants for sustainability, workforce development, and community resiliency initiatives. The Norfolk Southern Foundation’s Thriving Communities Grant Program awards US $1,000 - US $50,000 for community development, revitalization, and basic needs projects, one grant per organization per fiscal year.

Accredited charities running community, social, educational, environmental, or arts programs in New York may be eligible for philanthropic support that advances community development and revitalization. Roche supports high-quality projects in humanitarian and social development, science and education, community and environment, and arts and culture through its Corporate Donations and Philanthropy program, managed via local affiliate offices.

The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Grant supports the Armenian community in Armenia and the U.S., focusing on Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. The Foundation prioritizes education, healthcare, arts, and youth development through grants to registered non-profits. Proposals should demonstrate sustainability and community impact, with favorable consideration given to projects that engage local stakeholders and foster collaboration. Applications are accepted year-round, with a maximum funding limit of $10,000 for operational expenses.

The Hudson Schools Arts and Humanities Fund, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, aims to enrich the educational experience for students and teachers in the Hudson City School District. Since 1987, the foundation has supported community-driven initiatives, encouraging collaboration among teachers, students, and community members. Grants are available for projects that enhance learning without replacing public funding, fostering inclusive opportunities for all, regardless of background or identity.

The Resorts World Gives - New York City, Catskills & Hudson Valley Grant supports registered non-profit organizations aiming for economic and social progress in their communities. With funding up to $50,000 annually, applicants must demonstrate how funds will be used and align with key pillars such as community development and health. Applications are accepted year-round, but must be submitted 3-6 months before the event. For thorough evaluation, applications exceeding $10,000 may require additional review.

The Wright Family Foundation Grant aims to support neighborhood revitalization, job creation, and educational opportunities in Schenectady County, NY. Established in 1997, the foundation focuses on sustainable impact by providing grants of at least $100,000 to eligible organizations. The foundation collaborates with community resources to enhance support for long-term change. Organizations must be tax-exempt and serve the local community effectively to qualify for funding, fostering hope and empowerment for urban youth.

The Helen and Ritter Shumway Foundation Grant aims to support conservation and historic preservation in Rochester, New York, and nearby areas. This grant encourages charitable organizations to submit requests for general operating and program support, particularly focusing on traditionally underserved communities. The foundation, established by Helen S. Mayer, also honors the legacy of her brother, Ritter Shumway, by backing causes they valued. Applications for endowment campaigns or capital projects are typically not accepted.

The Bertin Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the foundation's mission of community strengthening and compassion. Grant requests are accepted annually from July 1 to August 31, focusing on program or project support rather than general endowment. The foundation values measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship, and gives preference to organizations with Gold or Platinum status on Candid.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award honors Jewish high school students in San Diego who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to community service through tikkun olam. Awardees receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to set up a Donor Advised Fund, and a professional video showcasing their project. This award encourages students to create or enhance community initiatives, fostering engagement in social justice and service projects.