Best Community Health Grants in New York

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.

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.

Health-led Community Behavioral Health Crisis Response Pilots Round 2 

The New York State (NYS) Office of Mental Health (OMH) announces the availability of $8M for the expansion and/or creation of health-led community behavioral health crisis response pilot programs consistent with the Daniel's Law Task Force (DLTF) Behavioral Health Crisis Response report established pursuant to Chapter 57 of the laws of 2023 and Chapter 53 of the Laws of 2026. 

The intention of these pilots is to create a crisis response system that prioritizes a health-led response through the utilization of community experts with lived experience to inform a safe, compassionate response for individuals and families in crisis. The development of this system must be in close partnership with the local governmental unit. Every stage and component of the pilot must have significant contribution from persons/families with lived experience. This crisis response system will include a health-led response team component. The DLTF identified a critical need in NYS for trauma-informed, community-based crisis response approaches that prioritize racial equity, cultural humility, and harm reduction for New Yorkers across their lifespans. A health-led response to a behavioral health crisis is the standard being proposed nationwide, with law enforcement collaboration only in situations threatening violence. 

New York organizations improving community health education and health information access can apply for the National Library of Medicine’s Express Health Information Outreach Awards, with grants of US $5,000 for outreach projects. Funding supports health information literacy, technology tools, and partnerships that help underrepresented populations and health professionals find and use reliable biomedical and public health information.

New York 501(c)(3) public charities with budgets over $750,000 can seek funding for direct health and social service programs benefiting poor and underserved residents. Mother Cabrini Health Foundation provides more than US $75,000 for projects improving community health and related needs of priority groups, including immigrants, older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, youth, and low-income families.

Eligible New York organizations running K–12 academic enrichment and community health education programs can apply for the NY Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants, with awards from US $50,000 - US $1,200,000. Funding supports after-school and summer learning, youth development, wellness and prevention activities, and family engagement in students’ education.

Nonprofit 501(c) organizations improving community health, nutrition and food security, healthcare access, STEM education, or climate and nature impacts in New York can apply for the Community Solutions Challenge, with awards up to US $30,000. Grants from Astrazeneca Foundation help advance health equity for historically excluded and disenfranchised populations in eligible U.S. locations.

New York 501(c)(3) public charities with budgets over $750,000 that provide direct health services or related programs for poor and underserved residents can access funding through Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. Grants over More than US $75,000 support affordability, accessibility, capacity, and culturally competent community health and education initiatives across the state.

New York community health and economic resilience organizations can seek funding to improve health outcomes, access to care, and quality of life. Focused on community health and resilience, Highmark supports programs in areas like preventative healthcare, health education, food security, housing stability, workforce readiness, and educational access, with preference for 501(c)(3) organizations.

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 United Way of Southern Chautauqua County Grant offers funding extensions for existing programs through June 2025, focusing on community improvement. Established in 1920, this organization partners with various sectors to enhance quality of life. Their mission mobilizes resources to support individuals and families, aiming for academic success, health independence, and workforce readiness. Grants range from $1,500 to $116,000, with a minimum request of $7,500 for the 2022-2024 cycle. Eligibility is limited to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

Urban Agriculture Resilience Program

In 2020, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) and the American Public Gardens Association (the Association) initiated the Urban Agriculture Resilience Program. Since its inception, the program has supported 131 urban agriculture projects nationwide, promoting public garden participation in collaborations that combine food growing and education while addressing food security challenges facing communities.

Over the program’s six years, we have awarded $2.7 million to 136 projects in 34 states and D.C. These programs have grown and shared over 750,000 pounds of produce, distributed more than 292,000 seedlings, and provided more than 53,000 hours of urban agriculture training to students, interns, and trainees.

2027 Urban Agriculture Resilience Program

The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) and the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) are partnering to support public gardens and their partners to facilitate collaborative urban agriculture, community gardening, and other food-growing projects. Applications for a new cycle will open this fall!

The 2027 Urban Agriculture Resilience Program will comprise a small group of projects seeking to sustain and institutionalize their work. Participants will receive funding to help build their programs.

• Build urban agriculture capacity in public gardens community
• Provide funding ($5,000 to $20,000 per participant/project)
• Share models and lessons learned with the broader community of public gardens

The NNLM CHIS Training Award Year 5 aims to enhance the capabilities of rural and small library staff in providing reliable health information. This initiative not only supports health literacy but also promotes community engagement by enabling awardees to conduct CHIS classes. By utilizing existing materials, participants can present these classes in various formats, ensuring broader access to essential health resources. This award fosters local health information leaders, ultimately improving public health outcomes.

The Greater Rochester Health Foundation's Community Event Fund supports health equity initiatives in a nine-county region. Events eligible for funding include health fairs, athletic fundraisers, and educational community gatherings. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can apply for grants up to $5,000. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and funding is limited for events occurring in Q3. Early applications are encouraged to enhance chances of receiving support.

The NNLM Region 5 Professional Development Award offers funding for individuals at member institutions to enhance their knowledge and skills in health-related areas. This initiative aims to support meetings, workshops, and training that focus on health literacy, public health, and evidence-based practices. By fostering professional development, the NNLM seeks to improve healthcare services and access to health information across various communities, ultimately contributing to better public health outcomes.

The nccPA Health Foundation's Oral Health - Community Outreach Grant offers up to $2,500 for PA-led initiatives that enhance oral health awareness and treatment. Open to certified PAs, PA students, and organizations, this grant aims to empower applicants to bridge healthcare gaps in oral health. Applications are accepted year-round, promoting continuous engagement in advancing community health. This initiative highlights the vital role of PAs in enhancing access to oral healthcare services.

The SHAPE America Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to health and physical education, ensuring these fields remain central to educational programs. This prestigious award honors dedicated professionals, including educators and leaders, who have demonstrated exemplary commitment and leadership in promoting physical activity, health education, and related disciplines. Through their efforts, they enhance the quality of education and the well-being of students across the nation.

This funding opportunity by the FDA aims to enhance education and public awareness regarding the risks associated with skin lightening products, such as hydroquinone. The initiative encourages innovative, community-based strategies that engage stakeholders in promoting health equity. Proposals should focus on outreach activities that strengthen the scientific understanding of these products while addressing public health concerns. This is a vital step in ensuring safer use and informed consumer choices.

The AMA Foundation Section Involvement Grant Program supports local campus section leaders at medical schools in enhancing student recruitment and engagement. Grants can provide up to $1,500 per year, with specific allocations for recruitment and community service activities. Examples of supported activities include organization fairs, public health lectures, and community workshops. This initiative aims to foster student involvement and empower local AMA sections to address important health topics within their communities.

The Curriculum and Instruction Honor Award, presented by SHAPE America, recognizes outstanding contributions to health and physical education curriculum research. This prestigious award highlights the importance of effective instructional practices that prepare students for active and healthy lives. Award recipients are selected based on their scholarship in health education and physical education, demonstrating commitment to excellence since the organization's founding in 1885. SHAPE America advocates for quality education and promotes the well-being of preK-12 students across the United States.

The Harry S. Black & Allon Fuller Fund Grant, established in 1930, aims to enhance healthcare access and human services for underserved populations in New York City and Chicago. It supports initiatives in health education and policy advocacy, particularly for low-income communities. The fund also prioritizes programs for individuals with physical disabilities. However, it does not fund projects focused on medical research or mental health services, nor does it consider requests for endowment campaigns or capital projects.

With a mission to support programs for African American children and families, Jack and Jill of America Foundation provides New York community health organizations with funding for physical and mental wellness initiatives. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, fiscally sponsored projects, and public agencies can seek up to US $10,000 for prevention education, care access, and mental health support programs.

New York community health education nonprofits with at least one year of outcomes can access funding through the H Hovnanian Family Foundation for projects in public health, emergency response, and related education initiatives. U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations, including schools and churches, may receive up to US $10,000, with preference for work benefiting New Jersey communities.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning community wellness, health education, or fitness events can access funding through Better Health Together, with awards up to US $5,000. Eligible organizations may request support for one sponsorship per year, including multiple events, and should apply at least 6–8 weeks before the event date.

Undergraduate students majoring in school-based health education at accredited colleges or universities in New York and other U.S. locations can receive a $1,000 Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship for any educational or personal use. New York community health education students who meet GPA and full-time enrollment requirements may benefit from this Society of Health and Physical Educators award.

Master’s students in school-based health education programs at accredited colleges or universities in New York and other U.S. locations can receive the Barbara A. Cooley Master’s Scholarship to support their studies. Society of Health and Physical Educators provides this $1,000 award plus a one-year complimentary SHAPE America student membership.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups improving community health in New York’s Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, or Westchester counties can apply for Affinity Legacy’s one-time grants of US $25,000 - US $1,000,000. Funding supports mental health, food insecurity, reentry services, and community health education and workforce advancement programs for underserved communities.

New York community health and education organizations can access funding through AES Hawaii Foundation for programs in community health education, social justice, workforce development, environmental stewardship, and resilience. Eligible projects must serve communities within the foundation’s geographic focus areas or have statewide impact, demonstrate measurable community benefit, and align with at least one of its four impact pillars.