Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Graduate Education Fund: AUKUS Scholarships, established by the American Australian Association, supports American and Australian citizens pursuing full-time graduate studies in security, technology, and diplomacy. With up to $40,000 in funding for tuition and living expenses, this scholarship encourages innovative research in critical fields, particularly in relation to the AUKUS initiative. Applications are open biannually, fostering educational exchange and collaboration between the two nations.

The Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas (MCFA) supports environmental initiatives across the Americas, focusing on biodiversity conservation, environmental education, justice, and sustainable development. They prioritize programs that align with these aims, particularly those involving 501(c)(3) organizations. MCFA seeks to empower marginalized communities, promote ecological stewardship, and encourage sustainable economic practices, ensuring that environmental burdens are shared equitably across all communities.

The Dementia CAReS Grants aim to enhance the lives of American Indian and Alaska Native communities facing dementia challenges. This initiative provides mini-grants, training, and support to foster multi-disciplinary networks and promote local health practices. By documenting success stories and implementing evaluation plans, the program seeks to drive innovation and improve care outcomes across Tribal and Urban Indian settings. Communities are encouraged to engage collaboratively for meaningful impact.

The TURTLE Program aims to empower Tribal Entities by fostering a skilled workforce in biomedical research. It supports undergraduate and graduate students in health research, ensuring they complete their degrees and transition into impactful careers. With phased awards, the program emphasizes effective training and mentoring, inviting eligible organizations to apply. Applications will undergo NIH's peer-review process, ensuring only the most meritorious proposals are funded, ultimately enhancing Tribal health research capabilities.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions Vernon D. Lucy III Scholarship, offers a $5000 award to undergraduate students pursuing careers in the water sector. Established by the American Water Works Association, this scholarship honors the mentorship of Vernon D. Lucy III and aims to support the next generation of water industry professionals. Eligible candidates must demonstrate interest in water-related fields, underscoring AWWA's commitment to fostering future leaders.

The AWWA Scholarships Program, led by the American Water Works Association, aims to support the future of the water industry by investing in students. The Mueller Water Products Continuing Education Scholarship awards $5,000 to an undergraduate student employed by a water utility, emphasizing the importance of practical experience in education. This scholarship not only aids financial needs but also encourages students to pursue careers in water supply, fostering growth in this vital sector.

The Community Experts Fund Grant, provided by the Peter & Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, aims to improve the lives of young people facing mental health and developmental challenges in targeted counties. With $350,000 available in 2025, the fund emphasizes mentoring initiatives that empower youth-driven goals. By strengthening existing programs, it seeks to build capacity and support young individuals through quality one-on-one mentoring, distinct from traditional case management, addressing the pressing needs of this vulnerable population.

About The Community Foundation

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a community-based social impact investor whose mission is to engage, invest, and lead—working toward a vision of community vibrancy with opportunity for all. Our team of experienced staff and dedicated trustees is committed to boldly leading and supporting transformational community investments. We channel charitable contributions from donors through nonprofit partners that are meeting current community needs and steward community resources responsibly to ensure greater capacity for the future.

Helpful Harvest Grant Round

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties will host its Helpful Harvest Grant Round to help Herkimer and Oneida County nonprofits address food insecurity this holiday season. The Community Foundation is seeking applications from human service organizations whose primary operation is a food pantry, soup kitchen or shelter that provides pantry items or meals to residents.

The HEAL Initiative offers Career Development Awards in Implementation Science for Substance Use Prevention and Treatment (K01), targeting early career researchers and clinicians. This program emphasizes training in implementation science methods to tackle opioid use disorder and enhance recovery support services. By fostering expertise in these areas, the initiative aims to combat the overdose crisis and cultivate future leaders in addiction research and clinical practice.

Who We Are - CAP Foundation

Mission

Our mission is to improve people’s health by:

• Developing tomorrow’s pathology leaders through awards for advanced training, research, and education.
• Mobilizing pathologists to expand health equity in medically underserved communities within the US and globally.

Vision

Our vision is that pathologists are equipped to bridge health disparities and enhance outcomes globally.

CAP Foundation History

For over 50 years, the CAP Foundation has granted millions of dollars to support pathology education, research, training, and travel grants, with the purpose to:

• Enhance the role of the pathologist in the provision of medical care.
• Advance pathology through the education of the medical community.
• Encourage the clinical application of research developments.

Our Core Values

• Advancement: We are committed to pushing the boundaries of pathology and patient care through scholarships, grants, and educational programs.
• Collaboration: Through effective partnerships, we significantly enhance our capacity to fulfill our mission.
• Excellence: We are dedicated to achieving the highest standards in pathology education, research, and community service.
• Service: Service reflects our core mission of improving health equity by providing access to healthcare and pathology expertise, particularly in underserved communities.

Presidential Pathology Scholarship

This scholarship allows the sitting CAP President to personally support educational creativity, expand awareness of pathology, and connect communities through the CAP Foundation’s mission to develop tomorrow’s pathology leaders. This scholarship is established in honor of each sitting CAP President, as a commitment to the CAP Foundation’s efforts to advance the specialty by supporting creative projects that encourage interest in or expand the reach of pathology. Up to two scholarships will be supported each year. Ranging from $500-$1,500 per awardee, to be used toward the selected project(s).

Each year the sitting CAP President will select a focus area to support based on at least one of the CAP Foundation’s Five (5) Pillars. CAP Foundation Five Pillars:

• Global: Expands global pathology access, capacity, training, and equity.
• Future Leaders: Builds pipeline through learning, leadership, mentorship, and awards.
• Ethics, Research, Innovation: Advances ethical practice, discovery, innovation, and diagnostic excellence.
• Advanced Training: Delivers specialized skills through grants, workshops, and roundtables.
• Community Engagement: Increases visibility and connection with patients, partners, and the public.

The NRF Foundation Bright Futures Scholarship provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to attend the 2026 NRF Foundation Student Program in New York City at no cost. This need-based scholarship allows students to explore career paths in the retail industry, meet leading recruiters, and gain insights from industry executives. Eligible students can receive free travel and accommodation for this enriching experience, which takes place from January 8-11, 2026.

The See, Test & Treat Grant offers vital funding for cancer screening and health education programs targeting medically underserved communities. This pathologist-led initiative aims to reduce healthcare barriers, empower preventive care, and connect patients with local resources. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $50,000 over three years, fostering sustainable health improvements. The program emphasizes same-day results for screenings and culturally appropriate education, ensuring equitable access to essential healthcare services.

The Walking Classroom Grant Program, offered by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, enables classroom teachers in public schools to receive donated materials for their students. This innovative program promotes physical activity while maintaining instructional time through engaging podcasts. Ideal for grades 3-8, it enhances cognitive function and retention. Schools with the greatest need, both socioeconomically and academically, are prioritized, ensuring that all students can benefit from this unique educational approach.

The Steven Scott Quinn Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, aims to support Stark County, Ohio residents pursuing higher education in fields such as culinary arts, hospitality, nursing, nutrition, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. This initiative reflects the Foundation's long-standing commitment to enhancing the community through philanthropy and addressing diverse educational needs since its inception in 1963.

The Richard S. Shineman Foundation Strategic Grants focus on enhancing community well-being in Oswego County. Established in honor of Dr. Richard S. Shineman, the foundation supports projects in various areas, including arts, civic benefit, education, and health services. Organizations classified as tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) are encouraged to apply for grants exceeding $10,000, which are reviewed biannually in May and November. A Letter of Inquiry is required for consideration.

The Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP) aims to assist veterans experiencing homelessness by providing tailored employment services. This federal initiative focuses on helping veterans transition to stable employment through job training, case management, and connections to local supportive services. HVRP aligns with national priorities to enhance career outcomes for veterans, ensuring they receive the necessary tools and resources for sustainable employment and integration into the workforce.

The Richard S. Shineman Foundation Community Enrichment Grants support organizations in Oswego County that enhance community well-being. Focused on arts, education, civic improvement, and health services, these grants empower projects that address local needs. With a funding limit of $2,499 and quarterly review cycles, the foundation aims to foster sustainable development and improve the quality of life in the region. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or have a fiscal sponsor.

The Richard S. Shineman Foundation Community Impact Grants support projects enhancing life quality in Oswego County. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000, focusing on various areas including arts, civic improvement, education, and health services. Organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a direct benefit to the community. Applications are reviewed quarterly, providing vital funding to nonprofits aiming for impactful community development.

The Southern NM Down Syndrome Families Scholarship Fund Endowment aims to provide financial support for individuals with Down syndrome pursuing post-secondary education or life skills training at accredited institutions. Managed by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, this scholarship embodies the mission of improving quality of life and fostering educational opportunities for diverse communities. It encourages applicants from various backgrounds, including those with disabilities, to achieve their academic and personal goals.

CDC Foundation

The CDC Foundation helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the public health system save and improve lives by unleashing the power of partnerships to protect the health, safety and security of all communities, everywhere. The CDC Foundation is authorized by Congress to mobilize philanthropic partners, corporations, organizations and individuals to support the critical health protection mission of CDC and the public health system.

The CDC Foundation manages hundreds of programs each year aimed at protecting communities across the country from a variety of health threats—from chronic disease conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer, to infectious diseases like malaria and HIV to emergency responses, such as Ebola and Zika.

Contractor for Implementation and Evaluation of Healthy Native Babies Project Materials

The CDC Foundation invites proposals from Tribes, Tribal Serving Organizations (TSOs), and Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) [T/TSOs/UIOs] to implement and evaluate the implementation of the updated Healthy Native Babies Project (HNBP) materials within their service areas. This initiative aims to strengthen culturally relevant infant safe sleep education, increase community awareness and support Native families in reducing sleep related infant deaths. Selected T/TSOs/UIOs will adapt, disseminate and assess the use of HNBP materials in ways that reflect the cultural, linguistic and community-specific needs of the Native populations they serve.

The Ag Health and Safety Grants, awarded by CHS and the CHS Foundation, aim to enhance agricultural safety and foster community well-being. These grants focus on educating youth and farmers about agricultural hazards, providing training for rural professionals, and developing essential safety guidelines. With a commitment to improving safety standards, the program has benefitted over 32,000 youth and supported more than 450 communities through safety initiatives and equipment, ensuring a safer future for all involved in agriculture.

The Dr. Carol J. Chrisman Nursing Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports registered nurses and nursing students from Ashland County pursuing advanced degrees at Ashland University. This scholarship honors Dr. Chrisman's legacy in nursing and community health, encouraging local nurses to further their education. Eligible applicants include full-time nursing students and those employed in public health within the area, with prior recipients allowed to reapply once.

The Agriculture Innovation Center Grant Program aims to support Agriculture Innovation Centers by providing grants that facilitate technical assistance to agricultural producers. This initiative focuses on enhancing the marketing of value-added agricultural products, ultimately fostering growth in the agricultural sector. Funded by the USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service, this program is designed to empower producers and promote innovation in agricultural practices.

The Stella and Charles Guttman Foundation Grant supports programs for low-income infants, toddlers, and preschoolers transitioning to kindergarten, emphasizing quality improvement and service expansion in high-need neighborhoods. The Foundation aims to build a robust network of education, health, and social services for children from birth through college. With an annual grant budget of approximately $2 million, it prioritizes local organizations in New York City while focusing on high-poverty areas and community-driven strategies.

Pershing Square Lotus Award for Ovarian Cancer Research

The Pershing Square Foundation (PSF) has worked across sectors to catalyze innovative approaches to the most difficult problems. Talented individuals have always been at the center of our approach. We aim to support leaders who transform systems, embrace new paradigms, and have an innate drive to make an impact.

PSF has funded pioneering cancer researchers through the Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance for over a decade and supported women’s health initiatives in New York City. Through this Request for Proposals (RFP), PSF aims to combine these two priority areas of women’s health and cancer to shine a light on one of the most understudied and underfunded cancers—ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer, with 80% of women diagnosed at an advanced stage. Only 27% of women diagnosed during an advanced stage survive for five years. Ovarian cancer remains a disease with a poor prognosis due to limited early detection and treatment options.

PSF supports research efforts by 

• deploying capital quickly, 
• funding high-risk, high-reward ideas, 
• bringing new perspectives into a field, 
• encouraging collaboration, and 
• leveraging our vast network. We challenge our scientific partners to think creatively and across silos, to spur innovation to fight ovarian cancer.

Through the Pershing Square Lotus Award for Ovarian Cancer Research, PSF is looking for investigators who are either already working on a promising project in ovarian cancer or in another type of cancer that could have an impact on ovarian cancer. Grantees each receive $250,000 a year for three years, totaling $750,000.

Researchers who are not studying ovarian cancer are encouraged to apply and required to find a collaborator with experience in ovarian cancer research.

This award aims to 

• inspire investigators with unique expertise to apply their knowledge to ovarian cancer and 
• empower ovarian cancer researchers to pursue their boldest, most innovative ideas. Facing a disease where too few have survived to-date, PSF ultimately aims to create a culture around ovarian cancer that offers women hope, akin to the breast cancer community. PSF is passionate about changing outcomes for tens of thousands of women a year and is hopeful that future scientific discoveries will allow for more survivors who can share their stories for years to come.

The Mobilize Power Fund Grant, offered by the Third Wave Fund, supports youth-led gender justice activism. This rapid response fund targets organizations led by young women of color and LGBTQ+ youth, providing up to $10,000 for urgent needs. It prioritizes groups addressing recent incidents that threaten their work, fostering community power and leadership. Organizations with budgets under $500,000 can apply, aiming for impactful, time-sensitive initiatives that promote social change.

The Indigenous Scholarships: Arts Fund facilitates artistic development for Aboriginal Australian, Torres Strait Islander, Native American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian artists. Offering up to $5,000, it supports projects in each other's countries, with applications due in March and September. Since 2002, over $1 million has been awarded to more than 500 artists, fostering cultural exchange and growth in the arts between Australia and the USA.