Best Grants for Capital Funding in New York

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

The Empire State Trail Town Program, managed by Parks & Trails New York, aims to transform communities along the iconic Empire State Trail into vibrant, trail-friendly destinations. Through expert guidance, the program supports local initiatives to enhance outdoor recreation, promote tourism, and strengthen community identities as trail towns. Applications for the 2026 round are now open, inviting eligible cities, villages, and towns to unlock the economic potential of outdoor recreation along this renowned trail.

NY PLAYS: Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization

Recognizing that Playgrounds promote physical activity, exercise, and building friendships – and that research shows outdoor play supports emotional well-being – Governor Hochul announced the New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) Initiative. This new competitive grant program will support the design, construction, and renovation of Playgrounds that are open to the public in Communities across the State.

NY PLAYS is overseen by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (“NYS OPRHP”) and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (“DASNY”). 

The Appalachian Landscapes Project Catalyst Grant supports climate-informed planning for land protection and stewardship in the Appalachian region. With funding up to $20,000 available, the grant aims to enhance community resilience and promote strategic land conservation efforts. Eligible applicants include land trusts, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities. Projects should prioritize broad-scale conservation planning and engage local communities to ensure specific benefits are achieved within a 12-18 month timeframe.

Lake Champlain Basin Program

Mission

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) coordinates and funds efforts that benefit the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources, in partnership with government agencies from New York, Vermont, and Québec, private organizations, local communities, and individuals.

Artist-in-Residence Programs

New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (“NEIWPCC”), is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Artist-in-Residence (AiR) programs in the Lake Champlain Basin. The aim of this process is to invite a wide range of innovative and effective projects and further the goals of Opportunities for Action: An Evolving Plan for the Future of the Lake Champlain Basin. The intent of this funding opportunity is to support development of sustainable Artist-in-Residence programs that will recruit artists to obtain and use scientific data, cultural trends, or historical facts to increase interpretation of natural resources within the Lake Champlain basin.

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.

Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) 

Grant Description

The Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program is a competitive, statewide reimbursement grant program open to local governments and not-for-profit corporations to implement projects that directly improve water quality or habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source. This funding is for construction/implementation projects, not projects that are exclusively for planning.

Maximum funding awards vary by project type. Program priorities and requirements are also subject to change from year to year. The typical annual funding available for the WQIP program is at least $75 million.

Grant funds are available for up to 75% of the application budget. Applicants must provide the remaining 25% in match funds. Additional information regarding eligible forms of match (eligible costs) is provided under each project type. 

Eligible Project Types

Funding is available for the following project types: 1) Wastewater Treatment Improvement; 2) Nonagricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control; 3) Vacuum Trucks in Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Areas; 4) Land Acquisition for Source Water Protection; 5) Salt Storage and Road Salt Reduction; 6) Dam Safety Repair/Rehabilitation and Removal; 7) Aquatic Connectivity; 8) Marine District Habitat Restoration; 9) Fish and Wildlife Habitat Restoration and Enhancement; 10) Landfill Leachate Treatment

Landfill Leachate Treatment

Project Type Description

Funding is available for projects to treat landfill leachate for contaminants, including but not limited to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), at municipally-owned active municipal solid waste landfills or active construction and demolition debris landfills with leachate collection systems.

The New York Peer Specialist Independent Practice Association (IPA) aims to enhance collaboration and professional development for the peer specialist workforce in New York. Funded by the New York State Office of Mental Health, the IPA will support organizations in identifying shared goals, staying informed on industry trends, and fostering strong relationships. An annual award of $485,000 is available for five years, with an additional $100,000 in the first year for startup costs.

New York State Department of Labor

DOL’s mission is to provide outstanding services to our customers - the workers and businesses that call New York home. We help New Yorkers find the careers they will love by connecting them to employment, training, and up-skilling opportunities. We build and support New York’s businesses, helping them find qualified workers and keeping them informed about tools and incentives to make their businesses thrive. We empower and protect New York’s workers by supporting the unemployed and by ensuring all workers have a safe workplace where they receive a fair wage.

New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Office of Just Energy Transition (OJET) Growing the Clean Energy Workforce – Electric Vehicles (GCEW-EV)

Description 

The Growing the Clean Energy Workforce – Electric Vehicles (GCEW-EV) Request for Applications (RFA) will provide funding to eligible organizations to expand or create training or pre-apprenticeship programs in EV (light, medium, & heavy-duty) repair and maintenance, EV charging station repair and maintenance, and/or EV fleet maintenance, and provide wraparound services to participants in these programs.

Projects must expand or create training or pre-apprenticeship programs in:

• EV and fleet repair and maintenance; and/or
• EV charging station repair and maintenance.

For this program, there is a minimum requirement that 35% of enrolled program participants must be individuals residing in Disadvantaged Communities (DACs), as defined by the Climate Justice Working Group (CJWG), to be eligible for funding. Applicants will be required to submit the DAC Attestation Form (Attachment DAC) stating that this requirement will be met.

Tuition and other fees may not be charged to the individuals served under this funding opportunity.

The Fence Authority Scholarship offers a $1,000 award to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fields that enhance community beautification, such as architecture, civil engineering, and environmental sciences. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, and involved in community service. This scholarship aims to empower students to contribute positively to society while furthering their education in impactful disciplines.

The JFNY Grant for Arts & Cultural Exchange supports U.S. non-profit organizations aiming to enhance understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Eligible projects include performances, workshops, and exhibitions, with priority given to those with additional funding and in areas with limited access to cultural events. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior for online projects and three months for others. The grant covers expenses like travel, publicity, and artist fees, and is reimbursed upon project completion.

The MGM Resorts Foundation Community Grant Fund supports nonprofit agencies providing essential services in areas such as affordable housing, education, and health. Grants are awarded for a one-year period and focus on regions where MGM Resorts employees live and work. Eligible applicants must comply with diversity policies and serve individuals or families. The foundation does not fund governmental agencies or projects exclusively for medical research. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted support.

Brooklyn Brewery is committed to supporting local communities through event donations. They have a rich history of partnering with various organizations, including Prospect Park Alliance and Brooklyn Museum, to enhance community welfare. Interested parties can apply for donations for their events to further their causes, focusing on areas such as arts, health, education, and social justice. This initiative reflects the brewery's dedication to being a responsible corporate citizen.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

About

Building a community of journalists committed to better health care reporting.

We believe accurate, contextual and balanced health care reporting is more important than ever.

People depend on health care stories to make life-altering decisions every day.

AHCJ International Health Study Fellowships

A fellowship for experienced journalists with a focus on international health.

In comparing the U.S. health care system to its global counterparts, journalists traveling to different countries as part of the AHCJ International Fellowship program can produce projects that provide valuable insights that can help inform policy decisions, improve health care outcomes and contribute to the ongoing evolution of health care systems worldwide.

Through the AHCJ International Health Study Fellowships, supported by The Commonwealth Fund, you can pursue a story or project comparing a facet of the U.S. health care system to that of another country. 

For 2027, the focus will be on the U.K. and France in comparison with the U.S. health care system. You’ll pursue the projects with the support of your newsrooms or arranged outlets, which commit to publish or air the work.

This fellowship allows highly experienced journalists to maintain their regular employment while working to evaluate a key component of the health care system, a health outcome, access, performance, providers, efficiency or other focal point over a six-month period.

That period allows for preparatory time, a site visit to the chosen European country, interviews and information gathering, as well as follow-up and writing time. Guidance is provided through seminars, conference calls and consultations with AHCJ fellowship leaders, a mentor and exposure to various topic experts.

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 William E. & Maude S. Pritchard Charitable Trust Grant supports community development, health care, education, environmental conservation, and social services in Suffolk and Nassau Counties, New York. Established in memory of William E. Pritchard in 1982, it primarily funds project and capacity building initiatives. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, and proposals from research institutions are welcome. Funding is not available for individuals or private foundations.

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 Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) is offering approximately $12 million in grants to enhance the health and living resources of Long Island Sound. Managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. EPA and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS), this initiative seeks innovative proposals to support environmental restoration efforts, leveraging major funding from various agencies and foundations.

About PCORI

PCORI funds patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER).

Our Mission

PCORI helps people make informed healthcare decisions, and improves healthcare delivery and outcomes, by producing and promoting high-integrity, evidence-based information that comes from research guided by patients, caregivers, and the broader healthcare community.

Broad Pragmatic Studies PCORI Funding

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA), seeking to fund patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. 

Research Initiative Highlights

CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences.

Special Areas of Emphasis

For Cycle 2 2026, PCORI is particularly interested in submissions that address the following Special Areas of Emphasis (SAE) within the BPS funding opportunity. The purpose of identifying these SAEs is to encourage submissions to these areas, rather than limiting submissions to these topics. Applicants addressing one of the below SAEs should identify the area that is best associated with their research approach:  

• Addressing Obesity
• Diabetes Prevention, Care and Treatment
• Management of Urogynecological and Pelvic Pain
• Pain Management for Individuals Living With Sickle Cell Disease

In PCORI-funded research, patients and other research partners are expected to meaningfully contribute their lived experience or professional expertise to ensure studies are patient-centered, relevant and useful for healthcare decision making. Applicants must address PCORI’s Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research — an evidence-based framework supported by tools and resources to guide effective engagement strategies. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to consider the inclusion of a broad range of patient-centered burdens and economic outcomes. 

Broad Pragmatic Studies PFA: Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 Study Specifications

PCORI will commit up to $120 million in direct costs through this funding opportunity. This funding opportunity contains three categories for funding:

• Category 1: Category 1 will support research projects with direct costs up to and including $5 million.

• Category 2: Category 2 will support research projects with direct costs greater than $5 million and up to a maximum of $12 million. Applications for funding under Category 2 will be required to provide additional information in the Letter of Intent (LOI) and application to justify the size and scope of the proposed research projects and to explain how additional funds are necessary with respect to the scale, scope and complexity of personnel and material resources needed to address the research question.

• Category 3: Category 3 will support research projects with direct costs up to $12 million that utilize PCORnet® to conduct observational studies and/or pragmatic trials that are national in scale. Category 3 PCORnet Studies® must include two or more Clinical Research Networks and share study progress, performance metrics and best practices with the network to promote continuous learning and improvement. PCORnet Studies® will leverage the PCORnet Common Data Model® as appropriate. Additional details about Category 3 can be found on the PCORI website.  

Service Objects In-Kind Grants support non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. By leveraging their data validation services, they aim to assist projects that promote ecological health and responsible resource management. The program prioritizes applications with clear, measurable objectives and impactful outcomes within one to three years. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. are eligible, while initiatives lacking detailed plans or focusing on generalized education will not qualify. This grant fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

The Norfolk Southern Trades on Track SkillPointe Scholarship offers $5,000 scholarships for students pursuing trades education related to the rail industry. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution and focused on railway-related trades. With over 1,000 scholarships funded and a mission to close the skills gap, this initiative empowers individuals towards high-demand careers without requiring a four-year degree, ultimately strengthening the workforce and economy.

Scholarship Rule and Application

Mission/Purpose:

Through this scholarship program, The Women’s Council of Realtors Tri-County NY Network aims to raise the level of knowledge, professionalism and leadership of REALTORS® in the communities we serve.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Seminarian Studies, funded by UNICO Foundation Inc, offers four scholarships worth $1,000 each to full-time seminarians attending accredited Catholic seminaries in the U.S. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and either reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor. This scholarship supports the educational journey of seminarians, reflecting UNICO's commitment to serving the community and promoting Italian American heritage.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Kathleen McElligott Hall Memorial Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to students in upstate New York State to continue their education in the field of nursing.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $3,000; paid as $1,000 per year for up to three consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established as a tribute to Kathy after her untimely death from cancer at the age of 50. A graduate of Mercy High School, Kathy went on receive a degree in nursing. She was a member of the Legal Nurses Association, employed by the New York State Health Department, and provided medical consultations to many local attorneys. In addition to being an excellent nurse, Kathy was a devoted wife and mother, and a true friend to all who knew her.

The Aimlee Laderman Student Grant, offered by the Society for Ecological Restoration, supports emerging professionals in ecological restoration research. Established in 2005, this biennial grant is dedicated to Aimlee Laderman, a founding member of SER-NE. Applicants must be enrolled in or recently graduated from a relevant program, and their work must be completed by August 30, 2024. The next application cycle is anticipated in early 2025.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. We work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

RESTORE Program

The Residential Emergency Services to Offer (Home) Repairs to the Elderly (RESTORE) program provides financial resources to assist senior citizen homeowners aged sixty and over with the cost of addressing emergencies and code violations that pose a threat to their health and safety or affect the livability of their home. Assistance with the cost of these critical repairs will enable seniors to continue to live independently in their homes. The funds made available in this RFA are appropriated 2026-27 NYS State Budget funds.

Eligible applicants for the RESTORE programs are units of local government and not for-profit corporations that have been providing relevant service to the community for at least one year prior to application.