Best Grants for Capital Funding in New York

New York State Council on the Arts

NYSCA upholds the right of all New Yorkers to experience the vital contributions the arts make to our communities, education, economic development and quality of life. NYSCA funding supports the visual, literary, media and performing arts and includes dedicated support for arts education and underserved communities. NYSCA further advances New York's creative culture by hosting convenings with leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources.

Our Mission: To foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all.

State of the Arts Fellowship

The State of the Arts Fellowship is a new initiative of Governor Hochul to embed artists within New York State agencies to use their creative and collaborative arts practices to develop inspired solutions to pressing social and civic questions.

The Fellowship aims to foster collaboration between artists and public agencies, creating new avenues for communication and connection across geographic, cultural, and political boundaries, and to highlight the potential for innovative, cross-disciplinary solutions that are both creative and impactful for communities. Artists are vital to New York as creative problem solvers, socially engaged individuals, and storytellers who humanize societal challenges through their work.

NYSCA will place one (1) artist fellow at each of three (3) host agencies to address important solve-for questions at the core each agency’s public service mission.

Each fellowship will vary greatly in concept, scope, duration, and populations engaged. Artists who can maneuver through different situations and populations are encouraged to apply. Successes will be driven by the openness of the host agencies and the artist-led, collaborative process provided by the State of the Arts Fellowship program framework.

Meland Foundation Nursing Scholarship

The Meland Foundation grants funding for scholarships to nurses in the NJ-NY-CT-PA area with BSN degrees wishing to pursue Nurse Practitioner, MSN, and DNP degrees with a pediatric specialty and who share the vision of the Foundation.

The Meland Foundation — founded by a beloved pediatrician who built a successful family medical practice in Northern New Jersey — provides and supports inspirational and informational programs to enhance the ability of families to care for loved ones and to provide hope to patients and their caregivers.

The amount of each nursing scholarship is between $2,000 and $5,000.

Scholarships are granted annually.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invites proposals for grants ranging from $75,000 to $500,000. These funds aim to support on-the-ground conservation projects that enhance vital fish and wildlife habitats within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Up to $8.5 million in funding is available, contingent on resources.

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program, led by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), invites proposals for Planning and Technical Assistance Grants up to $75,000. This initiative focuses on enhancing conservation and stewardship efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, supporting local partners in effective project implementation. With an estimated $8.5 million available, applicants are encouraged to engage with NFWF staff for proposal guidance and feedback to strengthen their submissions.

The Edna A. Lauterbach Scholarship, established by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports non-traditional age nurses in New York State seeking business-related education to enhance their skills. Since 1968, CFGCR has empowered generous individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities. This scholarship honors Edna A. Lauterbach, a dedicated RN and former leader in healthcare, ensuring that registered and licensed practical nurses can continue their professional development.

New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is responsible for coordinating services for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, Prader-Willi syndrome and other neurological impairments. We provide services directly and through a network of approximately 450 nonprofit service providing agencies.

Community Transition Initiative for People With Developmental Disabilities

OPWDD is working to finalize the 2025-26 Community Transition Initiative for People with Developmental Disabilities. OPWDD will require the submission of a completed attestation from the participating providers.​

A community transitional funding payment will be made by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (“OPWDD”) to qualifying Providers for person(s) they are willing and able to support and who qualify as follows:

Community Transitional Funding Payment of $100,000 for each person who:

• Has completed or will complete by August 2026 their educational program from an approved residential school placement and are unmatched from previously issued Letter of Intent (LOI) and/or Certified Residential Opportunity (CRO) Referrals and will be served in an existing vacant opportunity; and
• Has been reviewed and approved by the Regional Office.

Community Transitional Funding Payment of $200,000 for each person who:

• Has been deemed ready for discharge from an Intensive Treatment Facility (ITO), is on the CRO list, is unmatched with a provider and will be served in an existing vacant opportunity;
• Has been in the hospital as of 12/31/25 and been deemed ready for discharge, is on the CRO list, is unmatched with a provider and will be served in an existing vacant opportunity; or
• Is a Willowbrook class member who has been discharged to a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) and has indicated a desire to return to the community and will be served in an existing facility.
• All people must be reviewed and approved by the Regional Office.

The Josh Allyn Scholarship, established by Josh Allyn, provides financial support to students from specific districts in New York who plan to pursue a degree in agriculture, food science, or engineering, or come from farming families. This scholarship is renewable for up to four years, contingent upon maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 and proof of enrollment. Scholarships play a crucial role in advancing educational equity and opportunities for students in the region.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Special Education, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for U.S. students pursuing degrees in Special Education. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to continue their studies into the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship supports students with various disabilities, ensuring that education is accessible and equitable for all.

The Hillrom Scholarship Fund, established by Hillrom/Welch Allyn, aims to support the educational aspirations of graduating seniors who are children or grandchildren of employees from the Skaneateles Falls facility. This initiative promotes equitable access to education, particularly for students pursuing studies in STEAM fields at accredited colleges or universities. By focusing on academic excellence and community involvement, the fund seeks to empower future leaders and enhance opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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.

Anna and Lester Swang and Margaret Swang Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide scholarship support to graduating high school seniors planning to attend and undergraduate students attending SUNY Potsdam.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $10,000; paid as $2,500 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Renewability

This scholarship is renewable up to three times for a total of up to four awards in four consecutive years. Award renewability varies per recipient:

• Graduating high school seniors receive awards that are renewable for a total of four awards in four consecutive years;
• College freshman receive awards that are renewable for a total of three awards in three consecutive years;
• College sophomores receive awards that are renewable for a total of two awards in two consecutive years; and

College juniors receive one-time awards that are not renewable.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Veterinary Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for students pursuing veterinary studies at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This opportunity supports diverse applicants and emphasizes community service, reflecting UNICO's commitment to Italian American heritage and educational advancement.

The NYSCA/NYFA Community Arts Leaders Program provides essential support for 45 nonprofit arts organizations in New York State. This program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts, offers workshops on governance, marketing, and fundraising, along with personalized coaching to address specific growth challenges. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)3 status and an operating budget under $1.5 million, with a focus on rural and BIPOC-led groups encouraged to apply.

New York State Grown & Certified Cooperative Marketing Program

The Department, with partial funding through a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service, invites to apply for funding through the New York State Grown & Certified Cooperative Marketing Program. Funding will help increase producer sales through marketing and promotion efforts.

The NYS Grown & Certified Program is a voluntary certification program for New York State agricultural producers that adopt food safety standards and enroll in an environmental management program.   

A total of $500,000 in funding is available. Funding requests shall not exceed $10,000. Awards will be distributed for new marketing and promotional projects that create lasting and meaningful exposure of NYS G&C to consumers. Applicants must participate in the NYS G&C program and have signed a licensing agreement. 

The NYSCA - A.R.T./New York Creative Opportunity Fund, administered by the Bronx Council on the Arts, offers crucial operating support grants of $2,000-$5,000 to small professional theatres in New York State. Aimed at enhancing cultural equity, this program targets theatres with budgets under $500,000, enabling them to overcome barriers to funding. By prioritizing organizations that have historically faced challenges, the fund promotes diversity and strengthens the artistic community across the state.

Rochester Area Community Foundation

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.

Cuvelier Family Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1995 by Elinor M. Cuvelier, a longtime resident of Wayne County, in honor of her family.

Purpose of Scholarship

• To provide scholarships to high school seniors in Wayne County who will be attending a four-year college or university.

Award Details

• Number of recipients and individual total award amounts vary annually. Award paid over four years of study in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. 
• Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.
• This scholarship is renewable up to three times for a total of four awards in four consecutive years.

The Andrew M. Greller Graduate Student Research Award, established by the Torrey Botanical Society, supports graduate students conducting research on local flora and ecosystems within 100 miles of New York City. This award, honoring Dr. Andrew M. Greller, provides $1,000 annually to assist with field and laboratory work costs, fostering conservation efforts and advancing the understanding of plant life in urban environments.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

Harkness Foundation for Dance

The Harkness Foundation for Dance is a private grant-making foundation dedicated to invigorating and supporting the dance art form, predominantly in New York City. Since its inception the Foundation has contributed significantly to the dance field, extending grants to over 660 organizations and fiscally-sponsored artists. The Harkness Board of Trustees meets three times annually to consider proposals. The Foundation stands in solidarity with social and racial justice work in the dance field, and we are committed to ongoing evaluation of equitable practices in our grantmaking.

There are four major areas of support:

• Dance creation
• Dance presentation
• Dance education
• Dance medicine/other services to the dance field

Project Grants

Project grants provide targeted support for specific projects. Pilot projects and collaborative projects involving multiple organizations may also be considered.

The Hudson River Fund Research Grant, provided by the Hudson River Foundation, aims to support innovative research that explores the complex interactions within the Hudson River ecosystem. This grant focuses on projects that are scientifically significant and relevant to public policy and resource management in the Hudson River watershed. Established in 1981, the Foundation seeks to enhance public access and understanding of the River's ecological systems while promoting sound environmental policies.

The FDC Foundation, established in 2008, is a private non-profit dedicated to providing grants to 501(c)(3) public charities across three main areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, and Housing. The foundation supports initiatives that improve nutrition, assist diabetic individuals, enhance early childhood development, and promote housing opportunities for those in need. However, it does not fund for-profit entities or international organizations, nor does it provide grants for specific excluded purposes.

The NYSCA Reserve Fund Grants (RFG) aim to provide financial support to nonprofit arts organizations in New York State, helping them establish or enhance reserve funds. With grant amounts ranging from $10,000 to $75,000, eligible organizations must have a budget under $3 million and have received NYSCA funding in the past three years. The initiative addresses industry volatility, offering not only funds but also supplementary services to ensure long-term sustainability.

RFP #237: Extended School Day / School Violence Prevention Grant 2026-2031

Purpose

Pursuant to New York State Education Law §2814: Omnibus school violence prevention grant program, the primary purpose of the Extended School Day/School Violence Prevention (ESD/SVP) Program is to award competitive grants to provide support to students through extended school day activities and/or school safety programs that promote violence prevention. Programs must demonstrate consistency with the school safety plans required by §2801-a of New York State Education Law and should not displace existing school district after-school funding. 

Under State Education Department bill S4598D, school-based and school-affiliated anti-gun and anti-violence programs are now eligible as school safety activities under this grant. Public school districts and not-for-profit organizations working in collaboration with a public school district(s) may submit an application to conduct either an ESD program or an SVP program.

The Spencer Fellowship for Education Reporting at Columbia Journalism School offers journalists and educators the opportunity to develop impactful long-form journalism projects. With residential and non-residential options, selected fellows receive mentorship, financial support, and access to resources. This prestigious fellowship encourages innovative education journalism, enabling fellows to deepen their expertise while contributing to public understanding of educational issues. The program fosters collaboration and creativity, ensuring a diverse range of voices and perspectives in education reporting.

The Transformative Youth Justice Hubs initiative by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services aims to establish four collaborative hubs to enhance youth justice systems. With $4 million funding, each hub will receive approximately $1 million over three years, focusing on community-driven solutions and coordination of resources. This program emphasizes prevention, justice, and youth well-being, ensuring that local communities can effectively address barriers to support youth in achieving their full potential.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.