Best Grants for Capital Funding in New York

SITKA Ecosystem Grants support projects that enhance ecosystems and promote conservation efforts. These grants encourage both grassroots initiatives and larger organizational projects, aiming to improve habitat restoration, biodiversity, and the hunting experience. With funding ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, applicants must be 18 years or older and have relevant experience. The review process is ongoing, and projects should emphasize collaboration and measurable impacts on environmental goals, benefiting both society and ecosystems.

New York Department of State

The New York Department of State’s core mission is to provide a better quality of life and expand opportunities for all New Yorkers by fostering community revitalization, catalyzing economic growth through business formation, protecting consumers, helping new Americans, supporting local governments, assisting individuals and families to achieve upward economic mobility, and ensuring safety and integrity through the regulation of licensed occupations and the development of building standards and codes.

Community Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction Grants

The NYS Department of State (Department or DOS), through the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (Bond Act), is soliciting applications from eligible applicants through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) for Community Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction Grants. These grants will enhance community resilience and reduce flood risk through the implementation of the following project types:

• Coastal Rehabilitation and Resilience Projects
• Inland Flooding and Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) Implementation Projects 

State assistance awarded and paid shall not exceed 90% of the total eligible project costs set forth in the application and as approved by the Department.

Community Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction Grant implementation projects may include completion of final design and construction, or construction-only for eligible projects. Projects should prioritize nature-based and natural solutions where feasible and provision of co-benefits. 

Coastal Rehabilitation and Resilience Projects

Coastal Rehabilitation and Resilience Projects align with the Coastal Zone Management Act of 19721; a federal law with the goal to guide development in a manner that preserves, protects, and where possible, restores or enhances the uses and resources of the nation’s coastal zone. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) approved New York State’s Coastal Management Program (NYS CMP)2 in 1982, which provides a framework for federal and State agency decision-making for actions that have a reasonably foreseeable effect on the State’s coastal uses and resources. The State’s coastal area includes but is not limited to waters and lands bordering the St. Lawrence, Niagara, and Lower Hudson Rivers, the Great Lakes, Long Island Sound, and all tidal waters.3 DOS is the delegated state agency administrator of the NYS CMP, which implements the Coastal Zone Management Act on behalf of NOAA.

The Climate Justice Fellowship, funded by NYSERDA, invites organizations to host a full-time fellow for one year to advance climate justice and clean energy initiatives in Disadvantaged Communities. Eligible fellows, who must be NYS residents from Priority Populations, will receive a salary and professional development support. NYSERDA aims to fund approximately 150 fellowships by 2026, with a total budget of $6 million. Host employers must apply to confirm eligibility and facilitate fellows' projects.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that enhance community welfare. Focus areas include agriculture, education, fighting hunger, and public safety. Eligible applicants must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and a Taxpayer Identification number. Requests are prioritized for programs directly benefiting communities near Perdue facilities across various states. The foundation emphasizes responsible stewardship and community engagement in all funding decisions.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

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.

Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative Round 10

New York leads the nation in affordable housing preservation and construction. The State Fiscal Year 2026-27 Enacted Budget continues to fund Governor Hochul’s comprehensive plan for housing that ensures New Yorkers have access to safe and secure housing. This funding is for the creation or preservation of affordable and supportive housing units.

The Lake Erie Environmental Justice Grant, awarded by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission, aims to support restoration projects in historically underserved communities within Ohio's Lake Erie watershed. Funded through the U.S. EPA’s Great Lakes Environmental Justice Grant Program, this initiative focuses on enhancing stormwater management, strengthening coastal resilience, and advancing environmental justice. With a significant grant of up to $750,000, OLEC collaborates with partners like Black Environmental Leaders and Rural Action to ensure equitable resource distribution and impactful outcomes.

The AAAAI/ Elliot and Roslyn Jaffe Third-Year Fellowship Food Allergy Research Award supports third or fourth-year allergy/immunology or gastroenterology fellows at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. This fellowship aims to foster academic careers in food allergy research by funding educational and research activities. Eligible candidates must be in training, conduct research at Mount Sinai, and be AAAAI In-training members. Priority is given to those with a documented career plan for future research funding.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

The Highlands Conservation Act Program, administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, supports land conservation projects in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Grants cover up to 50% of project costs for acquisitions from willing sellers. The program typically allocates funds in two categories: Base and Competitive. Eligible applicants can apply for Base Funding through this Notice of Funding Opportunity, while a separate notice will address Competitive Funds.

The New York State HOME Program is administered by the Housing Trust Fund Corporation’s (HTFC) Office of Community Renewal (OCR) and funds a variety of activities to expand the supply of decent, safe, and affordable housing for low and moderate-income families. 

The Postdoctoral Grant Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health aims to support the growth and professional development of postdoctoral trainees, fellows, and associates. With funding up to $20,000 for one year, recipients can engage in independent research projects, attend workshops, or cover open-access publication fees. This initiative enhances research capacity and promotes health equity in Wisconsin, addressing critical health challenges while fostering career advancement in the medical field.

Ending Epidemics Education, Training and Technical Assistance Services

The intent of this Request for Applications is to support a comprehensive statewide training initiative to strengthen the capacity of local public health agencies, hospitals, community-based organizations, healthcare providers, peer workers, educators, and other partners to improve outcomes for the AIDS Institute’s strategic health priorities. The goal is to reduce health inequities by implementing training and education interventions, such as in-person or virtual trainings, conferences, seminars, digital learning tools, and capacity building initiatives that will prepare providers with the knowledge and skills to mount an effective response to the syndemics of HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, and substance use disorders. Building upon a foundation of health equity, other priorities for training include the health concerns of the LGBTQAI+ population, the concerns of persons living with HIV across the lifespan (noting the diversity in needs depending on age-related concerns), as well as training around legal and policy initiatives for these syndemic health issues and populations at risk. 

Ending Epidemics in New York State

In June 2014, NYS announced a three-point plan to end the AIDS epidemic in NYS.12 This plan provided a roadmap to significantly reduce HIV infections to a historic low by the end of 2020, with the goal of achieving the first ever decrease in HIV prevalence. The plan also aimed to improve the  health of all HIV positive New Yorkers and was the first jurisdictional effort of its kind in the U.S.

The three points highlighted in the plan are:

• Identify persons with HIV who remain undiagnosed and get them linked to care;
• Link and retain persons diagnosed with HIV in health care to maximize viral suppression;
• Increase access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for persons who are HIV negative.

New York State has been laying groundwork for ending the AIDS epidemic since the disease emerged in the early 1980s. New York State’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic has involved the development of comprehensive service delivery systems that evolved over time in sync with the evolution of AIDS from a terminal illness to a manageable chronic disease. This strategy enabled the state to implement new technologies as they were introduced, including new treatments, new diagnostic tests and, more recently, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Due to the historic and robust State response over the last 36 years, New York State has bent the curve on the HIV epidemic, reversing the decades-long increase in the number of people in New York State that are diagnosed with HIV. 

Available Funding

Up to $3,094,000 annually in New York State and HRI funding is available to support programs funded through this RFA (total of $15,470,000 in New York State and HRI funding for five (5) years). 

The Lake Champlain Basin Program invites proposals for land acquisition or conservation easements in the U.S. portion of the Lake Champlain Basin. The initiative aims to enhance water quality and ecosystems while prioritizing projects that protect native habitats and provide flood resiliency. Funding ranges from $100,000 to $4 million per project, supporting efforts that align with LCBP’s goals, including increasing public access to recreational areas as a secondary benefit.

The Barbara H. Chaffee, MD, MPH Educational Fund Grant honors a pioneering HIV physician and aims to support health professionals in the Binghamton, NY area. This fund enables recipients to enhance their expertise in HIV/AIDS care through education. Grants, ranging from $500 to $1,500, can be used for conference fees, travel, and related expenses. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly, fostering ongoing professional development in the local healthcare community.

New York Department of Transportation (NYCDOT)

It is the mission of NYSDOT to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State.

Transportation Alternatives Program

Background

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is making available up to $97.4 million to support bicycle, pedestrian, multi-use path and active transportation-related projects and programs that support the goals of NYSDOT’s Transportation Master Plan 2050 and New York’s nation-leading Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Projects selected under this solicitation will support the Department’s commitment to community-centered transportation by providing safe, reliable, equitable and resilient transportation systems. Selected projects will also connect communities, enhance the quality of life, protect the environment, and support the economic wellbeing of New York State. These funds, made available to the State through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and administered by NYSDOT, are provided through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

What is an eligible area?

• Rural areas outside a city or town with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents. Urbanized areas near a city of 50,000 or more may not be eligible.
• The borrower’s headquarters may be based within a larger city so long as the project service area is located in an eligible rural area.
• The lender may be located anywhere.

 What kind of funding is available? 

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually. Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
• Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation's Access to Healthcare Grant Program aims to enhance equitable access to healthcare across New York State. By addressing barriers faced by underserved populations, the foundation supports initiatives that ensure all individuals receive necessary health services. Grants typically begin at $75,000, focusing on direct service programs that align with the Catholic Church's ethical principles. This funding is crucial for organizations dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes for disadvantaged communities.

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.

Mobile and Manufactured Home Replacement Program

The New York State funded Mobile and Manufactured Home Replacement (MMHR) Program was developed to assist low- and moderate-income homeowners to replace dilapidated mobile or manufactured homes that are sited on land owned by the homeowner with a new manufactured, modular or site-built home.

• Costs related to the replacement of dilapidated mobile or manufactured homes will be eligible for grant reimbursement. These costs include, but are not limited to:
  • Demolition, removal, disposal of the dilapidated units;
  • Purchase and site prep for new unit;
  • Temporary relocation assistance
  • Permitting, environmental review and testing.

The National Sea Grant Law Center is inviting proposals for the Coastal Resilience Program to research laws and policies addressing coastal resilience challenges such as sea level rise and flooding. With a funding cap of $150,000 over two years, this initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and promote informed decision-making in coastal management. Up to two projects will be selected for funding, supporting innovative solutions to enhance community resilience against environmental threats.

The Foundation

In 1946, The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation was established by Francis Cardinal Spellman to honor the legacy of Alfred Emanuel Smith, New York’s most renowned Catholic governor and the first Roman Catholic to run for President of the United States on a major party ticket.

Our Grants

The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation grants support family services, education, and healthcare.

We understand that although life can be unfair, an investment in those who are less fortunate can help to level the playing field.

Grant Procedure

Founded in 1946 to honor the memory of renowned New York Governor and champion of the “little people,” Alfred Emanuel Smith, The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation awards annual grants to organizations that bring hope and support to the poor, sick, and underprivileged within the Archdiocese of New York, regardless of race, creed, or color. Selected organizations are well-managed, financially stable, and propose projects that are worthy, purposeful, and clearly targeted. Charitable efforts are directed primarily toward organizations that serve:

Individuals facing physical, developmental, or emotional challenges who can achieve improved health and well-being through specialized medical and therapeutic services. 

Children and youth affected by poverty or other barriers who can reach their full potential through innovative educational programs and learning opportunities. 

Families and children in need of social support or foster care, whose stability, safety, and long-term prospects can be strengthened through targeted, outcome-driven services. 

The External Collaborative Research (ECR) program by Boehringer Ingelheim invites academic and community scientists to propose collaborative studies aimed at protocol development and result publication. This program offers potential drug and financial support, excluding direct salary for the Principal Investigator. Budgets must represent fair market value and will be negotiated further. Research interests span therapeutic areas including Cardio-Renal-Metabolic, Mental Health, Dermatology, and Oncology, encouraging innovative solutions to unmet medical needs.

The Les Mehrhoff Botanical Research Award, established by the New England Botanical Society, supports innovative botanical research that enhances our understanding of New England's flora. Open to applicants without membership, it prioritizes projects lacking traditional funding sources. Eligible expenses include fieldwork, lab supplies, and moderate stipends. This award encourages researchers to explore unconventional inquiries and fosters a deeper appreciation for the diverse plant life in northeastern North America.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Greene County Rural Health Network offers mini-grants of up to $1,500 to organizations aiming to improve local health outcomes. The program prioritizes initiatives focused on weight loss, nutrition, exercise, mental health, and diabetes management. Eligible applicants include for-profit and non-profit entities serving Greene County residents. Funds can support one-time events or ongoing activities, but cannot be used for advertising in brochures. Proposals aligning with these priorities will be favored, although other initiatives are welcome.

The Norfolk Southern In-Kind Donation Grant supports organizations seeking physical donations of materials that align with their focus areas, including safety, sustainability, workforce development, and thriving communities. This grant is available year-round, with no application deadline. Recipients must be located within Norfolk Southern territory and are encouraged to apply for resources that will enhance their community projects and initiatives, fostering growth and resilience.