Best Grants for Charities in New York

The Cyberinfrastructure for Sustained Scientific Innovation (CSSI) program by the National Science Foundation aims to provide flexible funding opportunities to address evolving needs in cyberinfrastructure. It supports various award classes, including Elements for small groups, Framework Implementations for larger interdisciplinary teams, and Transition to Sustainability for established CI projects. These initiatives focus on developing integrated CI services, ensuring sustainable impact, and promoting collaboration across scientific disciplines to enhance research and innovation.

About Us

A Vibrant Region with Opportunity for All

Who We Are

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.

No organization has all the answers, but together, with our partners and donors, we have the means and the will to chart a new course—one that will build upon generations of philanthropy and strengthen the fabric of Herkimer and Oneida counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

We help those seeking educational opportunities that will enrich their lives—and enhance our community.

Please note that scholarships administered by the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties are awarded through a variety of different mechanisms, including by school district selection, public application, or through our community partners, such as Utica Dollars for Scholars.

Virginia A. Bowmaker Scholarship

Awarded by Virginia A. Bowmaker Scholarship Trust Fund of the City of Utica, New York

Established to benefit qualified graduates of public and parochial schools in Utica who demonstrate eagerness for intellectual and cultural advancement.

Candidates are identified by Utica Dollars for Scholars.

The Fisher Service Award, sponsored by the Fisher House Foundation and Military Times Foundation, recognizes innovative programs that enhance the lives of military and veteran communities. This annual award allocates $400,000 to top nonprofits, with each winner receiving an additional $50,000 advertising package from Military Times. Organizations must be 501(c) nonprofits and demonstrate the positive impact of their programs on veterans and their families. More details can be found in the FAQ.

HLP Hamakua Community Foundation: Annual College Scholarship

Taka Domingo was a lifetime resident of the Hamakua and founding board member of the HLP Hamakua Community Foundation. He was born in Kukuihaele and attended Honoka'a High School. After working for 30 years at Hamakua Sugar Company as an electrician, he embarked on a career in public service representing Hamakua on the Hawaii County Council for the 20 years. This vocational scholarship is being offered in his honor.

The HLP Hamakua Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed to benefit the people of Hamakua. An annual scholarship is awarded to encourage students that graduate from Honoka'a High School or students who live in the Hamakua District to further their education upon graduation.

Individual award amount:

• $2,000.00. Scholarships will be awarded upon proof of enrollment and must be claimed by November 1, of the year the scholarship is awarded.
• Applications are available at your school counselor’s office or online.

The Booth Ferris Foundation, established in 1957, focuses on improving K-12 education in New York City by providing capacity building support to organizations with annual budgets over $1 million. They fund charitable organizations exempt from federal taxes under Section 501(c)(3) and do not consider proposals from private foundations or individuals. Key restrictions include a focus on local projects and a minimum of three years between grant awards.

The Microplastics Research and Resource Coordination Center aims to foster collaboration among researchers in biomedical and material sciences to understand the health impacts of micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs). This initiative will enhance research reliability by standardizing sampling, analytical practices, and data harmonization. The center will lead efforts in best practices and provide essential guidance to the M/NPs research community, ultimately advancing knowledge and methodologies in this critical area of study.

The Marlène F. Johnson Fund for Scholarly Research on Christian Science offers grants up to $20,000 for scholarly projects focusing on Christian Science history, teaching, and practice. Open to all individuals, the fund seeks to promote serious research, encouraging engagement from both scholars and the public. The initiative reflects a commitment to insightful scholarship rather than mere religious apologetics, ensuring a respectful approach to the study of this faith tradition.

The Veterans Cemetery Grants program, administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, provides financial assistance to establish, expand, and improve Veterans cemeteries across the United States. With over $910 million awarded, this initiative ensures that state and tribal governments can maintain these sacred sites, supporting the interment of Veterans and their eligible family members. Grants cover up to 100% of project costs, reinforcing the commitment to honor those who served.

The Park Foundation Grants for Democracy aim to fortify democratic foundations and good governance. Grants support initiatives that promote inclusivity, sustainability, and participation for all demographics, especially underserved communities. Key priorities include combating gerrymandering, enhancing ballot access, and eliminating dark money in elections. The foundation seeks to empower a diverse range of emerging leaders to create a truly representative society, ensuring accountability and pushing for progressive reforms at all levels of government.

The Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley has been dedicated to empowering women and families since 1994, investing over $1.7 million in community programs. They focus on funding projects that enhance women's economic self-sufficiency and advocate for diversity and inclusivity. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities serving the designated counties. Notably, the foundation does not support individual grants or capital expenses, ensuring resources directly benefit women and girls in need.

The Learning & Leadership Grants support educators in enhancing their professional development and leadership skills. With funding up to $5,000, these grants are available for individual educators or groups pursuing high-quality learning experiences such as conferences and seminars. Eligible applicants must be current members of the National Education Association. These grants aim to empower educators to implement innovative practices in their classrooms, ultimately benefiting students and the educational community.

The Park Foundation Grants for School Food and Nutrition aim to ensure that all Tompkins County students have access to nutritious meals in schools. With a focus on social justice, the Foundation collaborates with local school districts to improve food security and promote healthy eating habits among students. Their strategies include partnerships with specific districts and support for initiatives that enhance the quality of school food programs, ensuring that adequate nutrition is a priority for every student.

EPSCoR RII Research Fellows Limited Competition

EPSCoR RII: EPSCoR Research Fellows directly aligns with the NSF EPSCoR strategic goal of establishing sustainable Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professional development pathways that advance workforce development and effects engagement in STEM at national and global levels. EPSCoR RII: EPSCoR Research Fellows provides awards to build research capacity in institutions and transform the career trajectories of investigators and further develop their individual research potential through collaborations with investigators from the nation's premier private, governmental, or academic research institutions and/or centers. The fellowship provides opportunities to establish strong collaborations through extended or periodic collaborative visits to a selected host site. Through collaborative research activities with the host site, Fellows will be able to learn new techniques, develop new collaborations, advance existing partnerships, benefit from access to unique equipment and facilities, and/or shift their research toward potentially transformative new directions. The experiences gained through the fellowships are intended to have lasting impacts that will enhance the Fellows' research trajectories well beyond the award period. The benefits to the Fellows are also expected to improve the research capacity of their institutions and jurisdictions more broadly.

Michigan Sugar Company

Since our founding, more than a century ago, when six independent sugarbeet companies merged, Michigan Sugar Company has perfected the process of turning one of the region’s largest cash crops—the sugarbeet—into pure, all-natural sugar.

Today, Michigan Sugar Company is the third largest beet sugar processor in the United States, producing an annual average of about 1.3 billion pounds of sugar.

Michigan Sugar Company is proud to offer several scholarships to students in our sugarbeet growing areas. 

Michigan Sugar Festival Queen Scholarship

The Michigan Sugar Festival Queen Program, managed by the Sebewaing Chamber of Commerce and Festival Committee and sponsored in part by Michigan Sugar Company, celebrates and promotes the sugarbeet industry. This scholarship is designed for candidates with strong ties to Michigan sugarbeet farming, reflecting the importance of industry connection and representation.

All contestants will attend the Opening Ceremony of the Michigan Sugar Festival.

Contest winners will be required to attend a certain number of parades, events, and social commitments requested by Michigan Sugar Festival Committee. In addition, the following year’s Michigan Sugar Queen Interview Day, Michigan Sugar Queen Crowning Event, the Michigan Sugar Festival Grand Parade as the past year’s queen and court, along with parades in Bay, Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties.

Recommendations in support of applications could be from teachers, counselors, pastor, employer, or other respected business officials.

The Communities Outreach Programme by the Islamic Development Bank aims to enhance the socio-economic development of Muslim minority communities in non-member countries. Established in 1981, it focuses on education, health, and capacity building to empower these communities. The programme supports initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, and youth development, ensuring inclusive growth. By addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, it strives to improve living conditions and promote productivity, ultimately contributing to sustainable development in diverse regions.

The Vitality Grants: Arts Education program by the Rochester Area Community Foundation aims to enhance equitable access to arts education for PreK-12 students in the region. By supporting local nonprofit organizations, the grant encourages vibrant arts programming, geographic equity, and increased student engagement. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and those with fiscal sponsors, focusing on overcoming barriers like transportation and childcare to ensure comprehensive participation in arts education initiatives.

The Meinders Retail Florist Education Grant Fund, established in September 2021 by Herman and LaDonna Meinders, aims to support the floral industry by providing grants for reduced or free registration fees to industry events. With an initial contribution exceeding $500,000, the fund promotes educational initiatives that attract young talent and address industry challenges. Managed by the AFE Education Committee, it is expected to distribute over $10,000 in its first year, ensuring sustainable support for vital educational programs.

The Carl J. Niedzial Memorial Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation in 1923, supports members of the CT State Police Credit Union and their immediate families, including grandchildren. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, the foundation aims to help students achieve their college education dreams by addressing critical community issues and fostering equitable outcomes.

The Persbacker Family Fund Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, is dedicated to residents of Bridgewater who have volunteered significantly in their community for over six years. This scholarship aims to support local students in achieving their college education dreams. With awards starting at $2,500, the foundation continues its legacy of fostering educational opportunities for deserving students in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region.

The Robert B. Kyts & Jadwiga Roguska Kyts, M.D Scholarship, offered by the Kosciuszko Foundation, supports graduate students majoring in arts studies for two years, with a total funding of $60,000. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of Polish descent, enrolled full-time, and maintain a GPA of 3.7 or higher. The award is disbursed in four installments, contingent on meeting scholarship conditions. Deadline for recommendation letters is March 3, 2026.

The Jack and Jill of America Foundation offers STEM Grants aimed at supporting 501(c)(3) organizations that enhance opportunities for African American middle and high school students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The grants focus on creating a pipeline of talent for college readiness, aligning with the foundation's mission to invest in programs that benefit children and families. Eligible organizations must adhere to specific funding priorities and are encouraged to submit impactful proposals.

The Creative Economy Fund offers vital support to digital creators and entertainment professionals affected by the LA Wildfires. Catering to individuals in film, music, and performing arts, this fund provides assistance for those who have experienced home loss or damage. Eligible applicants include direct creators, employees of talent agencies, and other creative professionals, ensuring a broad reach within the entertainment community. With a focus on personalized resources and guidance, the fund aims to foster resilience in a challenging industry.

The Madison County Rural Poverty Fund, managed by the Central New York Community Foundation, aims to address poverty in Madison County, where 10% of residents lived below the federal poverty line in 2018. This fund supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits and organizations serving local communities through capital and program grants, promoting innovative solutions to enhance the quality of life and tackle critical issues related to poverty.

The Joint DMS/NIGMS Initiative aims to enhance research at the intersection of mathematical and biological sciences, fostering collaborations and innovative activities. Funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, this program offers two funding tracks: Track 1 supports projects with budgets up to $600,000 for three years, while Track 2 accommodates budgets up to $1,200,000 for three to four years. This initiative addresses critical questions in the biological and biomedical fields.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Teresa Sue Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund

Teresa Sue Davis was born and raised in Battle Creek. Her name is not well-known, nor is she lauded for large philanthropic donations to the community. But like so many other city residents, she left an unforgettable mark on her family and the lives of others. Some may consider her contributions small. To those she touched, they were immeasurable. She was a 1984 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and held many jobs in the community. No job was perhaps more important than as a mother, where she often selflessly pushed her children to achieve their life goals. This scholarship was established as a helping hand to graduates of Battle Creek Public Schools so that they may pursue their dreams of higher education.

The General James H. Doolittle Scholarship, administered by the Communities Foundation of Texas, offers scholarships up to $5,000 for college juniors, seniors, or graduate students majoring in aerospace science, aeronautical engineering, or related fields. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 and have completed at least 52 college credit hours. This scholarship opportunity aims to support the educational aspirations of students pursuing careers in the aerospace industry.

LeRoy T. Walker

LeRoy T. Walker (June 14, 1918 – April 23, 2012) was an icon. A noted author, professor, coach, and administrator in the disciplines of physical education and athletics, he was a barrier-breaking and remarkable human being who was dedicated to promoting and uplifting young people.

Walker was Chancellor Emeritus of North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, NC. He was elected President of the Athletics Congress (now USA Track & Field), the national governing body of USA Track & Field. Walker was elected President Emeritus of the United States' Olympic Committee (the first and only American to hold this position) and was a former president of AAHPERD (from 1977-1978, also the first African American to be elected to this position). Walker was inducted as a member into 17 Halls of Fame, awarded 16 Honorary Doctorates from a variety of institutions, and received numerous awards, including the Luther H. Gulick Award (1982), SHAPE America's highest honor.

The LeRoy T. Walker Young Professional Award

The LeRoy T. Walker Young Professional Award is given to a minority member of SHAPE America who is 36 years old or younger who has demonstrated superior promise in the areas of service, teaching, scholarship and commitment to the goals of SHAPE America focusing specifically on under-represented and/or underserved populations and promotion of diversity and inclusiveness. Not more than one LeRoy Walker Young Professional award shall be given annually.