Best Grants for Community Service Projects in New York

The Altman Foundation Grant invites organizations with 501(c)(3) status in New York City to submit Letters of Inquiry for health-related projects. This funding focuses on improving access to quality healthcare for underserved populations, enhancing the capacity of local service providers, and addressing structural barriers to health equity. New grants are currently limited, and only health-related LOIs will be accepted. Eligible applicants should review specific interests outlined by the Foundation before applying.

The Healthy Lives Grant Program by The New York Community Trust aims to enhance health services for older adults and individuals with disabilities in New York City. It focuses on creating an equitable healthcare system by supporting projects that improve access to care, reduce health disparities, and empower individuals through skill development. The program prioritizes innovative solutions that foster independence and community engagement, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on community transformation in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. With a spend-down structure by 2035, the foundation prioritizes collaborative investments in key areas like active lifestyles, success preparation, caregiver support, and economic development. Emphasizing urgency and innovation, it seeks to create lasting impacts by fostering partnerships and supporting visionary projects that address significant community needs.

The Sills Family Foundation provides grants to nonprofits focused on early childhood education, environmental justice, arts and culture, and support for families in crisis. They prioritize programs benefiting communities affected by the criminal justice system, as well as refugees and asylees. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with an emphasis on systemic change and community-based solutions. The foundation operates primarily in metro New York City and California, accepting applications for one-year grants only.

The Allianz Foundation for North America aims to empower young people by providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. Established in 2002, the Foundation focuses on enhancing the potential of youth aged 16-25 in select North American cities. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $25,000 are available for non-profit organizations that support initiatives fostering leadership, self-reliance, and social consciousness. The Foundation seeks impactful projects that address the future of communities and individuals, ensuring a secure environment for the next generation.

The Home Depot Foundation's Veteran Housing Grants Program aims to enhance the lives of U.S. veterans by funding the construction or rehabilitation of supportive housing. Grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with experience in veteran housing. Since 2011, the Foundation has committed over $550 million to veteran causes and seeks to invest an additional $750 million by 2030, focusing on projects in major cities across the U.S.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund provides grants focusing on Education, Human Services, and Healthcare initiatives. The fund prioritizes programs with measurable outcomes that aim to alleviate poverty and suffering. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits and align with the fund's mission to create sustainable change. Applications are accepted by invitation only in specific regions, with a rolling deadline. The fund seeks collaborative efforts to maximize impact across its program areas.

The Grief Reach Cycle 3 grant offers $15,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits dedicated to supporting grieving children and youth. This funding aims to enhance organizational capacity through strategic planning, volunteer engagement, and collaborative partnerships. Organizations must demonstrate a commitment to providing direct services and align their projects with the grant's focus areas. This competitive opportunity seeks to empower underserved communities by expanding access to vital grief support services.

The Ira W. DeCamp Foundation Grant, established in 1970, supports health, social services, and education projects primarily in the New York metropolitan area. The foundation prioritizes community-based health care, foster care initiatives, and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, while ineligible recipients include individuals and private foundations. The foundation emphasizes capacity-building, project funding, and capital enhancements to strengthen community resources and support innovative programming for vulnerable populations.

The Raymond J. and Mary C. Reisert Foundation Grant aims to enhance community well-being by supporting local 501(c)(3) organizations in education, healthcare, and housing initiatives. Grants typically range from $500 to $15,000, with an emphasis on projects in Eastern North Carolina, Long Island, NY, and Central Maine. The foundation has awarded over 300 grants since its inception, reflecting its commitment to impactful community partnerships and ongoing evaluation of funded projects.

The M.B. & Edna Zale Foundation Grant aims to support individuals and families in building meaningful lives, focusing on education, social services, and community welfare. The foundation prioritizes innovative programs that promote self-sufficiency and measurable impacts within communities, particularly in Dallas, Palm Beach, and New York. It emphasizes collaboration and seeks proposals for specific projects rather than ongoing operational support, ensuring a focus on transformative initiatives.

The David and Minnie Berk Foundation, established in 1961, provides grants to charitable organizations in the arts, education, and social services, focusing on youth, the elderly, and the needy. With a maximum grant of $10,000, they support innovative ideas and pilot programs. Eligible recipients must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in the greater New York metropolitan area, while ineligible organizations include those with budgets exceeding $3,000,000 and individual projects.

The Aaron & Rachel Meyer Memorial Foundation, established in 1964, aims to enhance the quality of life for people and animals in New Jersey and New York through charitable support. Focused on healthcare, education, research, and animal welfare, the foundation has funded diverse projects, from medical equipment to community services. By fostering relationships with local organizations, they address the pressing challenges faced by nonprofits in the tri-state area, ensuring a significant impact on the community.

The Venable Foundation, a corporate funder, provides grants averaging $10,000 to nonprofits focused on human services, legal support, education, workforce development, youth impact, health, environment, and arts. Funding is targeted at organizations in specific regions, including Washington, DC, Baltimore, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, and Denver, reinforcing equitable opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals.

The New York City Good Neighbor Committee Grants support local organizations in NYC focusing on arts, education, and human services. This initiative aims to strengthen the Ford Foundation's ties with community-based organizations, providing them with unrestricted funding to address local needs. Eligible applicants must be based in New York City, possess 501(c)(3) status, and be accountable to the communities they serve. The program is designed to enhance the quality of life for marginalized individuals and foster community engagement.

The Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation, established in 2010, supports projects that align with Jewish ideals in education, science, and the arts. Based in Indianapolis, this foundation has funded initiatives across the United States, addressing various social issues. They do not impose minimum or maximum grant amounts, focusing instead on the project's merit and alignment with their mission. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, while general operating funds are not provided.

The Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower youth in underserved communities, addressing racial inequities and promoting wellness. Grants range from $25,000 to $100,000 and are available for youth programming and capital improvement projects. Eligible organizations must serve low-to-moderate income communities, have diverse leadership, and engage local Foot Locker teams in volunteer efforts. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for youth by connecting them with essential services and mentorship.

The Frances L. & Edwin L. Cummings Memorial Fund Grant supports organizations in New York City and Northeastern New Jersey focusing on social welfare, education, and health. The Fund prioritizes innovative youth programs and provides funding for new program development, staffing, and capacity building. However, it does not support cultural arts initiatives or programs outside the specified geographic area. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and typically only receive one-year grants.

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

The Booth Ferris Foundation, established in 1957, offers grants through its Strengthening NYC Grant Program. This initiative aims to support organizations that promote equity and build vibrant communities in New York City. Eligible entities must demonstrate a strong track record and focus on capacity building to address systemic inequities. The Foundation provides funding for projects that enhance nonprofit infrastructure and sustainability, helping organizations achieve long-term impact in their communities.

The Grief Reach grant program, supported by the New York Life Foundation and the National Alliance for Children's Grief, invites innovative community expansion proposals to better serve grieving children. Eligible organizations can apply for funding up to $160,000 to enhance their programs, focusing on unique community needs. By collaborating with the Judi's House/JAG Institute, participants will receive essential training and resources for impactful program evaluation, fostering a supportive environment for children and families facing grief.

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.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation's Basic Needs Grant Program aims to address the essential needs of New Yorkers facing challenges such as food insecurity, inadequate housing, and economic instability. This initiative supports organizations that provide access to social services, promote economic mobility, and ensure stable housing and nutrition for underserved communities. Grants of $75,000 or more are available for programs that align with the foundation's mission of fostering health and well-being in New York State.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation supports healthcare initiatives aimed at vulnerable populations in New York State through the General Fund & Eight Populations Grant Program. This program addresses unmet healthcare needs by funding projects that benefit immigrants, low-income individuals, older adults, and others. Grants typically start at $75,000, promoting direct services while ensuring adherence to the ethical principles of the Roman Catholic Faith.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

The Provident Bank Foundation's Empowerment Grant focuses on uplifting marginalized communities by providing flexible funding for initiatives that promote economic self-sufficiency. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 over two years, the program supports organizations in education, human services, and workforce development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate meaningful community impact and align with the Foundation's funding priorities, which include promoting quality education, social safety nets, and career development opportunities.