Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in New York

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Lackawanna County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

The Intellia Therapeutics UNCF Scholarship Program, in partnership with the United Negro College Fund, aims to support students pursuing careers in life sciences. With a commitment to educational equity, this program offers scholarships to eligible students who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75. By investing in future leaders, Intellia Therapeutics and UNCF continue to empower individuals and strengthen communities, ensuring that no mind is wasted.

The Douglas Dockery Thomas Fellowship in Garden History and Design, established by the Garden Club of America, supports graduate students in studying and researching garden history and design. This annual fellowship promotes the GCA’s commitment to gardening education and conservation. Research topics may include innovative garden restoration techniques and the impact of community gardens. The fellowship aims to nurture talent and address the growing importance of gardens in our environment.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Luzerne County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

The Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant for Small Nonprofits, established in 2024, honors the legacy of Alexandra Hallock by supporting small nonprofits focused on human rights, women's empowerment, and LGBTQ+ causes. This grant offers a one-time $20,000 unrestricted funding along with pro-bono capacity building support. It aims to strengthen organizational infrastructure and governance, ensuring impactful community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits with revenue under $400,000, operating for at least one year, and based in the U.S.

About RWJF

At the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we take bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime and pave the way, together, to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. We take our responsibilities seriously, and pledge to work in ways that reflect our values.

Connecting Champions for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Health Professions

RWJF seeks to fund one lead organization or consortium to serve as a national network-weaver for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the health professions. The selected grantee will connect and support leaders, organizations, and institutions across the ecosystem, strengthening relationships, aligning strategy and communications, and facilitating shared learning and collective action. By building the connections and infrastructure needed for collaboration, the grantee will help advance belonging, accountability, and systems change across health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Achieving a healthcare system grounded in equity requires both a diverse health professions workforce and institutions committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). While diverse teams improve quality of care and health outcomes, RWJF has learned that increasing representation alone is insufficient without addressing structural and institutional barriers that shape belonging, leadership, advancement, and accountability. Structural racism and other forms of systemic inequity continue to limit opportunity across the health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Lasting change requires not only supporting diverse leaders, but also strengthening connections among educational institutions, healthcare organizations, professional associations, accrediting and credentialing bodies, students, advocates, community actors, and others within the health professions ecosystem, whose relationships, actions, practices, and mindsets shape health outcomes for the communities they serve. These relationships create the support, trust, shared learning, and coordinated action necessary to advance DEIB and build a more equitable healthcare system. 

The SC Ministry Foundation provides annual grants aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations aligned with the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. These grants can be used for core programs, planning, and program expansion. Eligible organizations must demonstrate financial sustainability and avoid duplication of services. The application process starts with a pre-application survey, and funding decisions are typically made by June 30. Priority is given to projects in education, healthcare, and social services.

Our mission is to enhance quality of life, today and in the future, by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Building a permanent endowment
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Meeting needs through grants, awards, and scholarships

CFCC: Mark C. and Dorothy I. Morgan Scholarship

Amount

(1) $2,000 scholarship, (2) $1,500 scholarships

This scholarship is not renewable and previous recipients may not reapply.

The Indigo Oak Fund, based in Colorado, is dedicated to enhancing education, the arts, and social justice, particularly through its Equal Justice Under the Law Grant Program. This initiative supports organizations that promote fairness in the justice system, rehabilitation, and civic engagement. By funding programs focused on personal empowerment and equal opportunities, the fund aims to foster lifelong learning and improve lives, particularly for women and children in need.

The Oak Advisors Scholarship of Excellence, offered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports southern Beaufort County high school seniors pursuing a major in business, economics, or finance. Established by philanthropic leaders, the scholarship recognizes students for their academic achievements, talents, and community involvement. With a minimum GPA of 3.2 required, this scholarship aims to empower students to make a positive impact in their communities.

Hendrix-Murphy Foundation

Enhancing literature & language at Hendrix College since 1978.

In homage to Bertie Wilson Murphy’s passion for the study and appreciation of literature and language, the Hendrix-Murphy Foundation at Hendrix College was founded in 1978 with an endowment by her son, Charles H. Murphy, Jr., former CEO of Murphy Oil Corporation. Mrs. Murphy was a 1905 graduate of Galloway Women’s College in Searcy, Ark., which merged with Hendrix College in Conway in the 1930s. Charles H. Murphy, Jr., was a member of the Hendrix Board of Trustees and served as chair. 

The Foundation's programs are overseen by a Board of Directors that is headed by the president of the College and includes Murphy family members, the provost, and representatives from the Hendrix Board of Trustees.

The Hendrix-Murphy Book Award

Hendrix is proud to offer the Hendrix-Murphy Book Award to an outstanding high school junior who demonstrates distinguished scholarship or leadership in literary studies (English, creative writing, foreign languages, or drama).

Hendrix-Murphy Book Award recipients will receive a copy of Poems to Read: A New Favorite Poems Anthology, edited by Robert Pinsky and Maggie Dietz.

Students may be nominated by their English, languages, creative writing, or drama teacher or guidance counselor by using the required form.

The East Texas Estate Planning Council Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors pursuing careers in accounting, law, finance, banking, investments, insurance financial planning, or philanthropic planning. This scholarship reflects a commitment to education and aims to alleviate financial barriers for students in East Texas. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, with FAFSA required, and can attend any college in the United States for one year.

About AGC of California

Since 1920, we have worked together with our members to provide advocacy, education, career development, and networking opportunities to experienced and next generation construction and contracting professionals. From the moment you become an AGC member, we go to bat for you with state and local governments, while helping you connect with industry leaders through services, innovative programs, and events.

The AGC Construction Education Foundation (AGC CEF) provides resources, support, and training through innovative programs in order to attract, develop, and retain a strong, motivated, and skilled workforce. We believe construction careers transform lives. We connect people and communities to meaningful work and rewarding futures. We inspire the industry to be a place where people belong, grow and build lasting legacies.

AGC CEF Skilled Trades Scholarship

This scholarship is designed to support students pursuing post-secondary construction industry training programs. Scholarship amounts range from $500 to $2,500.

The CHIPS Research and Development Office (CRDO) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) invites proposals for research and commercial solutions that advance microelectronics technology in the U.S. This initiative is crucial for maintaining U.S. leadership in critical and emerging technologies. Proposals must include a White Paper, with submissions accepted at any time via grants.gov. NIST aims to collaborate with industry to enhance U.S. manufacturing and technological capacity, ensuring national security and economic prosperity.

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Black at Microsoft Scholarship

This scholarship supports high school seniors who self-identify as Black or African American and plan to study in Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Business Administration, Finance, or Marketing at an accredited four-year college or university. This scholarship varies from $2,500 to $5,000 with up to 50 awards granted.

The Bender Family Foundation Grant supports arts, culture, education, history, and environment initiatives in New York's Capital Region. Established in 1997, it prioritizes projects within Albany County and offers funding ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Nonprofit organizations, including those under fiscal sponsorship, are eligible to apply. However, grants are not available for individuals or annual fund drives, ensuring support is directed toward impactful community projects.

The Emergent Fund Grant, established in 2016, supports BIPOC-led social justice movements through rapid response funding. It addresses urgent community needs by providing low-barrier grants to organizations facing crises such as family separation and systemic oppression. The fund prioritizes initiatives that foster Black liberation, multiracial solidarity, and empower communities to build transformative power. By investing in innovative strategies, the Emergent Fund aims to challenge oppressive structures and advance social justice, ensuring that impacted communities are at the forefront of their own advocacy.

The Impact Capacity Assessment Program (iCAP) by the Western New York Foundation is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of nonprofits. This 8 to 10-month initiative involves comprehensive assessments facilitated by organizational development consultants, aiming to identify key capacity areas for growth. Eligible nonprofits, particularly in food systems, arts, or rural sectors, receive guidance in creating a tailored capacity-building plan, supported by a stipend to help manage associated costs.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is launching the PROSPECT Program to enhance education in critical technologies, targeting an investment of up to $100 million. This initiative aims to develop a skilled workforce across the critical minerals and materials sector, supporting the entire value chain from resource extraction to recycling. By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and national laboratories, the program seeks to strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and energy security.

The Artist in Business Leadership (ABL) Fellowship supports Native artists in building sustainable art-centered businesses. This yearlong program provides $10,000 in funding along with professional development and networking opportunities. Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older, reside in the U.S., and be enrolled in or have lineage from a federally recognized tribe. The fellowship aims to empower artists to thrive within their communities while honoring their cultural heritage.

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Kichler, Tony and Gertrude Scholarship Fund

For high school seniors or college students who reside in Green or Noble TOWNSHIPS (not county) in Noble County who are pursuing a college education in music, medicine or religion. One-time payment of $3,500. May reapply.

The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants for Fiscal Year 2025 support revitalization efforts in severely distressed public housing and surrounding neighborhoods. This program encourages collaboration among local governments, housing agencies, and community partners to create comprehensive plans aimed at improving housing quality, promoting upward mobility for residents, and attracting long-term investment for neighborhood development. Successful applicants will implement their Transformation Plans, which were developed through prior Planning Grants to enhance the quality of life for residents.

The Statewide Community Re-grants Program, managed by the CREATE Council on the Arts, aims to enhance community engagement in Columbia, Greene, and Schoharie Counties through public funding. Grants ranging from $1,500 to $7,500 support diverse artistic projects that foster creativity, cultural diversity, and inclusion. This initiative encourages local participation and collaboration between artists and community organizations, ensuring that projects are accessible to the public and contribute to the cultural vitality of the region.

The ASTR Translation Prize recognizes the vital contributions of translators in theater and performance studies. It honors an exceptional English translation of works such as plays, performance texts, scholarly books, and articles published in the last calendar year. The award includes a $500 honorarium and free registration to the annual ASTR conference, promoting the importance of translations in enhancing the global theater landscape.

CNYCF: Community Grants Program- Spring Cycle

We support the following types of projects that promote community impact, capacity building and diversity:

Capital Projects: including large scale capital campaigns, repairs and replacements, technology upgrades, and equipment/furnishing purchases.

Capital and programmatic grants $10,000-$150,000 are available through the Dr. Robert J. Vitkus Fund to organizations in Onondaga, Madison, Cortland, Cayuga and Oswego counties that support outdoor parks and recreation areas. Preferences are for parks and recreation areas that provide access for hunting and fishing, naming opportunities, programs that involve youth, and conservation efforts to improve wildlife habitat and forest health. 

Program: support for new and innovative programs, or the expansion of proven existing programs that address our community’s most pressing needs.

Focus Areas

• Arts & culture, environment, animals, civic engagement, education

August Corso Scholarship Fund

Scholarships shall be awarded to residents of Erie County, Ohio pursuing a post-secondary education. Preference shall be given to students pursuing a degree in Horticulture, Environmental Science or Agricultural Business. Financial need is a consideration for the scholarship award.

Scholarships are available for students planning to attend an accredited nonprofit college or university, or planning to receive licensure, accreditation, or a certificate from a nonprofit vocational or apprenticeship program in the United States.

The scholarship may be renewed for a second, third, and fourth year.

Supporting Natural & Cultural Resources

The Hudson River Valley Greenway and the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area provide financial support to municipalities and nonprofit organizations that seek to celebrate, preserve, and enhance the region’s natural and cultural resources.

Compact Community Grants

Compact Community Grants provide financial assistance to municipalities in the Hudson River Valley for local and regional planning projects. Become a Compact Community to Access Funding.

The Hudson River Valley Greenway works to celebrate and protect the region’s ecological, scenic, cultural, historic, agricultural, and recreational treasures.  

HRVG’s McHenry Community Planning Grant Program provides financial assistance for local and regional planning projects in the Greenway Area. To be considered for a Greenway Community Grant or a Compact Community Grant, projects must incorporate Greenway Criteria – Natural and Cultural Resource Protection, Regional Planning, Economic Development, Public Access to the Hudson River, Heritage and Environmental Education.  

A variety of projects are eligible to receive financial assistance from HRVG. All applicants must incorporate Greenway Criteria and clearly demonstrate how the requested project will be completed within the grant contract period. 

Projects Categories:

• Community Planning
• Public Participation
• Open Space Protection
• Cultural Resource Protection
• Natural Resource Protection 
• Economic Development
• Scenic Resource Protection