Best Grants for Preschools in New York

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Elena Eckert Memorial Scholarship

The Elena Eckert Memorial Scholarship was established in loving memory of Elena Eckert, a New York State Corrections officer that served for roughly three decades. Her son Billy created the scholarship to honor two of his mother’s strongest beliefs: helping high school seniors in the local community achieve their dreams of higher education; and, giving back to family members of those that selflessly protect and serve in police, corrections and the armed forces. The scholarship is available to Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Ulster County high school seniors who are the children or grandchildren of current or former armed forces members, police officers or corrections officers.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Graduating senior from Dutchess, Orange, Putnam or Ulster County

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Frank Thomas Groff Scholarship

The scholarship is available to members of the Roman Catholic Church who are graduating seniors of a high school in Dutchess County. The scholarship shall be applied to tuition costs of completing an Associate or Baccalaureate degree at an accredited college or university in the United States.

$1000 awarded every other year in odd number years.

Type of Award

Renewable for up to three additional years and payable to the school

Current High School

Any Dutchess County high school

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

George A. and Catherine V. Quill Scholarship

Through the thoughtfulness and generosity of George A. Quill and his wife Catherine V. Quill a scholarship fund has been established for the benefit of the residents of Dutchess and Orange counties. Mr. and Mrs. Quill were active in their community as residents of Beacon New York for 35 years. The Quills encouraged young people to have faith in God. They stressed the importance in getting a good education being self sufficient and living a respectable and honest life.

This scholarship is not necessarily intended for those students with the highest grade point average but rather intended for those students who must apply themselves to prosper or those who are able to demonstrate financial need.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Beacon High School, John Jay High School, Newburgh Free Academy, Poughkeepsie High School, Roy C. Ketcham High School

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

H. Normington Schofield Scholarship

Established by the family and friends of Norm Schofield, scholarships are available to graduating seniors of Beacon High School, John Jay High School, Roy C. Ketcham High School and Our Lady of Lourdes High School planning to major in environmental studies or education.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Beacon High School, John Jay High School, Our Lady of Lourdes High School, Roy C. Ketcham High School

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Hudson Valley Financial Professionals Scholarship

Established by the Hudson Valley Financial Professionals. One scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from a Dutchess County high school who wishes to pursue a career in the financial services industry at any accredited college or university. Financial Services careers include banking, finance, insurance, investment banking, etc.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Any Dutchess County high school

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Hudson Valley Guns and Hoses Scholarship

Established by Hudson Valley Guns and Hoses, the scholarship is available to paid or volunteer firefighters or law enforcement officers (or an immediate relative of a paid or volunteer firefighter or law enforcement officer) who are college bound or currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate college students in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Ulster Counties. The scholarship will be awarded to individuals who will be either a full time undergraduate or matriculated graduate students at any accredited college or university or vocational school in the United States who plan to major in Criminal Justice, Fire Science, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Public Administration or Emergency Medical Services/Professions.

Hudson Valley Guns and Hoses awards three memorial scholarships each year to honor the lives of Hudson Valley Heroes who left us too soon:

• Deputy Sheriff Kristopher Cuddeback Scholarship
• Sergeant Daniel DiDato Memorial Scholarship
• Julia “Jules” Eurillo Scholarship – Awarded to a female student who embodies the living spirit of Jules with her school and community involvement
• Captain Jack Rose Scholarship

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

High School Senior, College Student, Graduate Student

The Juliet Lea Hillman Simonds Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations, focusing on education, visual arts, writing, and literature, primarily in Pittsburgh. The grant has a rolling application process, with no deadlines, and also considers limited contributions in other areas such as human services and environmental protection. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and public charities. This foundation does not fund individuals but may support select scholarships.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Jean DeGrace Crandall Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was set up as a memorial to Jean DeGrace Crandall, educator and friend to the migrant community. She worked as a Tutor Advocate for the Mid-Hudson Migrant Education Outreach Program (MEOP), a folklorist for the Dutchess County Arts Council and was the owner/operator of La Mula Chula in Rhinebeck, a store featuring fair-trade Mexican folk art, which she imported herself. An annual scholarship will be awarded for post-secondary assistance to a migrant farmworker or child of a migrant farmworker (with a preference for those from Mexico) with a history of migration to Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, or Westchester Counties in New York State. Though not required, but because of Jean’s personal interests, students with a demonstrated interest in traditional Mexican art and culture are especially encouraged to apply.

Jean was a true community activist and philanthropist. She was warm hearted and altruistic in nature and had a special commitment to the immigrant community of the greater Poughkeepsie area. This scholarship honors her generous spirit.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Any High School in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster or Westchester Counties

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Joseph H. and Mildred C. McManus Scholarship

Joseph H. McManus was born in Poughkeepsie in 1900 and graduated from Poughkeepsie High School. Mr. McManus lived in the Poughkeepsie area his entire lifetime until his death in 1988. His wife Mildred Conklin was born in Ulster County in 1902 and married Joseph McManus in 1940. Mrs. McManus died in 1985.

Mr. and Mrs. McManus loved young people and it was their wish which was expressed in the Last Will and Testament of Joseph H. McManus to establish a Trust for the residents of their beloved Dutchess County. This scholarship is not necessarily intended for those with the greatest scholastic ability but is intended for those who must apply themselves to prosper or who demonstrate financial need.

The scholarship is available to graduating seniors or recent graduates of high schools in Dutchess County. The scholarships shall be applied to tuition costs at accredited colleges or universities for a period not to exceed four (4) years.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Graduating seniors or recent graduates of high schools in Dutchess County

The ASPCA is offering grants to New York State animal welfare organizations to enhance compliance with the new shelter standards effective December 15, 2025. Eligible organizations can utilize these funds for facility upgrades and operational changes necessary for licensing under Article 26-C. Grant funding can encompass various needs, from retrofitting housing to training staff in euthanasia protocols, ensuring improved animal care and welfare across the state.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

John T. Sloper Community Scholarship for Paramedics

The John T. Sloper Community Scholarship Fund was established in 2020 to provide funding for educational programs for Paramedics. Scholarships will be awarded to those who reside or work in Dutchess and Putnam counties, who are 18 years of age or older and are pursuing Paramedic certification.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

All Dutchess County High Schools, Putnam Valley High School, Highland High School, New Paltz High School, Marlboro High School and Wallkill High School.

The Harkness Foundation for Dance Grant supports the dance art form in New York City through various initiatives, including program and project grants. It has significantly contributed to over 660 organizations and artists, promoting equity in its funding approach. The Foundation focuses on dance creation, presentation, education, and related services, while prioritizing organizations with non-profit status. Grants are awarded annually, fostering a vibrant dance community and addressing social justice within the field.

The Land Conservation for Clean Water and Healthy Ecosystems grant aims to acquire land or conservation easements in the Lake Champlain Basin. With a funding pool of up to $4 million, eligible projects must prioritize clean water and healthy ecosystems while considering public access as a co-benefit. Supported by the U.S. EPA, this initiative encourages competitive proposals that enhance water quality and habitat for native species.

The Youth Safe Spaces Program aims to address the mental health challenges faced by youth, particularly those aged 12-24, by creating safe spaces for interaction and community engagement. With funding from the New York State Office of Mental Health, this initiative seeks to foster positive relationships, cultural sensitivity, and provide necessary resources. The program will support 3-5 pilot projects, each receiving $250,000 or $500,000 over five years, to enhance mental wellness and community participation among high-risk populations.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

Scholarship Rule and Application

Mission/Purpose:

Through this scholarship program, The Women’s Council of Realtors Tri-County NY Network aims to raise the level of knowledge, professionalism and leadership of REALTORS® in the communities we serve.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Ronnie Berg Drummers Scholarship

Established in memory of gifted drummer Ronnie Berg, this scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors and/or students already in college who share Ronnie’s enthusiasm for drumming. The scholarship will be awarded to individuals who will be full time students at any accredited college or university in the United States. It may be used for tuition, books and fees.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Any high school

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Ruth Oja Environmental Scholarship

Established by the Red Hook Town Conservation Advisory Council in honor of Ruth Oja, this scholarship is available to students who are residents of Red Hook, NY who are college bound graduating high school seniors or the home-schooled equivalent pursuing studies in environmental science or a related discipline or who have demonstrated a sensitivity to the environment through leadership/participation in pro-environmental programs like recycling, land conservancy, environmental cleanup projects, etc. This scholarship shall be applied to tuition costs at an accredited college university or trade school.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Red Hook High School

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Stephanie D. Brown and Barbara M. Murphy Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Stephanie Brown and Barbara Murphy to honor their memories. Stephanie was devoted to children and was tragically killed in a car accident. Barbara was a devoted mother to Stephanie, a Board member of the Community Foundations and held many job titles including that of teacher. This scholarship is available to female Dutchess County high school graduating seniors who intend to major or minor in Education with career plans to teach in Elementary, Middle or High School.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Any Dutchess County High Schools

The Scherman Foundation's Democracy Program champions the empowerment of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. It focuses on enhancing civic engagement, safeguarding voting rights, and reforming democratic processes to ensure inclusivity and accountability. By supporting locally-rooted organizations in key states, the foundation aims to build a more equitable democracy where diverse voices are heard and political power is reclaimed by those historically marginalized. This program is pivotal for advancing racial justice and fostering systemic change.

The Scherman Foundation focuses on empowering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities through economic, political, and cultural transformation. They prioritize organizations led by or accountable to these communities, fostering intersectional practices and movement-building efforts. Their funding aims to address systemic inequities in New York, particularly in housing, workers' rights, and cultural initiatives, promoting justice and community resilience. The Foundation's commitment to racial justice reflects in its strategic framework and grantmaking priorities.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, trails, golf courses, boat launches, and campgrounds across more than 360,000 acres and welcomes more than 88 million people annually.

The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.

Parks and Trails Partnership Program

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), the New York State (NYS) Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) with support from Governor Hochul and the NYS Legislature, are pleased to announce the twelfth round of competitive grants through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program. The program is administered by PTNY, in partnership with OPRHP and DEC.

The Park and Trail Partnership Grant program is a $2.65 million capacity-building matching grants program funded through the NYS Environmental Protection Fund. The program is designed to:

• Enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, accessibility, maintenance and promotion of New York’s state parks, trails, historic sites, and public lands.
• Increase the sustainability, effectiveness, diversity, productivity, and volunteer and fundraising capabilities of not-for-profit organizations that promote, maintain, and support New York’s state parks, trails, historic sites and public lands.
• Promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails, greenways and public lands. 

Eligible applicants must be registered nonprofits who have a formal memorandum or agreement with OPRHP or DEC.

Award Categories

There are four types of capacity-building grants available to eligible organizations through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program: Stewardship and Public Access Capacity Grants; Capacity and Organizational Effectiveness Grants; Professional Development Grants; and Step-Up Grants.

Stewardship and Public Access Capacity Grants

Stewardship and Public Access Capacity Grants may be used to assist organizations with the stewardship, interpretation, promotion, education, and public access of a New York State park, trail, historic site or DEC public land, or a partnership involving more than one such organization, which significantly enhances the organization’s visibility and capacity.

A 10 percent match of the total project budget is required, up to 50 percent of which may be in-kind. Fifty percent of award is disbursed at contract signing; remainder disbursed after submission of satisfactory six-month progress report.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, trails, golf courses, boat launches, and campgrounds across more than 360,000 acres and welcomes more than 88 million people annually.

The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.

Parks and Trails Partnership Program

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), the New York State (NYS) Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) with support from Governor Hochul and the NYS Legislature, are pleased to announce the twelfth round of competitive grants through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program. The program is administered by PTNY, in partnership with OPRHP and DEC.

The Park and Trail Partnership Grant program is a $2.65 million capacity-building matching grants program funded through the NYS Environmental Protection Fund. The program is designed to:

• Enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, accessibility, maintenance and promotion of New York’s state parks, trails, historic sites, and public lands.
• Increase the sustainability, effectiveness, diversity, productivity, and volunteer and fundraising capabilities of not-for-profit organizations that promote, maintain, and support New York’s state parks, trails, historic sites and public lands.
• Promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails, greenways and public lands. 

Eligible applicants must be registered nonprofits who have a formal memorandum or agreement with OPRHP or DEC.

Award Categories

There are four types of capacity-building grants available to eligible organizations through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program: Stewardship and Public Access Capacity Grants; Capacity and Organizational Effectiveness Grants; Professional Development Grants; and Step-Up Grants.

Capacity and Organizational Effectiveness Grants

Capacity and Organizational Effectiveness Grants strengthen the capacity and expertise of individual organizations that support New York’s state parks, trails, historic sites and public lands, or a partnership involving more than one such organization, in order to aid them in fulfilling their mission and to improve their reach, effectiveness, and impact.

A 10 percent match of the total project budget is required, up to 50 percent of which may be in-kind. Fifty percent of award is disbursed at contract signing; remainder disbursed after submission of satisfactory six-month progress report.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, trails, golf courses, boat launches, and campgrounds across more than 360,000 acres and welcomes more than 88 million people annually.

The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.

Parks and Trails Partnership Program

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), the New York State (NYS) Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) with support from Governor Hochul and the NYS Legislature, are pleased to announce the twelfth round of competitive grants through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program. The program is administered by PTNY, in partnership with OPRHP and DEC.

The Park and Trail Partnership Grant program is a $2.65 million capacity-building matching grants program funded through the NYS Environmental Protection Fund. The program is designed to:

• Enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, accessibility, maintenance and promotion of New York’s state parks, trails, historic sites, and public lands.
• Increase the sustainability, effectiveness, diversity, productivity, and volunteer and fundraising capabilities of not-for-profit organizations that promote, maintain, and support New York’s state parks, trails, historic sites and public lands.
• Promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails, greenways and public lands. 

Eligible applicants must be registered nonprofits who have a formal memorandum or agreement with OPRHP or DEC.

Award Categories

There are four types of capacity-building grants available to eligible organizations through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program: Stewardship and Public Access Capacity Grants; Capacity and Organizational Effectiveness Grants; Professional Development Grants; and Step-Up Grants.

Professional Development Grants

Professional Development Grants support the hiring of permanent staff to advance organizations to a higher and sustainable level of professionalism, fiscal and administrative stability, and community outreach that in the future they will be able to sustain on their own. Professional Development Grants may be used to support:

• First Staff Hire: hiring the organization’s first permanent employee, full- or part-time.
• Additional Staff: hiring an additional full- or part-time permanent staff member to fill a critical administrative, outreach or development need, or other key function. Park and Trail Partnership Grants 5
• Upgrade to Full-time Staff: increasing a part-time Executive Director, or other key staff position to full time.
• Shared Staff: hiring a staff person to be shared by two or more eligible organizations.

Professional Development Grants are meant to support permanent increases in staffing capacity. If an organization is interested in hiring temporary contractors or staff to support the organization’s work, this request would fall under a Capacity and Organizational Effectiveness Grant or a Stewardship and Public Access Capacity grant.

A 20 percent cash match of the total project budget is required. Fifty percent of award will be disbursed at contract signing; remainder will be disbursed after submission of satisfactory one-year progress report.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, trails, golf courses, boat launches, and campgrounds across more than 360,000 acres and welcomes more than 88 million people annually.

The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.

Parks and Trails Partnership Program

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), the New York State (NYS) Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) with support from Governor Hochul and the NYS Legislature, are pleased to announce the twelfth round of competitive grants through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program. The program is administered by PTNY, in partnership with OPRHP and DEC.

The Park and Trail Partnership Grant program is a $2.65 million capacity-building matching grants program funded through the NYS Environmental Protection Fund. The program is designed to:

• Enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, accessibility, maintenance and promotion of New York’s state parks, trails, historic sites, and public lands.
• Increase the sustainability, effectiveness, diversity, productivity, and volunteer and fundraising capabilities of not-for-profit organizations that promote, maintain, and support New York’s state parks, trails, historic sites and public lands.
• Promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails, greenways and public lands. 

Eligible applicants must be registered nonprofits who have a formal memorandum or agreement with OPRHP or DEC.

Award Categories

There are four types of capacity-building grants available to eligible organizations through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program: Stewardship and Public Access Capacity Grants; Capacity and Organizational Effectiveness Grants; Professional Development Grants; and Step-Up Grants.

Step-Up Grants

Step-up Grants assist organizations with the administrative and legal fees needed to secure 501(c)(3) status, along with the costs associated with completing a consultant-facilitated organizational assessment and resulting plan(s). 

A $500 match is required, cash or in-kind. Award disbursed at contract signing.

Office of Victim Services

Mission: OVS has a three-tiered mission to: provide compensation to victims of crime, their family members, and other eligible individuals in a timely, efficient and compassionate manner; fund direct services to victims of crime and their families through a network of programs across New York State; and advocate for the rights and benefits of all victims of crime.

Services

Compensation and Reimbursement

OVS provides substantial financial relief to victims of crime and their families by paying unreimbursed crime-related expenses, including but not limited to: medical and funeral expenses, loss of earnings or support, counseling costs, crime scene clean-up expenses, the cost to repair or replace items of essential personal property, reasonable and necessary court transportation expenses, assistance to crime victims acting as a good Samaritan, the cost of residing at or utilizing the services of a domestic violence shelter, and limited attorney fees.

Victim Compensation

Eligibility for Compensation

Victims of crimes that happen in New York State may be eligible to get reimbursed for certain crime-related, out-of-pocket expenses. New York State residents who are victims of terrorism in other countries may also be eligible.

Eligibility for compensation depends on the type of crime that occurred, and for certain types of crimes, there may be additional age or disability requirements.

Below is a list of the types of compensation OVS can provide:

• Crime-related, out-of-pocket medical and counseling expenses
• Repair or replacement of essential personal property lost, damaged, or destroyed as the direct result of a crime (up to $2,500 total per claim)
• Funeral and burial expenses (up to $12,000)
• Relocation, moving, and storage costs (up to $2,500)
• Lost earnings or loss of support (up to $30,000)
• Lost savings of vulnerable elderly or incompetent persons (up to $30,000)
• Transportation for crime-related medical appointments or necessary court appearances
• Employment-related transportation expenses due to a victim’s crime-related physical injury (up to $2,500)
• Crime scene cleanup expenses and/or cost of securing a crime scene (up to $2,500)
• The cost of residing at or utilizing the services of a domestic violence shelter
• Occupational rehabilitation expenses
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Attorney fees for representation before the agency and/or before an appellate court, upon judicial review of the victim’s OVS claim (up to $1,000)

Mobile English Program RFA 

The New York State Department of State’s Office for New Americans (DOS/ONA) was created in 2012 to welcome immigrants and to help them in achieving their American dream. Through its statewide network of community-based providers, ONA assists all new Americans in accessing and navigating a variety of free services and supports their inclusion as an integral part of New York State’s diverse cultural fabric.

Since 2014, ONA has offered mobile English programming to new Americans across the State. Through this Request for Applications (“RFA”) ONA is seeking to build on this work by establishing an expanded mobile English program to meet the needs of diverse new Americans across the state, particularly assisting new Americans who have limited English proficiency, representing over 13% of all New Yorkers.

This RFA seeks a qualified provider to develop and maintain a mobile English platform that allows students to access ESOL lessons through mobile devices. The grantee will also provide on demand coaching and support for navigating lessons offered in the platform and promote the program through development of outreach materials and training of staff at ONA and ONA partner organizations.