Best Grants for Preschools in New York

Perkins Overview

Perkins V

The Smith-Hughes Act of 1917 was the first authorization for the federal funding of vocational education (now known as career and technical education). Subsequent legislation included the Vocational Act of 1973 and the Carl D. Perkins Act of 1984 (Perkins). Perkins was reauthorized as the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act (Perkins II) in 1990, the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 1998 (Perkins III), the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins IV), and most recently as the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V).

As put forth in the legislation, the purpose of Perkins V is:

To develop more fully the academic knowledge and technical and employability skills of secondary and postsecondary students who elect to enroll in career and technical education programs and programs of study, by—

• building on the efforts of States and localities to develop challenging academic and technical standards and to assist students in meeting such standards, including preparation for high skill, high wage, or in-demand occupations in current or emerging professions; 
• promoting the development of services and activities that integrate rigorous and challenging academic and career and technical instruction, and that link secondary and postsecondary education for participating career and technical education students; 
• increasing State and local flexibility in providing services and activities designed to develop, implement, and improve career and technical education; 
• conducting and disseminating national research and disseminating information on best practices that improve career and technical education programs and programs of study, services, and activities; 
• providing technical assistance that—promotes leadership, initial preparation, and professional development at the State and local levels; and improves the quality of career and technical education teachers, faculty, administrators and counselors; 
• supporting partnerships among secondary schools, postsecondary institutions, baccalaureate degree granting institutions, area career and technical education schools, local workforce investment boards, business and industry and intermediaries; 
• providing individuals with opportunities throughout their lifetimes to develop, in conjunction with other education and training programs, the knowledge and skills to keep the United States competitive; and
• increasing the employment opportunities for populations who are chronically unemployed or underemployed, including individuals with disabilities, individuals from economically disadvantaged families, out-of-workforce individuals, youth who are in, or have aged out of, the foster care system, and homeless individuals. 

Carl D. Perkins Career And Technical Education Act of 2006 as Amended By The Strengthening Career and Technical Education For The 21st Century Act Sec. 2. [20 U.S.C. 2301]. 

Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida connects people who care with causes that matter. Since 1964, we have served the citizens of Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties through a range of charitable and civic activities, while helping individual donors achieve their philanthropic goals. We believe in Giving Back. Forever Forward.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous donors, The Community Foundation offers several scholarships each year that benefit students in Northeast Florida who are seeking post-secondary degrees.

Dorothea B. Shaw Scholarship

The Dorothea B. Shaw Scholarship will provide $8,000 ($2,000 per year for 4 years) to support tuition, books, fees, room & board, and degree-related expenses for a student graduating from a Duval County public or private school and attending an accredited post-secondary institution in the Northeastern United States. Northeastern states are identified as: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, and VT. In selecting the successful candidate, the review committee will consider academic achievements, leadership experience, desire for personal growth and financial need. 

The Appalachian Region Healthcare Support Program aims to enhance healthcare delivery in rural areas by providing technical assistance to organizations such as critical access hospitals and rural health clinics. By focusing on planning and implementing healthcare service improvements, the program seeks to strengthen the operational performance and quality of care within these communities, ultimately benefiting the residents served by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

The McKeen Fund Grant is dedicated to enhancing the lives of vulnerable populations, including seniors and disadvantaged children and families. This private fund supports medical, educational, and social service programs, prioritizing initiatives that cannot secure outside funding. The Fund emphasizes grants for capital projects and specific programs aligned with its mission, while also engaging in direct charitable activities. Organizations eligible must be 501(c)(3) public charities, primarily in Florida, Massachusetts, and New York.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

Beginning farmers and farm-based businesses in New York can apply for New York Farm Viability Institute’s Track 2 grants, awarding US $50,001 - US $200,000 for farm start-up, expansion, equipment, land, or training. Preschool or early childhood programs that operate farm enterprises or farm education projects may be eligible if they meet beginning farmer criteria.

Beginning and aspiring commercial farmers in New York can apply for New York Farm Viability Institute’s Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program Track 1; awards US $5,000 - US $50,000 for farm start-up, expansion, equipment, land, structures, marketing, or training. Projects must be fully based in New York and completed within 18 months.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

Western New York Foundation

The Western New York Foundation is a philanthropic organization created to support activities that improve the quality of life for people who live in the seven (7) counties of Western New York. Since 1951, we have had the privilege of partnering with nonprofits to amplify their good work and maximize their impact on the communities they serve. 

Small Grant Program

The Buffalo Bills Foundation and the Western New York Foundation are partnering to offer small grants to organizations working within our local and regional food system. Grants are available to support professional development, consultant support, specialty contract services, or certifications and accreditations that build an organization’s knowledge, skills, and leadership. 

Eligible Uses

Grant funds may be used for:

• Professional Development (trainings, conferences, courses, and related travel)
• Consultant Support (strategic planning, communications, evaluation, and similar services)
• Specialty Contract Services (legal, financial, accounting, or other professional services)
• Certification & Accreditation (costs associated with obtaining or maintaining certifications or accreditations)

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

James & Dolores Selan Memorial Scholarship

The James & Dolores Selan Memorial Scholarship is awarded to northern Chautauqua County students who are enrolled at Cornell University, Syracuse University, or SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry to study Forestry, Ornithology, and other environmentally-focused disciplines.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation offers a Mental and Behavioral Health Grant Program aimed at enhancing mental health services across New York State. This initiative supports programs that provide affordable, culturally appropriate care, particularly for marginalized communities. The foundation prioritizes proposals that focus on direct services, education, and capacity building. Grants typically start at $75,000 and require adherence to ethical principles of the Roman Catholic Faith. Eligible organizations must demonstrate financial stability and a commitment to serving underserved populations.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation's Healthcare Workforce Grant Program aims to enhance the healthcare workforce in New York State by addressing critical needs exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The program supports diverse initiatives focused on recruitment, education, career progression, and equity within healthcare. Grants of $75,000 or more are available to eligible organizations committed to serving vulnerable populations and promoting health equity, ultimately improving access to quality care across the state.

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 Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation Grant supports classical music and musical education, honoring Charlotte V. Bergen's legacy. Established in 1983, it provides funding to 501(c)(3) organizations, particularly in the New York/New Jersey area. The foundation prioritizes projects that aid music students and promote educational concerts. Organizations must not have received grants for three consecutive years to be eligible for future funding. Grants foster the appreciation and performance of fine music, enriching community cultural life.

The NYSS Student Support program, offered by the American Physical Society, provides financial assistance to students attending physics symposia. Grants of approximately $150 help cover travel and accommodation expenses, encouraging attendance at both sessions and the symposium banquet. Applications are open to students from New York and nearby states, with a focus on fostering educational outreach and engagement in physics. Each application must be signed by the student and their Department Chair, ensuring a streamlined process.

Native Tree Nursery RFP

The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (“LCBP”), in coordination with the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (“NEIWPCC”), is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for projects that will directly support the Healthy Ecosystems goals of Opportunities for Action: An Evolving Plan for the Future of the Lake Champlain Basin by supporting organizations situated in the United States that have the ability to sell or grow native trees and shrubs for habitat conservation planting projects in the Lake Champlain Basin. The intent of this funding opportunity is to measurably enhance the native plant supply available to local organizations for habitat conservation projects that benefit Lake Champlain.

Awarded funding may be used for infrastructure investments and to support workforce development initiatives needed to build or grow tree nursery capacity and reduce the cost of stems for conservation planting projects located in the Lake Champlain basin.

Applicants must demonstrate or provide a viable business plan and describe how costs to local non-profits purchasing the native plants will remain stable or be reduced or eliminated through use of this funding. Approximately $1,000,000 in funding is available to support awarded projects. Grants of up to $500,000 will be awarded. One proposal may be submitted per eligible organization or entity. LCBP anticipates granting multiple awards from this RFP.

This grant opportunity is supported by funds awarded to NEIWPCC by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on behalf of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Proposals should offer a scope that supports work in the U.S. portion of the Lake Champlain Basin. Partial funding of total application requests may be awarded if agreeable to the applicant. All awards are subject to funding availability.

The FJ Brotherton Charitable Trust Grant aims to support charitable organizations, focusing on arts, education, and social services primarily in the northeastern United States. Established in 2024, the Trust continues the legacy of the Fred J. Brotherton Charitable Foundation. It emphasizes funding for programs that assist the needy or disabled, while adhering to strict eligibility criteria, including a requirement for tax-exempt status under I.R.C. Section 501(c)(3).

The Sprague Charitable Contribution Program focuses on giving back to communities through charitable donations. With awards ranging from $250 to $10,000, priority is given to organizations that support children and environmental stewardship, particularly within Sprague's operational areas. The program seeks impactful contributions that can achieve significant results, reflecting Sprague's commitment to social responsibility and community improvement.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

The NY Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) supports agricultural and forestry producers in enhancing their conservation efforts through tailored plans and financial assistance. Participants can improve land health, increase crop resiliency, and boost wildlife habitats. With annual payments and the possibility of contract renewals, CSP encourages sustainable practices on working lands, benefiting both the environment and producers' operations. This program represents a vital commitment to conservation in New York.