Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in New York

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of people without one. We support community development organizations on the ground, aggregate and invest capital for impact, and advance housing policy at every level of government.

Request for Proposals - Environmental Review Services for Blue Buffers Program

Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. ("Enterprise") was selected as a subrecipient of New York State Housing and Community Renewal to administer the Blue Buffers Program pursuant to a subaward. To fulfill its obligations, Enterprise formed a special purpose entity, Enterprise Assisted Properties, LLC (“EAP”).

EAP is seeking to procure professional services for environmental review for eligible properties in the New York State Blue Buffers Voluntary Risk Property Buyout Program (Blue Buffers Program) in the Town of Brookhaven, Mastic Beach, New York. The Blue Buffers program is currently available for property owners within the designated buyout area in the Town of Brookhaven, Mastic Beach. The environmental review will be conducted on properties where the owner has signed a purchase and sale agreement to participate in the program.

New York State Office of Mental Health

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) oversees a large multi-faceted mental health system serving nearly 800,000 individuals each year. This includes operating 23 psychiatric centers and overseeing the Nathan S. Kline Institute and New York Psychiatric Institute. OMH regulates and certifies more than 6,500 programs operated by local governments and nonprofit agencies.

Mission

Our mission is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a particular focus on providing hope and recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances.

Community Mental Health Loan Repayment Program: Mental Health Clinicians

The Office of Mental Health is awarding state aid grants for community agencies that want to offer student loan repayment funds to eligible professionals in exchange for a 3-year service commitment.

Agencies must provide eligible mental health programs licensed or authorized by OMH.

For the 2026 MH Clinicians RFP up to $5M is available annually ($15M over 3 years). These funds will support a minimum of 500 awards. $1.5M annually ($4.5M over 3 years) is set aside for eligible professionals who, as members of groups traditionally underrepresented in the mental health field, provide culturally competent care for populations underserved in mental health.

Agencies can apply on behalf eligible professionals with the following titles for awards of up to $30,000 over the 3-year service commitment:

• licensed master social workers (LMSWs)
• licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs)
• licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs)
• licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs)
• licensed creative arts therapists (LCATs)
• licensed occupational therapists (OTR/Ls or OT/Ls)
• licensed psychoanalysts
• licensed psychologists

My Brother's Keeper

Welcome to New York State’s My Brother’s Keeper (NYSMBK) initiative! The New York State My Brother’s Keeper initiative seeks to “Change the Narrative” of boys and young men of color, and all students, by closing and eliminating the opportunity gaps they face and helping them to reach their full potential.

Family and Community Engagement Program Grant

The purpose of the FCEP is to increase the academic achievement and college and career readiness of boys and young men of color. Many schools and districts are faced with the challenge of how to develop and sustain effective relationships with families toward the goal of increasing student success. Teachers, Principals and School District leaders identify family engagement as one of the most challenging aspects of their work. When narrowing the scope of this ongoing concern to the issues of boys and young men of color, it is not only an issue of engaging and connecting to the immediate family, but to the extended family and the larger community.

The NESOT Student Travel Award for SOT Annual Meeting supports graduate and undergraduate students who are members of the NESOT Regional Chapter. Eligible students must apply with a membership application, abstract, and a letter of support from their Major Advisor. The award offers significant prizes for the top five applicants, ranging from $500 to $1,000, promoting student engagement and research in toxicology within the NESOT region.

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

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 NY Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers vital technical and financial assistance for organic farmers aiming to enhance sustainable practices while maintaining production. Through the Organic Initiative, eligible producers can receive support for transitioning to organic methods, improving irrigation efficiency, and managing soil health. This program not only fosters environmental conservation but also assists in mitigating the impacts of drought and climate variability, ensuring a resilient agricultural landscape for future generations.

New York State Council on the Arts

NYSCA upholds the right of all New Yorkers to experience the vital contributions the arts make to our communities, education, economic development and quality of life. NYSCA funding supports the visual, literary, media and performing arts and includes dedicated support for arts education and underserved communities. NYSCA further advances New York's creative culture by hosting convenings with leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources.

Our Mission: To foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all.

Huntington Arts Council

The Huntington Arts Council, a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, promotes arts and culture generated by Long Island artists to our children and to the general population. We work to enrich the cultural, social and economic life of the community by nurturing the professional development of artists, and by providing timely news and events via Arts Cultural Magazine (reaching 20,000 per issue). Our Arts-in-Education program reaches 35,000 children annually through our partner school districts. We also offer artistic programs and services to our more than 100 cultural organization members who encompass the broad spectrum of arts disciplines.

Arts Education Grants

Supporting the role, the arts play in engaging students and participants of all ages through sequential, hands-on arts instruction. 

The Arts Education grant is designed to support arts education projects that bring teaching artists into dedicated learning spaces for students of all ages.  

Funds support arts education projects for closed groups of learners. 

All Arts Education projects must be carried out in partnership with a public school or in partnership with an existing closed group of learners including but not limited to a club, residents of a senior living facility, individuals receiving social services, or a camp. 

The Lake Champlain Basin Program invites proposals for the Healthy Ecosystems Habitat and Native Species Conservation Projects - Small Grant Category. This initiative aims to enhance the ecosystem through projects that preserve and restore native species habitats. Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to support wetland, riparian, and aquatic habitat improvements, diversify fish communities, and implement flood-resilient practices. Eligible projects may include native species surveys and critical habitat conservation.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The Empire State Trail Town Program, managed by Parks & Trails New York, aims to transform communities along the iconic Empire State Trail into vibrant, trail-friendly destinations. Through expert guidance, the program supports local initiatives to enhance outdoor recreation, promote tourism, and strengthen community identities as trail towns. Applications for the 2026 round are now open, inviting eligible cities, villages, and towns to unlock the economic potential of outdoor recreation along this renowned trail.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

The Market New York - Tourism Grant Program, managed by Empire State Development, aims to bolster tourism in New York through regionally themed marketing projects and capital improvements. Eligible applicants include not-for-profits, municipalities, and tourism agencies. With funding up to $7 million, the program supports initiatives like special events and tourism marketing. However, individuals and certain expenses are ineligible, ensuring funds are directed towards genuine tourism promotion and economic growth.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral fellows and research trainees in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research, facilitating their transition to independent research roles at extramural institutions. Key deadlines for applications include October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others, providing ample opportunity for qualified investigators to advance their careers.

The CFF Champions Award celebrates organizations in the NY-NJ-CT region that drive food system change towards equity, sustainability, and economic viability. Each year, the award promotes exemplary work, offering a $10,000 grant to support transformative initiatives. Awardees present their efforts at the Annual Gathering, share updates with the CFF network, and contribute to future selection committees, fostering collaboration and community engagement in building a better food system.

The William F. Thiel Grants, established by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, honor the legacy of philanthropist William F. Thiel, focusing on healthcare needs in Wyoming County. Grants prioritize access to health services, chronic disease management, emergency aid for low-income residents, food security, mental health support, and transportation. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and operate in Wyoming County, ensuring a singular competitive grant at any time.

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.

The Liberty Partnerships Program, initiated by the New York State Education Department, aims to foster partnerships among Institutions of Higher Education and communities to support at-risk students. By providing essential services such as tutoring, counseling, and mentoring, the program seeks to enhance student engagement and reduce dropout rates. Through collaborative efforts, this initiative promotes innovative educational strategies that empower students to take active roles in their learning journey.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. We work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

Access to Home for Heroes

The Access to Home for Heroes Program provides financial assistance to make accessibility modifications, emergency home repairs or address code violations to the primary residences of low- and moderate-income veterans with disabilities. Such activities will enable veterans with disabilities to live in their residences safely and comfortably, rather than in an institutional setting. Eligible veterans may be renters or homeowners, with service-related injuries, age, or health related disabilities. Examples of accessibility modifications may include wheelchair ramps and lifts, handrails, doorway widening, and roll-in showers. 

The Mary S. Mulligan Charitable Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in New York, focusing on religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational programming, as well as the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. Established in 1967, this grant is awarded for a duration of one year and aims to make a meaningful impact within the community.

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.

NY PLAYS: Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization

Recognizing that Playgrounds promote physical activity, exercise, and building friendships – and that research shows outdoor play supports emotional well-being – Governor Hochul announced the New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) Initiative. This new competitive grant program will support the design, construction, and renovation of Playgrounds that are open to the public in Communities across the State.

NY PLAYS is overseen by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (“NYS OPRHP”) and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (“DASNY”). 

The Sarah K. de Coizart Perpetual Charitable Trust, established in 1992, focuses on supporting species conservation and blindness-related services in the Northeast United States. Grants range from $20,000 to $75,000 for conservation projects and $20,000 to $50,000 for blindness initiatives. Priority is given to endangered species and innovative research efforts. Organizations must be IRS-designated public charities. The Trust does not fund individuals or matching gifts, ensuring support goes directly to impactful projects.

The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program RFP (NY) invites proposals from eligible applicants to obtain funding for housing initiatives aimed at low-income individuals facing homelessness. This program, governed by the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, provides state-funded grants and loans for acquiring, constructing, or rehabilitating housing. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until funds are exhausted, ensuring ongoing support for those in need of stable housing solutions.

The Food Access Infrastructure Initiative Grant, offered by Farm Credit East, provides funding up to $50,000 to organizations aimed at enhancing food security in the Northeast. Eligible projects include improving produce handling, expanding storage capacity, and enhancing distribution capabilities. Non-profit organizations within Farm Credit East's territory are encouraged to apply for support in capital projects that improve food distribution infrastructure.