Best Grants for Small Nonprofits 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.

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 Booth Ferris Foundation's Higher Education Grant Program offers crucial capacity-building support to eligible higher education institutions in New York State, requiring an annual budget exceeding $1 million. Established in 1957, the Foundation has contributed over $425 million to various charitable causes. This program focuses on enhancing institutional effectiveness and sustainability, ensuring that organizations can thrive and serve their communities effectively. Note that the Foundation does not fund requests from individual schools or certain types of support.

The UrbanGlass Visiting Artist and Designer Fellowship offers artists and designers the chance to explore glass as a creative medium. Recipients will receive guidance, access to state-of-the-art studios, and a $15,000 stipend to support their projects. This fellowship encourages collaboration and community engagement, allowing fellows to share their ideas through lectures and hands-on experiences. Ideal for those with minimal glass experience, it promotes diverse voices in the arts while requiring flexible onsite participation.

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.

Northern New York Community Foundation

Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.

Timothy F. Wright Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established at the Northern New York Community Foundation in memory of local businessman Timothy F. Wright.

Seniors at Carthage High School, Copenhagen Central School and Lowville Academy and Central School who will be attending Jefferson Community College majoring in business or a technology program are eligible to apply.

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

Mission

The Foundation was established in December 2013 by Kathryn B. McQuade, after retiring from 33 years of working in the business community. I was blessed to have been born into a loving middle class family. My father worked very hard to insure that all of his children were given an opportunity for a good education and my mother, “a stay at home Mom’ was always there for us. My world was safe and comfortable. My life is in stark contrast to how much of the rest of the world lives. I continue to read of the terrible injustices waged against women and children globally and hope that this foundation can provide them the opportunity and resources to succeed. We will support organizations that help us achieve our goal of Striving to make sustainable improvements in women and children’s rights education and welfare.

Kathryn McQuade Foundation Grant

The Foundation will make timely decisions on your grant request and provide clear communications on our expectations of reporting progress.

Women

The Foundation’s goal is to provide women assistance and provide them an opportunity to succeed. Assistance can take many forms, however our goal is to help them become self sufficient and enable them to lift themselves out of poverty and provide for their children. Access to education, job training and professional skills, even access to capital in order to build a business are possible ways we will consider helping women to succeed. Grant requests should focus on enabling the women to sustain financial independence.

We look forward to hearing of the many creative ways organizations are working on helping women succeed through out the world. To help women is to help their children and the communities they live in.

Children

Too many children in the US and across the world live in poverty and lack the access to education. Education and/or appropriate skills training are necessary to break the cycle of poverty and crime. While the assistance to women may take many forms, the foundation’s focus for children will target education and/ or skills training. The Foundation is open to many ideas on how to accomplish this goal and look forward to receiving proposals to help all children achieve their potential.

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 Special Presenter Initiatives Grants, offered by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation in partnership with various local arts organizations, aim to support the presentation of professional performing artists at small and mid-size community venues. This initiative encourages projects that feature touring artists and includes community engagement activities, fostering meaningful interactions between artists and local audiences. The program seeks to enhance the cultural landscape of the participating jurisdictions through diverse and innovative performances.

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.

Thomas W. Haggerty Memorial Scholarship

A scholarship/donor advised fund established by Mrs. Ellen Haggerty in memory of her husband, Thomas, who was a social worker in Wappingers Central School District, income from this fund is used to provide scholarships to graduating seniors of John Jay High School and/or Roy C. Ketcham High School who have struggled to overcome personal, financial, family, or educational difficulties.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

John Jay High School or 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.

Through Dylan’s Eyes (The Dylan Feller Memorial Scholarship)

The scholarship was established in 2018 by the Feller family to honor the memory of Dylan Feller who was an Eagle Scout with a passion for photography. The scholarship is available for graduating students interested in photography and graphic communications attending any Dutchess County High School or DC BOCES/CTI.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Any Dutchess County high school or DC BOCES/CTI

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

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.

Jay Lamando Scholarship

Established by family and friends to honor his personal challenges against diabetes this scholarship recognizes the impact of others can have on an individual life celebrating character, discipline, family and teamwork. The scholarship will be awarded to graduating seniors from John Jay and Roy C. Ketcham High Schools who play on an athletic team or are active in after school club(s)/activities and plan to attend an accredited college full time.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

John Jay High School, Roy C. Ketcham High School

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)

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is offering funding through the Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund to eligible not-for-profit shelters and humane societies. This grant supports capital projects that enhance the health and care of sheltered dogs and cats, such as construction, renovation, or expansion of facilities. Organizations can apply for funding for specific components of larger projects, ensuring better containment and welfare of animals.

The Historic Preservation Grant Program, part of the Environmental Protection Fund, supports projects enhancing parks and historic sites in New York. This matching grant program aims to acquire, develop, and improve properties listed on state or national registers, ensuring long-term public benefits through preservation covenants and conservation easements. Applicants, including municipalities and nonprofits, are evaluated on criteria such as project significance, public awareness, and the ability to complete the project effectively, fostering stewardship of historic resources.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the Arbor Day Foundation, promotes the integration of trees and green spaces into college campuses. By adhering to five key standards, institutions can achieve national recognition while enhancing the well-being of students and the environment. This program not only fosters community pride but also supports sustainability efforts, making campuses healthier and more beautiful for all. Join the movement to cultivate a greener future through education and active participation.

Pincus Family Foundation

PFF is driven by the values that our founders David and Gerry Pincus lived by: “to get involved, not just think about your own life, you are supposed to do things for other people.” Today, the second and third generation of Pincus Family members have added their ethos, while keeping the founders’ legacy alive.

Pincus Family Foundation Grant

Mission Alignment: We support our non-profit partners to develop and enhance programs that improve the lives of children, their families, and their communities.

PFF Funds Projects, Programs, & General Operating Support in Four Priority Areas

Creative & Performing Arts

The Pincus Family Foundation’s Creative and Performing Arts portfolio supports programs where young people use art as a tool to address the structural inequities they face. Five strategic priorities:

• Arts for Social Change Focus – Integrating artistic practice with community organizing, policy advocacy, and/or systemic change efforts
• Hyperlocal Community Integration – Deep community embedment with extensive local partnerships
• Teaching Artist Investment – Commitment to the professional development and well-being of teaching artists
• Cultural Responsiveness – Programming that incorporates community cultural wealth with community input
• Environmental Justice Integration – Authentic integration of environmental themes from community-identified priorities

Target Constituency: Organizations serving preK-12 youth from marginalized communities with arts for social change programming that connects them to the power of art to question and transform systems.

Education

High school readiness for many low-income students, largely is a result of poor preparation in middle school. PFF is funding programs/projects that support middle school engagement and focus on achievement filling a funding gap. 

Target Constituency: We support non-profit organizations serving middle school students who face gaps in comprehensive high school readiness. These organizations implement innovative programming that creates challenging yet nurturing environments—preparing students for achievement while inspiring them to become engaged, confident citizens ready to contribute to their communities.

Health & Wellness

Goal: Advance children’s health and well-being by supporting nonprofits that strengthen social conditions, empower youth, and build healthier environments in marginalized communities.

Target Constituency: Nonprofits whose work strengthens social determinants of health for children in marginalized communities.

Play & Recreation

Goal: Advance children’s social-emotional development and physical well-being by supporting nonprofits that create inclusive play-based programming, competitive sports opportunities, and outdoor recreational experiences in under-resourced communities.

Target Constituency: Non-profits whose work promotes access to quality recreational programming for children ages 6-18 in under-resourced communities.

For all grants, the organization’s mission and scope must align with the Foundation’s mission. For the latter, these grants can be either unrestricted or restricted to a particular program or project. The type of grant and what it is used for will dictate the goals and objectives to be met.

The Toy Foundation Program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for toy donations to support children in need. The application period runs from January to June, with approved applicants receiving toys by the end of the year. This initiative, part of the Toy Chest program, has positively impacted over 35 million children since 2003, promoting play as essential for emotional and educational development.

The Critical Needs List by Community Foundation Tampa Bay addresses urgent, unforeseen needs of nonprofits that threaten their ability to serve the community. This innovative program allows nonprofits to submit requests for funding up to $250,000 for critical expenses such as emergency repairs and essential equipment replacement. With a focus on supporting local organizations, the program aims to match funding with community philanthropists, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in New York provide essential funding to qualified organizations for local self-help housing projects. These grants enable very-low- and low-income families to construct their own homes with guidance and technical assistance. Eligible applicants include government and private non-profit organizations as well as federally recognized tribes. The program fosters community collaboration and provides families with the skills needed to manage their housing construction efforts effectively.

The Folk and Traditional Arts Community Projects Grant, offered by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, supports projects that enhance traditional arts and cultures in the mid-Atlantic region. Non-profit organizations can apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, with a required 1:1 match. Eligible activities include performances, workshops, and public art collaborations, particularly those engaging underrepresented communities. This initiative fosters artistic expression and cultural connection across diverse communities.

The Mid Atlantic Tours Grants program supports presenters in the mid-Atlantic region who engage Roster Artists during their project periods. Eligible presenters can receive up to a 50% subsidy for artist compensation, which includes fees, housing, and travel. The application process is straightforward and non-competitive, but early engagement with the artist's tour manager is advised due to limited funding. This initiative fosters a diverse range of performances and community engagement.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. Home is where life happens, where plans are made, and futures begin. It is the foundation for dignity, health, education, wealth, and community. Yet rents keep going up, paychecks don’t keep pace, and good homes in strong neighborhoods are increasingly out of reach.

The system doesn’t work. It must be changed, and it must be changed by us.

Enterprise has the breadth, scale, and expertise to do it. We support community development organizations on the ground. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve.

Together with our partners, we focus on the greatest need — the massive shortage of affordable rental homes — to achieve three goals:

• Increase the supply of affordable homes
• Advance racial equity after decades of systematic racism in housing
• Support residents and strengthen communities to be resilient to the unpredictable, and make upward mobility possible

Since 1982, we have invested $92.0 billion and created 1.1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

Legal Counsel in Administration of 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”).

Enterprise Assisted Properties ("EAP") has initiated a Request for Proposal (“RFP”) process to identify a legal representation panel which will be able to represent EAP in carrying out the New York State Blue Buffers Voluntary Risk Property Buyout Program.

Outside Counsel Services

Seeks proposals to provide comprehensive outside counsel legal services to NYSERDA in the subject matter areas of Renewable/Clean/Nuclear Energy Development, Nuclear Energy Regulation, Environmental and Land Use, Public Authorities Advising, Regulatory, Financing, Real Estate, State and Federal Labor Law and Employment Practices, or Cyber Security, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence.

Selected firms will be expected to act as outside counsel for NYSERDA for a period of five years, with specific matters assigned as the need arises.

The Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League David McClure Memorial Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools and alternative education programs pursuing a degree in wildlife-related fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be accepted into accredited colleges or vocational programs. This scholarship fosters educational growth while promoting conservation efforts, reflecting the commitment of the Ashland County Community Foundation to enhance community development and support future leaders in wildlife conservation.

The High Priority HIV and Substance Use Research funding opportunity aims to support innovative research that addresses the intersection of HIV and substance use. Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals that include a detailed research plan and preliminary data, exploring new avenues for prevention, treatment, and potential cures for HIV among people who use drugs. Applications are due by 5 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior.