Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in New York

The Thornton S. Glide, Jr. and Katrina D. Glide Foundation provides grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in California that focus on animal protection, land conservancy, agriculture, and civic endeavors. Established in 1995, the foundation prioritizes grants for specific capital acquisitions and does not support operational costs or direct aid to individuals. Emphasizing local impact, California-based organizations are favored over out-of-state counterparts.

Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Program

The Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program is a competitive, statewide reimbursement grant program that funds projects that directly improve water quality or habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source.

The Cloudsplitter Foundation offers Program and Project Support Grants aimed at well-defined initiatives with specific needs and budgets. With a focus on the Adirondack region, these grants prioritize projects that foster community support and collaboration among stakeholders. Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals early due to high demand, as funding is limited to a percentage of project costs. The Foundation seeks to empower organizations that show potential for significant community impact.

The PCLB Foundation Grant supports organizations in Connecticut and New York that align with its mission of empowering individuals through strategic philanthropy. Founded in 1999, the foundation seeks to provide general operating support and restricted grants in five key areas: education, outdoors, science, medicine, and family projects. By fostering high-quality initiatives, PCLB aims to create systemic change while encouraging innovative solutions to pressing community issues.

*Round 2 of the NYS Grown & Certified Infrastructure and Technology Grant Program is anticipated to launch in summer of 2026

About the Institute

The New York Farm Viability Institute is a nonprofit grantmaking organization. We run a competitive grant program seeking to fund agricultural research and education projects that will create and share knowledge to improve the economic viability of New York’s farmers.

Our Mission

Our mission is to help New York farmers become more profitable and improve the long-term economic viability and sustainability of our state’s farms, the food system, and the communities which they serve.

We strive to achieve our mission through a farmer-driven grant making process connecting farmer-identified needs to practical research and education solutions.

We amplify our efforts and the efforts of others through leadership and collaboration. This creation and sharing of knowledge results in positive farm-level impact.

NYFVI administers both research and education as well as direct grants for farms and food businesses.

NYS Grown & Certified Infrastructure and Technology Grant

This program will provide $8.5million to support New York food and beverage producers, processors, distributors, and other eligible entities in bringing NYS Grown & Certified food and beverage products to market through investments in innovative infrastructure and technology. 

Grant sizes range from $20,000 – $250,000 with a required 10% match

Priority areas include:

• Production automation and labor efficiency
• Distribution capacity enhancement
• Processing and packaging
• Food safety
• Environmental sustainability
• New product development

All funded projects must implement new and innovative practices or approaches that address industry needs and consumer demand, provide direct and timely benefit to the NY agricultural industry, and demonstrate regional significance. Additionally, applicants must be current NYS Grown & Certified participants or actively working to become certified.

The WKKF Grant, offered by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a future where every child and family thrives. With a focus on nurturing early education, accessible healthcare, and equitable food systems, this grant supports initiatives that empower communities across the U.S. and parts of Mexico and Haiti. Organizations meeting IRS regulations and being legal entities, particularly 501(c)(3) nonprofits, are encouraged to apply for funding to create lasting impacts in their communities.

The Gorman Foundation Grants, established in 2003, aim to enhance quality of life through funding for IRS 501(c)(3) organizations in areas such as social welfare, community education, and environmental efforts. Focused primarily on Madison County, NY, the foundation supports projects that promote healthcare access, education, and wildlife preservation, while strictly adhering to non-discrimination policies. Organizations must meet eligibility criteria to qualify for grant support.

The NACD Technical Assistance Grants program, in partnership with NRCS, has been enhancing conservation district support since 2018. By funding staff hires, it aims to improve service for agricultural producers and address conservation workload challenges. The initiative focuses on outreach, education, and civic engagement to empower local communities, promote sustainability, and support historically underserved producers in implementing conservation practices, thereby fostering both individual and community resilience.

The Looking Out Foundation Grant supports social justice and humanitarian initiatives, having donated nearly $6 million to various causes globally. With an average donation of $25 per campaign, it aids organizations focused on disaster relief, racial justice, and support for marginalized communities. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes diverse funding sources and encourages organizations to adapt to changing needs, with grant allocations ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and support to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. A public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has been advancing energy solutions and working to protect the environment since 1975.

On-the-Job Training for Energy Efficiency and Clean Technology

Description

NYSERDA’s On-The-Job Training for Energy Efficiency and Clean Technology program will provide wage subsidies to eligible employers to reduce the financial risk of hiring and training new workers, incentivize and track the retention of the new workers during their first year of employment, and offer compensation for industry certifications earned. This program helps New York State to meet its energy goals and prioritizes the creation of employment opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged communities and priority populations.

NYSERDA is working closely with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) to deliver the OJT program.

The primary purpose of OJT funding is to train new hires for clean energy work.

Employers must provide services in one or more the following technology areas to be eligible for program funding:

• High efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) / Heat Pumps
• High efficiency water heating
• Insulation / weatherization
• High efficiency lighting and controls
• Building automation and controls
• Smart grid
• Energy storage
• Building operations and maintenance
• Grid-tied solar electric photovoltaics, solar thermal, and related areas
• Offshore and land-based wind and related areas
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Electric vehicles (manufacturing only)

The Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund, initiated in 2018, aims to enhance ecosystems in the Delaware River watershed through grants supporting habitat restoration and water quality improvement. With $72.1 million awarded to 239 projects, it has significantly impacted over 26 miles of riparian habitat and 77 miles of stream habitat, along with conserving 1,176 acres of wetlands. This initiative, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, also emphasizes outdoor recreation and community vitality in the region.

The Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program, funded by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, offers $500,000 to enhance food system resiliency through farmers' markets. This initiative supports projects that improve infrastructure, online capabilities, marketing, and delivery services for farmers' markets across the state. Larger entities are encouraged to provide sub-grants to local farmers' markets, ensuring a collaborative approach to economic development in their regions.

The Westchester Community Foundation Grant Program offers competitive grants to public charities and groups providing programs in Westchester County. The foundation prioritizes initiatives in human justice, human services, workforce development, youth development, arts, social justice, and technical assistance. This support aims to enhance the lives of residents through diverse projects that address civil rights, economic stability, youth empowerment, and cultural access. Funding fosters community engagement and innovative solutions to local challenges.

Lilly Foundation

To extend Lilly’s charitable reach and impact, the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation (Lilly Foundation) was established in 1968 and is supported by donations from Eli Lilly and Company.

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, private foundation supporting programs that align with its philanthropic priorities.

Grantmaking Approach

The Lilly Foundation’s work is guided by a charitable vision of a world where every person has an opportunity to live their healthiest life. Through grantmaking focused on Lilly Foundation’s charitable vision, grants can serve as a catalyst for closing gaps and empowering individuals and communities to thrive.

All proposals should demonstrate clear alignment with at least one focus area and include charitable outcomes that are measurable and consistent with the Foundation’s long-term charitable goals.

Global Health, K-12 STEM Education and Economic Mobility Grant

Focus Areas

Global Health

Lilly Foundation, through its charitable grants, aims to support permissible charitable efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for resource-limited communities in low- and lower-middleincome countries (L/LMICs) and in the United States. Strengthening access to care is essential for enhancing community well-being and supporting economic stability in resource-limited settings.

The Global Health focus area aims to close gaps in quality healthcare by supporting charitable solutions that improve access, bring care closer to where people live, and address the high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in resource-limited settings. To the extent permissible, the Foundation prioritizes charitable efforts related to cardiometabolic health in resource-limited settings.

K-12 STEM Education

The K-12 STEM Education focus area aims to close the gaps for students from low-income communities by supporting programs that foster new pathways and pipelines to STEM education through focused K-12 efforts, concentrating on the critical middle school years. The Foundation’s K-12 STEM Education grants are focused on initiatives that benefit Marion County, Indiana.

Economic Mobility

The Economic Mobility focus area supports charitable and educational programs that strengthen workforce readiness, postsecondary and skills-based educational pathways, and housing stability to promote long-term prosperity. This support is focused on Marion County, Indiana, with the goal of improving economic opportunity for low-income communities and advancing community well-being.

The Deb Duethorn Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Deb Duethorn, a dedicated flight nurse and educator, by providing financial support for students pursuing careers in nursing, emergency medical services, law enforcement, or firefighting. Established after her passing in 1996, this scholarship aims to make education more accessible, reflecting the Central New York Community Foundation's commitment to equity and opportunity. Only one scholarship is awarded, making it a significant opportunity for eligible applicants.

Ecolab Foundation

Ecolab Foundation is a philanthropic arm of Ecolab dedicated to advancing community well-being through programs that promote education, environmental stewardship, and public health. Its mission is to create positive social impact by supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and foster sustainable development.

The foundation’s primary areas of engagement include educational programs that enhance learning and workforce readiness, environmental projects that encourage conservation and sustainability, and health-related initiatives that improve hygiene and safety. It focuses on partnerships that deliver measurable benefits and long-term impact.

Ecolab Foundation operates primarily within the United States while also supporting global initiatives aligned with its corporate responsibility goals. Its geographic scope reflects a commitment to addressing local community needs and contributing to broader sustainability efforts.

The foundation collaborates with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community-based groups. It prioritizes partnerships that demonstrate strong governance, clear objectives, and alignment with its mission of education, health, and environmental responsibility.

Ecolab Match Program

Ecolab established the Volunteer and Community Relations programs to encourage and reward Ecolab employee and alumni involvement in the communities where people live and work. There are three programs including the Board Leadership Volunteer Grant.

Board Leadership Volunteer Grant

Ecolab will donate up to $500 USD annually to a qualifying 501(c)3 organization (some restrictions apply) for which an eligible person serves on the Board of Directors. 

Focus Areas of Giving

• Youth and Education: programs that promote youth development, particularly for programs that ensure all students are successful
• Civic & Community Development: affordable housing, work readiness, crisis assistance and hunger relief
• Environment & Conservation: hands-on environmental learning programs, environment and conservation organizations
• Arts & Culture: arts education for children and youth as well as support for museums and the performing arts

The Kosciuszko Foundation offers Tuition Scholarships for American students of Polish descent pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. Scholarships can provide up to $12,000 for full-time studies, including master's and Ph.D. programs. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents with Polish heritage and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This program aims to foster educational exchanges and cultural understanding between the U.S. and Poland, supporting various fields of study.

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.

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.

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.

Health-led Community Behavioral Health Crisis Response Pilots Round 2 

The New York State (NYS) Office of Mental Health (OMH) announces the availability of $8M for the expansion and/or creation of health-led community behavioral health crisis response pilot programs consistent with the Daniel's Law Task Force (DLTF) Behavioral Health Crisis Response report established pursuant to Chapter 57 of the laws of 2023 and Chapter 53 of the Laws of 2026. 

The intention of these pilots is to create a crisis response system that prioritizes a health-led response through the utilization of community experts with lived experience to inform a safe, compassionate response for individuals and families in crisis. The development of this system must be in close partnership with the local governmental unit. Every stage and component of the pilot must have significant contribution from persons/families with lived experience. This crisis response system will include a health-led response team component. The DLTF identified a critical need in NYS for trauma-informed, community-based crisis response approaches that prioritize racial equity, cultural humility, and harm reduction for New Yorkers across their lifespans. A health-led response to a behavioral health crisis is the standard being proposed nationwide, with law enforcement collaboration only in situations threatening violence. 

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]. 

The Levin Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofits focused on critical issues in Montgomery County, Ohio, such as the opiate epidemic, human trafficking, anti-bullying, and suicide prevention. Established in 1996, the foundation has invested over $12 million globally, emphasizing projects that align with its mission. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt. Priority is given to initiatives in the Greater Dayton Area, fostering positive community impact.

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 Japan – U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program aims to foster collaborative projects addressing global issues through partnerships between Japanese and American organizations. It focuses on policy-oriented research and dialogue among diverse professionals, including academia and grassroots practitioners. Key thematic areas include resilience, inclusivity, and advancements in science and technology. Projects outside these themes may also be eligible if aligned with grant goals, covering topics like climate change, public health, and digital transformation.

The Brownfield Cleanup Program in New York aims to facilitate the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield sites, thereby revitalizing economically distressed communities. By providing tax incentives and removing barriers, the program encourages private-sector investment in urban areas. Eligible properties are those with contaminants exceeding safety standards. However, sites classified as hazardous waste or under enforcement actions are ineligible. This initiative represents a significant step towards sustainable urban development.

The Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation supports charitable organizations focused on basic provisions for underserved populations, humane care of animals, health care services, public media, and environmental initiatives. The foundation prioritizes organizations in Boothbay Harbor, Southport, and Brunswick, and encourages requests for general operating support, program support, and capital projects, while maintaining a focus on the impact of their services.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and support to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. A public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has been advancing energy solutions and working to protect the environment since 1975.

Advanced Buildings Program

Buildings require a lot of energy to heat or cool spaces, circulate air, and operate lighting. Currently, about 80 percent of buildings across the State were constructed before energy codes emerged in the 1970s and utilize the burning of fossil fuels for space heating and hot water. Laboratories, startups, and established companies are working on innovative business models and technology to enable building electrification, lowering buildings’ emissions and energy use, or intelligent energy management but they need help getting their innovations to market. 

The current funding opportunity from the End Use Energy Innovation program is focused on accelerating commercialization of innovative buildings solutions through large demonstrations to enable electrification and decarbonization of buildings.

Enabling Innovative Clean Energy Building Solutions Funding Opportunity

The approximately 8 million buildings in NYS are responsible for 60% of the State’s energy consumption, and 32% of the State’s greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing emissions from these buildings will help New York reach its aggressive Climate Act goals.

To tackle emissions from buildings, NYSERDA’s End Use Energy Innovation program has released the Enabling Innovative Clean Energy Building Solutions funding opportunity to help develop energy-efficient building technologies and new business models for New York’s buildings.

How It Works

NYSERDA is requesting proposals for, and anticipates making five $1 million awards under this solicitation, to support the advancement of solutions in these five Topic Areas:

• Building Envelope
• Clean Heating and Cooling
• Intelligent Grid-interactive Building Controls
• Low-GWP Refrigerant Applications and Leak Detection
• Thermal Storage

The Sachs Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals and families. The Foundation supports self-sustaining charitable organizations focusing on economic and educational opportunities, particularly in low-income communities in the U.S. and developing countries. Grants are available for various initiatives, including education, housing, and job training, with a keen interest in programs that demonstrate clear potential for sustainability.