Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in New York

The A. Lindsay & Olive B. O’Connor Foundation offers grants up to $2,000 aimed at enhancing the lives of children and youth in Delaware County, NY. Eligible applicants include municipalities, religious organizations, and 501(c)(3) entities. However, individual applicants and proposals for debt repayment or completed projects are not considered. This initiative seeks to directly impact the community's quality of life.

The Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Community Fund aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Boonville, Constableville, and Westernville. With funding available up to $60,000, this grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations that propose programs and initiatives benefiting the community. Eligible applicants can apply for support to create positive impacts and foster community development.

The Orchestral Fund aims to enhance the cultural landscape of the Watertown area by providing financial support for live orchestral performances. Eligible nonprofit organizations must consist of at least 20 instrumental performers. With funding available up to $25,000, this initiative seeks to not only promote orchestral music but also to engage the community in vibrant artistic experiences.

The George R. Davis Fund for Lowville supports programs that enhance the quality of life for residents in the Village and Town of Lowville. Established in memory of the late Judge George R. Davis, the fund focuses on human/social needs, cultural activities, and youth development. Grants of up to $20,000 are available to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, promoting community building and recreational activities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

The Trails Capacity Program, previously known as the Trail Fund Grant, aims to enhance community capacity for trail maintenance, research, and stewardship training across the nation. The program focuses on supporting non-Forest Service Federal lands, as well as state and local areas, fostering inclusivity and improved user behavior. By collaborating with diverse trail partners, it seeks to ensure effective stewardship and sustainable trail management, ultimately promoting public access and enjoyment of America's natural landscapes.

The Rock Charitable Fund Grant, managed by the Northern New York Community Foundation, provides up to $125,000 to support the maintenance and preservation of historically significant churches and cemeteries. It aims to assist Veterans in St. Lawrence County with their medical and recreational needs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties, emphasizing community development and service.

The Dr. D. Susan Badenhausen Legacy Fund Grant, established in 2019 in memory of Dr. Badenhausen, aims to support charitable organizations in St. Lawrence County. With a focus on health, arts, education, conservation, and wildlife preservation, the fund reflects her lifelong commitment to community service. Grants will be awarded annually to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations that align with Dr. Badenhausen's values, ensuring her legacy continues to benefit the region she cherished.

The Safe Schools Endeavor Grant Program, managed by the Northern New York Community Foundation, supports initiatives enhancing safety in K-12 schools across Jefferson and Lewis counties. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $2,500 and prioritize proposals that empower students, parents, and faculty. Collaboration with students is highly valued, and projects must be approved by the respective school district. This program aims to foster a secure educational environment for all.

The Daniel J. Briggs Fund for Integrity Grant Program, managed by the Northern New York Community Foundation, offers grants up to $2,500 to support nonprofit programs enhancing community life in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. Focused on bullying prevention and character education, the fund also promotes professional development for educators and staff in local school districts, ensuring a positive impact on the region's youth.

The Six Town Community Fund Grant, managed by the Northern New York Community Foundation, provides up to $10,000 to support nonprofit and public organizations that enhance the quality of life in the towns of Adams, Ellisburg, Henderson, Lorraine, Rodman, and Worth. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) entities and public organizations. This initiative aims to foster community development and improve local services, ensuring residents benefit from enhanced resources and programs.

The Youth Philanthropy Council Grant Program, established by the Northern New York Community Foundation, empowers youth by engaging them in philanthropy and community development. With a funding capability of up to $25,000, it supports projects that enhance community life across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or those partnering with such sponsors. This initiative fosters critical thinking and real-world skills among student delegates from various high schools.

The Community Fund for Theresa, established in 2020 by the Russell I. Wilcox Family, aims to support vital programs and initiatives that enhance the Theresa, New York area. With a focus on cultural activities, historic preservation, and community development, the fund seeks to improve quality of life through recreational and educational projects. It serves the Village and Town of Theresa and the surrounding Indian River Lakes Region, ensuring that essential needs are met and community spirit is fostered.

The Sustainable Disaster-Relief Fund, established by Vanguard Charitable in 2006, aims to support communities affected by natural disasters. By providing funding for rebuilding efforts and necessary infrastructure, this initiative helps ensure that affected areas are better prepared for future disasters. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing, focusing on charitable purposes like operating expenses and specific projects. The fund plays a critical role in enhancing community resilience and promoting effective disaster recovery.

Truist Foundation

The Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. The Truist Foundation's grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses.

Inspire Awards

This year’s Inspire Awards seeks nonprofits supporting the career navigation and workforce development needs of workers across the United States. The challenge seeks applications that help individuals gain the skills, guidance, and support needed to access quality jobs, advance in their careers, and build long-term stability in an evolving world of work.

2026 Truist Foundation Inspire Awards Challenge Question

How are nonprofits providing innovative direct services, training programs, and career navigation supports for adult workers in the age of AI?

Challenge Dimensions

Nonprofit organizations have long been critical advocates and service providers for workers in the United States. Nonprofits provide workers necessary upskilling opportunities, AI literacy training, career navigation support, and wraparound services in conjunction with career pathways programming. All necessary for the modern workforce. Meeting the moment, Truist Foundation and MIT Solve want to hear the ways in which nonprofits headquartered in the Truist operating footprint are providing innovative career pathway programming in the age of AI. Although solutions don’t need to focus on generative AI specifically, teams should demonstrate how their career pathways programming align with the following dimensions:

• Training and Upskilling Programs – Providing holistic, accessible programming that equips workers with essential skills, industry-validated credentials, and technical literacy for the modern workplace.
• AI Readiness and Literacy – Offering high-quality training that helps workers understand generative AI and agentic technologies as augmented intelligence tools, helping to build practical skills like effective prompting, domain expertise application, and ethical use.
• Additional Wraparound Services and Basic Needs Support – Supporting unemployed and underemployed workers on their journey to economic mobility through comprehensive, integrated resources including childcare, transportation support, mentorship, mental health services, benefits navigation, and more.
• Career Navigation in the AI Economy – Enabling workers to navigate career choices with clarity and confidence by providing accessible information about how AI is reshaping job roles and industries, facilitating informed decisions about high-quality career trajectories that align with individual circumstances, and connecting workers to industry-validated credentials or trainings.

Here are the grants for this challenge

• First place: $250,000
• Second place: $150,000
• Runners-up: $25,000
• Audience favorite: $75,000

The Pets in the Classroom Grant Program provides financial support to educators in the US and Canada, enabling them to incorporate small animals into their classrooms. This initiative aims to enhance students' educational and personal development through direct interaction with pets. The program, established by the Pet Care Trust, invites applications from teachers, librarians, and other school staff who support student learning, fostering a nurturing environment for young learners.

The Hart Family Fund for Small Towns offers grants between $2,500 and $15,000 to support preservation projects in towns with populations of 10,000 or less. These funds aim to encourage local preservation efforts, enhance public discussion, and build technical expertise among community groups. The application process is competitive, with a review period of approximately three months. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, with a cash match required. Projects must start within six months of receiving funding.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors, established by George P. Mitchell in 1997, supports the preservation of historic interiors through grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, while individuals may apply if their project involves a National Historic Landmark. The competitive selection process typically concludes within three months, with grant recipients required to match funds dollar-for-dollar. This initiative promotes education and planning activities crucial for maintaining historic interior integrity.

The Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation, established in 1994, supports public agencies and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to preserve historic environments. With grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, this highly competitive funding opportunity aims to foster appreciation for cultural heritage and enhance community livability. Eligible activities include planning, education, and preservation projects. Applicants must match the grant dollar-for-dollar and adhere to specific guidelines to ensure the success of their initiatives.

The Rocky Talkie Search and Rescue Award, sponsored by the American Alpine Club, provides $75,000 annually to support underfunded Search and Rescue (SAR) teams in the U.S. and Canada. The initiative aims to enhance community awareness of the vital contributions made by volunteer SAR members. Grants include $10,000 for five selected teams and a special $25,000 award for the Featured Rescue of the Year, spotlighting exceptional volunteer-led rescue operations and their impact on mountain safety.

The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation Grant supports educational, artistic, and outreach initiatives. Applications are accepted year-round, with a focus on projects that yield specific outcomes rather than general operating expenses. While historically centered in Indiana and Florida, the foundation welcomes proposals from across the country. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) designation. This grant is an excellent opportunity for nonprofits aiming to make a tangible impact in their communities.

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.

The NIA Research and Entrepreneurial Development Immersion (REDI) program aims to support early-career scientists transitioning to industry through the Entrepreneurial Small Business Transition Award. This initiative fosters entrepreneurial skills while enabling small business concerns to hire postdoctoral fellows and early-stage researchers, enhancing their research capabilities. Focused on mentoring and training, the program is designed to ensure that participants develop essential skills for successful careers in entrepreneurship and scientific development.

The HEAL Initiative's Career Development Awards aim to empower early career researchers and clinicians in implementation science. By providing training and funding, this initiative seeks to address substance use prevention and treatment through research projects that align with the HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy. Focused on vital areas such as opioid prescribing, OUD treatment, and recovery support, the program aspires to cultivate a new generation of experts who will significantly impact addiction clinical practices and mentorship.

The SBB Research Group Grant offers $5,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations with a focus on addressing unmet needs through sustainable strategies. The application process is streamlined, consisting of just ten questions. The evaluation includes a review by the Philanthropy Committee, which selects nominees for interviews and finalists for presentations. Winners receive funding and further opportunities, while all finalists receive $1,000. This grant aims to empower organizations with 5 to 49 full-time employees.

The Teiger Foundation Single Project Grant supports innovative visual arts projects at non-profit exhibition spaces with annual budgets exceeding $3 million. Focused on curatorial practices, the grant encourages experimentation and creativity, aiming to drive positive structural change in contemporary art. Eligible expenses include artist fees, publication costs, and coalition-building efforts. The next Call for Proposals opens in Fall 2026, with funding of up to $150,000 available for selected projects.

The Teiger Foundation Programming Grant supports innovative visual arts projects led by curators at smaller non-profit organizations with budgets under $3.5 million. Grants of up to $150,000 are available for three years, funding development, realization, and documentation of exhibitions and related programs. The foundation emphasizes community engagement, racial justice, and artistic experimentation while encouraging collaboration with other cultural institutions. Note: The next Call for Proposals opens in Fall 2026.

The Teiger Foundation's Hosting Grant provides up to $75,000 for US-based curators or artistic directors to present contemporary visual art exhibitions that originated in different contexts. This grant encourages resource-sharing and collective learning, allowing institutions to expand their programming sustainably. It prioritizes projects affiliated with established non-profits, fostering community-building and positive change in the field of visual art while addressing issues of racial justice and climate crisis.