Best Grants for Teachers in New York

The Community Forest Conservation Grant Program, funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, supports municipal land acquisition for community forests. These vital spaces enhance wildlife habitat, improve air and water quality, and promote public health. By fostering local ownership and management, this program encourages community engagement and connection to nature. Additionally, it aligns with New York's goal to conserve 30% of its lands and waters by 2030, strengthening biodiversity and climate resiliency.

The Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship, offered by New Hampshire Sea Grant, provides a unique opportunity for undergraduates to engage in marine resource projects while receiving mentorship and training. This paid fellowship supports students interested in marine-related research and education, with potential earnings of up to $5,000 over a 10-week summer period. By participating, fellows gain valuable insights into coastal and marine management, enhancing their skills and expanding their professional networks.

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 Waterman Fund Grant aims to preserve the ecological, cultural, and recreational values of the alpine regions in Northeastern North America. It supports projects such as trail rehabilitation, alpine education, and research to enhance stewardship of these areas. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and government agencies, with a requirement for matching funds. The Fund also encourages long-term sponsorships for impactful educational and conservation initiatives, particularly in alpine ecosystems.

The U.S. Healthcare Donations program by Amgen aims to support not-for-profit organizations in the healthcare sector. As a leading biotechnology company, Amgen provides funding for initiatives that improve science, technology, education, and public awareness on medical conditions. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt entities, focusing on genuine philanthropic efforts that align with Amgen's mission to enhance health outcomes and reduce the burden of diseases.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives that foster thriving communities through education, poverty solutions, and environmental programs. The foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities. Key areas include education development, innovative poverty solutions, and environmental restoration efforts, such as coastal wetland preservation. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least three months before funding is needed, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.

Webster Bank Corporate Giving focuses on supporting underserved communities through essential programs in workforce development, community development, financial empowerment, and basic human services. The bank prioritizes registered nonprofit organizations that align with its strategic goals, encouraging initiatives that promote economic inclusion and address racial equity. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating within Webster's footprint, demonstrating a history of success and a commitment to community enhancement.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants program aims to enhance the economic viability of agricultural producers through targeted risk management education. Funded by the University of Delaware, this initiative offers grants of up to $75,000 for projects addressing production, marketing, financial, legal, or human risks. The grants are expected to support 12-15 new projects over an 18-month duration, from April 2026 to September 2027, subject to funding availability and application quality.

The Maine Cancer Foundation is seeking proposals for cancer screening initiatives aimed at early detection and prevention. This RFP focuses on screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, prostate, and skin cancers. Proposals should align with evidence-based practices endorsed by the CDC and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Interested applicants are encouraged to consult with MCF prior to submission to discuss project concepts and receive feedback on draft applications.

The Atlantic Sturgeon Population & Habitat Use project seeks to gather critical data on the presence of Atlantic sturgeon in the New York City area. This research will inform infrastructure improvements needed for energy development while ensuring environmental protection. NYSERDA aims to deploy acoustic receivers and conduct tagging to monitor sturgeon movements, providing timely insights for decision-making on energy project timelines and maintaining compliance with regulations concerning endangered species.

The Architecture + Design Independent Projects Grants program, a collaboration between the New York State Council on the Arts and The Architectural League of New York, offers 25 grants of $10,000 each for innovative design proposals. Open to individuals and teams in various design fields, including architecture and graphic design, this initiative encourages creative exploration and public engagement with design. Applications will be evaluated by a panel of design experts, ensuring support for impactful projects that advance the discipline.

The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant, offered by the UNICO Foundation Inc., aims to combat hunger and provide shelter for the homeless and indigent. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in 13 U.S. states. The grant focuses on direct services, ensuring that all funds are used for food and shelter, not for operating expenses, thereby promoting effective community support for vulnerable populations.

The McKinney-Vento Competitive Grant Program in New York supports educational initiatives for homeless children and youth, ensuring they have equal access to quality education. Funded by the New York State Education Department, the program allocates substantial financial resources to local educational agencies based on the number of identified homeless students. This grant is pivotal in providing essential services like tutoring, health care, and transportation, ultimately promoting academic success and stability for vulnerable populations.

TC Energy’s Build Strong program supports vital organizations in communities near its operations. By providing grants, scholarships, and in-kind support, the program aims to enhance safety, education, environmental protection, and community well-being. Eligible applicants include non-profits and community groups addressing local needs. Ineligible activities include operational expenses and for-profit endeavors. The program prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable community impact, fostering a collaborative relationship between TC Energy and local stakeholders.

The Ron Goellner Conservation Fund Award, administered by the Cryptobranchid Interest Group, offers grants up to $2,000 for projects focused on the conservation of giant salamanders. This initiative supports innovative research, field conservation, and educational initiatives that aim to protect these species and their habitats. Open to all applicants, the fund prioritizes projects that demonstrate broad conservation impact and partnerships. Applications are automatically considered for two separate grants of up to $1,000 each.

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.

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.

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 Westinghouse Charitable Giving Program aims to strengthen community ties by providing financial support in key areas such as education focused on STEM, environmental sustainability, and community safety. This program welcomes applications from eligible organizations that meet specific grant criteria, including being tax-exempt and located within 50 miles of a Westinghouse site. The initiative underscores Westinghouse's commitment to advancing education, promoting environmental stewardship, and enhancing community well-being.

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 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.

*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 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 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 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.

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 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.