Best Housing Grants in New York

Nonprofit housing providers creating or preserving affordable, supportive housing in New York can access funding through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative Round 10. Grants from New York State Office of Mental Health back projects that expand safe, secure housing units for vulnerable residents. Prequalification with the state is required before proposal submission.

New York Main Street (NYMS) Program

A holistic approach to Main Street revitalization that involves aesthetics, businesscreation/retention, and housing will lead to healthy and economically vibrant communities. Acombination of capacity and capital is needed to revitalize Main Streets across the state. TheNYMS program is designed to help address these needs.Successful local NYMS programs involve residents, governments, businesses, and propertyowners. Coordinated program implementation involves planning for contextually-appropriatedesign; following a coordinated outreach and communication strategy to publicize activities;implementation of an effective business strategy to recruit appropriate businesses; andmeasuring and evaluating progress in meeting established goals.

A coordinated application and administrative approach improve capacity and impact. This practice is favorable and could involve collaboration between counties and local government, or municipal - not-for-profit partnerships. For example, counties should work with villages to support and prioritize applications annually. 

Housing is a key component in any successful main street revitalization. Affordable, marketable housing in upper-floor spaces and on adjacent streets helps to strengthen the social and economic vitality of the business district. Assisted buildings are not required to include both residential and civic or commercial spaces; however, applications should propose a comprehensive approach to strengthen both the commercial and residential sectors by including a mix of residential, commercial, and civic buildings.

The NYMS program provides resources to assist New York communities with Main Street and downtown revitalization efforts. NYMS provides funds to stimulate reinvestment in mixed-use (commercial-civic-residential) “main street” buildings or neighborhoods to:

• Foster small business development, thereby providing economic opportunities and promoting economic activity in traditional downtown or neighborhood business locations;
• Expand affordable housing opportunities in mixed-use districts, including accessible upper floor units;
• Increase the capacity of local government and community-based not-for-profit organizations to undertake community renewal programs at the local level and market the district to prospective businesses and residents;
• Facilitate an effective planning process that ensures that capital investments of public funds will enhance the aesthetics and economics of the commercial district through appropriate design that respects the historic architecture of the target area;
• Preserve significant or historic buildings and provide an environment that attracts new investment to enable the adaptive reuse of these buildings for new Main Street enterprises;
• Address issues of code enforcement, energy efficiency, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, and fair housing to bring vacant commercial space into code compliance, so that it can be utilized by new businesses.

Nonprofit and community-based programs improving community health, economic stability, and housing-related wellbeing in New York can seek support through Highmark’s corporate giving. Focus areas include equitable and affordable housing, access to care, food security, neighborhood environments, and education. 501(c)(3) organizations are preferred, and national groups may apply for locally focused initiatives.

New York housing and community development organizations can access funding to expand decent, safe, and affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families in New York. Grants from New York State Homes and Community Renewal support homeownership and equitable, affordable housing initiatives, helping eligible entities develop or improve housing options for underserved residents.

Nonprofit corporations, charitable organizations, municipalities, and public corporations in New York can receive funding to acquire, construct, or rehabilitate supportive housing for people who are or would otherwise be homeless. The New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation provide state-funded grants or loans through this open-ended RFP.

Grants support New York 501(c)(3) community-based organizations providing youth-focused programs in housing, mental health, harm reduction, substance use disorder, or workforce development. Grants from New York State Office of Cannabis Management help address needs in communities disproportionately affected by past drug policies, with Tier 1 awards ranging from US $50,000 - US $200,000.

New York municipalities and public entities seeking funds for community development, housing-related services, and neighborhood revitalization in New York can access funding through New York State Homes and Community Renewal. This CDBG program offers US $25,000 - US $1,000,000 for activities such as supportive housing services, community facilities, public infrastructure, and local economic development projects.

New York 501(c)(3) community-based organizations serving youth in communities disproportionately affected by past drug policies can receive US $200,000 for housing, mental health, harm reduction, substance use disorder, or workforce development programs. Grants from New York State Office of Cannabis Management support youth-focused, wraparound services that promote restorative justice and long-term community resilience.

Community-based not-for-profit corporations in New York focused on neighborhood or rural housing preservation can apply for New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Neighborhood and Rural Preservation Program, which provides administrative support for their operations. Funding may help sustain services like housing rehabilitation, counseling, accessibility modifications, weatherization, and broader community revitalization that expand affordable housing options.

New York affordable housing providers and partners planning solar or storage projects that benefit low-to-moderate income renters can seek predevelopment and technical assistance funding, with awards up to US $200,000. With a mission to advance clean energy, NYSERDA supports multifamily affordable housing and community solar models that deliver meaningful benefits to LMI households.

Mother Cabrini Health Foundation provides New York health and human services nonprofits with grants over More than US $75,000 to improve healthcare access and related supports for poor, disadvantaged, or underserved residents. 501(c)(3) organizations serving priority groups may fund direct service programs, including supportive housing and shelter initiatives, that align with Catholic ethical principles.

Food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters that are registered nonprofits in New York can apply for funding to purchase food or provide shelter through the Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant. Focused on feeding the hungry and housing those in need, UNICO Foundation supports established programs serving low-income and vulnerable populations.

Governmental, nonprofit, and charitable organizations in New York can seek funding to develop or improve affordable owner-occupied homes for low- and moderate-income families. Focused on equitable and affordable housing, New York State Affordable Housing Corporation supports new construction, acquisition/rehabilitation, and home improvement projects, with grants available up to $75,000 per unit.

New York government entities and nonprofit housing organizations can access funding for affordable homeownership and home improvement projects in New York. Through the Affordable Home Ownership Development Program, New York State Affordable Housing Corporation supports new construction, acquisition/rehabilitation, and home improvements for owner-occupied one- to four-family homes, condos, and co-ops serving low- and moderate-income households.

New York governmental, not-for-profit, and charitable housing organizations can access funding through the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation to develop or improve affordable owner-occupied homes. Grants support acquisition and rehabilitation projects, new construction, and home improvements for low- and moderate-income families across New York communities.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in New York working on housing and land use justice can receive support for grassroots organizing and advocacy. Scherman Foundation prioritizes BIPOC-led, movement-building efforts advancing tenant protections, preservation of affordable housing, and equitable development, with additional consideration for intersecting worker, immigrant, and economic justice campaigns.

Housing and community development nonprofits in New York that are 501(c) or 170(c) organizations can apply for matching gifts from Regions Bank’s employee giving program to support their work. Eligible missions include equitable and affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, food security, workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, and disability services.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working on equitable and affordable housing and related community development in New York can receive up to US $1,000 in matching donations through Regions Bank’s recent retiree program. Eligible gifts must come from Regions retirees within five years of retirement and be verified by Regions Community Affairs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York and other Vermont Mutual Insurance Group territories can seek funding for education, youth development, community-based programs, and basic needs such as affordable housing, homelessness, and hunger. Vermont Mutual Insurance Group provides support to strengthen healthy lives and build strong, vibrant communities in its marketing areas.

Nonprofit charitable organizations working on equitable and affordable housing, homeownership, and community development in New York can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support neighbors, education, and workforce initiatives. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help strengthen safe, inclusive communities, expand financial literacy, and improve economic self-sufficiency for residents.

New York 501(c)(3) public charities with budgets over $750,000 that provide housing-related direct services for poor or underserved residents can apply for Mother Cabrini Health Foundation’s Basic Needs grants, typically more than US $75,000. Funding supports homelessness prevention, housing stabilization services, rehabilitation support, and related basic needs like food, benefits access, and economic mobility programs.

Scholarship Rule and Application

Mission/Purpose:

Through this scholarship program, The Women’s Council of Realtors Tri-County NY Network aims to raise the level of knowledge, professionalism and leadership of REALTORS® in the communities we serve.

The FJ Brotherton Charitable Trust Grant aims to support charitable organizations, focusing on arts, education, and social services primarily in the northeastern United States. Established in 2024, the Trust continues the legacy of the Fred J. Brotherton Charitable Foundation. It emphasizes funding for programs that assist the needy or disabled, while adhering to strict eligibility criteria, including a requirement for tax-exempt status under I.R.C. Section 501(c)(3).

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 Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), established by Congress in 1988, aims to fund organizations to combat discriminatory housing practices. The Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) educates stakeholders about their rights under fair housing laws. Key components include the National Media Campaign, which promotes fair housing awareness nationally, and local programs that support community-based outreach. HUD oversees the process, ensuring compliance and monitoring of funded initiatives to enhance fair housing practices.

The TruStage Foundation focuses on fostering economic mobility through education and housing initiatives. By supporting K-12 literacy, mentoring, and affordable housing projects, the foundation aims to uplift marginalized communities. With a commitment to addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities, TruStage seeks to empower individuals and families to build a brighter future. Their funding is directed towards impactful programs that align with their mission, while avoiding causes that do not meet their criteria for economic mobility.

The United Tompkins Community Impact Fund, managed by the United Way of Tompkins County, supports essential health and human services in Tompkins County. This fund focuses on addressing community needs through grants awarded every two years, targeting areas such as affordable housing, food security, and youth success. Nonprofit organizations and municipal agencies serving local residents are eligible to apply, ensuring impactful support for marginalized communities and overall well-being.