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 State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. We work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

Mobile and Manufactured Home Replacement Program

The New York State funded Mobile and Manufactured Home Replacement (MMHR) Program was developed to assist low- and moderate-income homeowners to replace dilapidated mobile or manufactured homes that are sited on land owned by the homeowner with a new manufactured, modular or site-built home.

• Costs related to the replacement of dilapidated mobile or manufactured homes will be eligible for grant reimbursement. These costs include, but are not limited to:
  • Demolition, removal, disposal of the dilapidated units;
  • Purchase and site prep for new unit;
  • Temporary relocation assistance
  • Permitting, environmental review and testing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Housing Trust Fund

The Housing Trust Fund Program was established under Article XVIII of the Private Housing Finance Law (PHFL) to help meet the critical need for decent, affordable housing opportunities for people of low income. HTF provides funding to eligible applicants to construct low-income housing, to rehabilitate vacant, distressed or underutilized residential property (or portions of a property), or to convert vacant or underutilized non-residential property to residential use for occupancy by low-income homesteaders, tenants, tenant-cooperators or condominium owners.

Since 1985, HTF has received annual appropriations between $25 and $39 million; a nominal amount of each appropriation can be used for administration of the program.

Funding Limitations

Funding under the Low-Income Housing Trust Fund is limited to $125,000 per unit. Project sponsors must ensure long-term (15-30 years) use by low and/or very low-income persons. Up to 10 percent of an HTF award can be used for a community service facility.

Program funds cannot be used for a project's or applicant's administrative costs, nor can they be used for any non-residential facilities, except for community space for project tenants and such space necessary for operating and management activities as approved by the HTFC. No more than 50 percent of the HTF award may be used towards acquisition of the project property. Operating reserves cannot be capitalized with HTF monies.

No more than 50 percent of the annual HTF appropriation may be allocated to any one municipality. Additionally, no more than one-third of the funds appropriated in any one year may be used by private developers.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. We work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

Access to Home for Heroes

The Access to Home for Heroes Program provides financial assistance to make accessibility modifications, emergency home repairs or address code violations to the primary residences of low- and moderate-income veterans with disabilities. Such activities will enable veterans with disabilities to live in their residences safely and comfortably, rather than in an institutional setting. Eligible veterans may be renters or homeowners, with service-related injuries, age, or health related disabilities. Examples of accessibility modifications may include wheelchair ramps and lifts, handrails, doorway widening, and roll-in showers. 

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. We work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

Access to Home

The NYS Access to Home Program provides financial assistance to make residential units accessible for low- and moderate-income persons with disabilities. Assistance with the cost of adapting homes will enable individuals to safely and comfortably continue or return to live in their residences instead of residing in an institutional setting.

Rehabilitation activities reimbursable by grant funds may only include accessibility modifications designed to address the needs of the person living with a substantial limitation caused by a disability. Examples of modification may include wheelchair ramps and lifts, handrails, doorway widening, and roll-in showers.

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.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. We work with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.

HCR is charged with carrying out Governor Hochul’s new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan to increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

RESTORE Program

The Residential Emergency Services to Offer (Home) Repairs to the Elderly (RESTORE) program provides financial resources to assist senior citizen homeowners aged sixty and over with the cost of addressing emergencies and code violations that pose a threat to their health and safety or affect the livability of their home. Assistance with the cost of these critical repairs will enable seniors to continue to live independently in their homes. The funds made available in this RFA are appropriated 2026-27 NYS State Budget funds.

Eligible applicants for the RESTORE programs are units of local government and not for-profit corporations that have been providing relevant service to the community for at least one year prior to application. 

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.

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.

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.

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.