Best Job Creation Grants in New York

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

About Us

The mission of Empire State Development (“ESD”) is to promote a vigorous, inclusive and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, local economies across New York State through the efficient use of loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development, marketing, and other forms of assistance. 

FAST-NY

Under New York’s FAST NY Shovel-Ready Grant Program, Empire State Development will provide up to $400 million in grants to prepare and develop sites statewide to jumpstart New York’s shovel-readiness and increase its attractiveness to large employers, including high-tech manufacturing, particularly semiconductor manufacturing, interstate distribution and logistics businesses. The program will help diversify New York State’s economy while propelling new investments for businesses, communities and job creation.

Overview

Under the Program, ESD provides grants for pre-development activities and infrastructure investments to develop sites that will attract many eligible industries —including, but need not be limited to, high-tech manufacturing, clean-tech renewable energy, life sciences, agribusiness, optics, transportation equipment, materials processing, industrial machinery manufacturing and other advanced manufacturing. These sites can also be used for interstate distribution and logistics. However, ESD may give priority to semiconductor manufacturing projects and related industry and supply chain projects. The Program further provides ESD the ability to award a “FAST NY Shovel-Ready Certification,” for sites that meet high standards of shovel readiness, to support and enhance their marketing efforts to attract many more industries. 

Track A - FAST NY Shovel-Ready Certification 

• This no-cost designation by ESD for site-marketing purposes establishes that the applicant has worked proactively with New York State (the “State”) to address all major permitting issues prior to a business expressing interest in the location. 

Track B - FAST NY Pre-Development Grants  

• Working capital grants of up to $500,000 per site will be awarded to fund the cost of necessary pre-development site planning and reviews for future shovel-ready sites.  
• Grants will fund necessary costs to assist grantees in completing pre-development activities, such as those required for FAST NY Shovel-Ready Certification. 

Track C - FAST NY Infrastructure Improvements  

• Capital grants will be awarded to improve the shovel-readiness of existing, mature sites by funding infrastructure improvements such as water, sewer, transportation, electricity, gas and other capital-eligible site improvement costs.  
• Competitive grant awards will be available to sites that have substantially met the requirements of FAST NY Shovel-Ready certification. 

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Focused on safety, education, and community development, this program invites New York educational institutions, government entities, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies to seek support for job training and workforce readiness. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation may also benefit initiatives in financial literacy, neighborhood revitalization, and related community development efforts.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, including those in New York, can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support health, education, or community initiatives. Funding may benefit job creation efforts that expand healthcare access, STEM education, food pantries, or community services that build healthier, more resilient local economies.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, or disaster relief can seek support for marginalized communities worldwide, including New York. Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for programs such as healthcare access, child and women’s health, hunger and homelessness services, literacy, and humanitarian aid, which may also strengthen employment and job creation efforts in vulnerable populations.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, science, or health can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust to support charitable, scientific, medical, and educational programs. Eligible tax-exempt organizations must use awarded funds within the U.S. for well-managed services that significantly benefit their target populations and general welfare.

Public charities and fiscally sponsored nonprofits in New York City’s five boroughs can apply for The New York Community Trust’s Thriving Communities grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $200,000 for community development efforts. Funding supports preserving affordable housing, job creation and placement for low-income residents, innovative capital tools, and strengthening community development organizations.

Empire State Development provides New York community and economic development organizations with grants for initiatives and events that support community and economic revitalization. Through the Harlem CDC Community and Economic Revitalization Support Program, eligible projects can receive up to US $40,000, which may benefit efforts that foster local business growth and job creation in New York neighborhoods.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Nonprofit organizations in New York seeking US $1,000 - US $20,000 for workforce preparation, job readiness, or related community programs may be eligible. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. nonprofits fund education, skills training, youth and senior services, disability programs, and other community-based initiatives that benefit local employment and opportunity.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Focused on economic and community development, New York State Homes and Community Renewal invites New York local governments to support microenterprise assistance programs that create or retain jobs for low- and moderate-income residents. Eligible cities, towns, villages, and counties can fund entrepreneurial training and financial assistance for very small for-profit businesses with five or fewer employees.

Local governments in New York can use this Community Development Block Grant to support stand-alone for-profit businesses and related public infrastructure that create or retain permanent jobs for low- and moderate-income residents. New York State Homes and Community Renewal offers US $25,000 - US $750,000 for eligible economic development projects and business expansion efforts.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking project support in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural programs, or environmental initiatives can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Organizations whose work strengthens communities and may contribute to local job creation can apply during the annual October–March cycle.

Municipalities and nonprofit entities in New York planning tourism-related projects in Delaware County can seek funding for events, marketing, and capital improvements that drive visitor spending and job growth. Delaware County Economic Development offers up to US $25,000 to support initiatives that attract out-of-county visitors and strengthen the local tourism economy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits working in preservation, education, or wellness can seek more than US $50,000 to tell impactful stories about their work. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports storytelling projects nationwide, and New York organizations advancing conservation, historic preservation, education, or community wellness may be especially interested.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on environmental and climate justice, green jobs, and sustainable infrastructure can apply for funding that supports BIPOC-led, movement-building work. Grants from Scherman Foundation help New York organizations advance climate resilience, equitable mass transit, renewable energy, and economic transformation that creates opportunities and jobs in frontline communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York working on youth education, family services, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs that strengthen underserved youth and families may also contribute to local job creation and community stability.

New York organizations planning capital projects that create or retain jobs, boost economic activity, or enhance tourism destinations can access funding through Empire State Development’s Regional Council Capital Fund Program. This statewide program offers US $100,000 - US $60,000,000 for capital-based economic development initiatives aligned with Regional Council strategies and New York’s job creation priorities.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including 501(c)(3)s in New York, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $250,000 for focused interventions and humanitarian relief. Smaller, non-sectarian organizations with revenues between $300,000 and $3,000,000 may be eligible, with at least 90% of grant funds reaching beneficiaries.

New York workforce development and job training organizations can seek funding to launch or expand in-demand skills programs, covering working capital and programmatic costs. With a mission to promote a vigorous state economy, Empire State Development provides support for curricula development, instruction, technology, marketing, and trainee supports through its Pay for Performance Operating Grant Program, offering US $100,000 - US $10,000,000 awards.

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)