Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in New York

The Transformative Youth Justice Hubs initiative by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services aims to establish four collaborative hubs to enhance youth justice systems. With $4 million funding, each hub will receive approximately $1 million over three years, focusing on community-driven solutions and coordination of resources. This program emphasizes prevention, justice, and youth well-being, ensuring that local communities can effectively address barriers to support youth in achieving their full potential.

The Spencer Fellowship for Education Reporting at Columbia Journalism School offers journalists and educators the opportunity to develop impactful long-form journalism projects. With residential and non-residential options, selected fellows receive mentorship, financial support, and access to resources. This prestigious fellowship encourages innovative education journalism, enabling fellows to deepen their expertise while contributing to public understanding of educational issues. The program fosters collaboration and creativity, ensuring a diverse range of voices and perspectives in education reporting.

The Andrew M. Greller Graduate Student Research Award, established by the Torrey Botanical Society, supports graduate students conducting research on local flora and ecosystems within 100 miles of New York City. This award, honoring Dr. Andrew M. Greller, provides $1,000 annually to assist with field and laboratory work costs, fostering conservation efforts and advancing the understanding of plant life in urban environments.

The NYSCA - A.R.T./New York Creative Opportunity Fund, administered by the Bronx Council on the Arts, offers crucial operating support grants of $2,000-$5,000 to small professional theatres in New York State. Aimed at enhancing cultural equity, this program targets theatres with budgets under $500,000, enabling them to overcome barriers to funding. By prioritizing organizations that have historically faced challenges, the fund promotes diversity and strengthens the artistic community across the state.

The WGPF: Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program celebrates and promotes local folklore, legends, and folklife as vital aspects of cultural heritage. Targeted at 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities across 14 US states, it aims to enhance cultural tourism by commemorating community stories. Successful applications typically focus on folktales, historical legends, and community traditions, while excluding purely literary works or personal folklore that lacks broader community significance.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Anna and Lester Swang and Margaret Swang Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide scholarship support to graduating high school seniors planning to attend and undergraduate students attending SUNY Potsdam.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $10,000; paid as $2,500 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Renewability

This scholarship is renewable up to three times for a total of up to four awards in four consecutive years. Award renewability varies per recipient:

• Graduating high school seniors receive awards that are renewable for a total of four awards in four consecutive years;
• College freshman receive awards that are renewable for a total of three awards in three consecutive years;
• College sophomores receive awards that are renewable for a total of two awards in two consecutive years; and

College juniors receive one-time awards that are not renewable.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The NYSCA/GHHN Grants for Site Assessment offer support for half-day museum site assessments in New York. Funded by the New York State Council on the Arts and the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, this initiative helps museums and cultural organizations improve their collections care. Organizations can apply for up to $1,000 for professional consultancy services, focusing on stewardship and collections-related issues. Eligibility includes chartered nonprofit museums and historical organizations, while federal and municipal institutions must inquire about their status.

The New York State Historic Marker Grant Program, initiated by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, aims to preserve local history through the installation of historical markers. This program celebrates significant events, people, and places from 1683 to 1925, having funded over 1,150 markers statewide since 2006. Applicants must provide detailed historical documentation to ensure accuracy, as well as adhere to specific placement guidelines to enhance community engagement and tourism.

The NYSCA/GHHN Preservation Supplies Grant, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts and the Greater Hudson Heritage Network, provides financial assistance for collection management supplies to museums and cultural organizations in New York State. Eligible applicants can request up to $650 to purchase essential materials, such as storage boxes and acid-free tissue paper, to support the preservation of their collections. This grant aims to enhance the care and management of historical artifacts across the state.

The Edna A. Lauterbach Scholarship, established by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports non-traditional age nurses in New York State seeking business-related education to enhance their skills. Since 1968, CFGCR has empowered generous individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities. This scholarship honors Edna A. Lauterbach, a dedicated RN and former leader in healthcare, ensuring that registered and licensed practical nurses can continue their professional development.

The Sills Family Foundation provides grants to nonprofits focused on early childhood education, environmental justice, arts and culture, and support for families in crisis. They prioritize programs benefiting communities affected by the criminal justice system, as well as refugees and asylees. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with an emphasis on systemic change and community-based solutions. The foundation operates primarily in metro New York City and California, accepting applications for one-year grants only.

The Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program offers financial support to New York's school age children (pre-K through grade 12) by reimbursing transportation costs for educational field trips to nature and historic sites. Eligible applicants must register in SFS and, if a not-for-profit, must be prequalified. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and submissions must be made at least six weeks prior to the trip.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

The SFS Fellows Grant, awarded by the Society for Freshwater Science, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to freshwater science research, policy, or management. Each year, up to four fellows are selected based on their sustained excellence and leadership within the field. This initiative also encourages diversity by promoting nominations from underrepresented groups and mid-career professionals. The grant fosters collaboration and participation in SFS activities, enhancing the impact of freshwater science.

Nuvance Health is committed to enhancing community well-being through strategic sponsorships. By partnering with nonprofit organizations, Nuvance Health promotes initiatives that align with its mission of providing exceptional healthcare. Eligible organizations must be not-for-profit, located near Nuvance Health facilities, and support the health system's goals. However, Nuvance Health does not sponsor individuals, political events, or groups lacking direct community benefit. This commitment reflects Nuvance's dedication to fostering health and wellness in the Hudson Valley and Western Connecticut.

The NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant Program, a collaboration between the New York State Council on the Arts and Greater Hudson Heritage Network, offers funding for the conservation of various objects in New York's museums and cultural organizations. This grant supports projects that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, encouraging the preservation of artifacts from historically marginalized communities. Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply to enhance their collections while adhering to New York State guidelines.

The Connect Kids to Swimming Instruction Transportation Grant Program in New York aims to enhance swimming accessibility for school-age children by reimbursing transportation costs. This initiative, part of Governor Hochul's NY SWIMS, emphasizes the importance of swimming instruction in preventing drowning, particularly among children aged 1-4. Eligible organizations can apply for funding up to $250,000 per fiscal year, supporting their efforts to provide safe swimming experiences across New York State.

The Bayard Long Award supports students researching plant species in the Philadelphia area and surrounding regions. With a typical funding of $2000, it encourages studies that enhance understanding of local flora, including field and herbarium work. Eligible projects must include at least one native plant species, promoting both academic and practical botanical endeavors. This opportunity is available to all students enrolled in degree programs at any post-secondary institution, furthering educational and scientific exploration in botany.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Ruth Oja Environmental Scholarship

Established by the Red Hook Town Conservation Advisory Council in honor of Ruth Oja, this scholarship is available to students who are residents of Red Hook, NY who are college bound graduating high school seniors or the home-schooled equivalent pursuing studies in environmental science or a related discipline or who have demonstrated a sensitivity to the environment through leadership/participation in pro-environmental programs like recycling, land conservancy, environmental cleanup projects, etc. This scholarship shall be applied to tuition costs at an accredited college university or trade school.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Red Hook High School

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

Meland Foundation Nursing Scholarship

The Meland Foundation grants funding for scholarships to nurses in the NJ-NY-CT-PA area with BSN degrees wishing to pursue Nurse Practitioner, MSN, and DNP degrees with a pediatric specialty and who share the vision of the Foundation.

The Meland Foundation — founded by a beloved pediatrician who built a successful family medical practice in Northern New Jersey — provides and supports inspirational and informational programs to enhance the ability of families to care for loved ones and to provide hope to patients and their caregivers.

The amount of each nursing scholarship is between $2,000 and $5,000.

Scholarships are granted annually.

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program, led by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), invites proposals for Planning and Technical Assistance Grants up to $75,000. This initiative focuses on enhancing conservation and stewardship efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, supporting local partners in effective project implementation. With an estimated $8.5 million available, applicants are encouraged to engage with NFWF staff for proposal guidance and feedback to strengthen their submissions.

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services supports all facets of the state’s criminal justice system. The agency provides direct training to law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; oversees a law enforcement accreditation program; ensures Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; manages criminal justice grant funds; analyzes statewide crime and program data; provides research support; oversees county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinates juvenile justice policy.

The agency also maintains criminal history records and fingerprint files and performs background checks for employment and licensure. The agency also administers the state’s Sex Offender Registry; the Missing Persons Clearinghouse; the state's DNA Databank in cooperation with the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center; and provides staff support to independently appointed commissions and councils, including the New York State Commission on Forensic Science, which monitors and accredits the state’s forensic laboratories.

Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes (SCAHC) Grant Program

DCJS seeks applications through the state’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant program, which funds safety and security projects at nonprofit organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission. DCJS expects between $35 million and $70 million will be made available to support these projects. Each eligible organization may submit one application for one or more physical security enhancements and/or cybersecurity enhancements.

Organizations can submit for different types of enhancements within their application (e.g., locks and alarm systems) as long as the total requested by the organization is equal to, or less than, $250,000. Organizations may submit applications for projects at facilities that have received prior funding through the program from DCJS or the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services if the proposed project is different than any previously funded projects or if the new project builds upon or enhances the security measures previously undertaken.

The Carol Kelley Schools and Trees Fund, supported by Trees New York, aims to enhance New York City’s urban forest through educational partnerships with local schools. Founded in 1976, Trees New York has planted over 5,000 trees in underserved communities, training thousands in tree care and stewardship. This fund honors Carol Kelley’s legacy by promoting community involvement in the preservation and growth of the city’s green spaces, ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.