Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in New York

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal

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.

Community Development Block Grant

The NYS Community Development Block Grant or CDBG Program is a unique source of federal funding for Cities, Town, Villages, and Counties to assist low- and moderate-income communities, households, and people.

CDBG funding assistance can include everything from drinking water and sanitary sewer projects to grants for home repair, senior and community center improvements to grants to small business for start-up and expansion.

The NYS CDBG program provides financial assistance to eligible cities, towns, and villages with populations under 50,000 and counties with an area population under 200,000, in order to develop viable communities by providing decent, affordable housing, and suitable living environments, as well as expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. 

Expert technical assistance is always available to help your community apply for and administer CDBG funds, and to help direct assistance to where it is needed most.

Eligible Activities

CDBG funding may be used for eligible activities as outlined below. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of eligible activities and applicants are encouraged to develop projects in response to local need that may not fit neatly in any one category. In these cases, applicants are encouraged to contact OCR for additional guidance prior to applying.

Funding is available for the following activities: 1) Public Facility; 2) Community Planning; 3) Economic Development - Stand-Alone Business Assistance; 4) Economic Development - Microenterprise Assistance; and 5) Imminent Threat.

Imminent Threat

Funds may be requested to provide eligible municipal applicants financial support for activities that alleviate existing conditions that have a blighting influence or pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community. Applicants will be required to demonstrate a compelling need for public investment and document that no other funding sources are available. CDBG Imminent Threat funds may be used to cover costs associated with:

• Repairs or improvements to water/sewer systems, storm sewer drainage, flood walls, roads, sidewalks and culverts
• Demolition and/or clearance of damaged structures including environmental assessments and mitigation, site work, architectural, and engineering fees
• Public services required as a result of disaster 

Imminent Threat projects typically meet HUD’s (national objective) requirements in one of two ways: Urgent Need or Slum/Blight conditions.

The Applied Materials Foundation offers grants focusing on education, arts and culture, civic engagement, the environment, and girls' empowerment. These grants are designed to meet local community needs and support innovative projects that enhance educational opportunities, promote cultural activities, and foster civic participation. The foundation prioritizes collaboration with local organizations in areas where Applied Materials operates, ensuring impactful contributions to community resilience and sustainability.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Peckham Family Foundation offers Basic Support Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in local communities in New York and New England. The foundation supports various programs focusing on education, arts, and civic engagement. Organizations seeking funding must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to community improvement. The Grants Committee, composed of local non-management members, evaluates applications to ensure alignment with the foundation's mission and values.

The Honda USA Foundation provides funding to support mobility initiatives that empower individuals, particularly those facing disabilities, by removing barriers and expanding opportunities. Focused on sustainable change in underserved communities, the Foundation encourages applications for programs in education, infrastructure, and technology that align with its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be based in the U.S. with appropriate tax-exempt status and can apply for multiple funding opportunities while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

The Brown-Forman Grants aim to enhance community vitality through strategic funding focused on arts, essential living standards, and responsible living. Emphasizing support for nonprofit organizations, the Foundation prioritizes initiatives that improve well-being, education, and environmental sustainability, particularly in Louisville, Kentucky. Organizations seeking funding must align with these goals and demonstrate measurable project outcomes. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests or applications from ineligible entities, ensuring that resources are directed towards fostering impactful community engagement.

The Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

The Summer Keyholder Residency Program at Lower East Side Printshop offers emerging artists free 24-hour access to printmaking facilities in a collaborative environment. Participants receive a $500 stipend, basic supplies, and opportunities for professional development, including critiques and exhibitions. This program supports artists from various disciplines who seek to advance their careers while creating new work. Applications are evaluated by an expert panel, ensuring a diverse range of talent is fostered within the community.

New Investigator Award in Spinal Cord Injury Research (Round 1)

Approximately 1,100 New York residents suffer a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) each year, joining the estimated six million people in the United States who are living with paralysis and othereffects of SCI. The personal and economic costs to these persons, their families and to society are immense. Since 1998, the New York State Spinal Cord Injury Research Board (SCIRB) advises the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Extramural Grants Administration (EGA) regarding research focused on cures for SCI and SCI-induced paralysis.

The SCIRB’s mission and goal is to:

• Seek major advances toward a cure and not simply incremental research gains or incremental improvements for SCI patients
• Support research that tests novel hypotheses and/or advances innovative research approaches that could move the field of SCI research significantly toward discovering a cure for SCI.

Purpose of the Funds

The SCIRB wishes to stimulate the growth of SCI research and to accelerate the pace with which basic (preclinical) findings are translated into clinical benefits for spinal cord-injured persons. In addition, SCIRB wishes to fill fundamental gaps in knowledge that are barriers to scientific advances in SCI research. The goal is to expend $8.5 million for SCI research every State fiscal year.

The Request for Applications (RFA) supports investigators new to the field of SCI research at different stages of career development. This award enables such investigators to compete for funding separately from investigators with established programs of SCI research. The intent of this initiative is to increase the pool of outstanding basic and clinical researchers actively studying SCI in New York State and thereby accelerate our progress toward the goals of the SCIRB mission. As such, The New Investigator Award aligns with the central goals of the SCIRB mission. Previous experience in SCI research is allowed, but not required. However, applications naming a Principal Investigator (PI) with limited background in SCI research are strongly encouraged to include collaboration with investigators who are experiences in SCI research and/or possess other relevant expertise to strengthen the application. 

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) invites proposals for funding to establish up to eight new Clubhouses across four regions. This initiative aims to enhance access to mental health services by supporting both existing providers converting to the Clubhouse Model and new applicants. The focus is on regions currently lacking accredited Clubhouses, ensuring that adults with serious mental illness receive the necessary support and resources for recovery.

The Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation Grant supports classical music and musical education, honoring Charlotte V. Bergen's legacy. Established in 1983, it provides funding to 501(c)(3) organizations, particularly in the New York/New Jersey area. The foundation prioritizes projects that aid music students and promote educational concerts. Organizations must not have received grants for three consecutive years to be eligible for future funding. Grants foster the appreciation and performance of fine music, enriching community cultural life.

NewYork-Presbyterian

NewYork-Presbyterian is one of the nation’s most comprehensive, integrated academic healthcare systems, dedicated to providing the highest quality, most compassionate care and service to patients in the New York metropolitan area, nationally, and around the world. In collaboration with two renowned medical schools, Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian is consistently recognized as a leader in innovative, patient-centered clinical care, research and medical education.

Summer Youth Enrichment Grant

NewYork-Presbyterian is dedicated to partnering with community-based organizations (CBOs) that provide impactful summer programs for youth and adolescents. Through the Summer Youth Enrichment Grant (SYEG), we invest in young people when opportunities for enrichment, a sense of belonging, and access to safe spaces are essential for their growth and well-being.

Grant Overview

SYEG provides grants of up to $50,000 to support summer initiatives that provide engaging, developmentally appropriate, and relevant programming to children and adolescents. The grant supports a wide range of program types, including but not limited to:

• Arts and Creative Expression
• Leadership and Civic Engagement
• Physical Fitness
• Academic Development
• Career and Job Readiness

Special consideration will be given to organizations whose programs primarily serve youth in the following communities: Corona, Crown Heights, Lower East Side, Mount Vernon, Peekskill, Washington Heights & Inwood, White Plains, University Heights.

This grant supports both new and existing programs that will take place during the summer months.

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.

Acacio “Roger” Rodrigues Memorial Scholarship

Established by the Rodrigues family, in memory of Acacio “Roger” Rodrigues, scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors or current undergraduate who reside in Dutchess, Putnam or Westchester County, New York or Fairfield County, Connecticut and who plan to study in a field which will lead to a career in the building/construction industry. These fields include but are not limited to engineering, construction management, electrical construction technology, plumbing and heating, welding and fabrication, etc. The scholarships will be awarded to individuals who are or will be full time students at any accredited vocational school, college or university in the United States.

Renewable for up to three additional years and payable to the school.

Current High School

Any high school in Dutchess, Putnam or Westchester County, New York or Fairfield County, Connecticut

The Readings & Workshops Mini-Grants provide funding for individual readings and workshops, ranging from $150 to $450 per session. Open to New York State and California organizations, these grants support writers' participation in events. Eligible organizations include colleges, cultural centers, and libraries. Priority is given to those serving diverse audiences and presenting in underserved areas. The application process requires details about the writer and event dates. Grant amounts are capped annually, and matching funds are encouraged.

The Jeremiah Lucey Grant Program, managed by the Leary Firefighters Foundation, supports paid and volunteer fire departments across the US, focusing on training, equipment, and technology enhancements. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with larger amounts occasionally available. Departments must demonstrate proactive problem-solving efforts. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships aimed at achieving impactful results, particularly in response to emergencies caused by natural or man-made disasters.

Western New York Foundation

The Western New York Foundation is a philanthropic organization created to support activities that improve the quality of life for people who live in the seven (7) counties of Western New York. Since 1951, we have had the privilege of partnering with nonprofits to amplify their good work and maximize their impact on the communities they serve. 

Small Grant Program

The Buffalo Bills Foundation and the Western New York Foundation are partnering to offer small grants to organizations working within our local and regional food system. Grants are available to support professional development, consultant support, specialty contract services, or certifications and accreditations that build an organization’s knowledge, skills, and leadership. 

Eligible Uses

Grant funds may be used for:

• Professional Development (trainings, conferences, courses, and related travel)
• Consultant Support (strategic planning, communications, evaluation, and similar services)
• Specialty Contract Services (legal, financial, accounting, or other professional services)
• Certification & Accreditation (costs associated with obtaining or maintaining certifications or accreditations)

New York Farm Viability 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.

Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program

The BFCG is a competitive funding opportunity administered in partnership with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The program will provide 1.7 million to support beginning farmers in building financially sustainable, independent, commercial agricultural enterprises throughout New York State. All projects must be based completely in New York State. 

Purpose of Grants

The use of these grant funds is deliberately broad to allow a wide range of applicants to determine what will create the strongest financial benefit for their business or the business they plan to start. Applicants should be ready to explain why each item they are requesting is a good investment in their business and how it aligns with their proposed project goals. All applicants must be able to provide a reasonable estimate of the operational outcomes and the potential short- and long-term economic benefits that the use of these funds will create.

What can be funded?

• Start-up, improvement or expansion of farm operations
• Purchase of land, machinery, equipment, or livestock
• Construction or improvement of structures
• Marketing initiatives
• Worker or apprenticeship training
• Other business needs tied to financial impact 

Grant Size and Duration

There are two funding opportunities (Track 1 and Track 2); the proposal deadline, use of funds, and process for both opportunities are the same. Both tracks will utilize the ame application.

Track 1

The smaller Track 1 projects are anticipated to be simpler and, therefore, able to be completed in a shorter timeframe. 

Award Range: $5,000 - $50,000; Project Timeline: 18 Months from contract

The Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program (NY): Track 2 offers funding up to $200,000 for new farmers in New York to establish sustainable agricultural enterprises. Administered by the New York Farm Viability Institute, the program emphasizes a farmer-driven approach to enhance economic viability through research and education. Grants can support various needs, including equipment purchases and training initiatives, fostering long-term benefits for communities and the state's agricultural economy.

The Coby Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, focusing on innovative projects related to textiles and fashion. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of inquiry with a project description and budget at least nine months prior to the project start. The foundation seeks exhibitions, public programs, and publications that enhance understanding of textile arts, while promoting underrepresented artists and cultures.

The New York State Office of Mental Health is offering a grant for the Aging in Place Pilot, which aims to develop five statewide pilot programs for adults aged 55 and older who require enhanced support to live independently. With a total funding of up to $2 million, the initiative focuses on individuals with unmet long-term care needs, enabling them to reside in supportive housing and prevent institutionalization.

Training Center of Expertise: Promoting Health Equity to Improve Community Health Outcomes

The purpose of this Request for Applications is to support a statewide Training Center of Expertise in Health Equity. The Training Center of Expertise will be responsible for implementing a range of innovative training interventions to build the capacity of health and human services providers, health care facilities, community-based organizations (CBOs), and communities to employ a health equity framework to improve health outcomes for New York State residents. These trainings are directed towards:

• Executive directors, administrators, and program managers;
• Physicians, other prescribers, and nurses; and
• Social workers, care coordinators, support services providers, community health workers/ educators, and peer workers.

The funded training center will be expected to tailor trainings to meet the unique needs of each designated training audience, including regional or population-specific needs.

Available Funding

A total of up to $200,000 annually in New York State and Health Research, Inc. (federal) funding is available to support a program funded through this Request for Applications. Applicants should be prepared to provide training and capacity building services across New York State and able to address the unique needs of health facilities and Community–Based Organizations, executive directors, administrators, program managers, physicians and other prescribers, nurses, social workers, care coordinators, support services providers, community health workers/educators, and peer workers. The intent of the Request for Applications (RFA) is to fund one (1) training center at the level of $200,000 annually for five (5) years.

Consumer Assistance for New York State of Health: Navigator Program

The New York State Department of Health (herein referred to as the Department), Office of Health Insurance Programs, Division of Eligibility and Marketplace Integration, Bureau of Consumer Assistance and Training, announces the availability of $32,000,000 annually for the Consumer Assistance for NY State of Health: Navigator Program (Program).

The Program provides in-person and telephone health insurance application and enrollment assistance which is culturally competent, linguistically appropriate and disability accessible. The Program is designed to reduce barriers in accessing insurance by providing in-person assistance in community-based locations frequented by target populations, at times that are convenient to potential health insurance enrollees, including evenings and weekends.

Telephone application and enrollment assistance is also available at the convenience of the Applicant or enrollee. Navigators will also assist small businesses in enrolling in the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), allowing them to access tax credits. As a result of this Request for Applications (RFA), approximately $32,000,000 will be available per year for a period of five (5) years for the delivery of Navigator Program services.

The goal is to have at least two Grantees providing Navigator Program services in every county in New York State, as well as funds for Federally Recognized Tribes and Urban Indian Organizations.

RFP #305: Documentary Heritage Program 2026-2027

Purpose of Grant

Documentary Heritage Program (DHP) grants are designed to build more comprehensive and equitable documentation of New York State’s history and culture by supporting projects that identify, survey, collect, arrange, describe, and make available records that relate to groups and topics traditionally under-represented in the State’s historical record. DHP is administered by the New York State Archives, a unit of the New York State Education Department.

Grant Term

October 1st, 2026 - September 30th, 2027

Description of Program

The Documentary Heritage Program is a statewide program established in 1988 by the New York Documentary Heritage Act (Education Law, Section 140) to provide financial support and guidance to not-for-profit organizations that hold, collect, and make available New York State's historical records. In 2026-2027, a total of $92,000 is available for DHP Grants.

The Documentary Heritage Program: Access Grant aims to enhance the documentation of New York State’s diverse history by funding projects that focus on under-represented groups. Administered by the New York State Archives, this program offers $92,000 in grants for the 2026-2027 period, encouraging not-for-profits to collect and share historical records. The initiative fosters equity in historical representation and aims to create comprehensive access to New York's rich cultural heritage.