Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in New York

The Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance safety and community well-being, focusing on underrepresented populations. With over $100 million in donations, the foundation prioritizes technology and engineering education, first responder programming, and blended initiatives. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or school districts in the U.S. The foundation seeks partnerships that demonstrate strong financial health and data-driven evaluation methods, aiming to create safer cities and thriving communities.

The Youth Initiative Grant, provided by the Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation, aims to support innovative programs that enhance resilience and psycho-social health for youth aged 14-21 affected by trauma from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Grants are available for new programs or therapeutic components within their first year. The foundation prioritizes organizations that actively engage with beneficiaries and implement holistic approaches to service delivery, ensuring long-term sustainability and effective evaluation of program impacts.

The ACFM General Support Program provides funding ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for organizations committed to contemporary American concert music and jazz. It supports performing ensembles, presenters, and music service organizations that enhance public appreciation of these genres. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two years of programming history and a professional operational level. Activities must occur within the specified support year of September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027.

The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for children and young adults facing mental and physical challenges. By supporting registered charitable organizations that align with its mission, the foundation seeks to ensure that 100% of grant funds directly benefit those in need within the US. Emphasizing immediate results and proven success, the foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of future generations.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Harold Balazs Creating Wonder Scholarship

The Creating Wonder Scholarship is for graduating high school seniors in Spokane County who are planning to attend a post-high school program at full-time status. Applicants must pursue one of the following fields: Art, Art Education, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, Advertising, Marketing, Photography, Cinematography, Publishing or Graphic Arts. Samples of artwork are required for the scholarship program.

This is not intended for performing art students. Talent, discipline, commitment, passion, experience and ability to express through art are primary factors for consideration. Financial need and academic achievement are also considered. Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply.

The Troy Savings Bank Charitable Foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities through impactful grantmaking. It focuses on programs that foster community development, youth development, and artistic initiatives. The Foundation encourages collaboration among non-profits and governmental bodies to maximize grant effectiveness. It provides support for operating expenses to organizations serving vital community needs, considering requests both under and over $2,500. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized non-profits operating in specific New York counties.

The Native Arts & Cultures Foundation's LIFT program offers critical support to early career Native artists through one-year grants of $10,000. This initiative aims to nurture emerging voices and foster community engagement while promoting environmental sustainability. Selected artists will benefit from professional development training and culturally appropriate evaluations to enhance their artistic practices. By providing vital resources, LIFT empowers artists to advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The Gloria Barron Wilderness Society Scholarship encourages graduate students to contribute to wilderness protection, honoring Gloria Barron's legacy. The Wilderness Society prioritizes projects addressing climate change and equitable access to public lands. Applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program, possess strong academic qualifications, and focus on long-term wilderness conservation. Research proposals on biodiversity, climate adaptation, and social-ecological contexts are particularly welcome, aiming for inclusive and impactful conservation efforts.

The SMSNA Scholars in Sexuality Research Grants Program supports junior investigators in the field of human sexuality and sexual wellness. With a funding of $7,500, the program aims to attract emerging researchers and clinicians to sexual medicine. Applications are accepted from graduate students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows, with an emphasis on diverse backgrounds. The program promotes ethical research practices and requires mid-term and final progress reports to ensure accountability.

The SMSNA Scholars in Sexuality Research Grants Program supports junior investigators in exploring human sexuality and sexual wellness. Funded by the Sexual Medicine Society of North America, this initiative provides $5,000 to undergraduate, medical, and graduate school students. Awards are disbursed in two payments, with specific reporting requirements. This program aims to enhance research in sexual medicine and foster diversity in the field, particularly focusing on historically underserved populations.

The Robert F. Schumann Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability, education, and the arts. Founded by Robert F. Schumann, an environmentalist, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for both humans and animals. It prioritizes projects that would not have been pursued without its assistance, particularly in ornithology and open space habitats. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt to apply, ensuring a focus on impactful community initiatives.

What We Do

We believe that Central New York has the human and social capital to build a vibrant community. Generational poverty and social inequality present a significant hindrance to realizing our full potential. We know from extensive research that there are strategies and investments that can make a difference. That’s why we have a local, place based approach to addressing systemic and structural inequity. We are authentic, strategic and collaborative, and we are embracing a future of prosperity and equity in our community. That’s why we focus our energy and resources on these key areas:

• Economic Development & Opportunity
  • In Cayuga and Onondaga Counties, the Allyn Family Foundation works to create, grow, and attract businesses that are community-owned, or that create good jobs for nearby residents.
  • We support residents in accessing economic opportunities and provide tools for personal and family financial stability.
• Vibrant Neigborhoods
  • The Allyn Family Foundation is committed to empowering neighborhood residents and community partners to transform their neighborhoods into safe, healthy, and vibrant places where families thrive.
  • We engage in this work to ensure that each person has access to decent, stable and affordable housing, as well as community-based cultural experiences that build community.
• Early Childhood Development
  • In Cayuga and Onondaga Counties, the Allyn Family Foundation is providing leadership and support for diverse community coalitions who are focused on designing community-wide approaches to improving early childhood systems and supports for vulnerable families.
• Women's Health
  • Along with many community partners, the Allyn Family Foundation is building a local movement to encourage and support young women and their partners to have complete information about all contraceptives and be able to choose the method that is right for them, without any cost or access barriers.
  • We are strongly committed to reproductive justice, woman-centered care, and changing social norms to empower young women.

Opportunity Fund

Organizations in Onondaga and Cayuga Counties that meet our stated mission of building a vibrant, equitable and prosperous community may submit a brief one-to-two-page summary of a proposed project or funding request.

The .ORG Impact Awards, organized by the Public Interest Registry, honor individuals and organizations connected to .ORG domains for their impactful contributions in areas such as health, education, diversity, and environmental stewardship. Participants can receive up to $50,000 for their chosen non-profit and gain visibility through various promotional platforms. This initiative not only recognizes excellence but also fosters community support and encourages innovative solutions to pressing societal issues.

The ELCA World Hunger Program offers Domestic Hunger Grants to support U.S. and Caribbean congregations in addressing food security and other local issues. With a maximum award of $10,000 per year for three years, these grants prioritize organizations with strong community ties and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The program aims to break the cycle of poverty and hunger through collaborative efforts and advocacy for systemic change.

Takeda's Corporate Giving program focuses on enhancing community well-being in the U.S. by supporting initiatives in two key areas: Food is Health and Building STEM Foundations. Through employee engagement and partnerships, Takeda aims to provide access to nutritious food and foster STEM education, addressing social disparities and empowering future innovators. This commitment reflects Takeda's mission of better health and a brighter future for all.

The Josh Dubin Fellowship, launched in January 2022 by the Shawn Carter Foundation, is a seven-week paid program designed for five exceptional students interested in the legal field. This immersive experience includes mentorship from legal professionals, direct involvement in case analysis, and off-site visits to courtrooms. Fellows not only gain invaluable insights into legal practices but also receive additional scholarship support for their educational pursuits, empowering them to overcome socio-economic barriers and achieve their dreams.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

We support community programs that promote health, education, and human dignity.

The Alfred H. Lander and Janet L. Lander Family Charitable Foundation is a qualified 501(c)(3) private operating foundation that conducts charitable work that meets our mission statement. The Foundation seeks to uplift individuals and families through community programming in the following three areas:

• Programs promoting and supporting the physical and mental health of the community through fitness opportunities and access to services, resources, and qualified care providers.
• Educational programs providing a strong foundation for learning at all ages and levels, including those that improve workforce placement and success.
• Programs assisting individuals and families in meeting basic needs and include a pathway for upward mobility.

The Urban Affairs Grants program by the Charles H. Revson Foundation aims to enhance New York City's livability through innovative projects. Collaborating with civic and cultural institutions, it addresses diverse community needs, focusing on public libraries, affordable housing, and local journalism. The foundation supports registered nonprofits in the U.S. and seeks proposals that foster engaged urban citizenship. For further details, please refer to the FAQs for grant seekers on their website.

Rose’s Youth Philanthropists (RYP) empowers youth in Chemung and Southeastern Steuben counties through responsive grantmaking. Funded by the S. Roberts Rose Fund, RYP encourages proposals for projects that involve youth in community needs across arts, education, mentoring, and mental health. The initiative supports diversity, personal responsibility, and civic pride while addressing issues like literacy and home safety. RYP aims to engage youth in meaningful activities that foster creativity and community involvement.

The United Way of Southern Chautauqua County Grant offers funding extensions for existing programs through June 2025, focusing on community improvement. Established in 1920, this organization partners with various sectors to enhance quality of life. Their mission mobilizes resources to support individuals and families, aiming for academic success, health independence, and workforce readiness. Grants range from $1,500 to $116,000, with a minimum request of $7,500 for the 2022-2024 cycle. Eligibility is limited to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

The CDC is allocating funds through NOFO DD-27-0028 to enhance maternal child health surveillance and partnerships. This initiative targets public health challenges such as alcohol use during pregnancy and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). It aims to improve clinical surveillance systems, data quality, and timely reporting, while fostering national partnerships to prevent FASDs and support affected infants and children. The approach focuses on translating high-quality surveillance data into actionable prevention strategies.

The Public Policy & Public Health Award by the American Lung Association aims to foster innovative research addressing critical public health issues impacting lung health. This grant, with a maximum award of $50,000 per year for up to two years, supports researchers in various disciplines to evaluate existing policies and propose new ideas. It encourages efforts to improve air quality and tackle lung disease, aligning with the mission of enhancing public health through informed policy-making.

The JTMF Foundation Grant focuses on improving the lives of individuals in need, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. By partnering with organizations addressing immediate needs and long-term challenges, the foundation supports children, older adults, veterans, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Guided by Catholic values, JTMF aims to empower communities while seeking innovative solutions to societal issues. Organizations that align with these focus areas are encouraged to connect, fostering a collaborative effort towards meaningful impact.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.