Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Golden Foundation Residency, offered by the Sam and Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts, aims to support professional artists over 25 who work with paint. This program encourages exploration of innovative materials and technologies, providing a platform for artists to expand their creative expression. With six four-week sessions available this year, each accommodating up to three artists, the residency focuses on new methods in art-making, introducing residents to advanced techniques and resources.

The Keyholder Residency at Lower East Side Printshop offers emerging artists free 24-hour access to printmaking facilities, fostering artistic development. Participants can create new works in a collaborative environment, receiving a $1,000 stipend and basic supplies. This program encourages artists without studio access to apply, providing opportunities for exhibitions and professional growth while ensuring a supportive community in New York City.

The New York State Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers financial assistance for Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) to protect vital croplands and grasslands. This initiative supports landowners, including American Indian tribes and local governments, in maintaining agricultural land use by limiting non-agricultural development. By preserving these lands, the program ensures food security and promotes environmental quality, while also fostering local partnerships for sustainable land stewardship.

The New York State Global NY Fund will be administered by the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development ("ESD"). It will offer assistance to companies and nonprofit organizations to increase the export of New York’s products and services to foreign markets. Grants for export assistance help New York State’s private sector to identify and develop export markets and increase their sales, thereby creating and retaining jobs. The fund will also support economic development organizations (EDO’s) with expenses related to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attraction activities. FDI projects are activities intended to assist in the attraction of investors located outside of the United States into New York State.

The Agricultural Fairgrounds Advertising, Promotion, and Education Program provides funding to eligible agricultural and horticultural organizations that host annual fairs. The program aims to enhance participation and promotion of local fairs, offering $10,000 to each awarded entity for advertising and educational initiatives. Organizations must register in the State Financial System and be prequalified to apply, ensuring support is directed to qualified participants that contribute to community engagement and agricultural education.

The NY Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs) program offers funding up to $50,000 to eligible community groups for independent technical assistance related to environmental remediation activities. TAGs help communities understand contamination issues and the remediation process at significant threat sites, as designated by the State Superfund Program and the Brownfield Cleanup Program. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation encourages applications from non-profit organizations looking to enhance public awareness and involvement in environmental decision-making.

The New York Lake Champlain Basin Wetland and Floodplain Restoration Projects aim to enhance the ecological health of the Lake Champlain Basin by restoring critical wetlands and floodplains. With approximately $1,300,000 available in funding, this initiative seeks proposals that will improve water quality and support biodiversity. By collaborating with local agencies and organizations, the program emphasizes the conservation of vital habitats, ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations.

The Partners for Places Jobs and Inclusive Infrastructure Initiative Grants aim to support communities by leveraging infrastructure funds to create equitable projects that benefit underserved areas. This pilot program will provide funding for local workers through career training and inclusive economic practices. With grants ranging from $45,000 to $120,000, the initiative focuses on enhancing human infrastructure, fostering collaboration among key partners, and ensuring that frontline communities directly benefit from project implementations.

The QM-Jerome Foundation Fellowship supports emerging visual artists in New York City, offering $20,000, mentorship, and professional development. Founded by the Jerome Foundation, the program aids artists at the beginning of their careers, encouraging innovative artistic approaches and risk-taking. The fellowship culminates in solo exhibitions at the Queens Museum in 2027, fostering community engagement and artistic growth among participants while honoring the legacy of philanthropist Jerome Hill.

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

The Creative Opportunity Fund, managed by A.R.T./New York, offers general operating support grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for small professional theatres in New York State with budgets under $500,000. This initiative aims to promote capacity building and stabilization by providing flexible funding to theatres that face barriers to mainstream funding due to racial, economic, disability, and geographic factors. The fund is a regrant from the New York State Council on the Arts, ensuring broad access to necessary resources.

The Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (Region 1) is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide critical support for small businesses in the transportation sector. This initiative, under NOFO Number OST/OSDBU-2026-SBTTAC-Region 1-FY2026-1, aims to establish a center that offers technical assistance and resources for small and disadvantaged businesses, ensuring their growth and success in the transportation industry.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program is inviting proposals for its Artist-in-Residence Grant Programs, aimed at fostering innovative projects that engage artists in utilizing scientific and cultural data to enhance the understanding of the region's natural resources. With approximately $80,000 in funding available, grants of up to $40,000 will be awarded to support sustainable AiR programs. This initiative seeks to promote artistic engagement with the Lake Champlain Basin's ecological and historical context.

The Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships program, managed by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the training of new graduate students in food and agricultural sciences. It provides essential funding for master's, DVM, and doctoral students, focusing on developing the next generation of experts to address critical needs in agricultural sciences. This initiative supports U.S. citizens and residents in achieving their educational goals and contributing to the USDA's mission.

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Fund, established by the Syracuse Alumni chapter in 1973, aims to support men of color pursuing education. This fund honors the legacy of its founders and provides up to two scholarships annually, ensuring access to educational opportunities that can transform lives. The scholarship reflects the commitment of the Central New York Community Foundation to promote equity and shared prosperity in the region, helping students achieve their academic and professional goals.

CSX Charitable Investments offers the Pride in Service Grants to support organizations that honor and assist military members and first responders. Focus areas include safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and educational institutions. Grants aim to uplift communities and recognize the contributions of those who serve, while ensuring alignment with specific charitable criteria.

The James and Linda Ward Memorial Scholarship Fund honors a dedicated physics teacher, Jim Ward, who inspired many students at Henninger High School. Established by his family, this scholarship aims to support students graduating from Henninger or Nottingham High School who have completed a physics course and plan to attend college. By providing financial assistance, it contributes to educational equity and empowers students to pursue their academic dreams.

The Title I, Section 1003 School Improvement Grant – Planning provides essential funding for districts and schools identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI), Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI), and Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI). Eligible entities can receive up to $20,000 to develop or enhance their continuous improvement plans. This initiative aims to bolster educational outcomes through targeted interventions and strategic planning.

The Clyde E. Rutherford Leadership Scholarship honors the legacy of Clyde Rutherford, former board president of Dairylea Cooperative Inc. This scholarship aims to support high school graduates and college students pursuing degrees in agriculture, especially dairy. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the dairy industry and community involvement, reflecting Clyde's values. Three scholarships are available annually, emphasizing leadership and cooperative spirit, to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders.

The Carol Hansen & Ethel Bauder Fund, established by Robert E. Hansen, supports scholarships for children of Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department members. Aimed at promoting education equity, it offers renewable scholarships for up to four years for eligible high school graduates who volunteer or have parents in the department. This initiative highlights the importance of community service and provides transformative educational opportunities for deserving students.

The Title I, 1003 School Improvement Grant (SIG) Supplemental Support provides essential funding to eligible school districts in New York. With $20,000 allocated per school, the program focuses on enhancing professional learning and initiative development for schools identified for comprehensive support. This initiative aims to bolster continuous improvement plans, ensuring that targeted schools receive the necessary resources for effective educational advancements and improved student outcomes.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Fund, established by the local chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, offers scholarships to African-American female high school seniors pursuing higher education. This permanent endowment aims to enhance educational opportunities for students in Central New York, promoting equity and shared prosperity. Scholarships are awarded to deserving candidates who meet the eligibility criteria, ensuring continued access to education for those in need.

The Title I School Improvement Grant 1003 (Basic) (NY) provides essential funding to local education agencies (LEAs) for the development and monitoring of improvement plans. This grant supports schools identified for additional assistance through accountability measures. Funds are allocated to enhance strategies outlined in the District Comprehensive Improvement Plan and School Comprehensive Educational Plans, promoting educational excellence and equitable opportunities for all students.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.