Best Plant Grants in New York

The Clean Vessel Assistance Program (CVAP) offers grants to marinas, municipalities, and nonprofits for the installation and renovation of pumpout stations to manage recreational boaters' septic waste. Funded by the Sport Fish Restoration fund and administered by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, these grants can cover up to 75% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $60,000 for pumpout boats and $35,000 for stationary units, ensuring better environmental practices in marine areas.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Guru Krupa Foundation Grant supports charitable causes in social, educational, and religious/cultural areas, rooted in Hindu values. The foundation prioritizes projects that aid the underprivileged, enhance education, and preserve cultural heritage, particularly in India and the US. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to effective accounting practices. The foundation seeks specific projects with measurable outcomes, focusing on direct funding for programs rather than administrative costs.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Neighborhood Greening Grants, offered by the Syracuse Parks Conservancy, aim to enhance local community spaces through targeted initiatives. Grants of up to $2000 are available for projects led by local residents, promoting stewardship of parks and recreational areas. Eligible applicants include neighborhood associations and community groups that seek to improve quality of life through environmental enhancements. The program encourages volunteer involvement and aims to strengthen community bonds while fostering sustainable practices.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program invites proposals for the Healthy Ecosystems Habitat and Native Species Conservation Projects. This funding opportunity aims to enhance native species habitats, improve water quality, and promote biodiversity in the Lake Champlain Basin. Grants ranging from $50,001 to $175,000 will support projects that implement sustainable practices such as riparian plantings and native species surveys, contributing to the health of ecosystems in partnership with local communities and organizations.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program invites proposals for the Healthy Ecosystems Habitat and Native Species Conservation Projects - Small Grant Category. This initiative aims to enhance the ecosystem through projects that preserve and restore native species habitats. Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to support wetland, riparian, and aquatic habitat improvements, diversify fish communities, and implement flood-resilient practices. Eligible projects may include native species surveys and critical habitat conservation.

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.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

Community Reforestation (CoRe) Grant Round 2

$20 million is available for Round 2 of Community Reforestation (CoRe) grant. The goal of CoRe is to support tree planting projects that will create or restore forested natural areas in urban communities across the state. Projects funded by this grant will directly contribute to the “25 Million Trees Initiative” launched by Governor Hochul in recognition of the importance of trees and forests for climate resiliency and community health. This grant is funded by the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.

About the CoRe Grant

More than 85% of New York’s population lives in or near an urban community. $20 million is available for municipalities, nonprofits, soil and water conservation districts, Indian Tribes and Nations, and State agencies through the Community Reforestation (CoRe) Grant program for tree planting projects that expand and restore forested natural areas that serve urban populations. 

The Park Foundation Grants for the Environment focus on ensuring clean and accessible drinking water while opposing shale gas extraction and infrastructure expansion. They fund diverse initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices and policies, particularly within New York State. The Foundation supports advocacy, organizing, and corporate responsibility efforts that align with their mission to foster a just and sustainable environment, empowering communities to protect their natural resources.

The New York Climate Resilience Grant Program, funded by The Nature Conservancy, aims to enhance conservation and climate adaptation efforts led by local organizations. With a total funding of $500,000 available, grants of up to $50,000 will support land protection initiatives that mitigate flooding and erosion. The program encourages projects that foster community engagement and prioritize equitable distribution of benefits, particularly for marginalized groups, ensuring resilience in the face of climate change.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The City Gardens Club of New York City Grant Program offers annual grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 for impactful projects that enhance the connection between people and nature across all five boroughs. The program supports educational initiatives to cultivate gardening skills, foster environmental appreciation, and improve community gardens and public spaces. Nonprofit groups are invited to apply, ensuring that funds are used effectively to promote sustainable practices and environmental stewardship in urban settings.

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

Our mission is to promote New York State agriculture and its high-quality and diverse products, foster agricultural environmental stewardship, and safeguard the state’s food supply, land, and livestock to ensure the viability and growth of New York’s agriculture industries.

Working together, our Divisions: promote New York’s agricultural producers and products and the state’s food and beverage companies; connect the New York's farmers to new markets to grow the agricultural economy; improve access to fresh, local foods to consumers across New York through farmers’ markets and farm-to-school programs; protect and enhance New York State’s natural resources and working landscapes; maintain plant health by detecting and preventing the spread of diseases and harmful invasive species, promoting integrated pest management, regulating the sale of seed and fertilizers, and ensuring the health of honey bees; promote sustainable animal production agriculture; protect the safety of the animal origin food supply; inspect companion animal shelters; protect the safety of the food supply in New York State from the producer to the consumer through inspection and testing; and assure measurement accuracy of scales and gas pumps, as well as thousands of different packaged commodities for a fair and equitable commercial marketplace.

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

All proposals must seek to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Applicants should describe how the project creates measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry rather than a single organization, institution or individual. Specifically, this RFP seeks work that will achieve the following outcomes:

• Improve Pest & Disease Control Processes
• Develop New Seed Varieties & Specialty Crops
• Expand Specialty Crop Research and Development
• Improve Environmental Sustainability of Specialty Crops

Each outcome has measurable indicators established by the USDA SCBG program. A focus on these outcomes and indicators is critical to a competitive proposal. The USDA document that describes these outcomes and indicators is provided below.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Scherman Foundation's Environmental & Climate Justice Program focuses on empowering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities through grassroots organizing to address climate change and promote racial justice. With a regional emphasis on New York City and State, the program funds multi-issue, community-based organizations that advocate for equitable climate solutions. This initiative aims to dismantle systemic inequalities and foster a Just Transition towards sustainable, democratically controlled systems, ensuring that frontline communities lead the way in climate transformation.

Mission

Our mission is to promote New York State agriculture and its high-quality and diverse products, foster agricultural environmental stewardship, and safeguard the state’s food supply, land, and livestock to ensure the viability and growth of New York’s agriculture industries.

The Department offers various funding opportunities to ensure the growth of New York’s agricultural communities. These opportunities touch many parts of the diverse agricultural sector: connecting farmers with new markets; supporting marketing efforts for producers and retailers; getting local, healthy foods into schools; improving infrastructure on fairgrounds and in companion animal shelters statewide; ensuring climate resilient farming practices; and more.

FFGF - NYS Food and Fiber Processing Grant Program

The Food and Fiber Processing Grant Program, administered by the Farm and Food Growth Fund (FFGF) on behalf of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, supports the scaling of existing and new products produced and harvested in New York State. Funding is available for the construction and renovation of facilities, as well as the purchase and installation of equipment. Priority will be given to projects that expand processing for fruits, vegetables, grains and beans for human consumption; plant and animal fibers.

Eligible applicants may apply for awards ranging from $250,000 to $2.5 million. Of the $8.5 million available, $1 million is reserved for projects that use plant and animal fiber. Processed products developed through the grant must contain a minimum of 51% raw agricultural ingredients grown or raised in New York State.

Funding priorities include:

• Early/initial stage processing for plant and animal fibers including retting, degumming, decortication, scouring, carding, and combing
• Edible fruits, vegetables, grains and beans for human consumption
• Projects focused on products that support the Nourish NY, Farm-to-School, and NYS 30% Initiative, or Executive Order 32
• Processed products containing large majority of New York State grown/harvested ingredients
• Further geographic diversity of New York State food processing capacity

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. Home is where life happens, where plans are made, and futures begin. It is the foundation for dignity, health, education, wealth, and community. Yet rents keep going up, paychecks don’t keep pace, and good homes in strong neighborhoods are increasingly out of reach.

The system doesn’t work. It must be changed, and it must be changed by us.

Enterprise has the breadth, scale, and expertise to do it. We support community development organizations on the ground. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve.

Together with our partners, we focus on the greatest need — the massive shortage of affordable rental homes — to achieve three goals:

• Increase the supply of affordable homes
• Advance racial equity after decades of systematic racism in housing
• Support residents and strengthen communities to be resilient to the unpredictable, and make upward mobility possible

Since 1982, we have invested $92.0 billion and created 1.1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

National Housing Innovation Grant Competition

Home is foundational. It’s where we plant roots, raise and care for our families, and build community bonds. Yet in every corner of the country, millions of people of all ages and backgrounds need a home they can afford.

Wells Fargo is meeting this moment with a powerful grant opportunity. Together with Enterprise, Wells Fargo has launched the third iteration of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. The 2026 cycle of the housing innovation competition will identify and propel proven, ready-to-scale solutions that transform current practices and increase housing choice and access.

Eligible applicants will compete for five individual grants of $2 million to advance their innovation and drive meaningful, systems-level change in the housing and adjacent industries. Winners will gain access to mentorship and coaching from industry leaders and experts and join a powerful network of Breakthrough Challenge innovators.

Focus Areas

This third cycle of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge aims to meet the nation’s affordable housing challenges across all types of communities: Native, rural, suburban, tribal, and urban.

Proposals must encompass one or more of three focus areas:

• Design and Construction
• Finance
• Service Delivery and Programs

Applicants will be asked to show how their proof of concept or pilot program has achieved clear outcomes and success, and provide a clear pathway to expanding the innovation’s reach and impact

Round 1: Criteria and Scoring

Your innovation must meet the criteria below to advance to the official scoring stage.

Type of Community

Innovations can serve all types of communities:

• Rural
• Urban
• Suburban
• Tribal

Location

Priority scoring will be given to applications from entities that are based in – or whose innovations are designed for – one or more of these 28 states, plus D.C.:

• Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C.

Affordability

Innovations must serve residents at these income levels:

• Rental: 80% AMI or below
• Homeownership: 120% AMI or below
• Workforce housing: 120% AMI or below

The Rural Business Development Grants in New York aim to support small rural businesses by providing technical assistance and training. With no maximum grant amount, priority is given to smaller requests. Funded projects can include training, land acquisition, and community development, among others. Eligible areas include rural regions outside urban centers with populations of 50,000 or more. This initiative, funded by USDA Rural Development, fosters economic growth and sustainability in underserved communities.

Environmental Protection Fund (EPF)

New York State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) is a source of funding for capital projects that protect the environment and enhance communities. Capital projects are usually large projects that purchase land or construct facilities. Most projects that receive grants of EPF money combine it with other funding sources that require matching funds.

Some examples of projects using EPF money are:

• Purchasing land for the NYS Forest Preserve
• Restoring historic sites
• Conserving farmland
• Restoring habitat
• Controlling invasive species
• Upgrading municipal sewage treatment plants
• Cleaning up waterfront property and creating a public park
• Helping business develop ways to recycle material

The EPF also supports the stewardship of public lands, including state parks and millions of acres of public lands throughout the state. Through partnerships with volunteer organizations, state agencies use stewardship funding to manage trails and lands, protect natural resources, preserve wildlife habitats, make critical capital improvements at parks and campgrounds, educate students about conservation and provide access to persons with disabilities.

About City Parks Foundation

At City Parks Foundation (CPF), we are dedicated to invigorating and transforming parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through sports, arts, community building, and education programs for all New Yorkers. Our programs — located in more than 330 parks, recreation centers, and public schools across New York City — reach nearly 300,000 people each year.

Our ethos is simple: thriving parks mean thriving communities.

Treetops Grants Program

The NYC Green Fund Treetops Grant Program provides funding for organizations with annual operating budgets between $175,000 and $2.5 million that program, steward, and advocate for parks and open spaces across NYC’s five boroughs. Treetops supports a range of projects, including open space stewardship, environmental action, organizational development, health and wellness, youth engagement, arts and culture, and urban tree care and planting.

Organizations may be awarded one- or two-year grants of up to $50,000 annually. New projects selected in 2024 received an average grant award of $15,818, and the largest grant awarded was $35,000. Please review the Application Eligibility and Funding Limits and Types of Expenses sections below to confirm eligibility.