Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

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 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.

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 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 Lavelle – Brother Kearney Scholarship Program offers financial assistance and career preparation for legally blind college students in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Through competitive scholarships, the program supports higher education at select institutions in the Tri-State area, fostering independence and professional development. Recipients are selected based on academic performance and essential skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for future careers. This initiative not only promotes educational opportunities but also enhances the quality of life for blind and visually impaired individuals.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Behavioral Health Grant aims to address significant challenges in mental health and substance use disorders. With a commitment of up to $90 million over three years, the Foundation seeks partnerships with nonprofits to enhance treatment access, promote prevention strategies, and alleviate loneliness among affected individuals. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions and measurable outcomes, targeting both national and local programs, particularly in states with pressing health disparities.

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 Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invites proposals for grants ranging from $75,000 to $500,000. These funds aim to support on-the-ground conservation projects that enhance vital fish and wildlife habitats within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Up to $8.5 million in funding is available, contingent on resources.

The Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Women Divers Hall of Fame, awards $1,500 to a woman diver enrolled in a U.S. or Canada degree program in journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography. This scholarship aims to support those committed to using their education to benefit the ocean environment and community, promoting greater awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their dedication to these fields and their potential impact on marine ecosystems.

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.

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.

New York State Office of Mental Health

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) oversees a large multi-faceted mental health system serving nearly 800,000 individuals each year. This includes operating 23 psychiatric centers and overseeing the Nathan S. Kline Institute and New York Psychiatric Institute. OMH regulates and certifies more than 6,500 programs operated by local governments and nonprofit agencies.

Mission: Our mission is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a particular focus on providing hope and recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances.

Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid Statewide Training RFP

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) announces the availability of funds for the creation and/or expansion of Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) and Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) statewide training to be offered free of charge. 

Scope of Work

The awardee will be required to display extensive experience in delivery of t/YMHFA training throughout New York State through direct training and/or coordinating certification of YMHFA instructors in Youth Mental Health First Aid. They must have the capacity to certify YMHFA instructors and/or coordinate the training of new YMHFA instructors, the ability to coordinate the training of new tMHFA instructors, and the ability to provide participants with the required training materials. They must have the capacity to support Instructors to maintain certification through the connection of Instructors to training opportunities.

For applicants providing direct training to the public, applicants must demonstrate the ability to train statewide and/or in large catchment areas throughout New York State, and ability to provide training live (both in person and virtual), as well as establishing relationships with a wide array of community providers, organizations, schools, and other organizations that work with or serve young people. 

One (1) award will be made through this RFP to one (1) applicant.

The New York State Office of Mental Health is offering funding through the HealthySteps RFP to enhance the implementation of the HealthySteps program. This evidence-based initiative targets young children (0-3 years) and their families in pediatric healthcare settings, ensuring non-stigmatizing and universal access. Up to 50 awards will be granted statewide, promoting early childhood development and supportive family services.

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.

RFP #237: Extended School Day / School Violence Prevention Grant 2026-2031

Purpose

Pursuant to New York State Education Law §2814: Omnibus school violence prevention grant program, the primary purpose of the Extended School Day/School Violence Prevention (ESD/SVP) Program is to award competitive grants to provide support to students through extended school day activities and/or school safety programs that promote violence prevention. Programs must demonstrate consistency with the school safety plans required by §2801-a of New York State Education Law and should not displace existing school district after-school funding. 

Under State Education Department bill S4598D, school-based and school-affiliated anti-gun and anti-violence programs are now eligible as school safety activities under this grant. Public school districts and not-for-profit organizations working in collaboration with a public school district(s) may submit an application to conduct either an ESD program or an SVP program.

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.

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.

New York State Council on the Arts

NYSCA upholds the right of all New Yorkers to experience the vital contributions the arts make to our communities, education, economic development and quality of life. NYSCA funding supports the visual, literary, media and performing arts and includes dedicated support for arts education and underserved communities. NYSCA further advances New York's creative culture by hosting convenings with leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources.

Our Mission: To foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all.

State of the Arts Fellowship

The State of the Arts Fellowship is a new initiative of Governor Hochul to embed artists within New York State agencies to use their creative and collaborative arts practices to develop inspired solutions to pressing social and civic questions.

The Fellowship aims to foster collaboration between artists and public agencies, creating new avenues for communication and connection across geographic, cultural, and political boundaries, and to highlight the potential for innovative, cross-disciplinary solutions that are both creative and impactful for communities. Artists are vital to New York as creative problem solvers, socially engaged individuals, and storytellers who humanize societal challenges through their work.

NYSCA will place one (1) artist fellow at each of three (3) host agencies to address important solve-for questions at the core each agency’s public service mission.

Each fellowship will vary greatly in concept, scope, duration, and populations engaged. Artists who can maneuver through different situations and populations are encouraged to apply. Successes will be driven by the openness of the host agencies and the artist-led, collaborative process provided by the State of the Arts Fellowship program framework.

The Josh Allyn Scholarship, established by Josh Allyn, provides financial support to students from specific districts in New York who plan to pursue a degree in agriculture, food science, or engineering, or come from farming families. This scholarship is renewable for up to four years, contingent upon maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 and proof of enrollment. Scholarships play a crucial role in advancing educational equity and opportunities for students in the region.

The Hillrom Scholarship Fund, established by Hillrom/Welch Allyn, aims to support the educational aspirations of graduating seniors who are children or grandchildren of employees from the Skaneateles Falls facility. This initiative promotes equitable access to education, particularly for students pursuing studies in STEAM fields at accredited colleges or universities. By focusing on academic excellence and community involvement, the fund seeks to empower future leaders and enhance opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

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.

Rochester Area Community Foundation

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.

Cuvelier Family Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1995 by Elinor M. Cuvelier, a longtime resident of Wayne County, in honor of her family.

Purpose of Scholarship

• To provide scholarships to high school seniors in Wayne County who will be attending a four-year college or university.

Award Details

• Number of recipients and individual total award amounts vary annually. Award paid over four years of study in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. 
• Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.
• This scholarship is renewable up to three times for a total of four awards in four consecutive years.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

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.