Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The John J. & Margaret O’Brien Dunphy Scholarship aims to address contemporary community needs through innovative funding solutions. This unique scholarship focuses on supporting education, arts, infrastructure, and wellness, while also promoting awareness of environmental issues. It encourages international studies and travel, fostering engagement with diverse cultures. The Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. administers this scholarship, emphasizing holistic community development for a better future.

The King-Rockwell Scholarship Renewal aims to address the diverse needs of the community through innovative funding solutions. This private foundation is dedicated to holistic support in education, arts, infrastructure, and wellness. Eligible applicants are those who have previously received the King-Rockwell Scholarship, ensuring continuity in nurturing talent and community engagement. This initiative not only provides financial assistance but also fosters awareness and collaboration for a sustainable future.

The PIDS Summer Research Scholars Award, established by the PIDS Foundation, supports students in pediatric infectious disease research. Open to undergraduate and graduate students, this award promotes impactful summer research projects across various disciplines, including basic science and clinical studies. Funded partially by Sanofi, it encourages mentorship by PIDS members, aiming to enhance scholarship and practical contributions to the field of pediatric infectious diseases.

The Children's Foundation of Erie County Grant aims to enhance the lives of at-risk children in Erie County, NY. With a focus on supporting not-for-profit organizations, the foundation seeks to fund initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to improving children's quality of life. Eligible agencies must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and serve local children. Grants will not be awarded to individuals or for endowments, ensuring that funds directly benefit the intended recipients.

The ADEAGies Foundation Grant supports oral health innovations and the development of future leaders in academic dentistry. Funded by the ADEAGies Foundation, the program offers annual grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for various dental programs and initiatives. The Board of Trustees evaluates proposals each March, aiming to fully fund as many projects as possible while reserving the right to offer partial funding. Grants are awarded annually to qualifying organizations.

The Aging Services Leadership Fellowship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, is a one-year non-clinical program for recent master's graduates or mid-career professionals with at least five years of experience. The program emphasizes cohort learning, community building, and skill development in aging services. Participants engage in specialized training, networking events, and mentorship opportunities designed to foster leadership and cultural humility, ultimately preparing them to lead in the aging services sector.

The DTA Foundation: Dental Hygiene Scholarship, in partnership with the Benco Family Foundation, provides up to $10,000 to dental hygiene students from underrepresented backgrounds. This initiative honors Lawrence and Sally Cohen's contributions to the field. With a generous $1M endowment, the scholarship aims to support aspiring dental hygienists, ensuring increased accessibility to the profession and recognizing those who demonstrate passion and commitment to dental care.

The Berkshire Woodworkers Guild Scholarship offers financial support to aspiring professional woodworkers and designers. Established in 1998, this scholarship is funded through generous donations and proceeds from an annual silent auction. Recipients are encouraged to engage with the Guild and showcase their work at events. Preference is given to applicants pursuing comprehensive woodworking programs that lead to certification or degrees, but other professional development opportunities may also be considered.

The Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in Literatures in English, offered by Cornell University's Society for the Humanities, invites applications for a two-year position starting August 1, 2026. This fellowship seeks candidates specializing in African American literature and culture, with a preference for those with expertise in gender, sexuality, or media studies. The fellow will conduct research, teach two courses annually, and engage in departmental events and seminars, contributing to the academic community.

The Rural Summer Legal Corps (RSLC) addresses the legal service gap in rural U.S. communities by placing law students in civil legal aid organizations. This initiative, in partnership with Equal Justice Works and the Legal Services Corporation, allows 50 Student Fellows to engage in impactful projects, such as disaster response and housing issues, while gaining practical experience over eight to ten weeks. Participants receive a stipend of $7,000, enhancing their skills and supporting underserved populations.

The Regional Public Interest Awards recognize eight outstanding law students annually for their dedication to public interest law. Selected by the Equal Justice Works National Advisory Committee, each recipient demonstrates exceptional commitment through volunteer work, internships, and clinics. Awardees receive a $250 cash prize and a commemorative plaque, celebrating their significant contributions to their communities and the legal profession.

The Design-Your-Own Fellowship by Equal Justice Works allows lawyers to create personalized projects addressing critical legal needs in underserved communities. Participants collaborate with preferred organizations to develop innovative solutions while receiving substantial financial support, health benefits, and professional training. This program not only enhances access to justice but also promotes diversity within public interest careers, empowering candidates to make meaningful impacts in their chosen fields.

The Artist Resource Trust (A.R.T.) Fund for Organizations Grant supports mid-career visual artists (aged 35+) in New England and parts of New York. Established in 1996, it provides annual funding to nonprofit organizations for commissions, purchases, or engagements with these artists. Eligible organizations must match funds 1:1 in cash and have specific geographic ties. The grant emphasizes quality and commitment in artistic work, aiding in the growth and visibility of mature artists.

The Beautiful Olean Fund, managed by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, supports beautification projects in Olean, focusing on enhancing the walkable streetscape. Established in 1994, the Foundation connects donors with community needs, funding initiatives in education, arts, and health. Grants prioritize tax-exempt organizations and projects that provide essential community services. This fund aims to engage local stakeholders in creating a more beautiful and vibrant city for residents and visitors alike.

The Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize, established in 1975, awards $25,000 to the best book of poetry published in the U.S. the previous year. It includes a ten-day residency at Glen Hollow, New York, and distribution to Academy of American Poets members. Eligible poets must be U.S. citizens or residents and submit original works published in the prior year. Self-published books and translations are ineligible, promoting excellence in contemporary American poetry.

The Zimmer Biomet Foundation, established in 2018, supports health care professionals through fellowship funding aimed at enhancing education and clinical research. This private foundation focuses on improving community health and advancing STEM education, while also promoting diversity and inclusion. Importantly, funding decisions are made independently of any commercial interests in Zimmer Biomet's products, ensuring a commitment to quality education and patient care.

The ASPCA's Rescue Effect Campaign Grants provide $1.8 million to support animal welfare organizations in the U.S. during a crucial adoption initiative. Eligible non-profits can receive funding based on their intake of adoptable pets and commitment to hold fee-waived adoption days. The program aims to promote responsible pet adoption and community involvement, making a significant impact on animal welfare during the months of August to October.

The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown offers a prestigious Writing Fellowship for emerging writers. This seven-month residency, running from October to April, provides a $1250 monthly stipend, private accommodations, and a $1000 exit stipend for relocation. With a legacy of supporting notable writers like Louise Glück and Jhumpa Lahiri, the fellowship emphasizes self-directed creative time. Application fees vary by date, starting at $40, to enhance accessibility for all applicants.

The Cambiar Catalyst Fellowship is a transformative year-long program designed for experienced educators and systems leaders. It offers intensive professional development through coaching, in-person and virtual learning experiences, and community building. Participants tackle real-world challenges in their districts using the CREATE framework, enhancing their leadership skills and impact. The fellowship aims to reimagine K-12 public education by supporting leaders in creating sustainable solutions for improved student outcomes.

The Families Invested in Reforming Education (FIRE) Fellowship is a six-week virtual training program designed to empower advocates committed to enhancing the education system for PreK-12 students in the U.S. Participants will engage in eight interactive sessions, focusing on advocacy skills and community networking. Graduates will benefit from ongoing support and training from the 50CAN team to further their advocacy efforts. This volunteer-only program does not offer stipends, emphasizing a commitment to educational reform.

The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation offers Kit Grants for teachers and community members to enhance materials science education through outreach projects. Applicants can request various science kits, including Materials Science Classroom Kits, Mini Kits, and Glass Kits, while adhering to specific limitations. The foundation aims to inspire the next generation of ceramic and glass professionals, ensuring all projects align with educational goals and promote student engagement with science.

The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation offers Project Grants of up to $2,500 to support innovative projects that enhance materials science education for the next generation of professionals. This grant aims to inspire creativity in training initiatives related to ceramics and glass, fostering community engagement. Eligible projects should focus on outreach and instructional activities, while ineligible requests include funding for research, equipment, or any commercial purposes. Join in advancing education in this vital field!

The Saranac Lake Public School Education Fund, supported by the Adirondack Foundation, enhances education for students in Saranac Lake. It promotes open-mindedness and exploration through various programs, such as symposia, arts, and literacy initiatives. Recent funded projects include the Harvard Model United Nations Program and Media Literacy Program, aimed at fostering critical thinking and civic engagement. This fund emphasizes the crucial role of public education in maintaining an open society and protecting freedoms.

The Helen & Howard R. Marraro Prize in Italian History, awarded annually by the American Historical Association, honors exceptional works in Italian history, cultural history, or Italo-American relations. Established in 1897, this prestigious award recognizes books published in English by North American historians. Currently valued at $1,000, submissions for the 2025 award must have a copyright of 2024. Winners will be announced in October 2025, with a ceremony at the January 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago.

The DAV Charitable Service Trust provides essential support to empower veterans in leading dignified lives. This private funder focuses on rehabilitation programs, mobility enhancements for veterans with disabilities, and assistance for aging and homeless veterans. Additionally, it addresses the needs of veterans affected by recent conflicts and supports their caregivers and families. Grants are available to eligible organizations recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt, ensuring that the trust's mission effectively reaches those who have served.

About Us

Our mission is to serve as a catalyst in maximizing the skills and creativity of educators at the K-12 levels and in cultivating pioneering approaches to teaching that result in dynamic student learning.

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation sponsors proposals that enhance student learning and educational quality, paying particular attention to those that best serve the at-risk and under-funded, including:

• Curriculum that excites and challenges
• Inquiry projects that promote reflection and growth
• After-school programs that enrich and inspire

The Foundation partners with individuals to expand educational opportunities for America’s youth that inspire students by nurturing their curiosity about the world and their place in it. Funding includes scholarships that provide far more than just tuition and books; grants that benefit the lives of more than just those who receive them; and results that reach far beyond the classroom in which the projects are introduced.

Student Teaching Scholarships/Mentoring

Designed to instill a lifelong, passionate commitment to education and learning at the highest level, McCarthey Dressman scholarships offer financial and mentoring support to educators who will be student teaching in their final year of a qualified teacher education program. Foundation mentors offer one-on-one guidance and attention to nurture the next generation of teachers. Scholarship recipients acquire and strengthen exemplary teaching practices that promote learning by their own students.

The Foundation awards one-year scholarships in the amount of $6,000 each to college students enrolled in teacher education programs at New Mexico State University; the University of California, Santa Cruz; The University of Texas at Austin; and Stephen F. Austin State University.

Consider applying for this scholarship if... 

• you are interested in maximizing your student teaching experience
• you believe that working with a mentor would add to your training experience
• you can provide documentation of financial need for the year in which you will be student teaching

The ETC Performing Arts Funding Grant, established in 1975, aims to support non-profit performance groups across the United States. With grants up to $5,000, the initiative seeks to encourage artistic expression and innovation. Applicants must be U.S.-based organizations, including 501(c)(3) non-profits and accredited educational institutions. However, funding does not cover salaries, travel, or events. Preference is given to groups producing original work. The competitive nature of the grant means that meeting eligibility does not guarantee funding.