Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Buckley Schools Marie Guyton Scholarship Endowment, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, offers three scholarships annually to graduating seniors from Buckley Community Schools. These include the Marie Guyton Valedictorian Scholarship and the Eleanor Smith Salutatorian Scholarship, both of which require no application, as well as the competitive Marie Guyton Leadership Scholarship. This initiative aims to recognize and support the academic achievements and leadership potential of local students.

The Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative, led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, aims to support land trusts in conserving private lands for bird protection. With funding for up to fourteen grants, the initiative encourages capacity building and management projects that enhance bird habitats. Eligible organizations can apply for grants to expand conservation efforts through collaboration and innovative strategies, fostering partnerships that leverage additional funding and community support. This initiative highlights the importance of birds in land stewardship and conservation.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Breast Cancer Alliance offers Screening and Support Service Grants aimed at enhancing survival rates and quality of life for individuals affected by breast cancer. These grants specifically fund outreach programs that provide education, counseling, and diagnostic services for underserved populations in Connecticut and Westchester County, NY. The grant term lasts for one year, beginning April 1, 2026, supporting vital breast cancer screening and diagnostic services.

The Nugent McGrew Scholarship, provided by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from Grayson or Hardin County who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to their education. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to attend a two or four-year academic or technical school. This scholarship serves as a vital resource to help students achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The Young Investigator Grants, offered by the Breast Cancer Alliance, aim to support early-career researchers focused on breast cancer. This two-year grant provides up to $125,000 in funding, split across the duration, to facilitate independent research projects. Applicants must be affiliated with U.S. institutions and should not have held major grant support previously. This initiative fosters innovation in breast cancer research, ultimately enhancing survival rates and quality of life for affected individuals.

The Hudson Valley Farm Fresh Food Grant Program, offered by the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, aims to enhance access to local, farm-fresh food for food-insecure individuals in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, and Ulster counties. With funding up to $20,000 annually for three years, the program prioritizes innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to address food insecurity while integrating equity and social justice. Grants will be available for eligible nonprofit organizations from 2023 to 2025.

The Home Builders' Association of the GT Area Scholarship, offered by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, supports residents from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau Counties. This scholarship targets individuals pursuing education in the home building industry. Applicants must provide a letter of reference from a member of the Home Builders Association, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate community involvement or leadership.

The Pilot Research Grant, offered by the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation, supports innovative research in interventional radiology to improve patient care. Grants of up to $35,000 are available for full-time faculty and post-doctorates with relevant degrees in the U.S. and Canada. Applicants must be current SIR members and can submit proposals for preliminary data generation, enhancing their chances for future funding opportunities.

The Breast Cancer Alliance offers Exceptional Project Grants aimed at enhancing survival rates and quality of life for individuals affected by breast cancer. This grant, amounting to $100,000 over one year, supports innovative research and projects in the contiguous United States. Eligible applicants include clinical doctors and research scientists at any career stage. The funding covers salary and project costs, with indirect costs capped at 8% of direct costs, ensuring comprehensive support for impactful research.

The Eastern Iowa Angus Association Oliver Hansen Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students from specified Iowa counties pursuing education in agriculture. Applicants must be involved with the Angus breed, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and enroll full-time at accredited institutions. Scholarships provide up to $1,000 annually and are renewable for two years, aiding students in achieving their academic and career goals.

The Harry and Myrtle Nabstedt Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students from Scott County, Iowa, pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. With a maximum award of $8,000 per year, this need-based scholarship is renewable for up to five years, contingent on maintaining eligibility. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a minimum GPA of 2.00, showcasing merit through community involvement and other activities.

The Incubator Grant, offered by the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation, supports projects that enhance interventional radiology through clinical research. Eligible applicants must be SIR members and hold relevant degrees. The grant provides funding up to $25,000 for one year, specifically for developing clinical study protocols and proposals. This initiative emphasizes inclusivity and encourages innovative approaches in patient care, aligning with the foundation's mission to advance the specialty and improve patient outcomes.

The Coco Gauff Tennis Scholarship

The Coco Gauff Tennis Scholarship will provide a need-based scholarship of up to $8,500 to eligible HBCU student-athletes competing on their intercollegiate tennis teams. Awards will be issued in the 2026-2027 academic year.

The AAD Shade Structure Grant Program provides funding up to $8,000 for non-profit organizations and public schools to install shade structures, promoting sun safety for children and teenagers. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to sun safety, including a year-long awareness program, and submit a letter of recommendation from an AAD dermatologist. The program aims to enhance outdoor safety, supported by donations from members and organizations.

The 1Fur1 Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charities that engage in animal-assisted programs. Eligible organizations can apply for grants ranging from $500 to $7,500 to support Animal Assisted Therapy, Activity, and Service Dog programs. The foundation focuses on charities that align with its mission and does not fund individual requests, for-profit businesses, or initiatives that promote animal cruelty. Applications are reviewed within 90 days.

The Creative Native Call for Art invites Indigenous artists aged 5 to 24 to showcase their talents through diverse artistic expressions. Participants can submit works inspired by the theme of what is sacred to them and their community, with opportunities for national recognition and awards, including a grand prize of $1,000. This initiative aims to celebrate and support young artists in their creative journeys while honoring cultural significance and community values.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a female or female-identified student from a high school in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, or Wyoming county who has 50 or more documented volunteer hours and and who has a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The Arnold Fields Community Endowed Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, provides a $1,000 award to a deserving high school senior from Hampton County. Eligible applicants must be graduating from one of the specified high schools with a minimum GPA of 2.25 and plan to pursue further education at a college or university. This scholarship aims to support local students in achieving their educational goals.

The Abrazo/Mitchard Birthmother Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports birthmothers who have placed their children for adoption through Abrazo Adoption Associates. This fund offers financial assistance for tuition and educational expenses for full-time students pursuing various degrees. Eligible applicants include adult learners and current college students. Although the scholarship is not renewable, recipients can apply for an additional year of funding, making education accessible to those in need.

The Ajay Castro Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports female undergraduate students pursuing a degree in communications. This scholarship is aimed at adult learners or current college students who have graduated high school or earned a GED. Although it is not renewable, recipients can reapply annually. Preference is given to those returning to college after a break, ensuring that the fund continues to empower women in education.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for the validation of molecular, cellular, and imaging markers for cancer detection and treatment. This funding opportunity supports both analytical and clinical validation phases, emphasizing multi-disciplinary collaboration. The UH2 phase focuses on analytical validation, while the UH3 phase extends to clinical validation using well-annotated biospecimens. Proposals should justify the relevance of assays for clinical use and may include harmonization efforts across laboratories.

The Edna B. Collins Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, supports graduating seniors from Wautoma pursuing a degree in business. With awards ranging from $500 to $40,000, this scholarship aims to help students achieve their educational goals. Selection is based on academic performance, financial need, and extracurricular involvement, encouraging a diverse range of applicants to apply for this valuable opportunity.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Owen C. Meadows and Brenda J. Meadows Scholarship

Must be resident of Raleigh County; Pursuing an accredited nursing program (including technical, baccalaureate or advanced nursing education programs); Merit and need based.​

This scholarship is not renewable.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Dr. Tarlok & Amar Purewal Scholarship

Dr. Tarlok and Amar Purewal, long-time Marion residents, strongly believe in helping young people find employment in the trades and careers that do not require a college degree, or even a high school degree. In collaboration with Jobs & Family Services, the Buckeye School, Tri-Rivers Adult Education, Marion Matters, and Marion Technical College, the Purewals created an endowment fund which blends a scholarship with a field of interest fund. The scholarship criteria does not require a high school degree — but does not exclude applicants with one — and will be awarded to applicants pursuing an education in the trades, apprenticeship, and skilled labor, or two-year degrees in fields that do not require traditional 4-year degrees. The Purewal Fund may award grants to an organization or program that assists individuals in obtaining training for gainful employment, especially for individuals with financial need for such training and education.

The Purewal Fund is an example of the flexibility community foundations have to match donors’ unique ideas to local needs.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Montrose Area Chamber of Commerce Pauline MacNeal Memorial Scholarship

Established to honor past Chamber member Mrs. Pauline MacNeal. Provides college tuition assistance to graduating seniors from the high schools in Susquehanna County, as well as home schooled or cyber schooled students, who reside in Susquehanna County and will major in a business related field.

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.

Spokane Area Swimming Adam England Memorial Scholarship

Graduating high school seniors in all counties served by the Foundation are eligible to apply. Applicants must have participated in competitive swimming meets while in high school and must submit a letter of recommendation from a coach confirming participation in these swimming meets. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and plan to enroll in post-high school program at full-time status.