Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The MH253010 grant from the New York State Office of Mental Health aims to fund the development of community behavioral health crisis response pilot programs in urban, suburban, and rural areas. These programs will prioritize health-led responses, utilizing community experts to support individuals in crisis. The initiative seeks to create trauma-informed, culturally humble approaches that emphasize racial equity and harm reduction, addressing a critical need for effective crisis intervention in New York State.

The Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation, established in 2007, supports small, impactful organizations in the Northeast US. The foundation prioritizes projects that alleviate suffering for people or animals and considers applications from 501(c)(3) organizations outside its usual funding parameters. Key areas of support include education, after-school programs, rehabilitation, arts, nutrition, and emotional support initiatives. The foundation is committed to fostering local community development through thoughtful funding.

Amgen is a leading biotechnology company dedicated to advancing medicine through Independent Medical Education (IME). It funds accredited educational programs that empower healthcare providers to enhance patient care. IME funding supports critical areas such as oncology, bone health, cardiovascular education, and more. Amgen's commitment ensures that these educational activities remain unbiased and compliant with applicable guidelines, fostering innovation and improved health outcomes for patients worldwide.

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 Climate Impacts and Adaptation Research (PON 6034) program, funded by NYSERDA, aims to enhance community resilience in New York State while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With a budget of $1.3 million, it supports projects addressing vulnerabilities in underreported populations, indoor air quality, compound events, and climate projections. The program encourages collaboration and requires a minimum of 25% cost-sharing, facilitating the development of critical adaptation strategies to combat the impacts of climate change.

The ACT on Health Equity Community Solutions Challenge Grant, backed by the Astrazeneca Foundation, aims to enhance health equity by funding community-based nonprofit programs. Since its inception in 2021, it has allocated over $2.6 million to initiatives addressing nutrition, healthcare access, and lung health for historically marginalized populations. Eligible US-based 501(c) organizations can apply, with a focus on projects serving underserved communities and improving health outcomes through targeted support.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created on July 1, 1970 to combine all state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment into a single agency.

DEC's Mission: "To conserve, improve and protect New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being."

DEC's goal is to achieve this mission through the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity and social well-being, including environmental justice and the empowerment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that affect their lives.

Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trust (FCELT) Program

The Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts Program offers competitive matching grants to qualified New York land trusts to fund the acquisition of conservation easements on forestland that will increase the pace of forested land conservation to combat the impacts of a changing climate.

The program provides up to $1.35 million from the Environmental Protection Fund for grants to land trusts to protect forestland through conservation easements. The program is administered by the Land Trust Alliance in coordination with DEC.

The Boskey Memorial Foundation Grant, established in 2000, honors James B. Boskey and promotes advocacy in children's rights, disability, LGBTQIA rights, and access to STEM education. With a focus on improving opportunities for the disadvantaged, the foundation supports research and education initiatives in New Jersey and New York. The foundation welcomes proposals related to mediation, reproductive justice, and housing justice, as well as co-funding opportunities with like-minded organizations.

The Hope Funds for Cancer Research offers a three-year Postdoctoral Fellowship for innovative research in understanding difficult-to-treat cancers. Candidates with MD, PhD, or equivalent degrees can apply, focusing on novel approaches to cancer mechanisms and treatments. The fellowship provides a stipend starting at $56,000, with annual increases, and a travel grant of $1,500 for conferences. This initiative aims to enhance life expectancy through groundbreaking research in cancer treatment and prevention.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created on July 1, 1970 to combine all state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment into a single agency.

DEC's Mission: "To conserve, improve and protect New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being."

DEC's goal is to achieve this mission through the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity and social well-being, including environmental justice and the empowerment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that affect their lives.

Resilient Watersheds Grant Program

$60 million of Environmental Bond Act funding is available for implementation of flood mitigation projects across New York State through the Resilient Watersheds Grant (RWG) Program. Applicants to RWG must either be a recipient of a Resilient NY flood study or possess a DEC-approved comparable study, and prepared to supply a 10% match.

Description

The Resilient Watersheds Grant (RWG) program is a competitive, statewide grant program open to local governments, Indian Nations, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, state agencies, and not-for-profit corporations. The overall goal of RWG is to implement projects that build community resilience, reduce risk of flooding, erosion, and ice jams during extreme weather events, enhance climate resilience, and/ or implement natural and nature-based feature construction while supporting healthy riparian habitats. This funding is for the implementation or construction of projects, not projects exclusively for planning and/ or design.

At least five total rounds are anticipated for RWG.

Funding Overview

The Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 allocated $4.2 billion for state agencies, local governments, and partners to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, improve resilience, and create green jobs. The first round of RWG closed in 2025 and awarded $55 million in funding to 15 applicants. The RWG program has a total of $60 million available for the second round of applications, opening in 2026. RWG awards received may fund up to 90% of eligible project costs, resulting in a 10% match requirement. Projects are funded to the extent of available funds based on the evaluation criteria. The RWG program, in its sole discretion, may fund all or a portion of an eligible project and will determine the percentage amount available for any project. A local match for the balance of the estimated project cost is required.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in New York provides crucial funding for the development of clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and storm water drainage in eligible rural areas. This program supports state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes in their efforts to enhance public health and environmental quality. Eligible applicants can use the funds for construction, improvement, and related activities to ensure reliable service delivery.

The Altman Foundation Grant invites organizations with 501(c)(3) status in New York City to submit Letters of Inquiry for health-related projects. This funding focuses on improving access to quality healthcare for underserved populations, enhancing the capacity of local service providers, and addressing structural barriers to health equity. New grants are currently limited, and only health-related LOIs will be accepted. Eligible applicants should review specific interests outlined by the Foundation before applying.

The Connecticut Sea Grant College Program (CTSG) Grant supports vital applied research, education, and outreach aimed at promoting healthy coastal and marine ecosystems in Connecticut and Long Island Sound. Projects with clear relevance to the region's marine and coastal resources are prioritized, ensuring that public benefits are maximized through sustainable practices and community engagement.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project Capital Grant, offered by the Open Space Institute, supports vital conservation initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and enhancing landscape connectivity. Established in 1974, the OSI has protected over 2.5 million acres in the Eastern US and Canada, focusing on land that ensures clean drinking water and wildlife habitats. This grant is specifically for projects within the Appalachian Landscapes Project service area, promoting sustainable community benefits.

The NYSCA Support for Artists Grant offers vital funding to artists in New York State, promoting the development of new work across various artistic disciplines. This grant is designed to enhance diverse artistic voices, encourage significant growth in individual artists, and strengthen collaborations with sponsoring organizations. Prequalification is mandatory for nonprofit applicants, ensuring a streamlined process for those seeking to elevate their creative endeavors. Artists are invited to apply through sponsoring organizations to receive support for their innovative projects.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The Environmental Protection Fund Grant Program for Parks, Preservation and Heritage (EPF) offers matching grants for the acquisition, development, and improvement of parks, historic properties, and heritage areas in New York. It supports municipalities and not-for-profits, ensuring long-term protection of funded projects. The program encompasses three categories: Parks, Historic Preservation, and Heritage Areas, aimed at enhancing recreational facilities and preserving cultural heritage through well-defined projects and planning.

The F26AS00085 Aquatic Invasive Species Interjurisdictional Grants, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support interjurisdictional projects addressing aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and tribes, focusing on action-oriented projects that enhance regional priorities. The initiative will fund both sustaining projects, which build on previous efforts, and new projects that present innovative solutions for effective management and prevention of aquatic invasive species.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

The Doris Duke Foundation's Environment Program grants aim to foster a resilient environment through effective conservation efforts. By supporting U.S. nonprofit organizations, the foundation seeks to protect biodiversity, address climate change, and advance equity, particularly for marginalized communities. The program emphasizes land conservation, natural climate solutions, and inclusive practices, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both wildlife and people. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing the health of ecosystems and communities across the United States.

The AgEnhancement Grant, awarded by Farm Credit East and CoBank, provides funding between $500 to $10,000 annually to support projects that enhance agriculture, commercial fishing, and forest products in the Northeast. Since 1996, over $3.5 million has been distributed to various organizations. The program seeks initiatives that promote diversity and provide opportunities for all-sized farms, ensuring long-term benefits to the community and industry.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants focus on underutilization of crop insurance projects to enhance agricultural producers' economic viability. This initiative, backed by the Northeast ERME Center and others, provides funding to deliver education in various risk management areas. Grants up to $100,000 are available for projects running from April 2026 to September 2027, with plans to support 7-10 new projects based on quality applications and funding availability.

The Climate Smart Communities Grant Program in New York provides municipalities with funding to combat climate change through greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and adaptation projects. With at least $22 million available, eligible projects range from GHG reduction initiatives to climate adaptation strategies. The program also supports certification efforts for communities striving to achieve Climate Smart Community status. By fostering innovative local solutions, this grant aims to enhance resilience against climate-related challenges.

The Roy A. Hunt Foundation's Environment Initiative Grants aim to support projects that enhance ecological health and sustainability. With an annual budget of approximately $3.4 million, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote responsible environmental practices, clean energy, and waste reduction. Grants between $25,000 and $75,000 are available for projects at various levels, focusing on innovative solutions that foster community partnerships and address root causes of environmental challenges.

The Frances L. & Edwin L. Cummings Memorial Fund Grant supports organizations in New York City and Northeastern New Jersey focusing on social welfare, education, and health. The Fund prioritizes innovative youth programs and provides funding for new program development, staffing, and capacity building. However, it does not support cultural arts initiatives or programs outside the specified geographic area. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and typically only receive one-year grants.

The Clean Mobility Program (PON 5739) by NYSERDA aims to support communities in New York State by funding innovative zero-emission transportation projects. This program focuses on reducing reliance on personal vehicles and improving access to affordable transportation options, particularly in underserved areas. Eligible entities can apply for funding to demonstrate or plan various clean mobility solutions, including micromobility options and on-demand transportation services.

The Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) in New York State provides funding for projects that enhance water quality and combat climate change through innovative green technologies. Grants cover up to 90% of construction costs, promoting practices such as green stormwater infrastructure and energy efficiency. Projects are evaluated on their potential impact, sustainability, and ability to foster collaboration. This initiative aims to drive environmental innovation while supporting local communities in addressing pressing ecological challenges.