Best Sustainability Grants in New York

Grants from the Achelis and Bodman Foundation help New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits in New York City and northern New Jersey fund programs in arts and culture, education, employment, health, public policy, and youth and families. Organizations with sustainability or environmental conservation components that fit these program areas may be eligible to apply.

New York 501(c)(3) organizations expanding out-of-hospital or safety-net health care for underserved residents can access funding through Altman Foundation, primarily within the five boroughs. Grants may support direct services, internal capacity building, or systems-change efforts that address health disparities, social determinants of health, and related community needs that intersect with sustainability goals.

State and local agencies, local governing boards, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in eligible Appalachian counties of New York can seek funding for critical infrastructure and workforce or business development projects. The Appalachian Regional Commission supports projects like water and wastewater systems, transportation, broadband, entrepreneurship, worker training, and related community capacity building through this Area Development program.

The First Horizon Foundation (New York) focuses on strengthening community pillars through targeted contributions. Key areas of support include enhancing community well-being, promoting financial futures, fostering leadership development, enriching the arts, and advocating for sustainability. Grants are available for eligible organizations within New York City, while individuals and certain organizations, such as K-12 schools and solely religious groups, are ineligible. Prioritizing impactful initiatives reflects the foundation's commitment to community growth.

With a mission to advance community-based environmental and food justice, Harris and Frances Block Foundation provides New York nonprofits with funding for environmental education, environmental justice, and food and farm initiatives. Small grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations or groups with a fiscal sponsor in New York City can request up to US $35,000 for just and sustainable community projects.

Nonprofit public charities in New York City that improve health, behavioral health, and independence for older adults and people with disabilities can seek funding to advance policy change, build capacity, or expand direct services. Focused on equitable care and healthier environments, The New York Community Trust invites sustainability-minded organizations to propose systemic, multi-agency solutions.

The Morton K. and Jane Blaustein Foundation Grant supports initiatives addressing climate justice, racial equity, and immigrant rights. It prioritizes organizations working towards sustainable climate solutions, advocating against racial injustices, and protecting the rights of immigrants and refugees. The foundation focuses its efforts particularly in areas affected by institutionalized racism and climate change, with a geographic emphasis on Baltimore, New York, and the DC Capital Region. Proposals are welcomed on a rolling basis.

New York 501(c)(3) organizations providing community services, including educational, recreational, or social programs, can request contributions to support residents in the NYC area. Local sustainability and environmental groups may be eligible if their work benefits surrounding communities. Funding comes through the New York Yankees Foundation’s Community Relations Department; requests are due at least six weeks in advance.

The Social Impact Fund - Nationwide Grant supports innovative solutions addressing health care access, food security, and economic empowerment. Funded by the American Heart Association, this grant prioritizes community-led projects from organizations with under $10M in revenue. Eligible entities include both for-profit and nonprofit organizations based in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Grants can provide up to $250,000 to initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact, fostering sustainable change in health and wellness.

Nonprofit and charitable projects promoting climate-focused sustainable development can seek support for high-leverage policy and clean energy efforts in New York and across the U.S. With a mission to advance ecologically sound, socially just development, Rockefeller Brothers Fund provides grants for building a green economy and advancing effective climate policies, with some work also in Central America, China, and the Western Balkans.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York City’s five boroughs working on environmental conservation, human services, education, health, arts, or related community programs can apply for Venable Foundation grants; awards are approximately US $10,000 for projects or general operations. Sustainability-focused nonprofits serving economically disadvantaged residents may be especially competitive.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation for economic, environmental, racial, or social justice can apply for recoverable grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000. The Impact Fund supports U.S. cases, including New York environmental justice and sustainability-related litigation, covering out-of-pocket expenses like expert fees and discovery costs.

Mid-sized 501(c)(3) public charities serving New York City residents can seek $100,000 for innovative projects or programs that target underserved populations or promote social change. Focused on high-impact, transformative work, Impact 100 NYC invites nonprofits with at least a $500,000 budget to propose initiatives with total budgets of $100,000 or more.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York focused on sustainability, environmental conservation, animal welfare, or visual arts can apply for Joseph Robert Foundation grants up to US $10,000. Funding supports general operations or specific programs and projects, with priority for smaller organizations and an initial letter of interest required.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits hosting community events or programs for sustainability, environmental stewardship, or public safety can access funding through PSEG Foundation, with awards up to US $10,000. Eligible projects must benefit communities in Albany, Kings, Nassau, Queens, Suffolk, or other listed counties where PSEG does business.

New York 501(c)(3) public charities working on arts, education, health and human services, youth, affordable housing, or related community programs can apply for funding from Investors Foundation. The foundation supports fiscally stable, civic-minded initiatives, including efforts tied to climate and other sustainability goals, serving communities in New York City and Long Island.

Large 501(c)(3) nonprofits in New York City seeking short-term capacity-building support for community equity and nonprofit sector infrastructure can apply for grants from the Booth Ferris Foundation. Focused on strengthening NYC, the foundation invites organizations working on community development, social services, and nonprofit growth to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and impact.

Nonprofit and for-profit organizations improving health for historically marginalized New Yorkers can apply for the New York Health Foundation’s Special Projects Fund, awarding US $50,000 - US $200,000 for innovative health and public health projects in New York. Sustainability-focused initiatives that address pressing community health needs and offer scalable, systemic change may be competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in select New York counties offering education, human services, or healthcare programs can seek program or operating support to address poverty and stabilize vulnerable families. With a mission to impact lives today, William G. McGowan Charitable Fund provides funding for initiatives like out-of-school learning, housing stability, food security, and primary or mental healthcare in Monroe, Yates, Steuben, and Ontario counties.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits running behavioral health or substance use disorder programs can seek funding to expand treatment, prevention, and social connection efforts. Focused on mental health and addiction, Elevance Health Foundation invites proposals for scalable national initiatives or local projects that increase treatment access, support early intervention, and reduce loneliness among affected individuals.

Environmental and sustainability-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in New York can seek US $5,000 - US $20,000 for educational programs, conservation efforts, and public awareness on environmental issues. Focused on education, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust invites nonprofits working on environmental conservation, water management, and related youth or community initiatives to submit a letter of inquiry before applying.

Schumann Foundation provides New York environmental conservation groups and other 501(c)(3) organizations with project-focused funding for environmental sustainability, land and habitat conservation, and animal welfare, especially ornithology. U.S.-based nonprofits, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, may be eligible for support of innovative efforts that might not proceed without this backing.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in New York working on environmental and climate justice can access funding for grassroots organizing, movement-building, and policy advocacy. Grants from Scherman Foundation help sustainability-focused organizations, especially BIPOC-led groups, advance renewable energy, green jobs, mass transit equity, and climate resilience in New York City, New York State, and select NJ and PA communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running Food as Medicine programs that improve diet-related health outcomes and food access can apply for funding, including those in New York. Focused on nutrition and food security, Elevance Health Foundation invites scalable, culturally relevant interventions that support whole-person health and demonstrate measurable, long-term impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York City working in community health, foster care, or workforce development can seek capacity-building, project, and capital support through the Ira W. DeCamp Foundation. Groups whose sustainability efforts intersect with health access, vulnerable youth, or job readiness in the metropolitan area may be eligible.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on community development in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods can seek US $20,000 - US $1,000,000 for affordable housing, essential services, small business growth, and neighborhood revitalization. Focused on strengthening communities, Goldman Sachs Bank USA invites organizations in eligible New York City counties to apply; sustainability-related community projects may be competitive.

New York and U.S. community-based nonprofit organizations improving maternal and infant health outcomes can apply for Elevance Health Foundation’s Maternal and Child Health Grant to support programs across the pregnancy journey. New York sustainability-focused groups that also address health disparities and social determinants of health may be eligible if their work reduces preterm birth, severe maternal morbidity, or related inequities.