Best New York Grants for Nonprofits

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.

Andy Vito/Harold Tompkins/Ron Vece Scholarship Fund

Established by the Hudson Valley Umpires Association in memory of Andy Vito, Harold Tompkins and Ron Vece, this scholarship is available to graduating seniors from Dutchess County high schools, Putnam Valley High School, Highland High School, New Paltz High School, Marlboro High School or Wallkill High School who have played high school baseball.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

All Dutchess County High Schools, Putnam Valley High School, Highland High School, New Paltz High School, Marlboro High School and Wallkill High School.

The David Whitehouse Research Residency for Scholars at The Corning Museum of Glass offers a unique opportunity for scholars to engage with the museum's extensive glass research resources. Named after former director David Whitehouse, this residency supports research in glass-related topics and provides access to the Rakow Research Library. Residencies, lasting from one to three weeks, include transportation, room, and board, fostering collaboration with museum experts to advance knowledge in the field.

The NY Source Water Buffer Program, administered by the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, aims to protect public drinking water and enhance water quality. With approximately $5 million available through the Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017, the program funds conservation easements and projects that establish riparian buffers on farmland. These vital buffers improve water quality by filtering runoff, ensuring safe drinking water for future generations.

The MacDowell Fellowship supports artists by providing a nurturing environment for creative work. This prestigious opportunity awards around 300 artists annually across various disciplines, including architecture, literature, and visual arts, based solely on artistic excellence. There are no residency fees, and financial assistance is available for travel and living expenses. MacDowell encourages applications from artists of diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusivity in the arts community.

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.

Elena Eckert Memorial Scholarship

The Elena Eckert Memorial Scholarship was established in loving memory of Elena Eckert, a New York State Corrections officer that served for roughly three decades. Her son Billy created the scholarship to honor two of his mother’s strongest beliefs: helping high school seniors in the local community achieve their dreams of higher education; and, giving back to family members of those that selflessly protect and serve in police, corrections and the armed forces. The scholarship is available to Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Ulster County high school seniors who are the children or grandchildren of current or former armed forces members, police officers or corrections officers.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Graduating senior from Dutchess, Orange, Putnam or Ulster County

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.

Frank Thomas Groff Scholarship

The scholarship is available to members of the Roman Catholic Church who are graduating seniors of a high school in Dutchess County. The scholarship shall be applied to tuition costs of completing an Associate or Baccalaureate degree at an accredited college or university in the United States.

$1000 awarded every other year in odd number years.

Type of Award

Renewable for up to three additional years and payable to the school

Current High School

Any Dutchess County high school

The New York State Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) to help landowners restore and enhance wetlands previously degraded by agriculture. This program provides funding for permanent and temporary easements, ensuring habitat protection for wildlife, improved water quality, and resilience against climate change. NRCS prioritizes applications that enhance migratory bird habitats, making it a key initiative for ecological conservation in New York.

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.

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.

Hudson Valley Financial Professionals Scholarship

Established by the Hudson Valley Financial Professionals. One scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from a Dutchess County high school who wishes to pursue a career in the financial services industry at any accredited college or university. Financial Services careers include banking, finance, insurance, investment banking, etc.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Any Dutchess County high school

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.

Hudson Valley Guns and Hoses Scholarship

Established by Hudson Valley Guns and Hoses, the scholarship is available to paid or volunteer firefighters or law enforcement officers (or an immediate relative of a paid or volunteer firefighter or law enforcement officer) who are college bound or currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate college students in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Ulster Counties. The scholarship will be awarded to individuals who will be either a full time undergraduate or matriculated graduate students at any accredited college or university or vocational school in the United States who plan to major in Criminal Justice, Fire Science, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Public Administration or Emergency Medical Services/Professions.

Hudson Valley Guns and Hoses awards three memorial scholarships each year to honor the lives of Hudson Valley Heroes who left us too soon:

• Deputy Sheriff Kristopher Cuddeback Scholarship
• Sergeant Daniel DiDato Memorial Scholarship
• Julia “Jules” Eurillo Scholarship – Awarded to a female student who embodies the living spirit of Jules with her school and community involvement
• Captain Jack Rose Scholarship

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

High School Senior, College Student, Graduate Student

The ASPCA is offering grants to New York State animal welfare organizations to enhance compliance with the new shelter standards effective December 15, 2025. Eligible organizations can utilize these funds for facility upgrades and operational changes necessary for licensing under Article 26-C. Grant funding can encompass various needs, from retrofitting housing to training staff in euthanasia protocols, ensuring improved animal care and welfare across the state.

Our Programs

For over 25 years, Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming has been a leader in building a resilient and equitable food system in New York’s Hudson Valley. Through four interconnected strategies, we strengthen our region’s food system while serving as a national model for transformative, regionally-based solutions.

Core Strategies

Our strategic approaches are not standalone efforts, but a dynamic, interwoven framework that collectively advances our vision of a resilient and equitable regional food system. By incorporating all four strategies into every one of our programs, we create comprehensive solutions that amplify our impact across the agricultural landscape.

Offering a robust foundation in regenerative agricultural practices through in-field and classroom instruction. 

Brooklyn Brewery is committed to supporting local communities through event donations. They have a rich history of partnering with various organizations, including Prospect Park Alliance and Brooklyn Museum, to enhance community welfare. Interested parties can apply for donations for their events to further their causes, focusing on areas such as arts, health, education, and social justice. This initiative reflects the brewery's dedication to being a responsible corporate citizen.

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.

Jean DeGrace Crandall Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was set up as a memorial to Jean DeGrace Crandall, educator and friend to the migrant community. She worked as a Tutor Advocate for the Mid-Hudson Migrant Education Outreach Program (MEOP), a folklorist for the Dutchess County Arts Council and was the owner/operator of La Mula Chula in Rhinebeck, a store featuring fair-trade Mexican folk art, which she imported herself. An annual scholarship will be awarded for post-secondary assistance to a migrant farmworker or child of a migrant farmworker (with a preference for those from Mexico) with a history of migration to Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, or Westchester Counties in New York State. Though not required, but because of Jean’s personal interests, students with a demonstrated interest in traditional Mexican art and culture are especially encouraged to apply.

Jean was a true community activist and philanthropist. She was warm hearted and altruistic in nature and had a special commitment to the immigrant community of the greater Poughkeepsie area. This scholarship honors her generous spirit.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Any High School in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster or Westchester Counties

The Woodberry Poetry Room Creative Fellowship invites diverse creators, including poets, writers, and scholars, to engage with its extensive collections. Funded by the T.S. Eliot Foundation, recipients receive a $5,000 stipend and a one-week residency at the T.S. Eliot House in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The fellowship promotes inclusivity and welcomes applications from individuals of all nationalities, fostering creative exploration and collaboration in a supportive environment.

The Community Forest Conservation Grant Program, funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, supports municipal land acquisition for community forests. These vital spaces enhance wildlife habitat, improve air and water quality, and promote public health. By fostering local ownership and management, this program encourages community engagement and connection to nature. Additionally, it aligns with New York's goal to conserve 30% of its lands and waters by 2030, strengthening biodiversity and climate resiliency.

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.

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.

Joseph H. and Mildred C. McManus Scholarship

Joseph H. McManus was born in Poughkeepsie in 1900 and graduated from Poughkeepsie High School. Mr. McManus lived in the Poughkeepsie area his entire lifetime until his death in 1988. His wife Mildred Conklin was born in Ulster County in 1902 and married Joseph McManus in 1940. Mrs. McManus died in 1985.

Mr. and Mrs. McManus loved young people and it was their wish which was expressed in the Last Will and Testament of Joseph H. McManus to establish a Trust for the residents of their beloved Dutchess County. This scholarship is not necessarily intended for those with the greatest scholastic ability but is intended for those who must apply themselves to prosper or who demonstrate financial need.

The scholarship is available to graduating seniors or recent graduates of high schools in Dutchess County. The scholarships shall be applied to tuition costs at accredited colleges or universities for a period not to exceed four (4) years.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Graduating seniors or recent graduates of high schools in Dutchess County

The Readings & Workshops Mini-Grants provide funding for individual readings and workshops, ranging from $150 to $450 per session. Open to New York State and California organizations, these grants support writers' participation in events. Eligible organizations include colleges, cultural centers, and libraries. Priority is given to those serving diverse audiences and presenting in underserved areas. The application process requires details about the writer and event dates. Grant amounts are capped annually, and matching funds are encouraged.

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.

John T. Sloper Community Scholarship for Paramedics

The John T. Sloper Community Scholarship Fund was established in 2020 to provide funding for educational programs for Paramedics. Scholarships will be awarded to those who reside or work in Dutchess and Putnam counties, who are 18 years of age or older and are pursuing Paramedic certification.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

All Dutchess County High Schools, Putnam Valley High School, Highland High School, New Paltz High School, Marlboro High School and Wallkill High School.

The CERSP Grant Program, administered by Harlem CDC, aims to provide financial assistance for initiatives and events that align with the mission of Harlem CDC. Funded through contributions from Columbia University, this program supports community and economic revitalization efforts in New York State, promoting local economic growth and job creation. With a focus on inclusivity and development, CERSP seeks to enhance the quality of life and opportunities within diverse neighborhoods.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

RFA 0398 - Agricultural Fairgrounds Infrastructure Improvement Program

Overview

The Department invites eligible entities to apply for funding through the 2026 Agricultural Fairgrounds Infrastructure Improvement Program. The program will provide funding for fairgrounds infrastructure improvements to enhance visitor and exhibitor enjoyment of the county and local fairs in New York State.

Available Funding

There is a total of $1,650,754 available for this Program. Applicants may apply for amounts between $10,000 to $50,000. If funds remain after the application deadline, previously awarded applicants may apply for a second project if the previously awarded project is complete and the contract is closed. 

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.

The Affordable Solar and Storage Predevelopment and Technical Assistance program, offered by NYSERDA, aims to enhance solar access for low-to-moderate income households in New York. With grants totaling $3,600,000, it addresses barriers to solar installations in rental and multifamily housing. Projects can receive up to $200,000 to support predevelopment efforts, ensuring equitable solar development and meaningful benefits for underserved communities.

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 Karpus Family Foundation Grants provide support to organizations focused on helping people and animals in need. With a commitment to education and community welfare, the foundation funds various initiatives, including assistance for disabled veterans, prevention of domestic abuse, and animal welfare. Organizations operating in the Greater Rochester area, Florida, and Cleveland are prioritized, and grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) entities that align with these goals. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific cycles for full proposals.