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.

George A. and Catherine V. Quill Scholarship

Through the thoughtfulness and generosity of George A. Quill and his wife Catherine V. Quill a scholarship fund has been established for the benefit of the residents of Dutchess and Orange counties. Mr. and Mrs. Quill were active in their community as residents of Beacon New York for 35 years. The Quills encouraged young people to have faith in God. They stressed the importance in getting a good education being self sufficient and living a respectable and honest life.

This scholarship is not necessarily intended for those students with the highest grade point average but rather intended for those students who must apply themselves to prosper or those who are able to demonstrate financial need.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Beacon High School, John Jay High School, Newburgh Free Academy, Poughkeepsie High School, Roy C. Ketcham 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Acacio “Roger” Rodrigues Memorial Scholarship

Established by the Rodrigues family, in memory of Acacio “Roger” Rodrigues, scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors or current undergraduate who reside in Dutchess, Putnam or Westchester County, New York or Fairfield County, Connecticut and who plan to study in a field which will lead to a career in the building/construction industry. These fields include but are not limited to engineering, construction management, electrical construction technology, plumbing and heating, welding and fabrication, etc. The scholarships will be awarded to individuals who are or will be full time students at any accredited vocational school, college or university in the United States.

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

Current High School

Any high school in Dutchess, Putnam or Westchester County, New York or Fairfield County, Connecticut

The Peckham Family Foundation offers Basic Support Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in local communities in New York and New England. The foundation supports various programs focusing on education, arts, and civic engagement. Organizations seeking funding must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to community improvement. The Grants Committee, composed of local non-management members, evaluates applications to ensure alignment with the foundation's mission and values.

The Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowships, funded by the Breast Cancer Alliance, aim to cultivate talented surgeons into compassionate breast specialists. This prestigious one-year fellowship, running from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027, offers a grant of $85,000. Eligible institutions must be accredited and located in Connecticut, New Jersey, or New York, and only US citizens with completed general surgery residencies can apply. The initiative seeks to enhance surgical expertise and improve breast cancer outcomes.

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 Historic Preservation Grant Program, part of the Environmental Protection Fund, supports projects enhancing parks and historic sites in New York. This matching grant program aims to acquire, develop, and improve properties listed on state or national registers, ensuring long-term public benefits through preservation covenants and conservation easements. Applicants, including municipalities and nonprofits, are evaluated on criteria such as project significance, public awareness, and the ability to complete the project effectively, fostering stewardship of historic resources.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is offering funding through the Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund to eligible not-for-profit shelters and humane societies. This grant supports capital projects that enhance the health and care of sheltered dogs and cats, such as construction, renovation, or expansion of facilities. Organizations can apply for funding for specific components of larger projects, ensuring better containment and welfare of animals.

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.

Ronnie Berg Drummers Scholarship

Established in memory of gifted drummer Ronnie Berg, this scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors and/or students already in college who share Ronnie’s enthusiasm for drumming. The scholarship will be awarded to individuals who will be full time students at any accredited college or university in the United States. It may be used for tuition, books and fees.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Any high school

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Geophysical Society of Pittsburgh Scholarship

The Geophysical Society of Pittsburgh Scholarship Fund was established in 2013 by the Geophysical Society of Pittsburgh.

Scholarship Details

• Available to Adult Students
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The Book Seminar Legacy Fund Annual Grant, established by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, honors the legacy of Professor Samuel Freedman by providing three annual grants starting in 2026. These grants support various stages of book projects, including proposals, initial research, and manuscript writing. Eligible applicants include former students and auditors from the Book Seminar class, which ran from 1991 to 2025. This initiative fosters literary creativity and supports authors in their publishing journeys.

The George I. Alden Trust offers a Higher Education Grant aimed at supporting independent colleges and universities in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The Trust prioritizes capital needs to enhance the educational experience, approving grants up to $100,000 for first-time applicants. Eligible institutions must have a minimum of 1,000 full-time undergraduate students and demonstrate a commitment to educational excellence and effective administration.

The NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program offers essential 1-on-1 mentorship to foreign-born artists, fostering community connections and professional development. This unique initiative, recognized as one of the best mentorship programs in the U.S., has supported over 525 artists from diverse backgrounds since its inception in 2007. Participants gain access to networking opportunities, workshops, and exhibition prospects, all aimed at enhancing their artistic careers in the vibrant New York cultural landscape. This program is free for accepted applicants.

The Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant supports dairy farmers in enhancing their operations for sustainable success. This funding aids in modernizing outdated systems and implementing innovative solutions that improve farm viability, milk quality, and worker conditions while addressing climate impacts. Eligible applicants include dairy farmers, cooperatives, and service providers across Northeast states. Awards range from $15,000 to $100,000, requiring a 25% match contribution.

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 New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) invites proposals for funding to establish up to eight new Clubhouses across four regions. This initiative aims to enhance access to mental health services by supporting both existing providers converting to the Clubhouse Model and new applicants. The focus is on regions currently lacking accredited Clubhouses, ensuring that adults with serious mental illness receive the necessary support and resources for recovery.

The NYC Opera Grants: Support for Small-Budget Organizations, launched by OPERA America, offers crucial operating support to innovative opera organizations in New York City with budgets under $250,000. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 annually, aiming to enhance audience engagement and artistic production. This initiative prioritizes organizations led by individuals from diverse backgrounds and encourages proposals that celebrate the city's cultural richness. The next grant round is anticipated in 2025.

Northern New York Community Foundation

Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.

Timothy F. Wright Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established at the Northern New York Community Foundation in memory of local businessman Timothy F. Wright.

Seniors at Carthage High School, Copenhagen Central School and Lowville Academy and Central School who will be attending Jefferson Community College majoring in business or a technology program are eligible to apply.

The Juliet Lea Hillman Simonds Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations, focusing on education, visual arts, writing, and literature, primarily in Pittsburgh. The grant has a rolling application process, with no deadlines, and also considers limited contributions in other areas such as human services and environmental protection. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and public charities. This foundation does not fund individuals but may support select scholarships.

The Norfolk Southern Trades on Track SkillPointe Scholarship offers $5,000 scholarships for students pursuing trades education related to the rail industry. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution and focused on railway-related trades. With over 1,000 scholarships funded and a mission to close the skills gap, this initiative empowers individuals towards high-demand careers without requiring a four-year degree, ultimately strengthening the workforce and economy.

The NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship, administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts, offers an $8,000 unrestricted cash grant to artists residing in New York State and Tribal Nations. This prestigious fellowship supports artists across various disciplines, enhancing their creative pursuits and professional development. Eligible applicants must be at least 25 years old, maintain residency for two years, and not be enrolled in a degree program. The fellowship fosters artistic innovation and community engagement.

The Harkness Foundation for Dance Grant supports the dance art form in New York City through various initiatives, including program and project grants. It has significantly contributed to over 660 organizations and artists, promoting equity in its funding approach. The Foundation focuses on dance creation, presentation, education, and related services, while prioritizing organizations with non-profit status. Grants are awarded annually, fostering a vibrant dance community and addressing social justice within the field.

The Lavelle – Brother Kearney Scholarship Program offers financial assistance and career preparation for legally blind college students in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Through competitive scholarships, the program supports higher education at select institutions in the Tri-State area, fostering independence and professional development. Recipients are selected based on academic performance and essential skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for future careers. This initiative not only promotes educational opportunities but also enhances the quality of life for blind and visually impaired individuals.

New Investigator Award in Spinal Cord Injury Research (Round 1)

Approximately 1,100 New York residents suffer a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) each year, joining the estimated six million people in the United States who are living with paralysis and othereffects of SCI. The personal and economic costs to these persons, their families and to society are immense. Since 1998, the New York State Spinal Cord Injury Research Board (SCIRB) advises the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Extramural Grants Administration (EGA) regarding research focused on cures for SCI and SCI-induced paralysis.

The SCIRB’s mission and goal is to:

• Seek major advances toward a cure and not simply incremental research gains or incremental improvements for SCI patients
• Support research that tests novel hypotheses and/or advances innovative research approaches that could move the field of SCI research significantly toward discovering a cure for SCI.

Purpose of the Funds

The SCIRB wishes to stimulate the growth of SCI research and to accelerate the pace with which basic (preclinical) findings are translated into clinical benefits for spinal cord-injured persons. In addition, SCIRB wishes to fill fundamental gaps in knowledge that are barriers to scientific advances in SCI research. The goal is to expend $8.5 million for SCI research every State fiscal year.

The Request for Applications (RFA) supports investigators new to the field of SCI research at different stages of career development. This award enables such investigators to compete for funding separately from investigators with established programs of SCI research. The intent of this initiative is to increase the pool of outstanding basic and clinical researchers actively studying SCI in New York State and thereby accelerate our progress toward the goals of the SCIRB mission. As such, The New Investigator Award aligns with the central goals of the SCIRB mission. Previous experience in SCI research is allowed, but not required. However, applications naming a Principal Investigator (PI) with limited background in SCI research are strongly encouraged to include collaboration with investigators who are experiences in SCI research and/or possess other relevant expertise to strengthen the application.