Best New York Grants for Nonprofits

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

Ending Epidemics Education, Training and Technical Assistance Services

The intent of this Request for Applications is to support a comprehensive statewide training initiative to strengthen the capacity of local public health agencies, hospitals, community-based organizations, healthcare providers, peer workers, educators, and other partners to improve outcomes for the AIDS Institute’s strategic health priorities. The goal is to reduce health inequities by implementing training and education interventions, such as in-person or virtual trainings, conferences, seminars, digital learning tools, and capacity building initiatives that will prepare providers with the knowledge and skills to mount an effective response to the syndemics of HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, and substance use disorders. Building upon a foundation of health equity, other priorities for training include the health concerns of the LGBTQAI+ population, the concerns of persons living with HIV across the lifespan (noting the diversity in needs depending on age-related concerns), as well as training around legal and policy initiatives for these syndemic health issues and populations at risk. 

Ending Epidemics in New York State

In June 2014, NYS announced a three-point plan to end the AIDS epidemic in NYS.12 This plan provided a roadmap to significantly reduce HIV infections to a historic low by the end of 2020, with the goal of achieving the first ever decrease in HIV prevalence. The plan also aimed to improve the  health of all HIV positive New Yorkers and was the first jurisdictional effort of its kind in the U.S.

The three points highlighted in the plan are:

• Identify persons with HIV who remain undiagnosed and get them linked to care;
• Link and retain persons diagnosed with HIV in health care to maximize viral suppression;
• Increase access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for persons who are HIV negative.

New York State has been laying groundwork for ending the AIDS epidemic since the disease emerged in the early 1980s. New York State’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic has involved the development of comprehensive service delivery systems that evolved over time in sync with the evolution of AIDS from a terminal illness to a manageable chronic disease. This strategy enabled the state to implement new technologies as they were introduced, including new treatments, new diagnostic tests and, more recently, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Due to the historic and robust State response over the last 36 years, New York State has bent the curve on the HIV epidemic, reversing the decades-long increase in the number of people in New York State that are diagnosed with HIV. 

Available Funding

Up to $3,094,000 annually in New York State and HRI funding is available to support programs funded through this RFA (total of $15,470,000 in New York State and HRI funding for five (5) years). 

The Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation focuses on granting funds to small, dedicated animal welfare organizations in the Northeast US. Established in 2007, the foundation supports various initiatives, including humane societies, rescue organizations, and wildlife rehabilitation services. With a commitment to making a difference, they aim to empower groups with limited assets and fundraising capabilities to enhance animal welfare through essential services and educational programs.

Native Tree Nursery RFP

The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (“LCBP”), in coordination with the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (“NEIWPCC”), is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for projects that will directly support the Healthy Ecosystems goals of Opportunities for Action: An Evolving Plan for the Future of the Lake Champlain Basin by supporting organizations situated in the United States that have the ability to sell or grow native trees and shrubs for habitat conservation planting projects in the Lake Champlain Basin. The intent of this funding opportunity is to measurably enhance the native plant supply available to local organizations for habitat conservation projects that benefit Lake Champlain.

Awarded funding may be used for infrastructure investments and to support workforce development initiatives needed to build or grow tree nursery capacity and reduce the cost of stems for conservation planting projects located in the Lake Champlain basin.

Applicants must demonstrate or provide a viable business plan and describe how costs to local non-profits purchasing the native plants will remain stable or be reduced or eliminated through use of this funding. Approximately $1,000,000 in funding is available to support awarded projects. Grants of up to $500,000 will be awarded. One proposal may be submitted per eligible organization or entity. LCBP anticipates granting multiple awards from this RFP.

This grant opportunity is supported by funds awarded to NEIWPCC by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on behalf of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Proposals should offer a scope that supports work in the U.S. portion of the Lake Champlain Basin. Partial funding of total application requests may be awarded if agreeable to the applicant. All awards are subject to funding availability.

Training Center of Expertise: Promoting Health Equity to Improve Community Health Outcomes

The purpose of this Request for Applications is to support a statewide Training Center of Expertise in Health Equity. The Training Center of Expertise will be responsible for implementing a range of innovative training interventions to build the capacity of health and human services providers, health care facilities, community-based organizations (CBOs), and communities to employ a health equity framework to improve health outcomes for New York State residents. These trainings are directed towards:

• Executive directors, administrators, and program managers;
• Physicians, other prescribers, and nurses; and
• Social workers, care coordinators, support services providers, community health workers/ educators, and peer workers.

The funded training center will be expected to tailor trainings to meet the unique needs of each designated training audience, including regional or population-specific needs.

Available Funding

A total of up to $200,000 annually in New York State and Health Research, Inc. (federal) funding is available to support a program funded through this Request for Applications. Applicants should be prepared to provide training and capacity building services across New York State and able to address the unique needs of health facilities and Community–Based Organizations, executive directors, administrators, program managers, physicians and other prescribers, nurses, social workers, care coordinators, support services providers, community health workers/educators, and peer workers. The intent of the Request for Applications (RFA) is to fund one (1) training center at the level of $200,000 annually for five (5) years.

Consumer Assistance for New York State of Health: Navigator Program

The New York State Department of Health (herein referred to as the Department), Office of Health Insurance Programs, Division of Eligibility and Marketplace Integration, Bureau of Consumer Assistance and Training, announces the availability of $32,000,000 annually for the Consumer Assistance for NY State of Health: Navigator Program (Program).

The Program provides in-person and telephone health insurance application and enrollment assistance which is culturally competent, linguistically appropriate and disability accessible. The Program is designed to reduce barriers in accessing insurance by providing in-person assistance in community-based locations frequented by target populations, at times that are convenient to potential health insurance enrollees, including evenings and weekends.

Telephone application and enrollment assistance is also available at the convenience of the Applicant or enrollee. Navigators will also assist small businesses in enrolling in the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), allowing them to access tax credits. As a result of this Request for Applications (RFA), approximately $32,000,000 will be available per year for a period of five (5) years for the delivery of Navigator Program services.

The goal is to have at least two Grantees providing Navigator Program services in every county in New York State, as well as funds for Federally Recognized Tribes and Urban Indian Organizations.

The Exhibitions Abroad Support Grant Program, initiated by the Japan Foundation in New York, offers financial aid to U.S. museums and art institutions organizing exhibitions that showcase Japanese art and culture internationally. This program supports a range of events, including biennials and triennials featuring Japanese artists. Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations from designated states, with a focus on promoting cultural exchange and understanding through art.

Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund 2026 RFA

About the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF)

The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF) is a partnership among Restore America’s Estuaries, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Long Island Sound Partnership. The purpose of LISCIF is to provide technical and financial assistance to communities for addressing environmental issues and to improve the quality and accessibility of the Long Island Sound. Technical assistance will be provided through LISCIF and is available to communities/organizations even if one does not submit a proposal for funding.  

This is the third round of LISCIF funding. Up to $1,200,000 in competitive funding will be awarded to support projects in New York and Connecticut. Project proposals must incorporate Actions of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP).  

For LISCIF, the geographic region refers to the Long Island Sound watershed area within New York and Connecticut.

Funding Priorities

LISCIF’s funding priorities are aligned with the CCMP themes and Actions. For 2026, LISCIF’s main funding themes are:

• Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds  
• Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife  
• Sustainable and Resilient Communities   
• Informed and Engaged Public  

The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund aims to build capacity for organizations located in communities affected by environmental and human health risks. The Fund seeks to provide technical assistance for communities and support proposals which ultimately improve access to the Long Island Sound, while reducing overall environmental health risks. Eligible projects and activities will be community-driven and address one of the funding priorities below:   

Funding is available for:   

• Projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention or reduction.   
• Restoring habitat within the Important Coastal Habitat Types targeted by LIS Partnership.  
• Projects that foster a diverse balance and abundant populations of fish, birds, and wildlife.    
• Public engagement, knowledge, and stewardship.  
• Projects that enhance community resilience and sustainability.   
• Planning and design that set-the-stage for implementation of water quality projects, eligible habitat restoration projects and resilience projects.   
• Community-based science projects.  
• Data management and integration projects.   
• Other similar activities that the applicant proposes, and EPA approves, that are consistent with Section 119 of the Clean Water Act.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and support to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. A public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has been advancing energy solutions and working to protect the environment since 1975.

Clean Energy Career Awareness Program: Teaching Resources & Educator Training

Description

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) requests proposals from firms that will help advance a Clean Energy Career Awareness Program to serve New York State (NYS) students, youths, and teachers. Proposal will be considered by contractors who wish to provide workforce development and training services for either or both of the following Pillars:

• Pillar 1 - Clean Energy Teaching Resources: A web-based platform that contains freely accessible clean energy educational resources responsive to the needs of NYS students and teachers.
• Pillar 2 - Clean Energy Educator Training: Professional development opportunities for NYS educators to advance their understanding of clean energy in NYS.

For Pillar 1, NYSERDA seeks proposer with experience and expertise in clean energy, curriculum curation, and web design. The proposer shall develop webpage(s) that contain freely accessible clean energy educational resources that are responsive to the needs of NYS students and teachers. The proposer shall maintain the webpage(s) regularly to ensure accuracy and timeliness of resources.

For Pillar 2, NYSERDA seeks proposer with experience and expertise in both clean energy and professional development for educators. The proposer shall develop and deliver professional development opportunities for at least 2,000 unique NYS educators to advance their understanding of clean energy in NYS and remove the barriers to understanding the benefits of clean energy. The proposer shall ensure 50+% of participating educators serve and/or are from NYS Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) and/or Priority District Schools.   

A total of $5,750,000 is available, with $750,000 designated for Pillar 1 and $5,000,000 designated for Pillar 2.

New York Public Library 

The New York Public Library has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas, and education for all New Yorkers for more than 125 years. Founded in 1895, NYPL is the nation’s largest public library system, featuring 92 locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, including our world-renowned research centers at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Together with our circulating branches, including the all-new Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL), the Library provides an extraordinary richness of resources and opportunities available to all.

Kate Medina Fellowship for Literary Narrative Nonfiction

The New York Public Library and Random House Publishing Group are pleased to offer the Kate Medina Fellowship for Literary Narrative Nonfiction to support writers whose projects engage meaningfully with collections accessible onsite at the Library’s flagship Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. Projects requiring access to original materials including manuscripts, archives, books, photographs, prints, maps, newspapers, and journals will be given preference, but all worthy projects will be considered.

Established with the generous support of Kate Medina and Random House Publishing Group, the fellowship promotes originality and excellence in nonfiction works that combine strong storytelling, reportorial precision, artistic writing, and depth of research into important subjects and ideas. The selected fellow will receive a stipend of $30,000 to support four continuous months of research to be taken between September 1, 2026 - March 15, 2027.

Fellows at The New York Public Library have sustained access to the Library’s world-class collections and space to work in one of the shared study rooms of the Vartan Gregorian Center for Research in the Humanities. The Library will provide opportunities to connect with our expert librarians, subject specialists, and curators for consultation or guidance and to engage with NYPL’s broader scholarly community. As part of the Library’s commitment to expanding knowledge in the humanities more broadly, and to provide Fellows with public platforms for their scholarship and research, each Fellow will be expected to give a presentation on their work at the Schwarzman Building and to provide a blog post for the research channel of the NYPL blog. 

Project Proposal

Successful project proposals will include a thorough explanation of how in-person access to collections accessible at The New York Public Library is essential to the progress and completion of the project. Proposals should also include:

• Abstract of the project's major themes, questions, and arguments
• Significance of the project
• Project plan, including a timeline of your work with the Library's collections during the fellowship term and a desired start date
• Expected project outcomes including existing book contractual obligations, if any
• Personal statement detailing the impact this fellowship would have on your project and/or career as well as the likelihood of successfully completing your project without this fellowship

RFP #237: Extended School Day / School Violence Prevention Grant 2026-2031

Purpose

Pursuant to New York State Education Law §2814: Omnibus school violence prevention grant program, the primary purpose of the Extended School Day/School Violence Prevention (ESD/SVP) Program is to award competitive grants to provide support to students through extended school day activities and/or school safety programs that promote violence prevention. Programs must demonstrate consistency with the school safety plans required by §2801-a of New York State Education Law and should not displace existing school district after-school funding. 

Under State Education Department bill S4598D, school-based and school-affiliated anti-gun and anti-violence programs are now eligible as school safety activities under this grant. Public school districts and not-for-profit organizations working in collaboration with a public school district(s) may submit an application to conduct either an ESD program or an SVP program.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and support to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. A public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has been advancing energy solutions and working to protect the environment since 1975.

Clean Energy Communities Technical Support Contractor: Cohort Track

Description

NYSERDA seeks a Contractor or Contractor team (referenced collectively as “Contractor”) that will support the Clean Energy Communities (CEC) Cohort Track, a proposed offering within the CEC program focused on local government peer learning cohorts. The CEC Cohort Track collectively engages small groups of local government representatives to delve into a transformative decarbonization topic. Participants will learn and troubleshoot together as they develop individual plans for implementing that decarbonization topic within their communities.

The Contractor will assist NYSERDA in designing and implementing strategies for the CEC Cohort Track. Key responsibilities include:

• Development and delivery of training curriculum and peer learning sessions
• Creation and implementation of mechanisms to incorporate ongoing participant feedback into cohort structure
• Development of case studies and assistance in promoting findings to non-participating local governments
• Assistance in program participants’ planning and implementation

NYSERDA anticipates facilitating at least five cohorts of approximately 10-15 program participants each, with at least one cohort starting each year between 2026 and 2029. Each cohort is anticipated to engage for a duration of 24 months. Cohort topics are intended to have broad impact, whether by transforming municipal operations or procedures, ensuring ongoing emissions reductions activities, promoting community-scale decarbonization, or otherwise setting in motion systematic decarbonization of governmental and/or private building stock.

The Documentary Heritage Program: Access Grant aims to enhance the documentation of New York State’s diverse history by funding projects that focus on under-represented groups. Administered by the New York State Archives, this program offers $92,000 in grants for the 2026-2027 period, encouraging not-for-profits to collect and share historical records. The initiative fosters equity in historical representation and aims to create comprehensive access to New York's rich cultural heritage.

RFP #305: Documentary Heritage Program 2026-2027

Purpose of Grant

Documentary Heritage Program (DHP) grants are designed to build more comprehensive and equitable documentation of New York State’s history and culture by supporting projects that identify, survey, collect, arrange, describe, and make available records that relate to groups and topics traditionally under-represented in the State’s historical record. DHP is administered by the New York State Archives, a unit of the New York State Education Department.

Grant Term

October 1st, 2026 - September 30th, 2027

Description of Program

The Documentary Heritage Program is a statewide program established in 1988 by the New York Documentary Heritage Act (Education Law, Section 140) to provide financial support and guidance to not-for-profit organizations that hold, collect, and make available New York State's historical records. In 2026-2027, a total of $92,000 is available for DHP Grants.

The Youth Safe Spaces Program aims to address the mental health challenges faced by youth, particularly those aged 12-24, by creating safe spaces for interaction and community engagement. With funding from the New York State Office of Mental Health, this initiative seeks to foster positive relationships, cultural sensitivity, and provide necessary resources. The program will support 3-5 pilot projects, each receiving $250,000 or $500,000 over five years, to enhance mental wellness and community participation among high-risk populations.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Clean Water – Grants For Planning program, managed by the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program in partnership with NEIWPCC, aims to enhance water quality in the Lake Champlain Basin. With approximately $680,000 available, this funding opportunity supports planning and implementation projects that address pollution reduction. Eligible organizations can submit one proposal per grant category, with multiple awards anticipated. This initiative is crucial for advancing sustainable water quality improvements in the region.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program is offering approximately $680,000 in grants for projects aimed at improving water quality in the Lake Champlain Basin. This funding opportunity seeks to support initiatives that directly reduce pollution through effective planning and implementation. Eligible organizations can submit one proposal per grant category, with multiple awards anticipated. This initiative, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, emphasizes the importance of clean water in the region.

The Coby Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, focusing on innovative projects related to textiles and fashion. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of inquiry with a project description and budget at least nine months prior to the project start. The foundation seeks exhibitions, public programs, and publications that enhance understanding of textile arts, while promoting underrepresented artists and cultures.

The Clean Water – Small Grants for Implementation aims to enhance water quality in the Lake Champlain Basin by funding projects that directly reduce pollution. With approximately $680,000 available, this program encourages innovative planning and implementation initiatives. Organizations can submit one proposal per grant category, and multiple awards are anticipated. Supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, this initiative is vital for advancing clean water goals in the region.

The NYSCA Reserve Fund Grants (RFG) aim to provide financial support to nonprofit arts organizations in New York State, helping them establish or enhance reserve funds. With grant amounts ranging from $10,000 to $75,000, eligible organizations must have a budget under $3 million and have received NYSCA funding in the past three years. The initiative addresses industry volatility, offering not only funds but also supplementary services to ensure long-term sustainability.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.