Best New York Grants for Nonprofits

The Market New York - Tourism Grant Program, managed by Empire State Development, aims to bolster tourism in New York through regionally themed marketing projects and capital improvements. Eligible applicants include not-for-profits, municipalities, and tourism agencies. With funding up to $7 million, the program supports initiatives like special events and tourism marketing. However, individuals and certain expenses are ineligible, ensuring funds are directed towards genuine tourism promotion and economic growth.

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.

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.

The WGPF: Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program celebrates and promotes local folklore, legends, and folklife as vital aspects of cultural heritage. Targeted at 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities across 14 US states, it aims to enhance cultural tourism by commemorating community stories. Successful applications typically focus on folktales, historical legends, and community traditions, while excluding purely literary works or personal folklore that lacks broader community significance.

The New York State Historic Marker Grant Program, initiated by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, aims to preserve local history through the installation of historical markers. This program celebrates significant events, people, and places from 1683 to 1925, having funded over 1,150 markers statewide since 2006. Applicants must provide detailed historical documentation to ensure accuracy, as well as adhere to specific placement guidelines to enhance community engagement and tourism.

The Toy Foundation Program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for toy donations to support children in need. The application period runs from January to June, with approved applicants receiving toys by the end of the year. This initiative, part of the Toy Chest program, has positively impacted over 35 million children since 2003, promoting play as essential for emotional and educational development.

Purpose

The purpose of this grant program is to support landowners in restoring their forests or assist with establishing new forests. Healthy forests cover provide vital services to our communities, such as clean water, wildlife habitat, a sustainable economic resource, and is an essential tool in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Today, New York forests face challenges to regeneration including:

• deer browse- deer consuming tree seeds and young trees;
• competing vegetation- which shades out seeds and young trees, limiting germination and restricting tree growth
• extreme weather events- hotter and drier growing seasons paired with more intense  rain events, which weaken trees, making it more difficult for them to defend against insects and disease outbreaks.

Active management of our forests is essential to increase the health and resiliency of New York’s forests and the continued regeneration of young trees into the future.

Through Regenerate NY, landowners can apply for financial assistance for projects on their land that support the establishment and renewal of healthy forests. New this year, grants will follow a new system called a Performance Based Payment. This new payment structure will allow landowners to receive partial advance payments to carry out planned work, by submitting workplans and budgets at the beginning of the planning process. Funds will be released each year of the project following the workplan and annual reports.

More information for applicants can be found in the Request for Applications (RFA).

The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) Community Grants support local organizations and government agencies in New York to implement pollution prevention practices. By funding projects that promote sustainability and environmental awareness, NYSP2I aims to enhance community health and economic vitality. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and local governments focused on environmental issues, fostering collaborations that can lead to broader community impacts and replicable sustainable practices.

TC Energy’s Build Strong program supports vital organizations in communities near its operations. By providing grants, scholarships, and in-kind support, the program aims to enhance safety, education, environmental protection, and community well-being. Eligible applicants include non-profits and community groups addressing local needs. Ineligible activities include operational expenses and for-profit endeavors. The program prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable community impact, fostering a collaborative relationship between TC Energy and local stakeholders.

The New York Bar Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance access to justice and support essential civil legal services in New York. Focused on education, consumer debt, family matters, and racial equity, the foundation provides funding for organizations committed to these causes. Grants facilitate pro-bono resources and educational initiatives, ensuring a more equitable legal system. Established in 1950, the foundation continues to prioritize impactful projects that serve communities in need and advance the rule of law.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

The VMIG Charitable Giving Fund aims to enhance community quality of life in regions served by Vermont Mutual Insurance Group. This fund supports non-profit organizations focusing on education, youth development, community building, and basic needs such as housing and hunger. Eligible organizations must operate within specific states and provide proof of 501(c)(3) status. The fund reflects a commitment to fostering healthy, vibrant communities through meaningful financial contributions.

The NE-AIPG Angelo Tagliacozzo Memorial Geological Scholarship (ATMGS) supports junior and senior undergraduate geology students in the NE Section, honoring Angelo Tagliacozzo's legacy. Established in 1986, the scholarship aims to encourage young geologists to pursue careers in geological sciences. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited programs, on track for required credit hours, and can only receive the scholarship once. This initiative fosters early engagement with AIPG, emphasizing professional affiliation and support for the next generation of geologists.

The CFF Champions Award celebrates organizations in the NY-NJ-CT region that drive food system change towards equity, sustainability, and economic viability. Each year, the award promotes exemplary work, offering a $10,000 grant to support transformative initiatives. Awardees present their efforts at the Annual Gathering, share updates with the CFF network, and contribute to future selection committees, fostering collaboration and community engagement in building a better food system.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in New York support eligible communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that jeopardize safe drinking water access. This program addresses a range of disasters, including droughts and chemical spills, by funding vital infrastructure improvements. Grants of up to $150,000 for waterline repairs and up to $1 million for new water sources are available. This initiative helps restore access to clean water for rural areas and encourages economic growth.

The PCLB Foundation Grant supports organizations in Connecticut and New York that align with its mission of empowering individuals through strategic philanthropy. Founded in 1999, the foundation seeks to provide general operating support and restricted grants in five key areas: education, outdoors, science, medicine, and family projects. By fostering high-quality initiatives, PCLB aims to create systemic change while encouraging innovative solutions to pressing community issues.

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 Gordon J. Barnett Memorial Foundation, established in 1955, supports educational initiatives in Florida, Indiana, New York, and Oklahoma. It prioritizes funding for tax-exempt organizations, including primary schools, universities, and trade schools. The foundation does not fund political campaigns or individuals. Grants are aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and preventing cruelty to children and animals, reflecting the foundation's commitment to charitable and educational purposes.

The Park & Trail Partnership Grants program provides up to $100,000 to enhance the preservation and promotion of New York State's parks and trails. This capacity-building initiative supports organizations in improving their effectiveness and sustainability while promoting outdoor recreation and tourism. Eligible projects include strategic planning, training, and membership expansion. A 10% match is required, fostering collaboration among non-profits, ensuring diverse support for public lands.

The Park & Trail Partnership Grants: Step Up Grants program provides up to $20,000 in matching funds to support organizations in securing 501(c)(3) status and enhancing their operational capacity. Funded by the NYS Environmental Protection Fund, this initiative aims to promote the stewardship and sustainability of New York's parks and trails, while also fostering volunteer and fundraising efforts. Eligible applicants must be registered charities and demonstrate commitment to supporting public lands.

The Park & Trail Partnership Grants program supports the hiring of permanent staff to enhance the professionalism and sustainability of organizations dedicated to New York's parks and trails. Grants, up to $100,000 over two years, require a 20% cash match and aim to improve staffing capacity for better community outreach and operational stability, ultimately fostering increased volunteer engagement and fundraising efforts.

The Park & Trail Partnership Grants provide up to $150,000 in matching funds to enhance the stewardship and public access of New York's parks and historic sites. Funded by the NYS Environmental Protection Fund, these grants support projects that improve public engagement, sustainability, and visibility for nonprofit organizations. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations focused on preservation and education. Projects must promote community involvement and can include interpretive signage, marketing plans, and shared consultant services.

The NY State Farm-to-School Grant Program promotes the use of locally produced foods in K-12 school cafeterias, enhancing meal quality and fostering relationships between schools and New York farmers. Established in 2015, the program aims to increase the purchase of New York specialty crops while addressing challenges such as seasonality and procurement complexities. Its secondary goals include improving agricultural education and exposing students to local culinary experiences, ultimately benefiting school-age children across the state.

The Occupational Safety and Health Training and Education (OSH T&E) Grant, offered by the New York State Department of Labor, provides approximately $5.9 million in funding for safety training programs across New York State. This initiative aims to enhance workplace safety by offering training on toxic substances and the prevention of occupational diseases and injuries. Projects funded under this program will occur between August 1, 2026, and July 31, 2027, promoting safer work environments.

The Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program, funded by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, offers $500,000 to enhance food system resiliency through farmers' markets. This initiative supports projects that improve infrastructure, online capabilities, marketing, and delivery services for farmers' markets across the state. Larger entities are encouraged to provide sub-grants to local farmers' markets, ensuring a collaborative approach to economic development in their regions.

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.

The Farmland Protection Implementation Grants - Conservation Easement Projects provide financial assistance for local initiatives aimed at preserving the economic viability of New York's agricultural sector. This funding supports the acquisition of perpetual conservation easements on agricultural land, addressing vulnerabilities such as trade disputes, increasing debt, changing consumer preferences, and climate change. The program emphasizes alignment with local agricultural and farmland protection plans to ensure effective implementation.