Best Niagara County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Lenna Foundation provides grants to charitable organizations, primarily in the southwestern New York area. They focus on arts, education, healthcare, youth, economic development, and environmental initiatives. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation emphasizes program funding and capital project grants to support non-profit efforts that benefit the community, particularly in the greater Jamestown area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies in Niagara County, New York can seek funding to expand support for caregivers of underserved individuals, with awards from US $10,000 - US $25,000. Focused on caregiver support and respite care, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo prioritizes projects aiding caregivers of older adults through resources like transportation, volunteer support, and training.

The Project Play WNY Winter Free Play Series Grant aims to provide youth across all eight counties of Western New York with opportunities for fun and engaging play activities in 2026. This grant supports local organizations, including non-profits and schools, that serve children aged 5-14, encouraging community involvement and healthy recreation.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Western New York can receive US $10,000 - US $50,000 to plan, develop, or construct community spaces and infrastructure that support healthy, active living. Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds back projects like trails, walkability and bikeability improvements, and recreation corridors, including work benefiting Niagara County, New York.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Western New York, including Niagara County, New York, can apply for Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s youth sports grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $25,000 for local sports programs. Funding supports projects that get kids active, emphasize free play and sport sampling, and improve coaching and league experiences.

The New Car Dealers of WNY Charitable Foundation Grant aims to enhance the well-being of children and families in Western New York. By providing financial support to not-for-profit organizations, the foundation seeks to increase their visibility and impact. Registered not-for-profit organizations can apply for restricted grants, with the board of trustees meeting twice a year to review applications. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to community enrichment and support.

The Oliver G. & Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts, established in 1996, aims to perpetuate the appreciation of fine arts, particularly classical ballet and opera. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations in Western New York, focusing on performances that preserve traditional compositions. The fund prioritizes Tier 1 for ballet and opera, and Tier 2 for high-quality classical performances by responsible nonprofits. It reflects a legacy of cultural enrichment through artistic expression.

The Grigg-Lewis Foundation Grant supports projects benefiting residents of Eastern Niagara County and Western New York. The foundation focuses on arts, education, health, and community improvement. Grants of $90,000 or more are reviewed quarterly, while smaller requests are considered at staff discretion. Applicants must demonstrate sustainability and provide a 501(c)(3) letter. The foundation prioritizes collaborations among nonprofits but gives lower priority to scholarships and religious organizations not historically supported by its founder.

Niagara County, New York nonprofits and 501(c)(3) schools working on STEM education, sustainability, workforce development, or affordable housing can access funding through Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation’s Direct Grants. Eligible U.S. organizations in Saint-Gobain communities may receive support, with preference for long-term partnerships that include employee expertise and volunteer engagement.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) in New York provides essential funding for nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks. It offers financial support for physical and cybersecurity enhancements, helping organizations located outside urban areas to strengthen their security measures. Prequalification in the New York Statewide Financial System is required for applicants. This initiative underscores the commitment of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to enhance community safety and resilience.

Community Change Grants

We understand that many issues can be best addressed when communities work together, pooling resources and expertise, and developing collaborative and creative solutions. By funding cross-organizational initiatives, we can help organizations broaden their outlook and their reach.

Through its Community Change funding, the Peter & Elizabeth Tower Foundation seeks to forge equitable relationships and more just power dynamics among different constituencies relating to young people and their families affected by intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health challenges, and/or substance use disorders.

Community Change projects must be aligned with the Tower Foundation’s goals and involve multiple, diverse stakeholders – especially those most directly harmed by existing conditions and practices – working together towards common ends.

Such work can include (but is not limited to) initiatives that:

• challenge existing beliefs, assumptions, and entrenched practices involving these populations;
• supplement, coordinate, or more effectively resource relevant continuums of care;
• employ creative approaches to workforce recruitment and development that enhance the availability of and access to high-quality, culturally relevant services;
• support coalitions and networks built on community assets; and/or
• employ innovative approaches to creating equitable relationships and practices among elements within and across systems.

The strongest projects will incorporate most, if not all, elements of the Foundation’s values.

What Does the Foundation Want to Accomplish?

For each of the populations it supports, the Foundation has identified a set of grantmaking goals. Community Change grants should promote one or more of these goals:

• Intellectual Disabilities
• Children with intellectual disabilities are identified early and receive services that meet their evolving needs.
• Young people with intellectual disabilities are engaged in meaningful social, vocational, and educational pursuits.
• Families understand intellectual disabilities and secure needed supports.
• Communities embrace persons with intellectual disabilities and provide them with a full-range of supports and opportunities to engage in community life.
• Learning Disabilities
• Children with learning disabilities are identified early, diagnosed and connected to services that meet their on-going individual needs.
• Youth with learning disabilities understand how they learn and pursue resources that support them accordingly.
• Young adults are confident and do not view their learning disability as a liability.
• Young adults with learning disabilities are ready for work and/or educational pursuits.
• Families are informed about learning disabilities and are able to identify and navigate available services.
• Communities value persons with learning disabilities and accommodate their needs.
• Mental Health
• Stigma related to mental illness is eliminated.
• Children with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges are identified early and connected to appropriate services.
• Young people with mental health challenges understand and manage their conditions and behaviors.
• Families understand mental health challenges and help members live productive lives.
• Communities offer meaningful opportunities and appropriate support to young people with mental health challenges and their families.
• Substance Use Disorders
• Community members understand the prevalence and harmful effects of alcohol and drugs, and work to address them.
• Resources for substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery are readily available.
• Families provide safe environments that support healthy choices about alcohol and drugs.
• Young people make healthy choices about alcohol and drugs.

The East Hill Foundation, a private family foundation, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Western New York through grants to 501(c)(3) organizations. Established from the Greatbatch family's legacy, it supports projects addressing basic human needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. The foundation prioritizes community giving across eight counties including Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Erie, aiming to uplift those less fortunate in the region.

The Citizens Charitable Foundation offers grants focused on Workforce Development and Financial Empowerment. Organizations applying must be IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in specific states. The foundation seeks to partner with high-impact nonprofits to create measurable community impact through innovative programs. Funding is directed towards job training, career education, and coaching initiatives, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and volunteerism.

Nonprofits and local entities planning green infrastructure or urban greening projects in Niagara County, New York can seek funding to design or implement green streets, expand tree canopy, and reduce stormwater runoff. The Chesapeake Bay Trust offers up to US $175,000 across multiple project tracks, including planning, construction, community greening, and related white papers.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on community transformation in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. With a spend-down structure by 2035, the foundation prioritizes collaborative investments in key areas like active lifestyles, success preparation, caregiver support, and economic development. Emphasizing urgency and innovation, it seeks to create lasting impacts by fostering partnerships and supporting visionary projects that address significant community needs.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving disadvantaged or disabled children in Niagara County, New York can apply for Kelly for Kids Foundation’s community grants to support youth health and social service programs. Funding may be used for innovative services, equipment, or facility improvements that directly benefit economically disadvantaged or disabled youth in Western New York.

The Project Play WNY Summer Free Play Series Grant aims to provide children in all eight counties of Western New York with access to fun and engaging physical activities. Funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, this initiative seeks to foster community engagement by ensuring that youth, particularly those aged 5-14, can participate in enriching play experiences, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust Grants focus on enhancing the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This private foundation supports innovative projects that go beyond basic care, ensuring the well-being of homeless and abused animals. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and be located in specific states, including Ohio and parts of Indiana and Michigan. The Trust emphasizes humane treatment and sustainable funding for animal welfare initiatives.

Department of Business and Economic Affairs

The Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) is the premier resource for businesses considering expansion in, or relocation to, New Hampshire, as well as people seeking a home in a place where they can balance their careers amid the natural beauty it offers.

Dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of the state and promoting it as a destination for domestic and international visitors, BEA is comprised of the Division of Economic Development, Division of Planning & Community Development, and the Division of Travel and Tourism Development.

Within these divisions are programs that support BEA’s mission to keep the state’s economy strong and competitive, from international trade and government procurement to workforce development and municipal planning.

About NBRC

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is a partnership between the federal government and the states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The NBRC targets resources to promote economic growth strategies and projects in designated counties within its member states. 

Mission Statement: The mission of the Northern Border Regional Commission is to catalyze community vitality and economic prosperity in the northern border region with flexible funding and strategic support.

Forest Economy Grant Program

The Forest Economy Program, administered by the Northern Border Regional Commission, makes awards in the form of Grant Agreements. The program stimulates economic growth in the forest-based industries, including new technologies and viable business models, across the NBRC four-state region in alignment with state economic development plans and forest economy initiatives. 

NBRC's Forest Economy Program (FEP) is designed to support state-identified development plans for the regional forest economy and to assist in the industry’s evolution to include new technologies and viable business models.

Forest Economy Program Priorities  

Successful projects support a broad range of initiatives such as, but not limited to:

• Public infrastructure projects that directly support the forest industry;  
• Community development projects that support the diversified use of forest for economic activity;  
• Workforce training and development projects for the purpose of building the skills and recruiting and retaining the workforce needed for forest businesses, and;
• Marketing, communication and education projects that are paired with a public infrastructure, community development or workforce training or development project.  
• Basic research projects will not be considered. Preference will be given to applied research and demonstration projects that demonstrate a strong connection to industry.

New York State Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services

The New York State Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services stands as a beacon of support and resource for faith-based and nonprofit organizations across the state. With a mission deeply rooted in Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to support and expand these communities, the Office is dedicated to fostering growth, equity, and connectivity.  

At its core, the Office aims to empower Faith and Nonprofit organizations. By providing essential information, facilitating access to state grants, and enhancing organizational capacities, it seeks to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all New Yorkers.  

OFNDS Technical Assistance Request for Application (RFA)

This RFA seeks to award funding that will develop a program to provide free technical assistance to nonprofits across New York State. The program seeks to build organizational capacity, improve nonprofits' ability to maximize funding opportunities, expand programmatic impact, and ensure accountability to fiscal compliance standards necessary to do business with New York State. 

Overview- Proposed Areas for Technical Assistance

The purpose of this grant is to fund qualified nonprofit organizations to administer a no-cost Technical Assistance program for the nonprofit community in New York State. Under this grant, the Technical Assistance provider will assist nonprofit organizations with a presence in the assigned region with fiscal infrastructure planning and development, and organizational compliance required to do business in and with New York State, and resource development. These services will increase the nonprofits’ ability to secure, administer and sustain public funding opportunities for New York State grants, and community initiatives.

The Technical Assistance proposed should be practical and tailored to the needs and realities of smaller organizations with limited staff and resources. Successful applicants are required to provide Technical Assistance in a group setting or to individual organizations, as needed. 

Preference will be given to organizations with three or more years’ experience providing similar services to nonprofit organizations. 

Award Regions

Awards will be granted to qualified nonprofit organizations according to two regions: Region A, Downstate; and Region B, Upstate. 

Region B, Upstate

• Capital Region (Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington Counties)
• Central NY (Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego)
• Finger Lakes (Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates)
• Mid-Hudson (Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, Ulster)
• Mohawk Valley (Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie)
• North Country (Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence)
• Southern Tier (Broome, Delaware, Chemung, Chenango, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins); and
• Western NY (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara)

Nonprofit organizations working on Great Lakes freshwater conservation and environmental justice in Niagara County, New York may be eligible for more than US $10,000 to support ecosystem and community resilience efforts. Grants from Fred A and Barbara M Erb Family Foundation back policy advocacy, watershed health, climate adaptation, and leadership development across the Great Lakes region.

The Hypertherm Good Neighbor Grant, offered by the HOPE Foundation, provides financial support of up to $500 to non-profit organizations. Founded in 2010, the Foundation aims to foster collaboration and sustainable change within communities. Grant allocations are made quarterly by a team of volunteer Associates, ensuring alignment with the Foundation's mission of respect and inclusivity. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) or educational entities focused on health, education, and environmental initiatives in specific geographic areas.

Great Lakes tribes and their designees working on aquatic invasive species management in or near the Great Lakes Basin, including Niagara County, New York, can seek US $20,000 - US $100,000 to develop or implement Tribal AIS Plans. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports prevention, early detection, rapid response, outreach, and enforcement activities through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

The Hypertherm HOPE Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations with a mission to create sustainable, positive change in communities. Established in 2010, the foundation prioritizes projects in areas like disaster relief, education, and health. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation's values of respect and inclusivity. Grant decisions are made by HOPE teams composed of Hypertherm Associates across various regions, ensuring local needs are met effectively.

The JGS Fellowship for Photography offers a $7,000 cash grant to photography artists residing in New York State, excluding New York City. This competitive fellowship supports five artists engaged in traditional and experimental photography. Funded by The Joy of Giving Something, the fellowship aims to assist artists in creating new works and exhibitions. Eligible applicants must be at least 25 years old and have lived in a qualifying region of New York State for at least 12 months.

The Josephine Goodyear Foundation, established in 1912, provides approximately 50 grants annually totaling around $300,000 to support non-profit agencies assisting indigent women and children, primarily in the Greater Buffalo area. Applications are accepted from tax-exempt organizations with specific deadlines. The foundation's mission has expanded beyond medical facilities to address broader needs, ensuring vital support for vulnerable populations.

Nonprofits and community organizations supporting safety, youth, social services, environment, or Indigenous initiatives in Niagara County, New York can seek program or project support, typically ranging from US $1,000 - US $10,000. Enbridge supports safe, vibrant, and sustainable communities near its operations through donations, sponsorships, and in-kind assistance.