Best Ontario County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Seneca Foods Foundation Grant supports philanthropic initiatives focused on empowering youth and strengthening communities. Since 1988, it has provided funding for education, community assistance, and internships. The Foundation prioritizes organizations connected to Seneca employees, located near its operational facilities, and those that align with its mission. It requires documented performance results and considers only one request per organization annually, ensuring that grants foster measurable impact within the communities served.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Fund for Youth Sports Grants, established by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, aims to enhance youth sports and recreation in six counties of New York. Grant requests can range from $5,000 to $25,000, supporting nonprofits and government entities that serve youth. Priority is given to community-engaged programs that align with eight identified strategies to keep youth active. Applications are limited to one per organization and must focus on quality sports experiences.

The Greater Rochester Health Foundation's Community Event Fund supports health equity initiatives in a nine-county region. Events eligible for funding include health fairs, athletic fundraisers, and educational community gatherings. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can apply for grants up to $5,000. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and funding is limited for events occurring in Q3. Early applications are encouraged to enhance chances of receiving support.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

The Kyrias Foundation Grants aim to support innovative and impactful community projects. With a mission to empower individuals and families, the foundation provides funding for capacity building, capital projects, and specific initiatives. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $50,000, targeting tax-exempt organizations, municipalities, and civic groups. The foundation values collaboration, innovative approaches, and proposals addressing specific community needs, while ensuring that funded projects benefit the community as a whole.

The KeyBank Foundation offers Community Sponsorships to support local organizations in their fundraising efforts. These sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000 and can fund events or provide general operating support. Applications are accepted from January to October, with a decision made within 90 days. Eligible nonprofits must serve areas where KeyBank operates and adhere to strict ineligibility criteria, including no support for individuals or organizations that discriminate based on various identities.

The Out-of-School Time initiative aims to enhance youth readiness for learning by funding innovative programs in Monroe and Ontario counties. With a budget of approximately $1.5 million, the Farash Foundation supports diverse out-of-school activities, addressing the 87% of children's time spent outside school hours. By fostering equitable access and listening to community feedback, this program seeks to create enriching environments where youth can develop skills, connect with mentors, and thrive.

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invites proposals for grants ranging from $75,000 to $500,000. These funds aim to support on-the-ground conservation projects that enhance vital fish and wildlife habitats within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Up to $8.5 million in funding is available, contingent on resources.

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program, led by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), invites proposals for Planning and Technical Assistance Grants up to $75,000. This initiative focuses on enhancing conservation and stewardship efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, supporting local partners in effective project implementation. With an estimated $8.5 million available, applicants are encouraged to engage with NFWF staff for proposal guidance and feedback to strengthen their submissions.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Armenian Scholarship Fund in memory of Charles J. Churukian

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to graduating seniors pursuing careers in medicine, science, or music.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $4,000; paid as $1,000 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

The Wyckoff Family Foundation Grant supports programs for children aged 0-18 in the Geneva, NY area, focusing on education, health, justice, and the arts. With grants generally ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 for first-time applicants and up to $20,000 for previous grantees, the foundation aims to foster innovation and positively impact the lives of local youth, honoring the legacy of its founder, Margaret Humphrey Wyckoff.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

What We Do

Since our creation by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest private conservation foundation. We work with both the public and private sectors to protect and restore our nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations.

NFWF supports conservation efforts across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Since our founding, we've funded over 23,300 rigorously evaluated projects, awarded to both large environmental organizations and small local initiatives. We do not fund advocacy or litigation, and do not conduct membership campaigns. Instead, we focus on achieving results and building a better future for our world.

Chesapeake Bay Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grants

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the federal-state Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) partnership, is soliciting pre-proposals through the Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) Grants program to improve water quality and reduce nutrient and sediment pollution to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams. Major funding for the INSR Grants program is provided by EPA, with other important contributions from Altria Group, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the U.S. Forest Service. 

The Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants, offered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the EPA, aim to enhance water quality and restore vital habitats in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Funding is available through two programs: SWG Implementation grants for direct on-the-ground actions, and SWG Planning and Technical Assistance grants to support community-based efforts. Projects must align with specific program priorities to qualify for funding.

The NRA Foundation provides funding through its State Fund Grant Program to support local groups focused on shooting sports, education, and community outreach. Grants aim to benefit youth, women, veterans, and law enforcement, requiring applicants to have a valid EIN and meet specific eligibility criteria. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over 60,000 grants totaling more than $473 million, ensuring that funds are used for charitable purposes as defined by the IRS.

The MRT Health Homes Supportive Housing Program, funded by the New York State Department of Health, allocates $86,876,000 over five years to support permanent rental subsidies and housing services for vulnerable homeless Medicaid members. This initiative aims to improve access to health services and stable housing through various permissible uses of funds, including rental subsidies, housing navigation services, and support for life skills development.

The Latino Giving Circle Grant Program, facilitated by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, aims to empower the Latino community in the greater Rochester area. This initiative supports 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to reducing disparities and enhancing quality of life for Latinos. Preference is given to projects in Monroe County that align with the program's mission, fostering collaboration and meaningful impact within the community.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Hunger Relief, sponsored by the Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to combat food insecurity in rural communities. Grants between $1,000 and $20,000 are available for organizations supporting food banks, meal programs, and community gardens. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, this initiative prioritizes nonprofits with 501c3 status serving specific regions in the East and West. The program seeks to enhance the vibrancy of member-owner communities while fostering educational and community vitality.

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 Rochester Area Community Foundation invites non-profit organizations to apply for grants to support high-quality summer learning programs for K-12 students in its eight-county region. This initiative aims to enhance educational equity and improve student outcomes through evidence-based strategies. Eligible applicants must be school districts or 501(c)(3) organizations that operate in the specified counties and demonstrate effective program designs.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

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.

The Corning Nonprofit Grants program supports community-based initiatives in education, human services, and culture. Eligible nonprofits that align with our criteria may apply for funding on a rolling basis. The application window for invited organizations runs from February 10 to September 15. We emphasize local impact within a 20-mile radius of Corning, NY, ensuring that our contributions foster collective growth and engagement in the community.

The Chesapeake Bay Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) Grant Program, funded by the EPA and Chesapeake Bay Trust, supports innovative green infrastructure projects enhancing community livability. With funding opportunities ranging from conceptual plans to full project implementation, this program aims to reduce stormwater runoff, improve urban green spaces, and boost local water health within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Eligible locations include parts of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, as well as New York.

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide scholarships for optometry students in an accredited College of Optometry who demonstrate financial need and a sincere desire to practice optometry in Upstate New York after graduation, preferably in the counties of Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, and/or Wayne.

Allowed Use of Award - Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses for optometry school.

Preference is given to applicants who want to return to Upstate New York after graduation and work in areas served by the Rochester Optometric Society. 

The Kelly for Kids Community Grants aim to support disadvantaged and disabled youth in Western New York. Founded by former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, the foundation has distributed nearly $5 million to local children's charities. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on health and social services for children in need. The foundation prioritizes innovative programs and equipment improvements, ensuring funds are used effectively to make a significant impact in the community.