Best Orleans County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations hosting health-focused community or fundraising events in Orleans County, New York can seek up to US $5,000 to support activities like galas, athletic fundraisers, health fairs, educational events, and staff trainings. Greater Rochester Health Foundation supports efforts that promote health equity and improve physical, mental, and social well-being across its nine-county region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Orleans County, New York offering direct social services that address chronic poverty and economic hardship may be eligible for this U.S.-wide opportunity, with awards of more than US $100,000. William Randolph Hearst Foundation supports scalable programs in areas like affordable housing, food access, job training, youth development, legal aid, and reentry services.

Orleans County, New York nonprofits can access funding through the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation for projects in youth sports and recreation, parks and public spaces, caregiver support, education, and entrepreneurship. Eligible 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored organizations must serve Southeast Michigan or Western New York, including Orleans County, and propose creative, high-impact community initiatives.

Food-system-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits headquartered in Orleans County, New York can apply for up to US $2,500 to build staff and organizational capacity through professional development, consulting, and specialized services. Focused on nonprofit growth and food access, Western New York Foundation’s Small Grant Program supports training, strategic planning, legal or financial services, and certifications or accreditations.

Focused on arts and culture, Rochester Area Community Foundation invites Orleans County, New York 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) organizations to apply for US $5,000 - US $10,000 to strengthen regional vitality. Funding can support access to arts in underserved communities, organizational sustainability or growth, and programs celebrating local racial and cultural diversity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies in Orleans County, New York can seek US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support caregivers of underserved individuals. Focused on caregiver support and respite care, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo backs projects that expand access to resources like transportation assistance, volunteer support, and training opportunities.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Orleans County, New York can apply for Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds: Design and Access grants; awards US $10,000 - US $50,000 for planning, developing, or constructing projects. Funding supports walkability, bikeability, and improvements to waterways, greenways, and recreation corridors, with preference for green and universally accessible design.

Community organizations running youth sports programs in Orleans County, New York can receive US $10,000 - US $25,000 to help children be active through sport. Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Western New York counties to offer free play, sport sampling, in-town leagues, coach training, and prevention-focused activities.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Rochester Area Community Foundation

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.

Clark Family Mental Health and Disability Scholarship

Barbara and Tom Clark have been blessed with good health, four children, grandchildren, and a comfortable lifestyle. They come from modest backgrounds with parents who provided them with educational opportunities and strong work ethics, which has enabled them to be in a position to share their good fortune with others. Their youngest child, born with Down Syndrome, has been the beneficiary of many services provided by agencies and health systems serving the developmentally disabled. With their help, she has grown into a fine young woman.

Both Barbara and Tom have been closely involved with agencies serving the disadvantaged and have personally witnessed the skills and dedication of those who have chosen this career. This scholarship was established to assist individuals dedicated to serving in the field of developmental disabilities or mental health with their advanced educational pursuits. Through this scholarship, the Clarks desire to help these individuals with the educational requirements to improve their skills in serving those in need.

Purpose of Scholarship

• To provide financial support for individuals working in or planning to work in the fields of developmental disabilities or behavioral health within the eight-county area surrounding Rochester (Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties) who wish to pursue a master’s degree in their field. The intent of this scholarship is to elevate the state of practice and increase the number of individuals serving in the fields of developmental disabilities and behavioral health.

Award Details

• Number of recipients and award amounts vary. The amount awarded will be based on the student’s actual cost of attendance, financial need, and receipt of other available grants and financial resources. Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.
• Awards may be used for tuition, books, fees, and other graduate level educational expenses.
• The scholarship is a one-time award; however, students may reapply in future years and receive a maximum of four awards during a consecutive six-year period.

Susan A. Cowell Scholarship

For academically talented and community-minded high school graduates continuing their education in college, graduate school, or a trade/technical school.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $1,000; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering PreK–12 arts education in Orleans County, New York can apply for Rochester Area Community Foundation’s Vitality Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $10,000 for capacity building, operations, and programming. Funding supports arts instruction, materials, access services like transportation or childcare, and professional development for staff and teaching artists.

Orleans County, New York nonprofits and public agencies building free, public concrete skateparks for youth can access funding through Tony Hawk Foundation’s Built to Play Skatepark Grants, with awards up to US $25,000 plus environmental design support. Eligible projects must serve low- to middle-income communities and be open, no-fee public facilities.

Greater Rochester Health Foundation provides Orleans County, New York nonprofits and community entities with US $25,000 - US $175,000 for health-focused programs and operations. Funding supports stabilization, harm mitigation, and community services that advance health equity for populations facing heightened risk, including rural residents and communities historically impacted by health inequities.

501(c)(3) arts nonprofits in Orleans County, New York can apply for the Oliver G. & Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts to support traditional, classical ballet, opera, music, or theater performances. Administered by Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, this matching-preferred grant prioritizes live stage works that preserve original choreography, language, and high-quality classical repertory.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Focused on LGBTQIA+ services, Rochester Area Community Foundation invites Orleans County, New York 501(c)(3) public charities to apply for LGBT+ Giving Circle Grants. Eligible organizations in its eight-county service area can request US $1,000 - US $5,000 for projects serving, including, or allied with the LGBT+ community and supported by inclusive nondiscrimination policies.

Rochester Area Community Foundation provides Orleans County, New York nonprofits and public charities with US $15,000 - US $20,000 for historic preservation projects. Funding supports preserving historical assets, fostering economic development and equity, advancing community or neighborhood revitalization, promoting a sense of place, and creating new opportunities for community engagement with regional history.

East Hill Foundation provides Orleans County, New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits with up to US $50,000 for projects that enhance quality of life, especially basic human needs like food, clothing, and shelter. Eligible organizations must serve residents within Western New York’s eight counties, including Orleans County, through community-focused programs rather than ongoing operating expenses.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities below the Mason-Dixon line can apply for Robinson Foundation grants supporting animal welfare, children and families, education, health, poverty relief, disaster response, veterans, and faith-based work. Grants from Robinson Foundation help Southern-region nonprofits with single-year projects that demonstrate fiscal responsibility and clear, tangible impact, which may benefit organizations similar to those in Orleans County, New York.

Orleans County, New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups can access funding to explore strategic partnerships, shared services, mergers, or dissolution planning. Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo offers US $2,500 - US $25,000 grants to cover nonrecurring costs that strengthen organizational resilience and reimagine service delivery across Western New York, including Orleans County.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

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)

Local governments, public schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Orleans County, New York can apply for US $500 - US $1,000 to host Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day events promoting activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying. Grants from Safe Routes to School National Parternship support November activities that encourage students to walk, bike, or roll to school and inspire community change.

Orleans County, New York arts and culture 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $500,000 can access funding through the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo for general operating and capacity-building needs, with awards up to US $15,000. Eligible small to mid-sized organizations, including certain libraries and fiscally sponsored groups, must work in one or more of nine Western New York counties.