Best Orleans County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

With a mission to support education and family economic stability, organizations in Orleans County, New York can seek more than US $50,000 for projects serving urban low-income children and youth. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds project support or scaling efforts in education, health, and family economic stability in the U.S., India, and South Africa.

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.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

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.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Orleans County, New York can apply for Cowles Charitable Trust’s grants of up to US $10,000 to support arts, education, social justice, health, ethical journalism, or climate and medical research, including general operating costs. Organizations in the county working in these areas may be competitive despite the trust’s broader geographic preferences.

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.

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.

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.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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.

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.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

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.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.