Best Putnam County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

The Regina B. Frankenberg Foundation Grant focuses on animal welfare, particularly in New York City and neighboring areas. It supports organizations that protect endangered species and reduce the homelessness of companion animals through various programs. Starting in 2025, the foundation will implement a closed application process for conservation grants, inviting only previous grantees with qualifying projects to apply. The foundation prioritizes public charities with operating budgets of $250,000 or more.

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.

Cooperative Leaders and Scholars Program

The Cooperative Leaders and Scholars (CLS) provides cross-sector leadership development and builds professional networks for new and emerging cooperative leaders and scholars. This 8-month fellowship provides opportunities to participate in multi-sector programming and events, and to engage with thought leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders. This community empowers and trains its fellows to build a more inclusive economy in North America, together. The experience is open to new and emerging cooperators: current employees or board members, post-secondary students, or others interested in working for, creating, or leading a cooperative or cooperative organization.

Designed to deepen and broaden knowledge of cooperatives and the role the model plays in meeting economic and social needs of communities, the program is structured to empower participants to shape their experience for maximum value as they connect and collaborate with peers and industry experts.

As a participant, you will:

• Participate in an 8-month program designed to deepen and broaden your knowledge of cooperatives and the role of the co-op model in meeting the economic and social needs of communities
• Be a part of a community that can provide ongoing peer support and professional development opportunities
• Co-create a capstone project 
• Participate in exclusive networking events 
• Learn from industry experts in a series of webinars
• Get to know the cohort in-person at a weeklong event in Hudson Valley, NY and NYC from April 20- 24 that will include co-op tours and training workshops. 
• Attend a weeklong event in Washington, DC from October 5 - 9 featuring NCBA CLUSA's Co-op IMPACT Conference, CDF's Cooperative Hall of Fame reception and induction ceremony, a one-day course from the International Centre for Co-operative Management at Saint Mary's University, and co-op tours.

Fellowship includes:

• Registrations for the Co-op IMPACT Conference, Cooperative Hall of Fame, and International Centre for Co-operative Management at Saint Mary's University course
• Hudson Valley, NY, NYC, and Washington, DC co-op tours
• Access to exclusive networking events and webinars from industry experts
• Peer-to-Peer and Mentor-to-Mentee opportunities
• Travel stipend ($1,000 total), accommodations, and meals for two in-person events
• $30 metro card for Washington, DC
• $600 honorarium

The Barnabas McHenry Hudson River Valley Awards support exceptional young leaders in environmental conservation, historic preservation, and the arts. Awarded annually, these prestigious grants of up to $5,000 encourage students to engage in impactful projects with local nonprofits. Since 2007, the awards have honored the legacy of Barnabas McHenry, fostering a new generation of environmental advocates and cultural stewards dedicated to enhancing the Hudson Valley's unique resources.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Putnam County Community Grant

The Community Foundations Community Grant Program is an annual opportunity to provide nonprofits with unrestricted General Operating Support (GOS). GOS grants are flexible and allow funds to support an organization’s ongoing administrative and infrastructure costs and to provide support to maintain existing, effective programs, organizational development and capacity building in Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster Counties.

Funding Focus

Funding will support a broad variety of organizations and programming, including: effective and innovative programs in the areas of human services (food security, mental house, housing), arts and culture, education and youth, health, the environment and civic affairs. Funding will have a focus on benefiting people who are from historically marginalized and under-funded communities or populations based on their race, ethnicity, age, gender/gender identity, socioeconomic status, health status, abilities or geographic location.

General Operating Support grants will provide unrestricted support to the organization but can include specific support such as:

• Planning and/or the direct implementation of the program
• Technology, equipment, or material costs
• Strategic planning, staff/board development and/or succession planning
• Management systems (financial, HR)
• Marketing and communications
• Investments to increase organizational capacity

The Patrina Foundation Grant supports educational, cultural, and social service organizations, primarily in the New York Metropolitan area. The foundation focuses on enhancing the skills and leadership abilities of girls and women through general operating support, program support, and funding for pilot projects. Grants are available exclusively to tax-exempt organizations, and applicants may apply once a year, ensuring a dedicated approach to community improvement.

The PLTW Gateway program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by supporting schools in eligible counties to implement PLTW Gateway units. With a total grant of $20,000, schools are encouraged to offer at least one unit per academic year, fostering real-world skills and engagement in STEM fields. This initiative seeks to increase access and participation in high-quality STEM learning experiences, ultimately preparing students for future careers.

The Field Hall Foundation Small Grants program supports not-for-profits and local governments in Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester Counties, NY, aiming to enhance the lives of older adults and caregivers. Grants are awarded three times a year through a Letter of Inquiry process. Focus areas include food insecurity, home-based care, and transportation. Priority is given to new projects addressing basic needs, with eligibility criteria including a $1 million budget and a commitment to direct services.

The PLTW Gateway program, in collaboration with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to Project Lead The Way initiatives in eligible communities. By providing grants for program expansion, the initiative encourages schools to implement new PLTW units and train teachers, empowering students with essential skills for future careers. This partnership seeks to inspire a new generation of learners through hands-on, real-world challenges, thereby fostering greater participation in STEM fields across various regions.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

The Youth Education and Development Grant Program by Episcopal Charities aims to enhance educational opportunities for children in New York. This program funds organizations that provide year-round academic enrichment, arts, and music programs. With over $25 million granted since 1996, it focuses on supporting non-religious, charitable missions that serve underserved communities. Grantees are required to complete a timely application and adhere to training requirements, ensuring impactful support for youth development.

Episcopal Charities of the Diocese of New York focuses on providing essential funding and support to local organizations addressing critical needs in communities. Since 1996, they have granted over $25 million, with initiatives including shelter and immigration support, food access, and youth educational opportunities. Their programs are inclusive and free of religious content, serving asylum seekers, immigrants, and those facing housing insecurity. This commitment ensures a positive impact on over 1 million lives annually.

The Intervention & Prevention Grant Program, managed by Episcopal Charities of the Diocese of New York, aims to support organizations addressing critical community needs. With over $25 million granted since 1996, the program focuses on fighting hunger, aiding the unemployed, and enhancing educational opportunities for children. It prioritizes non-religious, inclusive missions and requires grantees to be sponsored by a church within the Diocese. Through this program, Episcopal Charities strives to significantly impact over 1 million lives annually.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

The Hudson Valley Farm Fresh Food Grant Program, offered by the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, aims to enhance access to local, farm-fresh food for food-insecure individuals in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, and Ulster counties. With funding up to $20,000 annually for three years, the program prioritizes innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to address food insecurity while integrating equity and social justice. Grants will be available for eligible nonprofit organizations from 2023 to 2025.

The Food Access: Bulk Buy Grant Program, managed by Episcopal Charities of the Diocese of New York, provides essential funding for organizations that enhance access to nutritious meals. This rolling application program focuses on negotiating discounted food prices for local feeding programs, ensuring culturally relevant options are available. With a commitment to inclusivity and support for local congregations, the initiative aims to address community needs effectively, especially for those facing food insecurity.

The Santander Charitable Sponsorship Program focuses on supporting low- to moderate-income communities primarily in the Northeast and Florida. With a commitment of $100 million in charitable giving, the program addresses key community development needs, including affordable housing, job creation, financial education, and disaster relief. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status or be public agencies, demonstrating capacity to meet community needs. Unsolicited applications are not accepted.

The Hudson Valley Animal Shelter Fund, established by Jean Rowe's generous bequest, aims to support nonprofit animal welfare agencies in the Hudson Valley indefinitely. Priority is given to organizations in Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Putnam, Sullivan, and Rockland Counties that focus on rescuing and sheltering animals. Eligible applicants must qualify as 501(c)(3) nonprofits or be fiscally sponsored, and serve residents of Orange and Sullivan counties.

The Mid-Hudson Valley Designated Grants program, funded by the Dyson Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, and Ulster counties. It focuses on addressing essential human needs like housing and healthcare for marginalized communities. Grants are available for specific purposes, including youth programs and economic development efforts, ensuring a direct impact on local communities and promoting equitable access to resources.

The Dyson Foundation Mini-Grant Program supports Mid-Hudson Valley nonprofits in enhancing their administrative and programmatic capabilities. This funding initiative is designed for capacity-building projects that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, operational improvements, and professional development. Grants cover up to 80% of project costs, with a maximum of $15,000. Organizations can also apply for follow-up mini-implementation grants to put project recommendations into action, ensuring sustainable growth and effectiveness.

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley offers Community Grants to provide unrestricted General Operating Support (GOS) for nonprofits in Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster Counties. These grants, capped at $5,000, focus on supporting organizations that serve historically marginalized communities. Funding can be used for administrative costs, capacity building, and essential program maintenance, addressing needs in areas such as human services, arts, education, health, and civic affairs, promoting community well-being.

The John T. Sloper Community Fund Grants aim to enhance emergency medical services in Southern Dutchess and Putnam counties, honoring the legacy of John T. Sloper. The fund supports tax-exempt organizations, police departments, and volunteer ambulance services by providing training and essential medical equipment. Proposals for Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and First Responder support are encouraged, while organizations with existing state funding or seeking basic EMT training are ineligible. Preference is given to new applicants.

The Cleopatra Fund provides grants to support animal welfare organizations in the Greater Hudson Valley. With a funding range of $500 to $2,000 and a maximum award of $3,000, the fund prioritizes programs benefiting cats, dogs, retired circus animals, and retired farm animals. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations within the Hudson Valley region, which encompasses nine counties. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for animals and the community.