Best Queens County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc

Since its founding in 1869, Goldman Sachs has been a dominant force in the financial world. Built from the foundation of our renowned investment banking business, the firm has evolved its culture and expanded its offerings over time - but its commitment to client service and excellence endures.

The Goldman Sachs culture values teamwork, client service, and giving back to the communities we serve. It has been described as the foundation of the firm's success. Moreover, the people of Goldman Sachs have long valued their opportunity to give back through public service and volunteerism, humanitarian efforts, and programs that foster economic progress in communities around the world.

Goldman Sachs Community Development Grant

The Community Development Grants program aims to address critical funding gaps in low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities across New York City, New Jersey, and Salt Lake City. The program provides financial support to high-impact organizations dedicated to advancing economic opportunity and community stability. 

The Equity Builders Initiative

The Equity Builders Initiative: This initiative provides multi-year, general operating funding over three years. It is designed to help organizations build capacity and sustainably deepen their impact. Awardees typically share a mission of creating upward mobility through quality affordable housing, small business development, neighborhood revitalization, and community services. Applications should align with one or more of the following pillars:

• Affordable housing for LMI communities, such as development/preservation of units, homeownership counseling, rental assistance, and eviction prevention
• Community services, such as workforce development, job training, financial health programs, and access to healthcare or early childhood education
• Meeting the needs of small businesses, such as technical assistance for businesses, access to capital, and business incubation
• Revitalizing or stabilizing LMI geographies, such as community improvements, community hubs, transit-oriented infrastructure, and disaster resilience 

The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation Grants focus on HIV/AIDS research funding, supporting scientific studies aimed at treatment and cure, as well as HIV prevention and care programs. Established by Robert Mapplethorpe, the foundation prioritizes proposals from U.S. organizations, especially those in the New York area, that lack support from larger funding sources. The foundation seeks to protect Mapplethorpe's legacy while advancing critical research in the HIV/AIDS field.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Queens County, New York can apply for Investors Foundation support for arts, education, health and human services, youth programs, affordable housing, and other civic-minded initiatives. Eligible charities must primarily serve communities in New Jersey, New York City, or Long Island and demonstrate fiscal stability and active board engagement.

The Lily Auchincloss Foundation, established in 1997, aims to enhance the quality of life in New York City through grants focused on human services, arts, and environmental initiatives. The foundation supports small to mid-sized organizations across the five boroughs, providing both general operating and program-specific funding. Its Human Services cycle prioritizes organizations dedicated to social change and education, ensuring a positive impact on all residents' lives.

The Tiger Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in New York City, focusing on Education, Family Support, and Youth Workforce Justice. With no deadlines for Letters of Inquiry, the foundation seeks organizations with measurable outcomes, skilled leadership, and community engagement. Their Seed and Expansion Fund supports innovative early-stage organizations aiming to address unmet needs, ensuring effective services are accessible to low-income families and individuals across the city.

The William Talbott Hillman Foundation Grant supports innovative arts programming in Pittsburgh and NYC, focusing on young people and BIPOC communities. With a year-round application process, the Foundation prioritizes photography as a fine arts medium and civic engagement initiatives aimed at preventing gun violence. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt to apply. The Foundation also emphasizes safety nets for artists and art education in under-resourced communities.

The Lilah Hilliard Fisher Foundation Grant offers year-round funding for initiatives focused on regenerative agriculture and nutrition education, particularly in New York City and Litchfield County, Connecticut. Emphasizing support for human trafficking survivors, youth development, and social justice, the Foundation seeks projects that align with these priorities. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, with some multi-year grants available. Notably, proposals outside the specified areas are by invitation only.

The Valentine Perry Snyder Fund Grant supports organizations in New York City focused on youth, human services, job training, and public affairs. Established in 1942, it honors the legacy of Mrs. Sheba Torbert Snyder and her husband. Eligible organizations must be public charities with annual budgets under $1 million and have a minimum of three years between grant applications. The fund provides general operating and capacity-building support, excluding grants for individuals or research.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

Expanding Access to Middle-Wage Occupations

Request for Proposals

The New York City Workforce Funders Collaborative invites proposals for system and pathway models and policy and advocacy efforts that expand access to middle-wage occupations and upskilling opportunities for low-income New Yorkers. Proposals may be submitted by a single organization or a coalition of organizations working together with one organization as the lead.

The collaborative will award grants of up to $200,000 for policy and advocacy efforts that:

• Increase the share of New York City’s middle-wage occupations;
• Expand access to middle-wage occupations for low-income New Yorkers, with a focus on reducing structural barriers to entry and advancement (including advocacy to increase public investments in pathways to middle-wage occupations);
• Develop and/or advance public policy solutions to support reskilling and upskilling for workers who have experienced labor market disruption; and/or 
• Implement concrete reforms to NYC’s workforce development systems that facilitate new or improved solutions to move more New Yorkers into middle-wage occupations.

The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation grants support arts and arts education initiatives focused on underserved youth in New York City. Established in 1995, the foundation prioritizes programs that enhance the educational experience through arts engagement for children under 18. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations that provide cultural experiences and educational opportunities, ensuring that the arts remain an integral part of the learning process. Note that operational expenses for organizations and individual funding are not covered.

Expanding Access to Middle-Wage Occupations

Request for Proposals

The New York City Workforce Funders Collaborative invites proposals for system and pathway models and policy and advocacy efforts that expand access to middle-wage occupations and upskilling opportunities for low-income New Yorkers. Proposals may be submitted by a single organization or a coalition of organizations working together with one organization as the lead.

 The New York City Workforce Funders Collaborative will award grants of up to $500,000 for projects that build the capacity of a New York City workforce development system to connect low-income New Yorkers to a middle-wage occupation or a group of occupations. The City’s workforce development systems include its public workforce agencies; the field of nonprofit organizations; the City University of New York (CUNY) system; the field of labor unions; industry partnership hubs; and New York City Public Schools.

Competitive submissions will:

• Strengthen or expand training pathways to middle-wage occupations;
• Strengthen or expand advancement models that help workers secure middle-wage positions; and/or
•  Address structural barriers to effective middle-wage pathways for low-income New Yorkers.

The Affinity Legacy Community Grant Program aims to enhance health and well-being in underserved communities through funding for organizations focused on mental health, food insecurity, re-entry for formerly incarcerated individuals, and consumer health education. Eligible groups must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities operating within Affinity's 10-county service area. This initiative reflects a commitment to collaboration and compassion, ensuring vital support for those in need.

The Awesome Foundation offers Local Chapter Grants of $1000 to individuals and groups for innovative projects that enhance community engagement. Each chapter operates independently, focusing on unique interpretations of 'awesome' across various fields such as arts and technology. Grants are awarded monthly, emphasizing no-strings-attached support. This initiative encourages creativity and experimentation, aiming to inspire and delight communities worldwide. For more details, applicants can explore individual chapter preferences and restrictions through the foundation's website.

The City Gardens Club of New York offers annual grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 for projects that promote environmental beauty and education in New York City's five boroughs. Since 1981, these grants have helped schools engage students in hands-on horticulture, fostering a love for gardening and farming among diverse communities. The program highlights the importance of nature in education, benefiting both children and adults while adhering to the club's mission of public benefit through education.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

The TD Bank Community Sponsorships Program, supported by the TD Charitable Foundation, provides funding for events and activities that positively impact communities from Maine to Florida. This initiative aims to enhance community awareness and foster partnerships among diverse groups, promoting economic development, cultural enrichment, and social responsibility. Organizations can apply for funding to support community-oriented programs, with applications reviewed quarterly. It's essential to submit applications at least 90 days before the event deadlines.

The New York Yankees Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the NYC area, promoting community engagement and enhancing quality of life. They dedicate millions to outreach initiatives, providing educational, recreational, and social opportunities. Requests for contributions must be submitted at least six weeks in advance, ensuring a collaborative approach to community support and partnership. The Yankees continually strive to foster positive relationships with local organizations, contributing to the betterment of their neighborhoods.

The New York Mets Donation Requests support non-profit organizations in the tri-state area by providing ticket donations. Requests must be submitted three weeks before the event, and only one request is allowed per organization within a year. Donations are strictly for charitable purposes and cannot be used for personal items or online auctions. The program does not accommodate requests from September 1 to February 28/29. This initiative aims to assist local fundraising efforts while ensuring fair access to resources.

Pincus Family Foundation

PFF is driven by the values that our founders David and Gerry Pincus lived by: “to get involved, not just think about your own life, you are supposed to do things for other people.” Today, the second and third generation of Pincus Family members have added their ethos, while keeping the founders’ legacy alive.

Pincus Family Foundation Grant

Mission Alignment: We support our non-profit partners to develop and enhance programs that improve the lives of children, their families, and their communities.

PFF Funds Projects, Programs, & General Operating Support in Four Priority Areas

Creative & Performing Arts

The Pincus Family Foundation’s Creative and Performing Arts portfolio supports programs where young people use art as a tool to address the structural inequities they face. Five strategic priorities:

• Arts for Social Change Focus – Integrating artistic practice with community organizing, policy advocacy, and/or systemic change efforts
• Hyperlocal Community Integration – Deep community embedment with extensive local partnerships
• Teaching Artist Investment – Commitment to the professional development and well-being of teaching artists
• Cultural Responsiveness – Programming that incorporates community cultural wealth with community input
• Environmental Justice Integration – Authentic integration of environmental themes from community-identified priorities

Target Constituency: Organizations serving preK-12 youth from marginalized communities with arts for social change programming that connects them to the power of art to question and transform systems.

Education

High school readiness for many low-income students, largely is a result of poor preparation in middle school. PFF is funding programs/projects that support middle school engagement and focus on achievement filling a funding gap. 

Target Constituency: We support non-profit organizations serving middle school students who face gaps in comprehensive high school readiness. These organizations implement innovative programming that creates challenging yet nurturing environments—preparing students for achievement while inspiring them to become engaged, confident citizens ready to contribute to their communities.

Health & Wellness

Goal: Advance children’s health and well-being by supporting nonprofits that strengthen social conditions, empower youth, and build healthier environments in marginalized communities.

Target Constituency: Nonprofits whose work strengthens social determinants of health for children in marginalized communities.

Play & Recreation

Goal: Advance children’s social-emotional development and physical well-being by supporting nonprofits that create inclusive play-based programming, competitive sports opportunities, and outdoor recreational experiences in under-resourced communities.

Target Constituency: Non-profits whose work promotes access to quality recreational programming for children ages 6-18 in under-resourced communities.

For all grants, the organization’s mission and scope must align with the Foundation’s mission. For the latter, these grants can be either unrestricted or restricted to a particular program or project. The type of grant and what it is used for will dictate the goals and objectives to be met.

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.

JetBlue For Good is JetBlue's commitment to social impact, focusing on youth education, environmental sustainability, and community support. By partnering with various nonprofits, JetBlue inspires the next generation, promotes environmental awareness, and contributes to local communities through volunteerism and donations. The JetBlue Foundation specifically supports STEM and aviation education, enhancing opportunities for underrepresented communities. With over $2.5 million allocated in grants, JetBlue For Good reflects the airline's core mission of inspiring humanity and fostering positive change.

The Carolyn Bishop Thornhill Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, supports students pursuing higher education, particularly those attending Queens College and from West Virginia. This scholarship aims to foster student success by providing financial assistance to eligible applicants, ensuring that local students can achieve their educational aspirations. With a commitment to enriching lives in Southern West Virginia, the Foundation's goal is to inspire generous charitable giving and strengthen the community.

The Kyle Palmieri Foundation Grant aims to support non-profit organizations dedicated to benefiting Long Island's military community, including veterans, active service members, and their families. Founded by NHL player Kyle Palmieri, this 501(c)(3) charity focuses on raising funds to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by these heroes. Eligible applicants must operate on Long Island and uphold non-discriminatory practices. The foundation awards grants annually to amplify its mission and support those who serve.

About Us

The Simons Foundation’s mission is to advance the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences.

Since its founding in 1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons, the foundation has been a champion of basic science through grant funding, support for research and public engagement. We believe in asking big questions and providing sustained support to researchers working to unravel the mysteries of the universe.

Through our work we make space for scientific discovery.

Junior Fellows of the Simons Society of Fellows

The Simons Foundation invites nominations for Junior Fellows of the Simons Society of Fellows. This year’s call is open to any individual who meets the nominator eligibility requirements outlined below and is interested in nominating a candidate for a Junior Fellowship.

Junior Fellows are outstanding young scientists who receive support from the foundation for up to 3 years to conduct independent research at an NYC educational institution. The foundation requires Junior Fellows to attend weekly lectures and dinners at the foundation during the academic year, as well as an annual conference and a 4-day weekend retreat.

Funding

Award Amount: In 2027/28, a Junior Fellow will receive a stipend of $102,799, funds for fringe benefits based on the host institutional fringe rate, as well as a $10,000 research allowance. The Junior Fellow’s New York City host institution will receive an additional 20 percent in indirect costs. A Junior Fellow’s salary support automatically increases by three percent each funding year.

Award Duration: Junior Fellows are appointed for up to three years. A fellowship must begin on July 1, August 1 or September 1, 2027.

Number of Awards: In 2027, the foundation expects to appoint up to 15 Junior Fellows.

Allowable Expenses

The research funds provided to the Junior Fellow may be used to support expenses in the following categories:

• Scientific domestic or international travel by the Junior Fellow.
• Small equipment, supplies and other expenses directly benefiting the Junior Fellow’s research.
• Expenses related to travel or hosting scientific visitors and collaborators.

The Ponce De Leon Foundation Grant supports community projects aiming to address economic and social challenges in core areas such as affordable housing, healthcare, and education. Established by Ponce Bank, a certified Minority Depository Institution, the Foundation prioritizes proposals from registered non-profit organizations to enhance local development and assist underserved communities in New York City. This initiative reflects a commitment to equitable access to resources and services for individuals and groups in need.

501(c)(3) nonprofits offering inclusive disability programs in Queens County, New York and the broader New York Metropolitan and Boston areas can apply for the J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation’s support; awards fund direct service programs. Eligible projects include after-school, summer, vacation, and work-readiness initiatives that build skills, self-advocacy, and community engagement for people with disabilities.