Best Queens County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Provident Bank Foundation's Empowerment Grant focuses on uplifting marginalized communities by providing flexible funding for initiatives that promote economic self-sufficiency. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 over two years, the program supports organizations in education, human services, and workforce development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate meaningful community impact and align with the Foundation's funding priorities, which include promoting quality education, social safety nets, and career development opportunities.

The NYC Opera Grants: Support for Small-Budget Organizations, launched by OPERA America, offers crucial operating support to innovative opera organizations in New York City with budgets under $250,000. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 annually, aiming to enhance audience engagement and artistic production. This initiative prioritizes organizations led by individuals from diverse backgrounds and encourages proposals that celebrate the city's cultural richness. The next grant round is anticipated in 2025.

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.

The Venable Foundation, a corporate funder, provides grants averaging $10,000 to nonprofits focused on human services, legal support, education, workforce development, youth impact, health, environment, and arts. Funding is targeted at organizations in specific regions, including Washington, DC, Baltimore, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, and Denver, reinforcing equitable opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals.

The Howard Gilman Foundation supports a diverse range of performing arts organizations in New York City, emphasizing equitable access to the arts. With a mission to transform lives through artistic expression, the Foundation provides general operating support grants, fostering long-term partnerships. They prioritize organizations reflective of New York's cultural community, focusing on those led by people of color or located in underserved neighborhoods. This commitment helps ensure a vibrant and inclusive arts ecosystem for all.

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.

Eligible artists must identify as being of transgender experience and Black, Indigenous, and/or a person of color, and we strongly encourage artists who also identify as disabled, LGBTQ+, and/or undocumented to apply. Projects should be in the development stage and can be fiction or nonfiction, including features or shorts. The applicant should be the main writer and/or director on the project and should identify as “emerging,” which Sundance Institute defines as yet to complete a long-form or major work in the specific discipline in question. 

Two artists will be selected from Minnesota or New York City.

The IMA Foundation Grant focuses on empowering communities by supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to workforce development, financial security for families, and enhancing emergency preparedness. With a mission to provide philanthropic assistance, the foundation seeks partners that align with its vision and operational reach. Organizations must be 501c3 nonprofits and serve areas where IMA has offices, ensuring that their initiatives directly impact youth under 26 years of age.

The Eisner Foundation in New York City supports innovative intergenerational programs that address societal challenges. They offer various grants, including general operating, project support, capacity-building, capital project, and opportunity grants, aimed at both small and large organizations. Eligible applicants are tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations based in New York City. The foundation focuses on efficiency, effectiveness, and strong leadership when evaluating potential partners, fostering growth and collaboration across generations.

The Citizens Philanthropic Foundation Grant for Financial Empowerment supports nonprofit organizations focused on providing financial education to low- and moderate-income individuals. The foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact, particularly those serving diverse populations in NJ and Metro New York. Eligible applicants must be IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) organizations and align their proposals with the foundation's goals of fostering financial literacy and collaboration with Citizens colleagues.

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 Healthy Lives: Animal Welfare Grant Program, funded by The New York Community Trust, aims to enhance the humane treatment and medical care of animals in metropolitan New York. This initiative supports nonprofits that align with its grantmaking priorities, fostering projects that focus on animal welfare. By promoting efficient, equitable services, the program contributes to the overall health of animals and the community, ensuring a better quality of life for all living beings in the region.

The Healthy Lives: Biomedical Research Grant Program, funded by The New York Community Trust, aims to enhance health services for New Yorkers, focusing on equitable care for vulnerable populations. It supports early to mid-career researchers working on critical health issues like cancer and heart disease. The program seeks to empower nonprofits and academic institutions in metropolitan New York to innovate and develop their research initiatives, ensuring impactful community health improvements.

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.

Impact 100 NYC is dedicated to transforming communities through collective giving, providing $100,000 grants annually to local nonprofits in New York City. By focusing on innovative projects that serve underserved populations, they aim to address unmet needs and promote social change. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, operate within NYC, and meet specific budgetary requirements. The initiative not only empowers local nonprofits but also raises awareness of lesser-known impactful programs.

About The New York Community Trust:

As New York's largest community foundation, The New York Community Trust (The Trust) fosters and engages in enduring and innovative philanthropy, making grants that bring together the local knowledge and expertise of its team, nonprofits, and partners to help donors fulfill their vision for the causes they love. From education and the arts to health care and the environment, The Trust seeks to improve every aspect of the cultural and civic life of New York City, Long Island, and Westchester.

The Trust is a regional philanthropic leader. In addition to a distinguished competitive grantmaking program, The Trust hosts donor-advised funds that make grants throughout the United States as well as funder collaboratives that work on the leading edge of philanthropy to improve the lives of New Yorkers. In 2025, it made close to 11,000 grants totaling nearly $230 million.

Having celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2024, The Trust has catalyzed innovations in philanthropy ranging from establishing the first donor-advised fund in the 1930s to making landmark grants, including some of the first to fight AIDS, build the High Line, support immigrant communities in the region, and respond quickly in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The four broad priorities of this grantmaking program are to:

• Mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and removing legacy carbon from the atmosphere and oceans;
• Adapt and become more resilient to the consequences of a warming world;
• Protect public health from toxic chemicals and other environmental hazards; and
• Preserve and create ecological connectivity by supporting terrestrial and marine conservation corridors. 

Grants made pursuant to this request for proposals will be for national projects, i.e., projects working in the United States (including its territories). Grants will not exceed $150,000 per year for up to two years.

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 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 Change Makers Initiative

The Change Makers Initiative: Provides organizations with a one-time, general operating grant (e.g., for programmatic or staffing needs). Key themes in this cohort included:

• Access to Housing: Expediting access to affordable apartments for homeless New Yorkers with housing vouchers.
• Embracing AI: Leading AI adoption initiatives, ensuring LMI communities aren't left behind in the digital economy through literacy training and organizational transformation.
• Empowering Parents: Providing free, high-quality childcare, enabling parents to work towards financial autonomy and security.
• Building Financial Futures: Offering financial coaching and debt relief services that open doors to homeownership and economic stability.

The Hesed Foundation Grant supports charitable initiatives that promote social justice through Tzedakah and gemilut hasadim, which emphasize justice and loving kindness. This private foundation focuses on enhancing the welfare of underrepresented communities, particularly in the Boston area, NYC, and Northern California. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and the foundation prioritizes projects related to youth, education, health, and community building.

The Artists in Queens Grant, supported by the New York State Council on the Arts, aims to fund Queens-based artists in creating new works that engage the community. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and current residents of Queens. The program emphasizes community involvement through public presentations and creative interactions, enhancing cultural awareness and fostering community bonds. Successful applications will illustrate how the project enriches the local cultural landscape while advancing the artist's career.

The Queens Community Arts Grant, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts, supports artists and organizations in Queens to enhance community culture through arts projects. Open to nonprofits and partnered groups, applicants can request funding between $1,000 and $7,500. Successful proposals should demonstrate how funds will strengthen community ties, increase cultural access, and advance the organization's mission, making the arts more accessible to all residents.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The Robin Hood Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in New York City focused on alleviating poverty. This strategic grantmaking initiative partners with promising organizations to create long-term solutions for economic mobility across various life stages. Eligible entities are encouraged to express their interest, as funding opportunities are not available through unsolicited proposals. By fostering collaboration in the community, the Foundation aims to maximize its impact on low-income New Yorkers.

The Long Island Sound Stewardship Fund Grant provides competitive funding to restore and protect the health of Long Island Sound. Aiming to empower underrepresented communities, this grant supports projects that promote sustainability, resilience, and equity within the watershed of Connecticut and New York. With $400,000 available in 2025, proposals should address the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and advance environmental justice initiatives.

The Citizens Philanthropic Foundation Grant focuses on Workforce Development and Financial Empowerment, supporting nonprofits that create measurable impacts through innovative programs. Eligible organizations must be IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) entities located in NJ or Metro New York. The foundation prioritizes grant applications that demonstrate alignment with its goals and emphasize partnerships that foster colleague engagement and volunteerism. Funding is aimed at projects that serve diverse, underserved populations, and exclude certain organizations and activities.

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.

Queens County, New York 501(c)(3) community-based organizations, educational institutions, and coalitions can receive support for climate change, clean energy careers, or social justice programs. Con Edison provides funding for projects in its service area that advance extreme weather resilience, equitable energy access, and clean energy and technology workforce pathways, especially in historically marginalized and disadvantaged communities.