Best Rochester Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The New York State Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program aims to enhance K-12 meal preparation by utilizing fresh local farm products. With a total funding of $50 million over five years, the program will award $5 million to each of the ten regions, encouraging projects that alleviate food insecurity and bolster market opportunities for local producers. This initiative seeks to strengthen the state's food system resiliency while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

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.

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.

The Corning Nonprofit Grants program supports community-based initiatives in education, human services, and culture. Eligible nonprofits that align with our criteria may apply for funding on a rolling basis. The application window for invited organizations runs from February 10 to September 15. We emphasize local impact within a 20-mile radius of Corning, NY, ensuring that our contributions foster collective growth and engagement in the community.

The Max And Marian Farash Charitable Foundation invites community organizations to apply for the Out-of-School Time - Summer Fun & Learning RFP. This initiative aims to enhance access to innovative, high-quality summer programs for youth in Monroe and Ontario counties. By supporting diverse out-of-school opportunities, the Foundation seeks to empower young individuals to develop skills, engage with peers and mentors, and enjoy enriching experiences beyond traditional school hours.

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.

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.

Our Mission: We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision: We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Clifford B. Bushnell Scholarship

This scholarship was created to reflect a family value of higher education providing need-based scholarships to young African-American women from Monroe County.

Purpose of Scholarship

• To provide financial assistance to an African American female from Monroe County who is a graduating high school senior or has completed her first year of college and is identified as an Urban League Black Scholar. 

Award Details

• One award of $4,000; paid as $1,000 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. 
• Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Renewability

This scholarship is renewable for up to three times for a maximum of four annual awards to support undergraduate studies. Award renewability varies per recipient:

• Graduating high school seniors receive awards that are renewable for a maximum of four awards in four consecutive years of undergraduate studies;
• College freshman receive awards that are renewable for a maximum of three awards in three consecutive years of undergraduate studies;
• College sophomores receive awards that are renewable for a maximum of two awards in two consecutive years of undergraduate studies; and
• College juniors receive one award for undergraduate studies.

The Artist as Entrepreneur Program, hosted by the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts in Rochester, NY, offers a transformative 3.5-day professional development experience for artists across all disciplines. Scheduled from November 20-23, 2025, this free program emphasizes sustainability in the arts, equipping participants with essential tools to define and achieve their success. Artists from Livingston and Monroe County are encouraged to apply for this unique opportunity to enhance their creative practice and connect with peers.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust Grants focus on enhancing the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This private foundation supports innovative projects that go beyond basic care, ensuring the well-being of homeless and abused animals. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and be located in specific states, including Ohio and parts of Indiana and Michigan. The Trust emphasizes humane treatment and sustainable funding for animal welfare initiatives.

Cascades Donations and Sponsorships focuses on building sustainable partnerships in education, entrepreneurship, and amateur sports. They support community organizations, promote healthy lifestyles, and recognize student engagement through grants. Cascades prioritizes projects in its operational regions and encourages initiatives that address climate change and foster inclusivity. Their funding approach is rooted in creating lasting positive impacts and supporting the next generation of leaders while adhering to their values and philosophy.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

The Karpus Family Foundation Grants provide support to organizations focused on helping people and animals in need. With a commitment to education and community welfare, the foundation funds various initiatives, including assistance for disabled veterans, prevention of domestic abuse, and animal welfare. Organizations operating in the Greater Rochester area, Florida, and Cleveland are prioritized, and grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) entities that align with these goals. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific cycles for full proposals.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is committed to improving the health of our communities, making them better places to live, work, play, and raise a family. As a not-for-profit health plan, we strive to offer affordable access to health care. We aim to provide support for efforts focusing on health disparities, social determinants of health, and discrimination affecting our members and their communities. Our investment initiatives aim to help us reach this objective.

Investment opportunities

It is our mission to support impactful community programs, opportunities to seek and apply for funding, and continue to make a real difference. 

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s 31-county region includes: Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Otsego, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, St. Lawrence, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates counties.

Health and Wellness Awards

These awards support funding for initiatives that improve health outcomes by addressing Social Determinants of Health. Priority will be given to proposals targeting conditions and factors linked to adverse health outcomes.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is committed to improving the health of our communities, making them better places to live, work, play, and raise a family. As a not-for-profit health plan, we strive to offer affordable access to health care. We aim to provide support for efforts focusing on health disparities, social determinants of health, and discrimination affecting our members and their communities. Our investment initiatives aim to help us reach this objective.

Investment opportunities

It is our mission to support impactful community programs, opportunities to seek and apply for funding, and continue to make a real difference. 

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s 31-county region includes: Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Otsego, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, St. Lawrence, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates counties.

Health Equity Innovation Awards

These awards recognize programs or initiatives that demonstrate a strong commitment to reducing health disparities and achieving measurable improvements in health outcomes. Proposals should include specific examples of how the program is innovative, such as:

• Introducing a novel approach or reaching a new audience
• Integrating technology to enhance impact
• Driving organizational change
• Building meaningful collaborations and partnerships

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is committed to improving the health of our communities, making them better places to live, work, play, and raise a family. As a not-for-profit health plan, we strive to offer affordable access to health care. We aim to provide support for efforts focusing on health disparities, social determinants of health, and discrimination affecting our members and their communities. Our investment initiatives aim to help us reach this objective.

Investment opportunities

It is our mission to support impactful community programs, opportunities to seek and apply for funding, and continue to make a real difference. 

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s 31-county region includes: Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Otsego, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, St. Lawrence, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates counties.

Sponsorship Program

These awards support programs and events that align with our mission to promote access to high-quality, affordable health care—such as fundraisers, health fairs, seminars, and other health-related events.

The William and Sheila Konar Foundation Summer Program aims to enhance equitable access to high-quality summer learning experiences for economically disadvantaged youth in Monroe County. In collaboration with the United Way of Greater Rochester and ESL Federal Credit Union, this initiative will provide essential support for 2026 Summer Programs. Applicants are encouraged to provide comprehensive information to ensure effective evaluation by the funders involved.

The NOAA Great Lakes Fish Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants aim to support habitat restoration projects to enhance coastal habitats and promote the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. These grants will focus on projects that align with GLRI goals, particularly in addressing toxic substances and restoring habitats for native fish species affected by degradation. Proposals will be evaluated based on their contribution to environmental priorities set by Lake Committees, ensuring sustainable fish populations in the Great Lakes.

The Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund Fellowships provide financial support for U.S. citizens pursuing graduate studies in various fields at accredited institutions. The fellowships cover tuition and offer an annual stipend of $18,000 for living expenses. Candidates must demonstrate financial need and have an outstanding undergraduate record. Applications are submitted through the dean of the university, with deadlines in January and notifications by mid-June. This program honors Dolores Zohrab Liebmann's legacy of supporting education.

Mission & Vision

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.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

John J. Morton, MD and John H. Morton, MD Memorial Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide loan repayment awards to graduating medical school students who have just matched in a surgical residency or interns and residents continuing in a surgical residency program who plan to focus on patient care.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $60,000; may be split between two or more recipients. Minimum award $10,000. Award paid in the Fall.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established by Mrs. Ruth Irland Morton and family members to recognize the accomplishments of her husband, Dr. John H. Morton, and his father, Dr. John J. Morton. Dr. John J. Morton was the first chairman of surgery at the new University of Rochester Medical School when it was founded in 1921. Following in his father’s footsteps, Dr. John H. Morton was known for his kind, skillful, and conscientious service to surgical patients, medical students, and the medical profession. In his role as surgeon at Strong Memorial Hospital, Dr. John H. Morton cared for a broad range of patients with an emphasis on management of trauma and burns. Years later he would become the director of the Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department. He also spent many years in developing licensing exams, and he enjoyed teaching students at all levels. Dr. John H. Morton was president of the Monroe County Medical Society when the Medical Scholarship Committee was first established.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on community transformation in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. With a spend-down structure by 2035, the foundation prioritizes collaborative investments in key areas like active lifestyles, success preparation, caregiver support, and economic development. Emphasizing urgency and innovation, it seeks to create lasting impacts by fostering partnerships and supporting visionary projects that address significant community needs.

Mission & Vision

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.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Armenian Scholarship Fund in memory of Charles J. Churukian

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to graduating seniors pursuing careers in medicine, science, or music.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $4,000; paid as $1,000 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

The Greater Rochester Health Foundation's Responsive Grants support community-driven initiatives aimed at addressing health inequities. Open to non-profit organizations in a nine-county region, these grants offer funding up to $75,000 for projects that empower communities and tackle systemic health challenges. With a flexible approach, the foundation seeks innovative ideas that enhance health outcomes for historically marginalized groups, including people of color and individuals with disabilities, while fostering collaboration and shared leadership.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

Mission & Vision

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.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

William Jackson Hawley Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To help a student whose parent has recently died from cancer — or who is undergoing cancer treatment — remain in school and obtain a bachelor’s degree. This need-based scholarship provides support when family finances experience a drastic change due to medical bills or reduced income as a result of cancer.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $3,000; may be split between two or three recipients. Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Minimum award $1,000.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established by the wife and family of William Jackson Hawley.

The Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation offers grants to small and mid-size creative arts organizations in Monroe and Ontario Counties, NY. Focused on enhancing community access to arts, the foundation supports visual, literary, and performing arts initiatives. Eligible organizations must have an operating budget of $2 million or less and provide arts education programming. The foundation aims to foster a vibrant arts community by offering flexible support for operational needs, empowering organizations to pursue their long-term goals.

The Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation's Jewish Life Grant Program aims to enhance the Jewish community in Rochester by supporting innovative projects and collaborations. With a focus on arts, education, and Jewish life, the program invites tax-exempt organizations based in Monroe or Ontario Counties to apply. Grants are designed to address community challenges and foster long-term, meaningful contributions, emphasizing the importance of transformation and creativity in Jewish life.