Best Community Development Grants in New York

New York 501(c)(3) organizations working on community, housing, social services, education, health, or historic preservation projects can seek funding for programs or capital needs. FJ Brotherton Charitable Trust primarily supports charitable work across the northeastern to southeastern U.S., with grants restricted to activities within the country.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations strengthening community resources and opportunities in New York and other eligible rural regions can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation’s Community Vitality grants, with awards of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Funding supports rural community development efforts such as education programs, city improvements, first responders, and economic development in Land O’Lakes dairy communities.

Community and economic revitalization organizations in New York can seek funding for initiatives and events that advance Harlem CDC’s mission through the CERSP Grant Program. Focused on community development and local economic growth, Empire State Development offers grants up to US $40,000 to support projects that strengthen neighborhood economies and services.

New York community organizations working on health, economic stability, or neighborhood revitalization can seek funding to improve residents’ wellbeing and resilience. Focused on community health and economic resilience, Highmark supports programs such as access to care, food and housing security, workforce preparation, and community development, with preference for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in its core service areas.

New York property owners and developers with contaminated brownfield sites can receive support to clean up and redevelop properties through the Brownfield Cleanup Program. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provides New York community development and revitalization projects with incentives to remediate pollution, encouraging private-sector investment and the renewal of economically blighted areas.

Community-based not-for-profit corporations in New York that serve as Neighborhood or Rural Preservation Companies can apply for New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s administrative funding to support housing and community services. Support helps sustain activities like housing preservation and rehabilitation, counseling, accessibility modifications, weatherization, and downtown revitalization that strengthen community development and affordable housing.

New York 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups advancing racial and economic justice can seek support for community organizing, housing and land use, workers’ rights, and immigrant justice. Scherman Foundation provides New York community development efforts with flexible funding that centers BIPOC-led, intersectional, movement-building work, including narrative and culture shift tied to these priorities.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups working on community development and revitalization in New York can receive unrestricted operating support to advance their missions. T. Rowe Price Foundation primarily funds approved 501(c)(3) public charities and qualifying sponsored projects, with most grants by invitation but unsolicited proposals also reviewed.

Nonprofit charitable organizations supporting community development, education, workforce, or financial capability programs in New York can apply for KeyBank Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help strengthen affordable housing, small business growth, academic and career success, and job readiness in communities across its retail banking footprint.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York can receive support for community development, education, arts and culture, and civic initiatives that enhance local quality of life. Peckham Family Foundation focuses on locally based groups in New York and New England, with funding decisions made by a community-rooted grants committee.

Eligible New York cities, towns, villages, and counties can use this Community Development Block Grant to develop or improve public facilities and infrastructure for low- and moderate-income residents, with awards up to US $1,000,000. With a mission to strengthen affordable, vibrant communities, New York State Homes and Community Renewal supports projects like senior centers, accessibility upgrades, parks, and emergency facilities.

Local governments in New York seeking funding for community planning and development projects can apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Community Planning support, offering up to US $50,000. Grants from New York State Homes and Community Renewal help cities, towns, villages, and counties assess needs and create strategies that identify future eligible CDBG projects.

Local governments in New York seeking to support stand-alone business development and related public infrastructure can apply for New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Community Development Block Grant funds. Grants from New York State Homes and Community Renewal help New York community development and revitalization efforts by financing for-profit business assistance that creates or retains permanent jobs for low- and moderate-income residents.

With a mission to support community development, New York State Homes and Community Renewal provides New York municipalities with funding to create microenterprise assistance programs. Eligible cities, towns, villages, and counties can offer entrepreneurial training and financial assistance to very small for-profit businesses, supporting job creation and retention for low- and moderate-income residents, with awards ranging from US $100,000 - US $300,000.

With a mission to strengthen communities, New York State Homes and Community Renewal provides New York municipal governments with Community Development Block Grant Imminent Threat funding to address serious community health and safety risks. Eligible cities, towns, villages, and counties may request up to US $1,000,000 for urgent infrastructure repairs, demolition of unsafe structures, or disaster-related public services in low- and moderate-income areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, government entities, and public or charter schools in New York near the Norfolk Southern network can seek project grants for sustainability, workforce development, and community resiliency initiatives. The Norfolk Southern Foundation’s Thriving Communities Grant Program awards US $1,000 - US $50,000 for community development, revitalization, and basic needs projects, one grant per organization per fiscal year.

New York local governments and partners seeking funding for community development, public facilities, or related services in New York can access funding through New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The NYS Community Development Block Grant Program offers US $25,000 - US $1,000,000 for projects such as infrastructure, housing-related services, childcare, shelters, parks, and economic development activities.

Marilyn Lichtman Foundation provides New York and Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for community development, community services, and related programs. Eligible organizations must be based in these states and focus their activities there, including initiatives supporting veterans, service animals, and wildlife that strengthen local communities in New York.

Nonprofits, Tribal Designated Housing Entities, and federally recognized Native American tribes working on rural affordable housing and community development can receive direct technical assistance to strengthen programs and operations. With a mission to support rural capacity, Housing Assistance Council provides customized one-on-one guidance, training, and resources that may benefit New York community development efforts in eligible non-urbanized areas.

The Neighborhood Business Grant, offered by CitizensNYC, provides microgrants up to $5,000 to small business owners in New York City. This initiative supports businesses that enhance community life, especially in low-income areas. Eligible applicants must operate for at least two years, have 10 or fewer employees, and demonstrate profitability. By fostering local commerce, this grant encourages businesses to contribute positively to their neighborhoods, strengthening community ties and creating goodwill.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

Trinity Grants: Neighborhood Support: Downtown Fund aims to enhance the emotional well-being of Lower Manhattan's communities. Launched in 2023, this program focuses on holistic support for families facing systemic challenges such as poverty and violence. By funding initiatives that promote education, health, and economic empowerment, the Downtown Fund seeks to alleviate toxic stress and foster resilience among children and families. Grants range from $500 to $10,000, supporting community-driven solutions.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.

The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Grant supports the Armenian community in Armenia and the U.S., focusing on Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. The Foundation prioritizes education, healthcare, arts, and youth development through grants to registered non-profits. Proposals should demonstrate sustainability and community impact, with favorable consideration given to projects that engage local stakeholders and foster collaboration. Applications are accepted year-round, with a maximum funding limit of $10,000 for operational expenses.

The Wright Family Foundation Grant aims to support neighborhood revitalization, job creation, and educational opportunities in Schenectady County, NY. Established in 1997, the foundation focuses on sustainable impact by providing grants of at least $100,000 to eligible organizations. The foundation collaborates with community resources to enhance support for long-term change. Organizations must be tax-exempt and serve the local community effectively to qualify for funding, fostering hope and empowerment for urban youth.

The Bertin Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the foundation's mission of community strengthening and compassion. Grant requests are accepted annually from July 1 to August 31, focusing on program or project support rather than general endowment. The foundation values measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship, and gives preference to organizations with Gold or Platinum status on Candid.

Enhearten Micro Grant supports unseen leaders by providing funding for community-driven projects that embody values of humility, integrity, and love. Grants range from $500 to $1,000 and are awarded after a thorough review process. Enhearten aims to empower these leaders, who often lack access to traditional funding sources, by fostering reparative networks that prioritize equality and justice. This initiative seeks to create opportunities for transformative community engagement and support.