Best Faith-based Grants in New York

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs can seek funding to develop or expand their work; awards may benefit faith-based groups in New York. Grants from Creag Foundation help smaller or evolving organizations test new approaches to existing or previously unaddressed social issues.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in New York tackling urgent social or environmental challenges can seek up to US $300,000 in flexible funding plus intensive capacity-building support. With a mission to back scalable solutions, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides organizations in priority regions with capital, strategic guidance, and community to grow their reach.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Faith-based and community organizations in New York working on health, economic stability, or community wellbeing programs can seek support for initiatives that improve quality of life. With a mission to build brighter, healthier futures, Highmark provides funding for efforts like access to care, food and housing security, education access, and neighborhood revitalization.

Faith-based organizations, schools, park associations, and neighborhood groups in Syracuse can receive up to US $2,000 to improve parks, recreation centers, and nearby public spaces. With a mission to protect and enhance local parks, Syracuse Parks Conservancy supports volunteer-led projects like gardens, clean-ups, trail work, and vacant lot restoration that build community leadership and engagement.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on housing, jobs, hunger, arts, or community development can seek sponsorship support through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s regional U.S. program. Faith-based organizations with eligible programs may benefit from funding that supports economic mobility, basic needs, workforce education, neighborhood preservation, the environment, and diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Teams to Promote Aging in Place in OMH Supportive Housing (TPAP) 

Request for Proposals

The purpose of “Teams to Promote Aging in Place in OMH Supportive Housing or TPAP” Geriatric Demonstration Project is to facilitate supportive housing residents aging in place based on their priorities and preferences who are age 55 years and older, as well as residents younger than 55 years living with complex medical conditions that necessitate homecare. Older adults living in OMH supportive housing are at risk of losing community tenure due to emerging unmet care coordination, cross service system navigation, and homecare needs compounded by lack of connection to social determinants of health (SDOH) resources, and community and natural supports. Grant funding will support an enhanced home care rate, provision of at least one paid peer professional, and enhanced care coordination with the local office for aging and community partners that addresses social determinants of health and social engagement needs. OMH supportive housing residents identified as at risk for losing community tenure will be supported by an interdisciplinary care team of (1) an OMH supportive housing case manager, (2) a local office for aging case manager, (3) a homecare professional, and (4) at least one mental health or substance use/gambling peer professional who will collaborate with the residents to identify outstanding service and social needs. This will build a person-centered, holistic plan that is based on the older adult’s priorities and preferences for aging in place. A peer professional in this RFP is defined as a person certified, or provisionally certified, as a mental health Peer Specialist through the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board or a person certified, or provisionally certified, as a substance use/gambling Recovery Peer Advocate through the New York Certification Board. Grantees will also be required to collaborate with community-based organizations across service systems, including mental health, aging, substance use, and gambling harms, that also address social determinants of health and social engagement needs, such as, but not limited to, Social Care Networks, Rural Health Networks, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Older Adult Rural Support Program, Regional Economic Development Councils, or Downtown Revitalization Initiatives. This may include projects focused on community inclusion, the Dwyer Veterans Peer-to-Peer Support Program, club houses, OASAS and OMH recovery centers, older adult centers, faith-based, civic, arts, cultural organizations, etc. To foster sharing of best practices in meeting the holistic needs of OMH supportive housing residents, grantees and their partners will participate in virtual and in-person learning collaboratives that include crossdisciplinary training curriculum consisting of trainings chosen in consultation with the chosen grantees and the Geriatric Interagency Mental Health Substance Use Disorder Planning Council and the Master Plan for Aging advisory groups.

Wrap around funding will be available to provide services and goods not covered through existing reimbursement channels that support aging in place in OMH supportive housing. Examples include, but are not limited to, non-medical transportation, memberships to community groups and/or gyms, continuing education, supplies to support personal interests and hobbies, large print calendars, pill containers, and mobility aids. Wrap-around funding can also be used to provide technological support based on the residents’ needs and preferences. Examples include equipment (laptops, computers, personal devices, and/or internet access), online communities and devices to support engagement (Virtual Senior Centers, GetSetUp, Discover Live interactive virtual tours, animatronic pets, and online support through self-help and peer support groups), and technology literacy classes (for email, video chats with friends, children, grandchildren, etc., banking, patient portals, and education on fraud protection) are additional supports to help people use technology to age in place.

This RFP can be used to expand or enhance existing aging programs in OMH supportive housing or can be used to develop a new program that meets all the program requirements. OMH CR-SROs awarded the “Aging in Place Pilot” grant MH253015 may also apply for this grant for their supportive housing programs.

All types of proposals will be evaluated using the same criteria and applicants must identify the geographic designation they will serve, rural or non-rural. Rural counties in NYS are listed in the table below.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

With a mission to reduce poverty, William G. McGowan Charitable Fund provides New York 501(c)(3) organizations with program or operating support in education, human services, and healthcare. Nonprofits in Monroe, Yates, Steuben, or Ontario Counties may be eligible, including faith-based schools or programs working on achievement gaps, housing stability, food security, or primary healthcare access.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, including faith-based groups, providing poverty-focused services in Dutchess County, New York can seek general operating, program, equipment, or pilot funding to enhance impact. Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley’s Jeannette F. Schlobach Grant Program supports efforts that improve economic stability, health, education, and related services for individuals, families, and their pets, with awards up to US $20,000.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Yates counties in New York can apply for Fund for Women of the Southern Tier’s annual grants to support girls’ and women’s education, health, wellness, career, and life skills programs. Faith-based organizations may be eligible if services are non-religious, open to all, and reach low-income or underserved communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving girls and women in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Yates counties can seek funding for education, health, wellness, career, and life-skills programs. With a mission to help women achieve economic self-sufficiency, Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes provides New York groups with competitive annual grants that may include faith-based applicants meeting its community-access criteria.

New York faith-based and secular community organizations that can host at least 20 AmeriCorps members to run service programs in New York may be eligible for this competitive funding, with awards up to Up to US $25,000. The New York State Division of Child Care Services administers this AmeriCorps New York opportunity supporting community service initiatives and civic engagement.

Faith-based and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in New York working in preservation, education, or wellness can seek the Storytelling Grant to share their community impact through compelling media. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation offers awards of more than US $50,000 to help organizations amplify real-world stories of change across its three charitable pillars.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community quality of life in New York can seek project, operating, or capital support addressing economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief. With a mission to strengthen underserved communities, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding to local, non-discriminatory charities in areas where O'Reilly Auto Parts operates.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit organizations in New York with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors exemplary cross-sector collaboration addressing significant social issues. Faith-based or spiritually rooted nonprofits are eligible if they operate as equal partners in community-building efforts that measurably improve lives and model effective cooperation.

New York State Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services

The New York State Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services stands as a beacon of support and resource for faith-based and nonprofit organizations across the state. With a mission deeply rooted in Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to support and expand these communities, the Office is dedicated to fostering growth, equity, and connectivity.  

At its core, the Office aims to empower Faith and Nonprofit organizations. By providing essential information, facilitating access to state grants, and enhancing organizational capacities, it seeks to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all New Yorkers.  

OFNDS Technical Assistance Request for Application (RFA)

This RFA seeks to award funding that will develop a program to provide free technical assistance to nonprofits across New York State. The program seeks to build organizational capacity, improve nonprofits' ability to maximize funding opportunities, expand programmatic impact, and ensure accountability to fiscal compliance standards necessary to do business with New York State. 

Overview- Proposed Areas for Technical Assistance

The purpose of this grant is to fund qualified nonprofit organizations to administer a no-cost Technical Assistance program for the nonprofit community in New York State. Under this grant, the Technical Assistance provider will assist nonprofit organizations with a presence in the assigned region with fiscal infrastructure planning and development, and organizational compliance required to do business in and with New York State, and resource development. These services will increase the nonprofits’ ability to secure, administer and sustain public funding opportunities for New York State grants, and community initiatives.

The Technical Assistance proposed should be practical and tailored to the needs and realities of smaller organizations with limited staff and resources. Successful applicants are required to provide Technical Assistance in a group setting or to individual organizations, as needed. 

Preference will be given to organizations with three or more years’ experience providing similar services to nonprofit organizations. 

Award Regions

Awards will be granted to qualified nonprofit organizations according to two regions: Region A, Downstate; and Region B, Upstate. 

Region A, Downstate

• New York City (Bronx, Brooklyn, Kings, New York, Queens, and Richmond Counties)
• Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk Counties)
• Westchester County; and
• Rockland County

New York State Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services

The New York State Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services stands as a beacon of support and resource for faith-based and nonprofit organizations across the state. With a mission deeply rooted in Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to support and expand these communities, the Office is dedicated to fostering growth, equity, and connectivity.  

At its core, the Office aims to empower Faith and Nonprofit organizations. By providing essential information, facilitating access to state grants, and enhancing organizational capacities, it seeks to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all New Yorkers.  

OFNDS Technical Assistance Request for Application (RFA)

This RFA seeks to award funding that will develop a program to provide free technical assistance to nonprofits across New York State. The program seeks to build organizational capacity, improve nonprofits' ability to maximize funding opportunities, expand programmatic impact, and ensure accountability to fiscal compliance standards necessary to do business with New York State. 

Overview- Proposed Areas for Technical Assistance

The purpose of this grant is to fund qualified nonprofit organizations to administer a no-cost Technical Assistance program for the nonprofit community in New York State. Under this grant, the Technical Assistance provider will assist nonprofit organizations with a presence in the assigned region with fiscal infrastructure planning and development, and organizational compliance required to do business in and with New York State, and resource development. These services will increase the nonprofits’ ability to secure, administer and sustain public funding opportunities for New York State grants, and community initiatives.

The Technical Assistance proposed should be practical and tailored to the needs and realities of smaller organizations with limited staff and resources. Successful applicants are required to provide Technical Assistance in a group setting or to individual organizations, as needed. 

Preference will be given to organizations with three or more years’ experience providing similar services to nonprofit organizations. 

Award Regions

Awards will be granted to qualified nonprofit organizations according to two regions: Region A, Downstate; and Region B, Upstate. 

Region B, Upstate

• Capital Region (Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington Counties)
• Central NY (Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego)
• Finger Lakes (Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates)
• Mid-Hudson (Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, Ulster)
• Mohawk Valley (Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie)
• North Country (Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence)
• Southern Tier (Broome, Delaware, Chemung, Chenango, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins); and
• Western NY (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara)

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, including faith-based groups serving Putnam County, New York, can apply for Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley’s general operating support grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $20,000 for core administrative costs and capacity-building. Funding may support human services, arts and culture, education and youth, health, environment, or civic affairs, especially for marginalized communities.

Faith-based and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Ulster County, New York can receive general operating support for human services, arts and culture, education and youth, health, environment, and civic programs. Focused on equity, Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley offers US $2,500 - US $20,000 for capacity building, technology, planning, and core operations.

Faith-based and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Dutchess, Putnam, or Ulster County in New York can receive $2,500 - $20,000 in flexible general operating support for core costs and capacity building. Grants from Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley prioritize programs in areas like early childhood education, food security, housing, mental health, and transportation, especially for historically marginalized communities.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.