Best Green Infrastructure Grants in New York

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

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.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Green infrastructure project sponsors in New York City can receive more than US $50,000 to retrofit private property roofs with green roofs that manage stormwater runoff. Focused on green infrastructure, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection reimburses eligible projects based on green roof area and soil depth, with a minimum project size of $50,000 and 3,500 square feet.

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.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities supporting education, environment, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment in New York communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities may be eligible for this funding. Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes projects within 30 miles of its manufacturing communities that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near New York that provide basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety can apply for TJX Foundation’s grants; awards support vulnerable children and families. Eligible groups must be within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office and may include green infrastructure elements in community programs.

Public and charter schools starting new PLTW computer science programs and serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can receive US $20,000 for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. Grants from Project Lead The Way help eligible New York schools in specified counties launch and expand computer science offerings over two years.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW Computer Science programs can apply for US $10,000 in funding from Project Lead The Way; awards support participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. New York schools in eligible Burns & McDonnell communities that meet the free/reduced lunch threshold may benefit if located in a listed county.

Public and charter schools starting new PLTW Engineering programs in select New York counties can receive US $40,000 over two years for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs. With a mission to expand STEM pathways, Project Lead The Way supports schools serving at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW Gateway engineering and STEM programs in eligible New York counties can use this grant for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training, with awards of US $10,000. With a mission to expand hands-on STEM learning, Project Lead The Way provides support beginning in the 2027–2028 academic year.

Public and charter middle schools starting new PLTW Gateway STEM programs in eligible New York counties can receive US $20,000 over two years for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. Grants from Project Lead The Way help schools expand hands-on STEM learning while serving at least 40% free and reduced-price lunch students.

Public and charter middle schools running PLTW Gateway in eligible New York counties can use this US $10,000 grant to expand their existing STEM program, add units or class periods, and train additional teachers. Grants from Project Lead The Way also cover PLTW participation fees, required technology, and program equipment for the 2027–2028 school year.

Public and charter elementary schools launching new PLTW Launch STEM programs in eligible New York counties can receive up to US $20,000 for participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. Project Lead The Way, with Burns & McDonnell, supports schools serving at least 40% free/reduced‑price lunch students over two academic years.

New York public and charter elementary schools already offering PLTW Launch and serving at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students can use this US $5,000 grant to expand their STEM curriculum and teacher training. Funding from Project Lead The Way and Burns & McDonnell can cover PLTW fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and core training costs.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in New York’s Capital Region can seek $1,000 to $5,000 for Albany County tourism programs, attractions, events, and related capital projects. Grants from the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region may benefit green infrastructure efforts that enhance tourism destinations and increase overnight stays in Albany County.

New York municipalities, community groups, and other organizations planning green streets, community greening, or urban tree canopy projects can access funding through Chesapeake Bay Trust to support green infrastructure within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Grants up to US $175,000 cover conceptual planning, engineered design, construction, community greening, white papers, and technical planning assistance to reduce stormwater runoff and improve local waters.

New York 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups advancing BIPOC-led environmental and climate justice, including green infrastructure and resilience projects, may be eligible for this program. Grants from Scherman Foundation help New York climate justice organizations, plus select groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, build grassroots power, equitable mass transit, renewable energy, and other intersectional climate solutions.

New York 501(c)(3) community-based organizations, educational institutions, and coalitions can seek funding for green and blue infrastructure, extreme weather adaptation, and community resilience projects. Con Edison provides support within its New York City and Westchester service area, prioritizing historically marginalized communities and programs tied to climate resilience, social justice, or clean energy and technology careers.

New York green infrastructure and water quality project sponsors can access funding through the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation to implement green stormwater infrastructure, energy efficiency, or water efficiency projects. Competitive Green Innovation Grant Program awards cover a portion of eligible planning, design, and construction costs, requiring a local match and separate applications for each green category.

Municipalities, public authorities, and state agencies in New York can seek $1,000,000 to $10,000,000 for green infrastructure and nature-based stormwater projects that improve water quality and climate resilience. Focused on stormwater management and climate resilience, New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation invites applicants to propose regional or local green infrastructure that benefits disadvantaged communities and mitigates extreme weather impacts.