Best Rochester Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The M&T Charitable Foundation Grants provide essential support to a variety of organizations focused on enhancing community well-being. With a mission rooted in corporate responsibility, the foundation prioritizes partnerships with 501(c)(3) organizations in sectors such as arts, health, education, and human services. By investing in local initiatives, the foundation aims to create healthier communities and improve the quality of life for all stakeholders involved.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

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.

Rodney B. Janes Business, Vocational, or Technical Award

Purpose of Scholarship

This need-based scholarship provides educational assistance to young adult students up to age 30 who are residents of Monroe County, NY; have financial need; and are attending or entering post-secondary business, vocational, or technical schools or programs in Monroe County.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $2,000; award may not exceed cost of tuition/program/course. Award paid in one lump sum.

Donor Information

A former trust established this fund to benefit secondary school students and students pursuing training at business, vocational, or technical schools.

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.

James Francis Harris Memorial Award

Purpose of Scholarship

For a graduating senior residing in the City of Rochester who has shown promise in the study of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $1,000. May be split between two applicants. Minimum award size $500. Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established by the estate of Lena Harris in memory of her son James Francis Harris, a member of the Class of 1951 of John Marshall High School.

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.

STEM Scholars (formally Minority Science) Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

This scholarship is intended to address the unmet financial need of high school graduates from the city of Rochester who plan to attend college and major in science, technology, engineering, or math.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $6,000; paid as $1,500 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.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established in 1994 to provide financial support to minority graduates of the Rochester City School District who plan to study science, particularly environmental science, in college.

The Erie Insurance Giving Network Grant supports organizations focused on community building, safety, and environmental responsibility. Grants under $10,000 can be submitted at any time, while larger requests follow specific deadlines. Priority is given to organizations with community representation in their governing bodies. Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and municipalities. The initiative emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, aligning with ERIE's corporate values.

The JetBlue Foundation is dedicated to enhancing aviation-related education and STEM initiatives, aiming to inspire future aviation leaders. Offering grants up to $50,000, it supports educational organizations that focus on aviation technology, engineering, operations, and maintenance. The foundation prioritizes programs benefiting under-represented communities in aviation, including veterans, women, and diverse groups, ensuring a broader range of voices in the industry.

Susan A. Cowell Scholarship

For academically talented and community-minded high school graduates continuing their education in college, graduate school, or a trade/technical school.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $1,000; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Women's Week Scholarship

To assist women residing in Monroe and Genesee counties who are returning to school after being out of school for a period of time, either to raise a family or because of work.

Number and Size of Awards

• Number of recipients and award amounts vary; maximum $2,500. Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

• Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

The Stickley Scholarship Fund, established by L. & J. G. Stickley, Inc., offers the Aminy I. Audi Scholarship Award. This scholarship supports high school graduates who are children of full-time employees with over two years of service. Recipients must demonstrate financial need, engage in community service, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative underscores the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities and equity in the Central New York region.

The Great Lakes Fisheries Trust offers grants for ecological and biological research aimed at enhancing ecosystem health and sustainable fish populations. These grants support competitive fisheries research, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and stakeholder value. The next funding cycle will open with a request for proposals in late 2026 for the 2027 program year, promoting innovative research and capacity-building efforts within the fisheries sector.

Alec and Barbara Sutherland Scholarship

To assist students from the Middle East attending any college or university within the eight-county area of greater Rochester, NY.

This scholarship is not renewable; however, students may reapply each year they are eligible.

Number and Size of Awards

• One award of up to $2,000; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

• Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund provides grants focusing on Education, Human Services, and Healthcare initiatives. The fund prioritizes programs with measurable outcomes that aim to alleviate poverty and suffering. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits and align with the fund's mission to create sustainable change. Applications are accepted by invitation only in specific regions, with a rolling deadline. The fund seeks collaborative efforts to maximize impact across its program areas.

The Black Giving Collective (BGC) champions Black-led initiatives in the eight-county region of Rochester, New York, addressing systemic disparities within the Black community. Guided by the 2024 State of Black Rochester report, BGC provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, focusing on program support, capacity building, technology, and community engagement. Organizations must have Black leadership or membership to apply, ensuring that funding directly impacts and uplifts the community.

What We Fund

Our founder, Tom Golisano, has deep and personal interest in supporting projects and initiatives that enhance the dignity and independence of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and that build inclusive communities. The Golisano Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people with IDD through transformational investments in organizations working to create inclusive communities where all citizens are valued as productive members of society.

With this in mind, the Foundation has adopted the following areas for funding consideration:

• Holds the principles of social justice in highest regard as demonstrated by agency’s mission, work and proposal; believes people with disabilities are powerful agents of change and that society as a whole benefits when all individuals reach their full potential and become contributing members of their community. 
• Supports throughout the life span and transitions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and caregivers including but not limited to the following areas: Educational support at various stages of development as well as life-long learning opportunities; employment services including supported, career development, vocational and life skills training; year-round preventative health services, fitness activities, physical and emotional wellness; expanded residential options for community living; caregiver respite; recreation; transportation, assistive technology, community awareness and advocacy. 
• Community-wide strategies that can grow best practices and effective programs to transformative scale; are easy to replicate and share broadly with the field. 
• Interdisciplinary and interagency alliances/collaborations/coalitions that bring together the expertise and perspectives of various disciplines including non-traditional human services providers such as businesses, higher education institutions, health systems, and government.
• Initiatives that target individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are underserved, isolated and/or have difficulty accessing services and programs; work to eliminate structural, economic or cultural barriers to services. 
• Person-directed services and planning with individuals and families involved in the selection, implementation and monitoring of one’s supports and services. 
• Applications for programs, capital projects and community planning initiatives related to the field of developmental disabilities will be given consideration.

We are willing and eager to partner with grantees, as appropriate, to achieve thes goals and maximize impact. Therefore the approval of a grant will be followed up with careful monitoring of the project as it unfolds. The devil is in the details, and to give responsibly means remaining involved as the project proceeds. While we rely on competent agency staff, outside consultants, and expert advisors to help us make reasoned decisions on funding and monitor the implementation of funded projects, we believe that the Foundation’s involvement in the details of a project is important to the beneficiary and the community we serve.

The Suzanne H. Lee Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in the Brockport, New York area, focusing on diverse program areas including religious, scientific, educational, health and medical research, and arts and culture. It exclusively funds nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code, and does not accept applications from individuals. This grant aims to enhance community welfare through targeted funding.

The Built to Play Skatepark Grants, funded by the Tony Hawk Foundation, aim to support the creation of free, public skateparks in low-income communities across Southeast Michigan and Western New York. With grants up to $250,000, the program emphasizes community involvement, environmental sustainability, and accessibility. It prioritizes projects designed by experienced contractors that engage local skaters in leadership roles. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering healthy lifestyles and combating childhood obesity through active play.

The Joseph S. Rippey Charitable Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in Rochester, NY, focusing on various program areas including animal welfare, education, and community development. This private foundation funds only nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code. Grant applications are not accepted from individuals, ensuring that support is directed solely toward established charitable entities.

The Out-of-School Time initiative aims to enhance youth readiness for learning by funding innovative programs in Monroe and Ontario counties. With a budget of approximately $1.5 million, the Farash Foundation supports diverse out-of-school activities, addressing the 87% of children's time spent outside school hours. By fostering equitable access and listening to community feedback, this program seeks to create enriching environments where youth can develop skills, connect with mentors, and thrive.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - New York

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

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 Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

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.

Rochester Tooling and Machining (James M. Nieboer) Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

For students enrolled in the advanced manufacturing industry related curricula at an accredited community college, junior college, or technical post-secondary institution within the Finger Lakes region.

Allowed Use of Award

Expenses associated with higher education.

Renewability

This award is not automatically renewable; students may reapply each Fall and Spring semester.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established in 1993 by the Rochester Tooling and Machining Institute, Inc. to encourage students to engage in the metalworking industry.

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.

Edward T. Mulligan, MD Memorial Award

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide a loan repayment award to a University of Rochester or Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) medical school graduate who has matched in a surgical residency in the metro-Rochester area.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may only be used to repay medical school loans held by recognized lending institutions such as federally insured banks and credit unions.

This scholarship is a one-time award and is not renewable.

Donor Information

Edward T. Mulligan, MD was a revered Rochester surgeon whose career was shortened by his untimely death in 1975. The award is endowed by the Mulligan Family.