Best Rockland County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Housing for Everyone Grant Competition, part of the 2026 Initiative, aims to support eviction prevention in low-to moderate-income communities. This 20th annual initiative recognizes the destabilizing impact of eviction and displacement on families, which leads to job loss, school disruptions, and health issues. By funding innovative organizations, the competition seeks to provide stability for renters, enabling them to stay in their homes and communities.

Nonprofit and community-based organizations restoring habitats and conserving land in Rockland County, New York can seek US $50,000 - US $100,000 for one- to two-year projects that benefit local wildlife and communities. With a mission to advance estuary restoration, Hudson River Foundation supports work aligned with the Hudson-Raritan Estuary Comprehensive Restoration Plan and similar community-supported plans.

The Make A Difference Fund Grants, established by the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, aim to support nonprofit organizations addressing the social and emotional needs of Veterans in Orange and Sullivan counties. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to organizations with an annual budget of $2 million or less. This initiative, which prioritizes community welfare, seeks to enhance the quality of life for Veterans through impactful programs and services.

The Hudson Valley Animal Shelter Fund, established by Jean Rowe's generous bequest, aims to support nonprofit animal welfare agencies in the Hudson Valley indefinitely. Priority is given to organizations in Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Putnam, Sullivan, and Rockland Counties that focus on rescuing and sheltering animals. Eligible applicants must qualify as 501(c)(3) nonprofits or be fiscally sponsored, and serve residents of Orange and Sullivan counties.

The Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) offers a community grant to support programs enhancing the economic security of low-income Korean Americans. This multi-year grant provides up to $100,000 annually for organizations focused on education, employment, and financial stability. KACF prioritizes partnerships that address the unique challenges faced by Korean Americans, fostering a culture of giving and community engagement to empower individuals and transform lives.

The Dance Advancement Fund, supported by the Howard Gilman Foundation and Ford Foundation, aims to empower dance-making organizations in the NYC area with budgets between $25,000-$250,000. Grants range from $6,000 to $40,000 over two years, fostering artistic growth and professional development from September 2024 to August 2026. Eligible applicants must have at least three years of local dance-making experience, demonstrate a commitment to diversity, and provide proof of 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship.

The Dance Workforce Resilience (DWR) Fund, established by Dance/NYC, provides one-time grants of $1,000 to support freelance dancers in the NYC area. With a total of $324,000 available, this fund aims to assist over 320 dancers who have completed contracted work between January 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026. Eligibility includes being 18 or older and residing in the metropolitan NYC area. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until March 2026.

The Food Access: Bulk Buy Grant Program, managed by Episcopal Charities of the Diocese of New York, provides essential funding for organizations that enhance access to nutritious meals. This rolling application program focuses on negotiating discounted food prices for local feeding programs, ensuring culturally relevant options are available. With a commitment to inclusivity and support for local congregations, the initiative aims to address community needs effectively, especially for those facing food insecurity.

The Citi Foundation's Global Innovation Challenge invites proposals from community organizations worldwide developing innovative employment solutions for low-income youth aged 15 to 24. This initiative aims to enhance youth employability, addressing global unemployment challenges faced by millions. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to support programs such as vocational training, entrepreneurship, and financial education to empower young people. The deadline for application registration is March 4, 2025, at 12 p.m. Eastern Time.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

Public and charter schools in Rockland County, New York serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can receive US $20,000 to launch new PLTW computer science programs. With a mission to expand STEM education, Project Lead The Way provides two-year support for courses, technology, equipment, and PLTW Core Training costs.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW computer science programs in Rockland County, New York can apply for US $10,000 in funding from Project Lead The Way. Grants support participation fees, required computers, equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs for schools serving at least 40% free and reduced-price lunch students in eligible Burns & McDonnell communities.

Supporting Natural & Cultural Resources

The Hudson River Valley Greenway and the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area provide financial support to municipalities and nonprofit organizations that seek to celebrate, preserve, and enhance the region’s natural and cultural resources.

Compact Community Grants

Compact Community Grants provide financial assistance to municipalities in the Hudson River Valley for local and regional planning projects. Become a Compact Community to Access Funding.

The Hudson River Valley Greenway works to celebrate and protect the region’s ecological, scenic, cultural, historic, agricultural, and recreational treasures.  

HRVG’s McHenry Community Planning Grant Program provides financial assistance for local and regional planning projects in the Greenway Area. To be considered for a Greenway Community Grant or a Compact Community Grant, projects must incorporate Greenway Criteria – Natural and Cultural Resource Protection, Regional Planning, Economic Development, Public Access to the Hudson River, Heritage and Environmental Education.  

A variety of projects are eligible to receive financial assistance from HRVG. All applicants must incorporate Greenway Criteria and clearly demonstrate how the requested project will be completed within the grant contract period. 

Projects Categories:

• Community Planning
• Public Participation
• Open Space Protection
• Cultural Resource Protection
• Natural Resource Protection 
• Economic Development
• Scenic Resource Protection 

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

Public and charter middle schools in Rockland County, New York with at least 40% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch can use this US $10,000 grant to expand existing PLTW Gateway STEM programs. With a mission to broaden STEM access, Project Lead The Way provides funding for fees, required equipment, devices, and PLTW Core Training costs.

Rockland County, New York public and charter middle schools serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can access funding through Project Lead The Way to launch new PLTW Gateway STEM programs. This two-year, US $20,000 grant supports participation fees, required technology, equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs for the 2027–2029 school years.

The Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, established in 2004, supports breast cancer initiatives in New York's Hudson Valley. They offer grants for projects focused on breast health education, outreach, and support services. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and educational institutions serving specific counties. Projects must directly address breast cancer issues, while funding excludes capital campaigns and repeated grants for the same program. This initiative aims to enhance community awareness and support for those affected by breast cancer.

The Affinity Legacy Community Grant Program aims to enhance health and well-being in underserved communities through funding for organizations focused on mental health, food insecurity, re-entry for formerly incarcerated individuals, and consumer health education. Eligible groups must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities operating within Affinity's 10-county service area. This initiative reflects a commitment to collaboration and compassion, ensuring vital support for those in need.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) in New York provides essential funding for nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks. It offers financial support for physical and cybersecurity enhancements, helping organizations located outside urban areas to strengthen their security measures. Prequalification in the New York Statewide Financial System is required for applicants. This initiative underscores the commitment of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to enhance community safety and resilience.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations in Rockland County, New York promoting animal welfare can apply for Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley’s Cleopatra Fund grants; awards US $500 - US $2,000 for related programs and services. Priority goes to efforts benefiting cats, dogs, retired circus animals, and retired farm animals across the Hudson Valley counties.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in the greater New York metropolitan area, including Rockland County, New York, can apply for the David & Minnie Berk Foundation’s grants of up to US $10,000 to support arts, education, social services, legal aid, environmental work, and services for seniors or people with special needs. Smaller organizations and new or pilot projects are especially welcome.

Nonprofit and public entities in Rockland County, New York can apply for New York State Department of Environmental Conservation grants of US $10,500 - US $75,000 to support local stewardship planning for the Hudson River Estuary. Funding covers plans, feasibility studies, assessments, inventories, design, permitting, and guidance documents to protect water resources, habitats, and community resilience.

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

The Community Harvest Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, provides essential support to local food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency shelters in Orange, Sullivan, and Rockland counties. Through grants ranging from $500 to $1,500, the Fund empowers community organizations to address hunger and hardship effectively. Applicants must serve the local residents and maintain an annual budget under $1 million. This initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and fostering support networks within the community.

Our Programs

For over 25 years, Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming has been a leader in building a resilient and equitable food system in New York’s Hudson Valley. Through four interconnected strategies, we strengthen our region’s food system while serving as a national model for transformative, regionally-based solutions.

Core Strategies

Our strategic approaches are not standalone efforts, but a dynamic, interwoven framework that collectively advances our vision of a resilient and equitable regional food system. By incorporating all four strategies into every one of our programs, we create comprehensive solutions that amplify our impact across the agricultural landscape.

Hudson Valley Farm Relief Fund

The Glynwood Center for Food and Farming established the Hudson Valley Farm Relief Fund, an emergency initiative to provide critical financial assistance to farms across eleven New York counties that have lost expected USDA funding due to the federal funding freeze. The Fund was a time-limited initiative, and is separate from Glynwood's core programming.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Rockland County, New York with local programs in youth education and empowerment, next-generation storytellers, or community engagement may be eligible for funding that strengthens community impact. The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation, with NBC and Telemundo stations, supports inclusive, locally focused initiatives serving underrepresented communities in designated TV markets.