Best Saratoga County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

Nonprofit and community groups offering arts education projects in Saratoga County, New York can receive US $1,000 - US $7,500 for hands-on learning programs. Saratoga Arts provides funding for in-school or community-based projects that teach a closed group of learners through at least three separate instructional sessions.

The Chesapeake Bay Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) Grant Program, funded by the EPA and Chesapeake Bay Trust, supports innovative green infrastructure projects enhancing community livability. With funding opportunities ranging from conceptual plans to full project implementation, this program aims to reduce stormwater runoff, improve urban green spaces, and boost local water health within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Eligible locations include parts of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, as well as New York.

The JGS Fellowship for Photography offers a $7,000 cash grant to photography artists residing in New York State, excluding New York City. This competitive fellowship supports five artists engaged in traditional and experimental photography. Funded by The Joy of Giving Something, the fellowship aims to assist artists in creating new works and exhibitions. Eligible applicants must be at least 25 years old and have lived in a qualifying region of New York State for at least 12 months.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The Citizens Charitable Foundation offers grants focused on Workforce Development and Financial Empowerment. Organizations applying must be IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in specific states. The foundation seeks to partner with high-impact nonprofits to create measurable community impact through innovative programs. Funding is directed towards job training, career education, and coaching initiatives, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and volunteerism.

Saratoga County, New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering financial education for low- to moderate-income individuals or small businesses can access funding through Citizens Charitable Foundation to support programmatic work. Eligible organizations must be in Citizens’ service area, complete an eligibility quiz, and demonstrate measurable impact and opportunities for employee volunteer engagement.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Saratoga County, New York can apply for M&T Charitable Foundation’s flexible community grants to support arts and culture, education, health care, human services, and civic affairs. Year-round requests should be submitted at least eight weeks before a funding decision is needed.

The New York State Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program aims to enhance K-12 meal preparation by utilizing fresh local farm products. With a total funding of $50 million over five years, the program will award $5 million to each of the ten regions, encouraging projects that alleviate food insecurity and bolster market opportunities for local producers. This initiative seeks to strengthen the state's food system resiliency while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

The Charles R. Wood Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the Lake George Region, focusing on children, healthcare, and the arts. Established in 1978, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for children and families, improve local healthcare access, and promote the arts. Organizations can apply for various types of grants year-round, with eligibility primarily for 501(c)(3) public charities. The Foundation prioritizes innovative projects that meet community needs.

Nonprofit organizations serving residents of Saratoga County, New York can seek funding for programs that improve quality of life, health, and welfare. Grants from Saratoga Casino Hotel Foundation help local groups address problem gambling and support youth, seniors, recreation, arts, and broader community benefit activities. Operating and labor costs are generally not supported.

Cascades Donations and Sponsorships focuses on building sustainable partnerships in education, entrepreneurship, and amateur sports. They support community organizations, promote healthy lifestyles, and recognize student engagement through grants. Cascades prioritizes projects in its operational regions and encourages initiatives that address climate change and foster inclusivity. Their funding approach is rooted in creating lasting positive impacts and supporting the next generation of leaders while adhering to their values and philosophy.

About NYFA

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit service organization that offers in-person and virtual arts programs, services, and opportunities, tailored to the needs of our creative community.

Our Mission

Established in 1971, the mission of the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is to empower artists in all disciplines, as well as cultural workers, to achieve success on their own terms by providing critical support, resources, and opportunities. NYFA envisions a world where artists thrive in the practice and expression of their creative work, a world that celebrates and supports them. We serve approximately 1M constituents in person and online, annually, through four flagship programs: Learning, Awards & Grants, Fiscal Sponsorship, and Online Resources.

Artist as Entrepreneur Program

An intensive professional development program for artists of all disciplines, ranging from 1 to 3.5 days.

The NYSCA/NYFA Artist as Entrepreneur Program is an intensive professional development opportunity that serves artists and creatives of all disciplines (including visual, literary, and performing arts, among others). This 3.5 day program delves into the fundamental principles of sustainability in the arts, empowering artists with the tools to imagine and pursue success as they define it.

Whether you’re looking for a shift in thinking, strategies for your arts/creative business, or peer networks, this program provides dynamic planning tools for building a blueprint for your creative practice or arts project.

This program is made possible through New York State Council on the Arts, State & Local Partnerships with the support of the Governor’s Office and the New York State Legislature.

NYSCA/NYFA Artist as Entrepreneur Program, Presented by Saratoga Arts

Artists of all disciplines based in Saratoga, Fulton, and Montgomery Counties in New York State are encouraged to apply to participate in this FREE entrepreneurial program to be presented in Saratoga Springs, NY by Saratoga Arts from October 22-25, 2026.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The Polisseni Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in upstate New York by supporting organizations that address community needs in education, human services, and civic improvement. To apply, organizations must submit their IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter and ensure their applications are formatted correctly. All submissions must be made two weeks before the scheduled board meeting for consideration.

The Ellen Lea Paine Memorial Nature Fund Grants, established by the Adirondack Garden Club, aim to provide financial support for initiatives focused on studying, protecting, and enjoying the natural environment of the Adirondack Park. This fund prioritizes assistance for individuals and nonprofit organizations, including educational institutions, committed to conservation efforts and the promotion of native plants and wildlife. Through this grant, the Garden Club fosters ecological awareness and community engagement in environmental preservation.

Hudson River Valley Greenway

Established in 1991, the Hudson River Valley Greenway works to celebrate preserve and enhance the Hudson River Valley through regional planning, natural and cultural resource protection, heritage and environmental education, economic development, and public access.

McHenry Community Planning Grants

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.

In 2025, the program was renamed in honor of Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council Founding Chairman Barnabas McHenry. 

Greenway Communities

Municipalities located within the Greenway Area can become a Greenway Communities. This includes most municipalities in the counties that surround the Hudson River from New York County to Washington and Saratoga Counties.

To become a Greenway Community, a municipality must adopt a resolution committing to HRVG’s resource protection, regional planning, economic development, public access, and education criteria. After the resolution is adopted, municipalities can access funding for municipal and intermunicipal projects.  

Compact Communities

All counties located within the Greenway Area can become Compact Counties. Currently, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, and Dutchess are the only Compact Counties. However, counties as far north as Washington County can join by adopting a Compact Plan - a regional strategy that identifies how a county will integrate Greenway Criteria into its planning work.

To become a Compact Community, a municipality must adopt its county’s plan. After the plan is adopted, municipalities can access higher levels of funding for municipal and intermunicipal projects. 

Compact Community Grant: County Compact Plan Development

The Hudson River Valley Greenway’s Compact Community Grant promotes the economic development of designated Compact Communities while respecting local decision making. Planning projects funded through this program preserve, enhance, and develop the scenic, natural, historic, cultural, and recreational resources in the Hudson River Valley.

A designated Compact Community is a municipality that has formally adopted its County’s Compact Plan, a strategy that identifies how a county will integrate Greenway Criteria into its planning work.

Compact Communities can apply for Compact Community Grants up to $100,000 for county compact plan development. To be considered for a Compact Community Grant, applicants should incorporate the Greenway Criteria. 

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Comprehensive or master planning
• Zoning and subdivision ordinance updates
• Natural resource inventories and protection plans
• Open space inventories and conservation strategies
• Cultural and historic resource planning initiatives
• Waterfront revitalization planning along the Hudson River and its tributaries

Saratoga County, New York nonprofits and schools running environmental, gardening, or conservation programs can access funding through Adirondack Garden Club to support work in the Adirondack region. Eligible projects may promote gardening education, protect native plants and birds, encourage civic planting, or conserve natural resources within the club’s North Country service area.

The Bender Scientific Fund Grant aims to support and promote discovery in medicine, science, and technology within the Capital Region. The fund prioritizes research in life sciences and educational projects that foster ongoing learning. It encourages nonprofit organizations and schools to apply for grants, typically ranging from $1,000 to $12,500 for one-year projects. However, it does not support institutional overhead or funding for salaries without justification. Special considerations are required for projects involving human subjects or hazardous materials.

The KeyBank Foundation offers Community Sponsorships to support local organizations in their fundraising efforts. These sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000 and can fund events or provide general operating support. Applications are accepted from January to October, with a decision made within 90 days. Eligible nonprofits must serve areas where KeyBank operates and adhere to strict ineligibility criteria, including no support for individuals or organizations that discriminate based on various identities.

The Community Foundation Impact Grants support projects that address pressing community needs in the Capital Region of New York. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $15,000 and focus on areas such as homelessness, disabilities, land conservation, and services for new Americans. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations located within the ten-county region. This funding opportunity aims to leverage local expertise to create significant social impact.

Hudson River Valley Greenway

Established in 1991, the Hudson River Valley Greenway works to celebrate preserve and enhance the Hudson River Valley through regional planning, natural and cultural resource protection, heritage and environmental education, economic development, and public access.

McHenry Community Planning Grants

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.

In 2025, the program was renamed in honor of Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council Founding Chairman Barnabas McHenry. 

Greenway Communities

Municipalities located within the Greenway Area can become a Greenway Communities. This includes most municipalities in the counties that surround the Hudson River from New York County to Washington and Saratoga Counties.

To become a Greenway Community, a municipality must adopt a resolution committing to HRVG’s resource protection, regional planning, economic development, public access, and education criteria. After the resolution is adopted, municipalities can access funding for municipal and intermunicipal projects.  

Compact Communities

All counties located within the Greenway Area can become Compact Counties. Currently, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, and Dutchess are the only Compact Counties. However, counties as far north as Washington County can join by adopting a Compact Plan - a regional strategy that identifies how a county will integrate Greenway Criteria into its planning work.

To become a Compact Community, a municipality must adopt its county’s plan. After the plan is adopted, municipalities can access higher levels of funding for municipal and intermunicipal projects. 

Compact Community Grant: County Compact Plan Update

The Hudson River Valley Greenway’s Compact Community Grant promotes the economic development of designated Compact Communities while respecting local decision making. Planning projects funded through this program preserve, enhance, and develop the scenic, natural, historic, cultural, and recreational resources in the Hudson River Valley.

A designated Compact Community is a municipality that has formally adopted its County’s Compact Plan, a strategy that identifies how a county will integrate Greenway Criteria into its planning work.

Compact Communities can apply for Compact Community Grants up to $75,000 for county compact plan updates. To be considered for a Compact Community Grant, applicants should incorporate the Greenway Criteria. 

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Comprehensive or master planning
• Zoning and subdivision ordinance updates
• Natural resource inventories and protection plans
• Open space inventories and conservation strategies
• Cultural and historic resource planning initiatives
• Waterfront revitalization planning along the Hudson River and its tributaries

The Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation has been committed to community support for over 85 years, offering funding and in-kind donations to various organizations. They prioritize 501(c)(3) non-profits that enhance cultural and economic vitality, and provide resources for local events, youth sports, and cultural initiatives. Applications for support are encouraged from organizations that align with their values, emphasizing community improvement and collaboration. For assistance, contact local stores for resources like ticket printing and promotional support.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Computer Science - Program Expansion In Partnership With Lam Research

The Lam Foundation supports schools implementing or expanding a PLTW program in or near several of their U.S. communities. Schools seeking support for PLTW Gateway or PLTW Engineering will receive priority. The Lam Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lam Research, a leading provider of equipment and services to the semiconductor industry.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's expansion of student access to the PLTW Computer Science program. Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Computer Science program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Computer Science course not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Computer Science courses previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Computer Science courses for the 2027-2028 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Computer Science - New Program In Partnership With Lam Research

The Lam Foundation supports schools implementing or expanding a PLTW program in or near several of their U.S. communities. Schools seeking support for PLTW Gateway or PLTW Engineering will receive priority. The Lam Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lam Research, a leading provider of equipment and services to the semiconductor industry.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Computer Science program. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Computer Science course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Computer Science courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

The Joseph and Joan Cullman Conservation Grants, supported by the Northern New York Audubon, focus on funding projects that promote the conservation and enjoyment of birds in Northern New York. This program encourages graduate students, researchers, and environmental organizations to apply, although it is currently on hiatus for 2025. The grants aim to enhance public awareness of bird species and their habitats through research and outreach activities.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored charities carrying out defined programs or projects in Saratoga County, New York can apply for Cloudsplitter Foundation’s Program and Project Support Grants. Funding supports initiatives such as environmental conservation, community development, cultural facilities, recreation, and services for vulnerable residents, covering up to a portion of total project costs.

Nonprofits and community groups planning public arts projects in Saratoga County, New York can seek funding to creatively connect community and art. Grants from Saratoga Arts help Saratoga County, New York arts and culture organizations offer inclusive, high-quality performing or visual arts experiences, with awards ranging from US $1,000 - US $5,000 for accessible, community-focused programming.