Best Saratoga County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

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

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

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: Inter-Municipal Projects

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 $110,000 for inter-municipal projects. 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

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.

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: Municipal Projects

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 $50,000 for municipal projects. 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 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.

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.

Nonprofits and public entities in Saratoga County, New York can seek support for economic and community development projects, including public infrastructure, workforce development, and community revitalization. Northern Border Regional Commission’s Catalyst Program backs initiatives that address economic distress, improve rural vitality, and create jobs across its four-state region, which includes eligible counties in New York.

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. 

Greenway Community Grant: Inter-Municipal Projects

The Hudson River Valley Greenway’s Greenway Community Grant promotes the economic development of designated Greenway 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.

Greenway Communities can apply for Greenway Community Grants up to $45,000 for intermunicipal projects. To be considered for a Greenway 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

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. 

Greenway Community Grant: Municipal Projects

The Hudson River Valley Greenway’s Greenway Community Grant promotes the economic development of designated Greenway 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.

Greenway Communities can apply for Greenway Community Grants up to $20,000 for municipal projects. To be considered for a Greenway 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 Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region

Who We Are

Empowering generous people with meaningful giving opportunities

Since 1968, The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region (CFGCR) has been dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Capital Region. We work with — and for — all our neighbors across the community because together, we are stronger.

 Strategic Partnership Fund

At The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, we know that the most impactful work often happens when we work together. To support this spirit of collaboration, we are proud to launch the Strategic Restructuring & Partnership Fund.

This initiative is specifically designed to support the development and implementation of innovative partnership solutions. Whether your organization is in the early stages of prenegotiation, negotiation, or due diligence or ready to formalize a merger, we are here to provide the support needed to navigate these activities.

The Purpose

By investing in critical "behind-the-scenes" work, including technical assistance, legal and financial analysis and guidance, and change management, the Community Foundation aims to empower nonprofits to move beyond survival and toward a more resilient, sustainable infrastructure to support their missions.

Strategic Partnership Models

The fund provides financial support for a wide spectrum of collaborative efforts, including:

• Exploration & Negotiation: Facilitated dialogue, pre-negotiation, and formal due diligence.
• Structural Integration: Formation of Subsidiary/Parent-Subsidiary models, administrative consolidations, or Management Service Organizations (MSOs).
• Formal Affiliation & Integration: Mergers, acquisitions, and strategic dissolutions.
• Strategic Realignment: Regionalization, downsizing, and organizational restructuring.

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.

Nonprofit organizations or fiscally sponsored groups advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights can seek project funding in Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Rensselaer Counties. Grants from the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region range from US $500 - US $2,500 to support advocacy-focused programs serving local LGBTQIA+ residents.

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.

The NRA Foundation provides funding through its State Fund Grant Program to support local groups focused on shooting sports, education, and community outreach. Grants aim to benefit youth, women, veterans, and law enforcement, requiring applicants to have a valid EIN and meet specific eligibility criteria. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over 60,000 grants totaling more than $473 million, ensuring that funds are used for charitable purposes as defined by the IRS.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The Bender Family Foundation Grant supports arts, culture, education, history, and environment initiatives in New York's Capital Region. Established in 1997, it prioritizes projects within Albany County and offers funding ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Nonprofit organizations, including those under fiscal sponsorship, are eligible to apply. However, grants are not available for individuals or annual fund drives, ensuring support is directed toward impactful community projects.

Food pantries and emergency food providers operated by nonprofits or municipalities in Saratoga County, New York can receive up to US $1,500 for infrastructure improvements and volunteer support. With a mission to improve lives in the Adirondack region, Adirondack Foundation funds equipment, technology, signage, displays, and volunteer training to expand fresh food options.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Saratoga County, New York working on health, community services, education, poverty alleviation, or environmental initiatives can apply for regional grants of more than US $5,000. With a mission to improve quality of life, TD Charitable Foundation prioritizes inclusive programs serving diverse, historically underserved, and low-to-moderate income communities.

The Adirondack Trust Community Fund's Lend-A-Hand Grants support local charities in Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties. With grants up to $3,000, they prioritize projects addressing civil rights, community services, education, and more. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and demonstrate a clear community need. The fund aims to efficiently allocate resources to impactful initiatives, ensuring that local needs are met effectively and sustainably.

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.