Best Schenectady County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

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 PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

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 Troy Savings Bank Charitable Foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities through impactful grantmaking. It focuses on programs that foster community development, youth development, and artistic initiatives. The Foundation encourages collaboration among non-profits and governmental bodies to maximize grant effectiveness. It provides support for operating expenses to organizations serving vital community needs, considering requests both under and over $2,500. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized non-profits operating in specific New York counties.

Grants from New York State Department of Health help Schenectady County, New York homelessness and affordable housing providers offer permanent rental subsidies and housing tenancy services for vulnerable homeless Medicaid members. Funding can cover rental assistance, security deposits, furnishings, housing navigation, stability supports, and non-medical services that address social care and life skills needs, following HUD guidelines.

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.

Graduating seniors from Schenectady City School District pursuing STEM degrees can receive up to US $10,000 for higher education through the Schenectady STEM Scholarship. The Schenectady Foundation provides this multi-year support to students in Schenectady County, New York who maintain good academic standing and plan careers in science, math, engineering, or technology.

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.

Graduating high school seniors in Schenectady County, New York who plan to pursue a teaching career can receive up to US $10,000 through the Anna Hudson Erbacher Scholarship. Grants from Schenectady Foundation help cover tuition, room and board, fees, and other college costs, with two new awards made annually based on academics and financial need.

The Iroquois Community Grant Program, established in 2007, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities hosting Iroquois facilities through funding initiatives focused on environmental preservation, passive recreation, historic preservation, and arts and culture. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 and are available to local governments and nonprofit organizations. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate community involvement and alignment with grant objectives, fostering sustainable benefits for the communities served.

The TD Bank Community Sponsorships Program, supported by the TD Charitable Foundation, provides funding for events and activities that positively impact communities from Maine to Florida. This initiative aims to enhance community awareness and foster partnerships among diverse groups, promoting economic development, cultural enrichment, and social responsibility. Organizations can apply for funding to support community-oriented programs, with applications reviewed quarterly. It's essential to submit applications at least 90 days before the event deadlines.

Schenectady County, New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits advancing economic mobility or affordable housing can access funding through Bank Of America Charitable Foundation. The Neighborhood Builders Program offers a two-year leadership development experience plus capacity-building support for organizations focused on income creation, workforce readiness, small business resiliency, or equitable and affordable housing solutions.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The NBRC Catalyst Program aims to stimulate economic growth in northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York by funding innovative projects that address regional economic needs. It supports initiatives like modernizing public services, enhancing transportation infrastructure, and developing workforce programs. By fostering partnerships and leveraging private investments, the program seeks to alleviate economic distress and improve rural vitality, ultimately leading to job creation and sustainable community development.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and eligible government entities can receive up to US $1,000 to fund job-related classes and certification courses for their employees in Schenectady County, New York. With a mission to strengthen community-serving organizations, TD Charitable Foundation supports groups serving low- to moderate-income and historically underserved communities within TD Bank market areas.

The American Marketing Association NY Capital Region Chapter Scholarship supports high school seniors and current college students in the Greater Capital Region pursuing degrees in marketing or related fields. Offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, this scholarship aims to empower local students to achieve their educational goals and contribute to the community. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply through the universal application to access multiple scholarship opportunities.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Schenectady County, New York working in sustainable development, education, entrepreneurship, amateur sports, or community initiatives can seek donations or sponsorships to support their programs and events. Focused on sustainability, Cascades invites projects near its operating regions that promote climate action, circular economy, physical activity, or student and entrepreneurial engagement.

The New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP) is inviting proposals for habitat restoration projects that support wildlife in the Hudson-Raritan Estuary. With $250,000 available, HEP aims to distribute funding through two to four grants for projects lasting one or two years. These initiatives are crucial for enhancing local ecosystems and engaging communities in conservation efforts, as outlined in the Comprehensive Restoration Plan.

The Schenectady Foundation's Emergent Needs & Open Grants program supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing community well-being in Schenectady County. With a focus on equitable access to healthy food, neighborhood revitalization, and emergent needs, the Foundation is investing $2 million in 2025 to catalyze transformative change. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations that serve marginalized populations and demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and impact.

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.

Community-based, peer-run nonprofits and organizations with peer-run programs in Schenectady County, New York can apply to implement an Intensive and Sustained Engagement Team (INSET) to better reach people not engaged by traditional mental health services. New York State Office of Mental Health supports trauma-informed, equitable mental and behavioral health care through awards of US $800,000 for one new INSET site.

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.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Schenectady County, New York can apply for M&T Charitable Foundation grants to support arts and culture, education, health care, human services, and civic affairs programs. Funding is decided locally and requests are accepted year-round, with applications submitted at least eight weeks before a decision is needed.

The Community Foundation provides Schenectady County, New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups with funding for kidney health, prevention, and community wellness initiatives. Eligible organizations must serve residents in the Greater Capital Region and may propose projects in treatment, primary or secondary prevention, health equity, or related support services such as transportation and case management.

Nonprofit organizations or fiscally sponsored groups advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and serving LGBTQIA+ residents in Schenectady County, New York and nearby counties can apply for grants of US $500 - US $2,500. Grants from Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region support specific advocacy projects rather than general operating expenses.