Best Seneca County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored initiatives in Seneca County, New York and nearby counties that serve and empower the Latino community can apply for US $1,000 - US $5,000 project support. Focused on Latino services and culture, Rochester Area Community Foundation prioritizes groups located in and serving Monroe County’s Latino residents but considers regional applicants.

Animal welfare and wildlife nonprofits in Seneca County, New York can seek project funding for companion animal care and humane education, including adoption, spay/neuter, medical care, and wildlife education programs. Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust supports 501(c)(3) humane societies, rescue groups, spay/neuter clinics, wildlife centers, and related organizations within its designated Great Lakes region.

Grants from the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust help Seneca County, New York nonprofits improve the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can seek project support for adoption and fostering, humane and wildlife education, medical and wellness care, spay/neuter, equipment, and other innovative animal care initiatives.

The MRT Health Homes Supportive Housing Program, funded by the New York State Department of Health, allocates $86,876,000 over five years to support permanent rental subsidies and housing services for vulnerable homeless Medicaid members. This initiative aims to improve access to health services and stable housing through various permissible uses of funds, including rental subsidies, housing navigation services, and support for life skills development.

The Greater Rochester Health Foundation's Community Event Fund supports health equity initiatives in a nine-county region. Events eligible for funding include health fairs, athletic fundraisers, and educational community gatherings. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can apply for grants up to $5,000. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and funding is limited for events occurring in Q3. Early applications are encouraged to enhance chances of receiving support.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

The Greater Rochester Health Foundation's Rapid Response Fund offers urgent, short-term financial relief to nonprofits facing unprecedented funding challenges due to sudden cuts and contract cancellations. This fund aims to support essential services for vulnerable populations by providing bridge funding, covering costs associated with workforce reductions, and facilitating transitions to new service providers. Designed for immediate needs, it helps ensure that nonprofits can maintain their critical operations during this crisis.

Seneca County individuals pursuing graduate study in mental health, behavioral health, or developmental disabilities can access funding through Rochester Area Community Foundation for tuition, books, fees, and other educational costs. Eligible applicants must work or plan to work in these fields in the eight-county Rochester region and may receive approximately US $7,500, with potential to reapply.

Public libraries serving youth in Seneca County, New York and the wider Finger Lakes Library System can seek funding to expand access, reading, and learning programs. With a mission to foster intellectual curiosity, Community Foundation of Tompkins County provides US $500 - US $16,000 to the 33 eligible public libraries in Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga, and Tompkins counties.

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.

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.

Rochester Telecommunications Scholarship

To support local college students interested in the fields of telecommunications and technology who have a strong desire to attain an education and need financial assistance.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $10,000; divided into four annual payments over four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award may be split between two or more recipients and is paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Minimum award $4,000; paid as $1,000 per year for up to four consecutive years.

Allowed Use of Award

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

Seneca County, New York nonprofits providing intensive children’s mental health services can access funding through the New York State Office of Mental Health to operate a Youth Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. Awards will support multidisciplinary, home- and community-based treatment for youth with serious emotional disturbance returning from or at risk of higher-level care.

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 F26AS00083 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants are part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for Fiscal Year 2026. These grants, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support state-level management plans to combat aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes region. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and their designees, with funding awarded through a competitive selection process.

Community-based, peer-run nonprofits and organizations with established peer-run programs in Seneca County, New York can seek funding to operate an Intensive and Sustained Engagement Team (INSET) at one eligible New York location. New York State Office of Mental Health offers about US $800,000 to expand trauma-informed, equitable mental and behavioral health services for under-engaged individuals and their supports.

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.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Seneca County, New York and the surrounding nine-county region can seek multi-year health-focused funding to stabilize and strengthen community-rooted programs. Focused on health equity, Greater Rochester Health Foundation invites proposals for initiatives serving populations experiencing health inequities, with awards of US $25,000 - US $175,000 per year for up to three years.

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 Seneca Foods Foundation Grant supports philanthropic initiatives focused on empowering youth and strengthening communities. Since 1988, it has provided funding for education, community assistance, and internships. The Foundation prioritizes organizations connected to Seneca employees, located near its operational facilities, and those that align with its mission. It requires documented performance results and considers only one request per organization annually, ensuring that grants foster measurable impact within the communities served.

Focused on habitat and ecosystem restoration, eligible entities in Seneca County, New York and other Great Lakes areas can seek NOAA funding to restore degraded fish habitats and support native fish populations. The program offers US $250,000 - US $30,000,000 for projects advancing Great Lakes Restoration Initiative priorities in coastal and freshwater ecosystems.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) organizations providing PreK–12 arts education programming in Seneca County, New York can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Rochester Area Community Foundation help build capacity, support operations, and fund arts programming, support services, and professional development to expand equitable arts access.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and families in Seneca County, New York can seek funding for health, mental health, welfare, and youth services programs. New Car Dealers of WNY Charitable Foundation supports child-focused initiatives across Western New York through restricted grants, with applications reviewed twice per year by its board of trustees.

Graduating high school seniors with profound hearing loss pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree and living in Seneca County, New York may receive US $10,000 for tuition, fees, books, and other college costs. Focused on higher education access, Rochester Area Community Foundation gives preference to applicants with financial need within its eight-county region.

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.