Best Faith-based Grants in New York

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Highmark Corporate Giving is dedicated to enhancing community health and economic resilience across its service areas. With a focus on equitable access to healthcare and support for local organizations, Highmark aims to reduce health disparities and promote well-being. Their initiatives, such as the Bright Blue Futures program, provide funding to impactful community projects, supporting a diverse range of organizations that align with their mission of fostering healthier, more vibrant communities.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Neighborhood Greening Grants, offered by the Syracuse Parks Conservancy, aim to enhance local community spaces through targeted initiatives. Grants of up to $2000 are available for projects led by local residents, promoting stewardship of parks and recreational areas. Eligible applicants include neighborhood associations and community groups that seek to improve quality of life through environmental enhancements. The program encourages volunteer involvement and aims to strengthen community bonds while fostering sustainable practices.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Communities of Color Nonprofit Stabilization Fund Grant aims to enhance the capacity of community-based organizations led by people of color in New York City. Established with $2.5 million from the City Council, this fund supports organizations to address critical needs through various capacity-building projects. Eligible organizations can apply for funding ranging from $35,000 to $45,000 based on their budget size, with a focus on sustainable development and community engagement.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund provides grants focusing on Education, Human Services, and Healthcare initiatives. The fund prioritizes programs with measurable outcomes that aim to alleviate poverty and suffering. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits and align with the fund's mission to create sustainable change. Applications are accepted by invitation only in specific regions, with a rolling deadline. The fund seeks collaborative efforts to maximize impact across its program areas.

The Jeannette F. Schlobach Grant Program provides essential support to nonprofit organizations serving residents of Dutchess County, NY, affected by poverty. It focuses on enhancing economic stability, health, and educational opportunities through effective programs such as case management, housing services, and health access. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and faith-based groups. The grant encourages innovative solutions while supporting existing programs, ensuring a lasting impact on the community.

The Fund for Women of the Southern Tier provides annual grants aimed at helping girls and women achieve economic self-sufficiency through education, health, and life skills programs. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations serving specific counties in New York. The fund prioritizes programs that are open to all and accessible to underserved communities, fostering empowerment and growth while ensuring a fair competitive application process.

The Fund for Women of the Southern Tier grants support programs aimed at empowering girls and women through education and health initiatives. Managed by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, this fund offers competitive grants to eligible non-profits and individuals in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Yates counties. Award amounts can reach up to $2,500, aimed at removing barriers to educational pursuits and enhancing overall community wellness.

Office of Children and Family Services

OCFS is dedicated to improving the integration of services for New York’s children, youth, families and vulnerable populations; to promoting their development; and to protecting them from violence, neglect, abuse and abandonment. The agency provides a system of family support, juvenile justice, youth development, child care and child welfare services that promote the safety and well-being of children and adults. Among the operating principles across all program areas are that services should be developmentally appropriate, family-centered and family-driven, community-based, locally responsive, and evidence and outcome based.

AmeriCorps New York FY 2026 Competitive Funding

On behalf of the New York State Commission on National and Community Service (the Commission), the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) seeks applicants for AmeriCorps New York FY 2026 competitive grant funding.

Application Overview

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges.

AmeriCorps State and National funding is intended to support a wide range of community service initiatives that encourage individuals to engage with others, to address local challenges, and to improve the quality of life in our communities.

An awardee of AmeriCorps funding recruits and enrolls individuals as AmeriCorps members, who may receive a living allowance and other benefits while serving. After successful completion of their service terms, AmeriCorps members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that they can use to pay for higher education expenses or qualified student loans.

AmeriCorps State and National Funding Priorities

For this funding opportunity, AmeriCorps will prioritize consideration from organizations that: Are Faith-Based; Serve Communities; Benefit AmeriCorps Members; Use Evidence

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Putnam County Community Grant

The Community Foundations Community Grant Program is an annual opportunity to provide nonprofits with unrestricted General Operating Support (GOS). GOS grants are flexible and allow funds to support an organization’s ongoing administrative and infrastructure costs and to provide support to maintain existing, effective programs, organizational development and capacity building in Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster Counties.

Funding Focus

Funding will support a broad variety of organizations and programming, including: effective and innovative programs in the areas of human services (food security, mental house, housing), arts and culture, education and youth, health, the environment and civic affairs. Funding will have a focus on benefiting people who are from historically marginalized and under-funded communities or populations based on their race, ethnicity, age, gender/gender identity, socioeconomic status, health status, abilities or geographic location.

General Operating Support grants will provide unrestricted support to the organization but can include specific support such as:

• Planning and/or the direct implementation of the program
• Technology, equipment, or material costs
• Strategic planning, staff/board development and/or succession planning
• Management systems (financial, HR)
• Marketing and communications
• Investments to increase organizational capacity

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Ulster County Community Grant

The Community Foundations Community Grant Program is an annual opportunity to provide nonprofits with unrestricted General Operating Support (GOS). GOS grants are flexible and allow funds to support an organization’s ongoing administrative and infrastructure costs and to provide support to maintain existing, effective programs, organizational development and capacity building in Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster Counties.

Funding Focus

Funding will support a broad variety of organizations and programming, including: effective and innovative programs in the areas of human services (food security, mental house, housing), arts and culture, education and youth, health, the environment and civic affairs. Funding will have a focus on benefiting people who are from historically marginalized and under-funded communities or populations based on their race, ethnicity, age, gender/gender identity, socioeconomic status, health status, abilities or geographic location.

General Operating Support grants will provide unrestricted support to the organization but can include specific support such as:

• Planning and/or the direct implementation of the program
• Technology, equipment, or material costs
• Strategic planning, staff/board development and/or succession planning
• Management systems (financial, HR)
• Marketing and communications
• Investments to increase organizational capacity

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley offers Community Grants to provide unrestricted General Operating Support (GOS) for nonprofits in Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster Counties. These grants, capped at $5,000, focus on supporting organizations that serve historically marginalized communities. Funding can be used for administrative costs, capacity building, and essential program maintenance, addressing needs in areas such as human services, arts, education, health, and civic affairs, promoting community well-being.