Best Grants for Religious Nonprofits in New York

Religious 501(c)(3) organizations in New York seeking support for religion-based programs, education, medical initiatives, or historic preservation can apply for funding from the FJ Brotherton Charitable Trust. The Trust focuses on U.S.-based charities, especially those assisting needy or disabled populations, primarily across the northeastern to southeastern states.

Religious 501(c)(3) organizations in New York seeking support for faith-based or spiritually oriented work may be eligible for broad program funding, including religion, education, health, human services, and more. Grants from the David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Fund help New York religious and spiritual nonprofits, with a historical preference for Connecticut but eligibility extending across New York and New England.

New York charitable organizations seeking support for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational programming can access funding through the Mary S Mulligan Charitable Trust. One-year grants may benefit faith-based and other nonprofits working on spiritual life, educational access, basic human needs, child protection, or prevention of cruelty to animals in New York.

The Harry Kramer Memorial Fund Grant supports U.S. charitable organizations that assist individuals and institutions in Israel, focusing on welfare, healthcare for the sick and aged, and education in South Florida. Founded by Harry A. Kramer, a successful entrepreneur and veteran, the fund reflects his deep commitment to charitable causes. Organizations must qualify under Section 501(c)(3) and meet specific eligibility criteria to apply for funding, ensuring that aid reaches those in need.

Religious and other 501(c)(3) organizations in New York seeking support for faith-based, educational, health, environmental, or human services programs can apply for funding, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Andrew Burgin Charitable Trust primarily supports Alabama groups but may consider eligible New York religious nonprofits among its broader charitable giving.

Presbyterian women of color, clergywomen, college women, and other women in the U.S., including New York, can receive up to US $3,000 for leadership and spiritual development events or college expenses. The Katie Cannon Scholarship from Presbyterian Mission Agency supports women’s ministry, leadership growth, and service within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Adjunct faculty who are Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumni in eligible humanities or social science fields can receive support to advance their research and scholarship, including religion and theology, while teaching in New York or elsewhere in the U.S. Institute for Citizens & Scholars provides U.S. scholars with up to US $10,000, mentoring, and conference funding to strengthen their path to tenure-track positions.

Doctoral candidates who are Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship alumni in eligible humanities, social science, or physical science fields can receive up to US $30,000 to spend a year completing their dissertation. Grants from Institute for Citizens & Scholars may benefit New York religion and spirituality scholars whose work fits the Mellon Mays disciplines.

U.S. junior faculty in the humanities and humanistic social sciences seeking sabbatical time and research support can receive up to US $35,000 through the Career Enhancement Fellowship, plus travel and publication funding. Institute for Citizens & Scholars prioritizes scholars advancing campus diversity, which may include religion and spirituality programs at New York institutions.

Religious and spiritually focused 501(c)(3) organizations working on faith-based programs, poverty relief, education, health, or related services may be eligible for funding in the Southern U.S. Focused on relieving hardship, Robinson Foundation invites established charities active for over three years to apply for single-year program support that creates tangible, meaningful impact for children, families, veterans, and vulnerable communities.

New York congregations operating historic houses of worship and planning major capital preservation projects can access funding through Partners for Sacred Places, with awards ranging from US $50,000 - US $500,000. This national program supports community-serving, historically significant sacred places with matching grants plus training, technical assistance, and planning support.

Religious nonprofits and faith-based organizations in New York can seek funding for religion, arts, or education projects that fit this national program’s priorities. Focused on innovative or demonstration efforts, the Chisholm Foundation invites applications twice yearly and encourages projects that can attract matching or challenge gifts for continued support.

Media professionals and organizations creating secular content on religious issues, values, or themes, including those based in New York, can apply for the Wilbur Awards recognizing excellence in religion communication. Grants from Religion Communicators Council honor work in audio, audiovisual, images, and written formats that presents faith-related topics with professionalism, fairness, respect, and honesty.

Religious nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations in or beyond New York can seek US $1,000 - US $200,000 to support churches, youth groups, education, and charitable programs. With a mission to advance human welfare, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation prioritizes groups in Chautauqua County, including churches and community organizations in Jamestown.

501(c)(3) and religious organizations in New York can seek funding for religious, educational, scientific, public safety, basic human needs, scholarship, library, or youth services programs through the Carnahan-Jackson Foundation; awards range from US $1,000 - US $150,000. The foundation primarily supports work serving Chautauqua County and requires a written paper application.

501(c)(3) organizations in New York seeking support for education, health care, faith-based work, poverty relief, arts, or environmental initiatives can apply for grants of more than US $5,000. The James J and Joan A Gardner Family Foundation prioritizes projects that reflect its values, use resources wisely, and strengthen family and community life.

New York religious and spiritually focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through the Alma Gibbs Donchian Foundation for programs serving the elderly, special needs education, hearing or learning impairments, and community preservation. Grants up to US $10,000 may benefit faith-based organizations that promote core values and collaborative, pilot initiatives with sustainable funding plans.

Tax-exempt nonprofits in New York working in healthcare, family services, elderly care, suicide prevention, domestic violence, or spiritual wellbeing can seek one-time project support from the Jay L. Smith Family Foundation. Religion and spirituality-focused organizations may be eligible if their programs advance healthcare, strengthen families, or serve disadvantaged people in the U.S.

The Franklin Research Grants support noncommercial research by funding travel to libraries and archives, purchasing research materials, and covering fieldwork or laboratory expenses. With a maximum award of $6,000, these grants are aimed at scholars with a doctorate or equivalent publications, excluding Ph.D. candidates. Grants are taxable, not retroactive, and are not intended for conference attendance or publication costs. The program encourages young scholars and allows reapplications after two years.

About Dia

Mission

Dia Art Foundation is committed to advancing, realizing, and preserving the vision of artists. Dia fulfills its mission by commissioning single artist projects, organizing exhibitions, realizing site-specific installations, and collecting in-depth the work of a focused group of artists of the 1960s and 1970s.

Learning and Engagement Fellowships

Learning and Engagement fellowships at Dia offer emerging artists, educators, and cultural producers exposure to and practice in being both the author and protagonist of their own creative, intellectual, and professional trajectories. Based in Beacon and Chelsea and engaging Dia’s sites across New York, fellowships explore the potential for meaningful learning experiences at the intersection of contemporary art, experimental pedagogy, and community engagement.

Fellowships include mentorship from Dia artists, educators, and staff; a co-created, peer-learning community with monthly, in-person meetings; access to artists, materials, and community spaces; and direct engagement with Dia’s learning and public programs.

Fellowships are offered annually, and participants receive a stipend of $3,000.

Spiritual Pedagogies Fellowship, Dia Beacon and Dia Chelsea, 2026–27

The 2026–27 Spiritual Pedagogies Fellowship draws on the sustained inquiry of artists in Dia’s collection and exhibition history to question the evolving relationship between artistic practice, pedagogy, and spirituality. What does it mean for artists to act as conduits, channel inspiration, and create artworks that invite contemplation, revelation, or transcendence? How have spiritual traditions and spaces shaped the ways that people gather, learn, and make meaning? With a broad understanding of spirituality that encompasses theological, mystical, ritualistic, and embodied practices, fellows will examine how spirituality is entwined with creative and pedagogical pursuits and explore what a rigorous engagement with spirituality might open in our understanding of contemporary art, learning, and culture.

High school seniors and college students in Green or Noble Townships of Noble County pursuing college studies in music, medicine, or religion can apply for the Kichler, Tony and Gertrude Scholarship Fund from Noble County Community Foundation. Awards are US $3,500 as a one-time payment, and students may reapply.

Scholars and advanced doctoral students researching religion and spirituality can receive up to US $10,000 for short-term empirical studies, including travel, research assistance, and data access, with a focus on the U.S. including New York. With a mission to support religion and spirituality research, Social Science Research Council invites projects on innovation and changing religious life.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a student matriculating at a college, university, or business in the year of the scholarship.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Lackawanna County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Luzerne County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

The American Bible Society (ABS) Research Grant invites Christian higher education scholars to explore ways to enhance Bible engagement among young adults aged 18-35. With $50,000 in funding, this grant encourages innovative proposals that promote meaningful interactions with Scripture, evaluate engagement strategies, and cater to diverse Christian traditions. Research teams or individual faculty members with expertise in spiritual formation and discipleship are encouraged to apply, aiming for scalable solutions that positively impact spiritual well-being.

The ACLS Graduate Internships on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future program offers summer opportunities for current PhD students in the humanities and social sciences to engage with organizations addressing the evolving American religious landscape. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders by providing practical experiences that demonstrate the value of doctoral training beyond academia. Supported by the Templeton Religion Trust, the internships encourage collaboration between fellows and community organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of spiritual infrastructures.