Best Grants for Special Education in New York

The Achelis and Bodman Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on grantmaking in New York City and northern New Jersey, addressing critical issues in six program areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Employment, Health, Public Policy, and Youth and Families. Emphasizing support for nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), the Foundation aims to improve local communities through impactful grants while prioritizing accountability and excellence in various sectors.

The Children's Guild Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Western New York that cater to children with special needs. The Foundation, operational for over a century, focuses on funding impactful programs addressing developmental, medical, intellectual, behavioral, and mental health challenges. By forming partnerships and advocating for systemic change, the Foundation aims to enhance the lives of these children and their families, ensuring their needs are met effectively and efficiently.

The CTBF: Eager to Learn Grant Program provides essential support for college test preparation and promotes access to trade schools. Aimed at empowering students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, the program funds organizations that enhance SAT and ACT scores and offer mentorship. Grants, capped at $25,000, focus on equitable opportunities in education, ensuring all students can pursue their optimal paths, whether through college or vocational training.

The Fields Pond Foundation Grant aims to support community-based nature and land conservation initiatives that enhance public access and awareness. Grants typically range from $500 to $25,000, with a focus on projects that involve local residents in conservation efforts. The foundation prioritizes trailmaking, land acquisition, and educational programs, encouraging collaboration among organizations. It seeks to empower communities to connect with their environment while ensuring ecological integrity.

The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation supports projects in the humanities, performing arts, and research libraries, emphasizing excellence in scholarship and creativity. Eligible organizations include U.S. not-for-profits and institutions that enhance the cultural heritage through historical studies, literature, and the arts. The Foundation favors projects that foster collaboration across disciplines, particularly those benefiting European and American history and letters. With a focus on excellence, it aims to broaden access to humanities resources and experiences.

The Grant for Grassroots Exchange: Japan Festivals and Events supports cultural projects promoting understanding of Japan through local festivals and events. Aimed at community-driven initiatives, the grant encourages cross-cultural exchange and global perspectives while providing up to $7,000 in funding. Priority is given to projects reaching underserved communities in the Midwest, Mountain, and South regions, involving new participants in K-12 education, and demonstrating potential for replication in other areas.

The Stella and Charles Guttman Foundation Grant supports programs for low-income infants, toddlers, and preschoolers transitioning to kindergarten, emphasizing quality improvement and service expansion in high-need neighborhoods. The Foundation aims to build a robust network of education, health, and social services for children from birth through college. With an annual grant budget of approximately $2 million, it prioritizes local organizations in New York City while focusing on high-poverty areas and community-driven strategies.

The Healthy Lives Grant Program by The New York Community Trust aims to enhance health services for older adults and individuals with disabilities in New York City. It focuses on creating an equitable healthcare system by supporting projects that improve access to care, reduce health disparities, and empower individuals through skill development. The program prioritizes innovative solutions that foster independence and community engagement, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs.

The NSF Rapid Response Grants support grassroots organizations in New York City and the Hudson Valley that are led by people directly impacted by injustice. These grants enable activists to respond to urgent threats or opportunities, aiming for specific outcomes within three to six months. Emphasizing systemic change, the fund prioritizes organizations that are democratically structured and focus on social justice, particularly those with limited access to traditional funding sources.

The Sills Family Foundation provides grants to nonprofits focused on early childhood education, environmental justice, arts and culture, and support for families in crisis. They prioritize programs benefiting communities affected by the criminal justice system, as well as refugees and asylees. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with an emphasis on systemic change and community-based solutions. The foundation operates primarily in metro New York City and California, accepting applications for one-year grants only.

Trinity Grants: Neighborhood Support: Downtown Fund aims to enhance the emotional well-being of Lower Manhattan's communities. Launched in 2023, this program focuses on holistic support for families facing systemic challenges such as poverty and violence. By funding initiatives that promote education, health, and economic empowerment, the Downtown Fund seeks to alleviate toxic stress and foster resilience among children and families. Grants range from $500 to $10,000, supporting community-driven solutions.

The Frances L. & Edwin L. Cummings Memorial Fund Grant supports organizations in New York City and Northeastern New Jersey focusing on social welfare, education, and health. The Fund prioritizes innovative youth programs and provides funding for new program development, staffing, and capacity building. However, it does not support cultural arts initiatives or programs outside the specified geographic area. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and typically only receive one-year grants.

The Ann and Abe Effron Donor Advised Fund Grants support local nonprofit organizations in Dutchess County, focusing on arts, culture, and education. Grants prioritize projects that enhance accessibility for young people and seniors. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and serve county residents. The foundation promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in community life. Applications are encouraged for projects that align with these values, while grants are not awarded for individual support or fundraising events.

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

Lake Shore Savings Community Reinvestment Grants aim to support local non-profit organizations by funding vital programs and services. With a commitment to 'Putting People First,' the bank prioritizes projects that benefit low to moderate-income populations and demonstrate significant community impact. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and directly serve Chautauqua and Erie Counties. The grant seeks to empower communities through innovative solutions, volunteer participation, and financial education.

The Juliet Lea Hillman Simonds Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations, focusing on education, visual arts, writing, and literature, primarily in Pittsburgh. The grant has a rolling application process, with no deadlines, and also considers limited contributions in other areas such as human services and environmental protection. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and public charities. This foundation does not fund individuals but may support select scholarships.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The David and Minnie Berk Foundation, established in 1961, provides grants to charitable organizations in the arts, education, and social services, focusing on youth, the elderly, and the needy. With a maximum grant of $10,000, they support innovative ideas and pilot programs. Eligible recipients must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in the greater New York metropolitan area, while ineligible organizations include those with budgets exceeding $3,000,000 and individual projects.

NewYork-Presbyterian

NewYork-Presbyterian is one of the nation’s most comprehensive, integrated academic healthcare systems, dedicated to providing the highest quality, most compassionate care and service to patients in the New York metropolitan area, nationally, and around the world. In collaboration with two renowned medical schools, Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian is consistently recognized as a leader in innovative, patient-centered clinical care, research and medical education.

Summer Youth Enrichment Grant

NewYork-Presbyterian is dedicated to partnering with community-based organizations (CBOs) that provide impactful summer programs for youth and adolescents. Through the Summer Youth Enrichment Grant (SYEG), we invest in young people when opportunities for enrichment, a sense of belonging, and access to safe spaces are essential for their growth and well-being.

Grant Overview

SYEG provides grants of up to $50,000 to support summer initiatives that provide engaging, developmentally appropriate, and relevant programming to children and adolescents. The grant supports a wide range of program types, including but not limited to:

• Arts and Creative Expression
• Leadership and Civic Engagement
• Physical Fitness
• Academic Development
• Career and Job Readiness

Special consideration will be given to organizations whose programs primarily serve youth in the following communities: Corona, Crown Heights, Lower East Side, Mount Vernon, Peekskill, Washington Heights & Inwood, White Plains, University Heights.

This grant supports both new and existing programs that will take place during the summer months.

The Robert F. Schumann Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability, education, and the arts. Founded by Robert F. Schumann, an environmentalist, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for both humans and animals. It prioritizes projects that would not have been pursued without its assistance, particularly in ornithology and open space habitats. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt to apply, ensuring a focus on impactful community initiatives.

The Aaron & Rachel Meyer Memorial Foundation, established in 1964, aims to enhance the quality of life for people and animals in New Jersey and New York through charitable support. Focused on healthcare, education, research, and animal welfare, the foundation has funded diverse projects, from medical equipment to community services. By fostering relationships with local organizations, they address the pressing challenges faced by nonprofits in the tri-state area, ensuring a significant impact on the community.

The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has been granting funds for over a century, focusing on impactful initiatives across eight counties in Western New York. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster racial equity, economic mobility, environmental stewardship, and cultural vibrancy. Special funding will support programs for the visually, speech, or hearing impaired, with an emphasis on aligning with the foundation's community goals. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and serve the designated areas.

The Stewart W. and Willma C. Hoyt Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in Broome County, NY, focusing on arts, education, health, and human services. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate a commitment to community needs without duplicating existing efforts. Grants are available for special projects and capital needs, with a preference for those showing potential for ongoing support. Applicants must consult with the Foundation prior to submission, ensuring alignment with its mission.

The Provident Bank Foundation's Empowerment Grant focuses on uplifting marginalized communities by providing flexible funding for initiatives that promote economic self-sufficiency. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 over two years, the program supports organizations in education, human services, and workforce development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate meaningful community impact and align with the Foundation's funding priorities, which include promoting quality education, social safety nets, and career development opportunities.

The Hoffman Foundation Grant supports organizations focused on aiding the blind and conducting medical research to prevent blindness. Established through Helen C. Hoffman's will, the foundation prioritizes charitable, religious, and educational initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) exempt organizations, primarily serving New Jersey and New York. The foundation only accepts applications year-round, with a deadline of June 30 for consideration in the August meeting. Organizations receiving grants for three consecutive years must take a year off before reapplying.

The Gordon J. Barnett Memorial Foundation, established in 1955, supports educational initiatives in Florida, Indiana, New York, and Oklahoma. It prioritizes funding for tax-exempt organizations, including primary schools, universities, and trade schools. The foundation does not fund political campaigns or individuals. Grants are aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and preventing cruelty to children and animals, reflecting the foundation's commitment to charitable and educational purposes.

The Lily Auchincloss Foundation's Fall Cycle Arts Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in New York City by supporting small to mid-size organizations that provide free or low-cost access to arts experiences and professional support for artists. With a focus on inclusivity, the foundation prioritizes organizations that have a proven track record of welcoming diverse audiences and fostering artistic talent. This initiative reflects a commitment to making the arts accessible and enriching for all New Yorkers.