Best Grants for Women in New York

New York NCAA Division II schools and multisport conference offices seeking to fund full-time entry-level athletics administration internships for women and ethnic minorities can access this program, which provides US $30,000 plus professional development support. These National Collegiate Athletic Association grants support one academic-year position focused on administration, student-athlete welfare, and diversity initiatives.

New York NCAA Division II colleges and multisport conferences seeking to expand ethnic minority and women’s leadership in athletics administration can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Grants support new full-time mid- to senior-level roles over five years, with responsibilities such as strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare.

NCAA Division II member colleges creating new assistant coaching positions to advance ethnic minority and gender representation can apply for the Coaching Enhancement Grant, including schools in New York. With a mission to support inclusive athletics, the National Collegiate Athletic Association provides US $48,000 over three years toward salary, wages, and benefits for the hired coach.

The Foundation

In 1946, The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation was established by Francis Cardinal Spellman to honor the legacy of Alfred Emanuel Smith, New York’s most renowned Catholic governor and the first Roman Catholic to run for President of the United States on a major party ticket.

Our Grants

The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation grants support family services, education, and healthcare.

We understand that although life can be unfair, an investment in those who are less fortunate can help to level the playing field.

Grant Procedure

Founded in 1946 to honor the memory of renowned New York Governor and champion of the “little people,” Alfred Emanuel Smith, The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation awards annual grants to organizations that bring hope and support to the poor, sick, and underprivileged within the Archdiocese of New York, regardless of race, creed, or color. Selected organizations are well-managed, financially stable, and propose projects that are worthy, purposeful, and clearly targeted. Charitable efforts are directed primarily toward organizations that serve:

Individuals facing physical, developmental, or emotional challenges who can achieve improved health and well-being through specialized medical and therapeutic services. 

Children and youth affected by poverty or other barriers who can reach their full potential through innovative educational programs and learning opportunities. 

Families and children in need of social support or foster care, whose stability, safety, and long-term prospects can be strengthened through targeted, outcome-driven services. 

NCAA Division III conferences and institutions seeking to expand ethnic minority and women’s representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration can apply for this national Strategic Alliance Matching Grant. The National Collegiate Athletic Association funds five-year, full-time administrative positions that cover areas like strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare, including in New York.

Focused on supporting emerging women and non-binary visual artists, A.I.R. Gallery invites New York creatives to apply for its A.I.R. Fellowship Program. This 12-month fellowship offers a first solo exhibition in NYC, professional development workshops, mentorship, studio visits, and a US $3,000 stipend for artists in New York City, adjoining counties, or the Hudson Valley.

NCAA Division III member colleges in New York can receive funding to create new assistant coaching positions that increase ethnic minority and gender representation in any NCAA-sponsored sport. The National Collegiate Athletic Association provides two years of support for salary, wages, and benefits, with institutions required to match the funding to advance diversity for women and minorities in athletics.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with established education or health programs can apply for L B Research and Education Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $75,000 to expand proven work serving underserved populations. New York organizations supporting women and girls through adolescent, post-secondary, vocational education, or mental and physical health access may be especially competitive.

New York City nonprofits that help unemployed or underemployed, low-income women become self-sufficient can apply for the Edward & Ellen Roche Relief Foundation’s grants, awarding US $15,000 - US $25,000 for supportive programs. Organizations serving disadvantaged women and children, especially those offering job training and placement, may be strong candidates for this women-focused funding.

The Katie Cannon Scholarship honors Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, a pioneering figure in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This scholarship aims to empower Presbyterian women of color, clergywomen, and college women by providing financial assistance for leadership development events and educational opportunities. It promotes spiritual growth and mission involvement within the church, ensuring that women are equipped for greater service and leadership roles. This fund is part of the Women's Ministry Fund at the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

Women and girl service organizations supporting domestic violence survivors’ education may be eligible for scholarships helping women return to the workforce, including those in New York. Community Foundation for Southwest Washington offers the YWCA Clark County Chan Barnett Scholarship, awarding US $1,000 - US $4,000 to Washington state residents with YWCA Clark County ties who demonstrate financial need.

Nonprofit organizations in Cayuga and Onondaga Counties, New York can seek funding for women’s health, reproductive justice, and related community initiatives, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000. The Allyn Family Foundation’s Opportunity Fund also supports early childhood development, economic opportunity, and vibrant neighborhood projects that build an equitable, prosperous community.

With a mission to honor women leaders, L'Oreal Paris provides New York women- and girl-serving nonprofits with US $25,000 to advance education, child welfare, community development, and volunteerism initiatives. Organizations selected join the Women of Worth program, gaining mentorship and a national platform to elevate their work across the U.S. and territories.

Mid-career women of color environmental leaders in New York can receive personal support to advance their leadership and impact. Grants from Rachels Network help women and girl services and environmental stewardship advocates across the U.S., including New York, with a US $15,000 personal award plus potential organizational funding and wraparound leadership services.

The Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award is an impactful initiative aimed at supporting mid-career women of color in environmental leadership. This award provides recipients with a personal grant of $15,000 and, if applicable, an organizational grant of $10,000. It also offers essential leadership services and public recognition, fostering a community of empowered women dedicated to creating a healthier and more just world. The award exemplifies Rachel’s Network’s commitment to environmental advocacy and the promotion of women as leaders.

About Us

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Mission & Values

Our vision is for just, equitable and resilient communities.

Our mission is to inspire enduring philanthropy and enable community solutions to improve the quality of life in our region.

We value all people, all partners and our region.

Common Scholarship Application

Achieve your Higher Education Dreams

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

The Springfield Women’s Club Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, aims to support women over 19 from Hampden County pursuing two- or four-year degrees. Eligible students can apply through a single online application that matches them with various scholarships, providing up to $3,000 in financial assistance. This initiative encourages women to further their education while addressing the unique needs of the community.

Women's Education Coalition Grant

This multiyear grant helps women who are unemployed or struggling to support themselves and their families. This scholarship supports tuition, college expenses, and helps build a better future for you and your family. 

This education grant was established by a coalition of four member organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, YWCA Kalamazoo and the former Kalamazoo Network.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution.

This is a multiyear scholarship, meaning that it is eligible to repeat annually up to the degree/program completion.

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 female from Scranton or West Scranton High School who is a resident of Lackawanna County.

The Judith Heavenrich Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of Judith Heavenrich, aims to support single, low-income mothers in Saginaw County as they pursue higher education or vocational training. Judith, a lifelong advocate for education and environmental issues, faced numerous challenges in her life but remained dedicated to her community. This scholarship reflects her spirit and commitment to empowering women to achieve their educational goals, with awards typically ranging from $500 to $4,000.

The BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation offers a $3000 Continuing Education Scholarship to support Maine women pursuing accredited college or training programs. Since 1962, this initiative has empowered women to achieve economic self-sufficiency through educational funding. Eligible applicants must be Maine residents, have completed at least one year of college, and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship is a vital resource for women committed to enhancing their education and career prospects.

The Gretchen Miller Bowker Scholarship, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to women pursuing education in STEM fields. Designed to support tuition, room and board, and related fees, this scholarship aims to empower women in their educational journeys. Eligibility includes demonstrating financial need and enrollment in a qualifying program. With a commitment to building a community of opportunity, this scholarship is a vital resource for aspiring female STEM students.

The McMichael Family Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports women over 21 who are residents of Crown Point, IN. This non-renewable scholarship is designed for college students and adult learners, providing financial assistance to help meet various educational needs. The foundation manages over 80 scholarship funds, tailoring support to the specific criteria set by generous donors, thereby enriching the quality of life in South Lake County.

The Alvin & Kathryn Schmidt Scholarship, managed by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports adult learners, particularly women aged 21 and older returning to education. This non-renewable scholarship emphasizes the importance of education for residents of Crown Point, IN, and aims to enhance their quality of life by providing essential financial assistance. The scholarship committee evaluates applications based on criteria set by generous community donors, ensuring tailored support for individual needs.

The Career Development Grant for Postdoctoral Women awards up to $2,000 to 5-8 eligible postdoctoral women for travel to meetings, laboratory visits, or courses to enhance their research and leadership skills. This grant, offered by the American Society for Microbiology, aims to support women with significant scientific achievements in their professional development while encouraging ongoing engagement with ASM.

The Fund for Women of the Southern Tier Achieve Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc., provides financial assistance to women in Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, and Yates Counties. This grant aims to eliminate barriers to educational pursuits, supporting expenses like textbooks, technical supplies, and tuition fees. By empowering women to continue their education, the fund fosters a spirit of community and opportunity in Upstate New York.

Grassroots Voices, led by Vital Voices Global Partnership Inc, empowers young women aged 18-25 in the U.S. engaged in grassroots justice work. This program offers a unique opportunity to join a supportive cohort, travel to Washington, D.C., and engage with influential women leaders. Participants will enhance their skills and amplify their impact on critical issues like social inequity and reproductive justice, fostering a community of changemakers dedicated to transforming their lives and the world.