Best Green Infrastructure Grants in New York

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

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.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in New York offering arts or science programming can seek more than US $100,000 to support programs, capital projects, or limited general and endowment needs. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes large, well-established U.S. organizations engaging youth, developing artistic talent, and advancing arts education or STEAM-focused science initiatives that demonstrate measurable, lasting impact.

Green infrastructure project sponsors in New York City can receive more than US $50,000 to retrofit private property roofs with green roofs that manage stormwater runoff. Focused on green infrastructure, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection reimburses eligible projects based on green roof area and soil depth, with a minimum project size of $50,000 and 3,500 square feet.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities supporting education, environment, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment in New York communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities may be eligible for this funding. Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes projects within 30 miles of its manufacturing communities that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near New York that provide basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety can apply for TJX Foundation’s grants; awards support vulnerable children and families. Eligible groups must be within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office and may include green infrastructure elements in community programs.

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.

Public and charter schools starting new PLTW computer science programs and serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can receive US $20,000 for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. Grants from Project Lead The Way help eligible New York schools in specified counties launch and expand computer science offerings over two years.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW Computer Science programs can apply for US $10,000 in funding from Project Lead The Way; awards support participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. New York schools in eligible Burns & McDonnell communities that meet the free/reduced lunch threshold may benefit if located in a listed county.

Public and charter schools starting new PLTW Engineering programs in select New York counties can receive US $40,000 over two years for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs. With a mission to expand STEM pathways, Project Lead The Way supports schools serving at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW Gateway engineering and STEM programs in eligible New York counties can use this grant for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training, with awards of US $10,000. With a mission to expand hands-on STEM learning, Project Lead The Way provides support beginning in the 2027–2028 academic year.

Public and charter middle schools starting new PLTW Gateway STEM programs in eligible New York counties can receive US $20,000 over two years for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. Grants from Project Lead The Way help schools expand hands-on STEM learning while serving at least 40% free and reduced-price lunch students.

Public and charter middle schools running PLTW Gateway in eligible New York counties can use this US $10,000 grant to expand their existing STEM program, add units or class periods, and train additional teachers. Grants from Project Lead The Way also cover PLTW participation fees, required technology, and program equipment for the 2027–2028 school year.

Public and charter elementary schools launching new PLTW Launch STEM programs in eligible New York counties can receive up to US $20,000 for participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. Project Lead The Way, with Burns & McDonnell, supports schools serving at least 40% free/reduced‑price lunch students over two academic years.

New York public and charter elementary schools already offering PLTW Launch and serving at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students can use this US $5,000 grant to expand their STEM curriculum and teacher training. Funding from Project Lead The Way and Burns & McDonnell can cover PLTW fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and core training costs.

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.

Nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in New York’s Capital Region can seek $1,000 to $5,000 for Albany County tourism programs, attractions, events, and related capital projects. Grants from the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region may benefit green infrastructure efforts that enhance tourism destinations and increase overnight stays in Albany County.

New York municipalities, community groups, and other organizations planning green streets, community greening, or urban tree canopy projects can access funding through Chesapeake Bay Trust to support green infrastructure within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Grants up to US $175,000 cover conceptual planning, engineered design, construction, community greening, white papers, and technical planning assistance to reduce stormwater runoff and improve local waters.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

New York 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups advancing BIPOC-led environmental and climate justice, including green infrastructure and resilience projects, may be eligible for this program. Grants from Scherman Foundation help New York climate justice organizations, plus select groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, build grassroots power, equitable mass transit, renewable energy, and other intersectional climate solutions.

New York 501(c)(3) community-based organizations, educational institutions, and coalitions can seek funding for green and blue infrastructure, extreme weather adaptation, and community resilience projects. Con Edison provides support within its New York City and Westchester service area, prioritizing historically marginalized communities and programs tied to climate resilience, social justice, or clean energy and technology careers.

New York green infrastructure and water quality project sponsors can access funding through the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation to implement green stormwater infrastructure, energy efficiency, or water efficiency projects. Competitive Green Innovation Grant Program awards cover a portion of eligible planning, design, and construction costs, requiring a local match and separate applications for each green category.

Municipalities, public authorities, and state agencies in New York can seek $1,000,000 to $10,000,000 for green infrastructure and nature-based stormwater projects that improve water quality and climate resilience. Focused on stormwater management and climate resilience, New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation invites applicants to propose regional or local green infrastructure that benefits disadvantaged communities and mitigates extreme weather impacts.

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.