Best History Grants in New York

Schools and youth-serving organizations in New York can receive reimbursement for transportation costs to educational field trip sites through this program, supporting environmental education, outdoor recreation, and American history learning. With a mission to connect kids to parks, New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation helps expand access to nature and historic locations statewide.

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.

Nonprofit public charities in New York City improving health, behavioral health, and services for older adults and people with disabilities can seek project funding to advance equitable, patient-focused care and independence. Focus areas include health care access, mental health, environmental health, nutrition, parks and public spaces, and supports for people with special needs, which may benefit history-focused institutions with related community programs.

The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation supports non-profit organizations that align with its mission of aiding those in need, preserving wildlife, and assisting American armed forces and veterans. Grant applications must comply with Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code and the foundation's specific guidelines. However, applications from for-profit organizations, political entities, government bodies, and individuals are not accepted. The foundation aims to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Nonprofit public charities and fiscally sponsored groups serving Westchester County can seek funding for human services, youth development, workforce training, arts, and social justice initiatives that benefit local residents. Focused on community improvement, New York Community Trust invites New York organizations to propose programs that expand opportunity, protect rights, and strengthen Westchester’s nonprofit sector.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities providing education, health services, food access, or affordable housing in New York, especially those serving vulnerable children and families, may be eligible for invitation-only support from the Elizabeth M Pfriem Foundation. Grants prioritize innovative, growth-ready programs, with a primary focus on organizations serving the greater Bridgeport, Connecticut area.

New York City 501(c)(3) social service nonprofits led by and serving communities of color can receive up to US $45,000 for organizational capacity-building projects. Communities of Color Nonprofit Stabilization Fund provides funding for areas like leadership development, evaluation systems, strategy, and new program planning, which may benefit organizations preserving or interpreting community and local history.

Government entities, nonprofit academic institutions, and 501(c)(3) organizations in New York can obtain funding for roadside historic markers commemorating people, places, things, or events from 1683 to 1925. Grants from William G Pomeroy Foundation help New York history organizations document accurate inscriptions using primary sources and install markers that support local heritage tourism and preservation.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations providing arts and arts education programs in New York City’s five boroughs can seek program-specific support to serve children, youth, and the broader public. The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation funds initiatives that integrate the arts into education, especially for underserved PreK–12 students, which may benefit history-focused cultural and educational programming.

Land trusts in New York seeking support for conservation capacity, stewardship, or land protection projects can apply for grants up to US $100,000. Focused on land and habitat conservation, farmland preservation, and environmental stewardship, the Land Trust Alliance program may benefit organizations whose work includes conserving historically significant landscapes or open spaces.

Environmental and clean energy nonprofits in New York and across the U.S. can seek funding to protect drinking water and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Focused on water policy, public water infrastructure, community organizing, and anti-shale gas advocacy, Park Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations using policy, advocacy, organizing, and investigative reporting strategies.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $3 million can access funding for arts, education, social services, and related community programs through the David & Minnie Berk Foundation. Grants up to US $10,000 support small organizations, including those serving youth, elders, people with special needs, or environmental and legal-service initiatives in the greater New York metropolitan area.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits running behavioral health or substance use disorder programs can seek funding to expand treatment, prevention, and early-intervention services. Focused on mental health and addiction, Elevance Health Foundation supports scalable national and local initiatives, which may include projects documenting or addressing historical and social factors affecting community health in New York.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations serving Central New York in New York can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 for education-focused projects, including historic preservation efforts. Focused on education, the John Ben Snow Foundation invites proposals that use preservation, museums, and cultural programs to educate communities and close opportunity gaps.

Nonprofits and grassroots volunteer groups in New York City’s five boroughs can apply for Citizens Committee for New York City microgrants up to US $5,000 to run resident-led, community-building projects. History-focused neighborhood initiatives—such as local heritage, culture, or public-space projects—may be eligible if they improve quality of life and strengthen community engagement.

Focused on history and historic preservation, the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation invites New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits—especially historical societies, museums, and academic institutions—to apply for grants up to US $500,000. Funding supports collections care, historic preservation, education programs, exhibitions, community events, and capacity-building projects that preserve and share Long Island and New York’s societal heritage.

Nonprofit organizations in New York working in education, children’s welfare, medical care or research, or Jewish philanthropic endeavors can apply for the Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation’s invitation-only grants. U.S.-registered organizations may submit a required Preliminary Inquiry online; returning grantees must follow specific mandatory time-off rules before seeking new funding.

Grants from the Bender Family Foundation help New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups fund history, arts, culture, education, and environmental projects, typically up to US $15,000. Organizations in Albany County and within 30 miles of the New York State Capitol, including nearby counties, receive priority consideration for project and capital support.

New York City 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups focused on preserving the city’s built or natural environment can apply for Lily Auchincloss Foundation’s spring Environmental/Preservation grants, offering US $5,000 - US $25,000 for programs or general operations. Organizations working on parks, gardens, waterways, environmental education, advocacy, or preservation may be eligible.

501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in New York City’s Central and South Brooklyn, South Bronx, East and Central Harlem, and Lower East Side can apply for Scherman Foundation’s Arts Program funding to support BIPOC-centered arts, culture, and narrative work. Projects that preserve local cultural heritage and address racial justice may be especially relevant for history-focused organizations.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship working on racial, economic, political, or cultural justice in New York can seek funding to support grassroots organizing, advocacy, and narrative change. Grants from Scherman Foundation help New York groups advance housing and land use justice, workers’ rights, immigrant justice, and related movement-building efforts.

The Emma Barnsley Foundation Grant supports the prevention of cruelty to animals and promotes their care and protection. Established in memory of Emma Barnsley, the foundation provides funding for educational purposes related to veterinary medicine and wildlife studies. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, particularly those in Texas and New York. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with its mission of protecting animals and their environments.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running Food as Medicine programs to improve diet-related health outcomes and food security can apply for funding, including in New York. Focused on nutrition and chronic illness, Elevance Health Foundation invites proposals that expand access to nutritious foods and generate measurable, scalable community health impact across the U.S.

The Jazz Touring Network (JTN) fosters the presentation of jazz across the mid-Atlantic region, supporting both novice and experienced presenters. Through an open and competitive application process, JTN members engage in professional development and collaborate on annual jazz tours. Eligible organizations must be located in specific states and maintain a strong history of presenting touring artists. The JTN prioritizes diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that programming reflects the vibrant landscape of contemporary jazz.

New York and New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least six months of operations can seek funding for programs that advance economic security for low-income Korean and Asian American immigrants, including education, workforce development, and benefits access. New York history-focused organizations may be eligible if their work also supports these communities’ economic stability and related services.

New York City 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups offering free or low-cost arts experiences can seek funding for general operating or program support. Focused on arts access for audiences and artists across the five boroughs, Lily Auchincloss Foundation invites eligible arts and culture nonprofits, including those with art education programs, to apply in its fall cycle.

New York community-focused nonprofits and civic groups can seek funding for arts, education, recreation, environmental, senior, or inclusion programs serving Clarence and Western New York. The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s Daniel C. and Beatrice M. Fisher Fund may support projects that strengthen local history, culture, or community life in the Town of Clarence.