Best Wayne County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

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.

The Karen Colina Wilson Foundation Grant supports programs for children, youth, and women, enhancing their health and well-being through education, art, literature, and music. Established in 2006, the foundation aims to make a positive difference in their lives, particularly in Southern and Western Wayne County, Michigan. Grants typically range from $500 to $10,000, often as matching funds, fostering broader fundraising efforts by local nonprofit organizations.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Greater Rochester Health Foundation's Community Event Fund supports health equity initiatives in a nine-county region. Events eligible for funding include health fairs, athletic fundraisers, and educational community gatherings. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can apply for grants up to $5,000. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and funding is limited for events occurring in Q3. Early applications are encouraged to enhance chances of receiving support.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

The Vitality Grants aim to enhance arts and culture in the eight-county region of New York by supporting nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on fostering access to cultural opportunities in underserved communities, ensuring sustainability for local organizations, and celebrating the region’s diverse cultural heritage. With a new grant cycle starting in early 2025 for educational programs, these grants are crucial for enriching the community's cultural landscape.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Fund for Youth Sports Grants, established by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, aims to enhance youth sports and recreation in six counties of New York. Grant requests can range from $5,000 to $25,000, supporting nonprofits and government entities that serve youth. Priority is given to community-engaged programs that align with eight identified strategies to keep youth active. Applications are limited to one per organization and must focus on quality sports experiences.

The Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim Scholarship, provided by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, aims to support aspiring law students from underrepresented backgrounds. This scholarship offers financial assistance along with a 75-hour paid summer internship, helping students gain practical experience in the legal field. Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to pursuing a legal career through a personal statement, addressing how their unique experiences can enrich the profession. The initiative emphasizes inclusivity and access in law education.

The Hanover Insurance Community and AVID Scholarship Program, administered by Scholarship America, aims to support high school seniors from specific areas in Massachusetts and Michigan who plan to pursue higher education. By providing scholarships, this initiative seeks to eliminate financial barriers and promote educational success for underrepresented students. With a focus on equity and accessibility, the program encourages eligible students, particularly those in the AVID program, to further their academic aspirations.

The Mary and Wayne Zanetti Scholarship, established in 2021 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports graduating high school seniors from Jasper County with financial need. This scholarship aims to assist students pursuing post-secondary education at accredited technical, trade, or vocational institutions. It reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing community well-being through educational opportunities, fostering academic success, and empowering local youth to achieve their goals.

The Wayne County Community Endowment Grants aim to enhance the quality of life for residents in Wayne County, focusing on youth and seniors. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with a larger grant available for innovative approaches to food insecurity, housing, and transportation. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving Wayne County, while ineligible projects involve individual residents, debt reduction, and fundraising campaigns.

The Vitality Grants: Arts Education program by the Rochester Area Community Foundation aims to enhance equitable access to arts education for PreK-12 students in the region. By supporting local nonprofit organizations, the grant encourages vibrant arts programming, geographic equity, and increased student engagement. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and those with fiscal sponsors, focusing on overcoming barriers like transportation and childcare to ensure comprehensive participation in arts education initiatives.

The Greater Rochester Health Foundation's Responsive Grants support community-driven initiatives aimed at addressing health inequities. Open to non-profit organizations in a nine-county region, these grants offer funding up to $75,000 for projects that empower communities and tackle systemic health challenges. With a flexible approach, the foundation seeks innovative ideas that enhance health outcomes for historically marginalized groups, including people of color and individuals with disabilities, while fostering collaboration and shared leadership.

Purpose

The Bullis Fund was created from the estate of Jeanette ‘Nettie’ Bullis, an astute businesswoman whose family settled in Macedon in the late 1830s. Grants from income generated by the endowment fund are recommended by a committee of Wayne County representatives to reflect Miss Bullis’ interest in improving the quality of life of residents of Wayne County, especially in the Town of Macedon or within the area served by the Palmyra-Macedon Central School District. Miss Bullis believed strongly in providing a “hand up” not a “hand out.” Therefore, most grants require a matching component.

Funding Criteria

All criteria must be met for a request to be considered. Applications must:

• Show how the project/program provides direct or indirect benefit to residents of southwest Wayne County;
• Indicate how the project/program makes southwest Wayne County significantly better and/or how it has significant community-wide impact;
• Indicate matching or leveraged support from other constituencies.
• Provide evidence of ongoing stability and financial sustainability for the funded projects. How projects will be funded in the future is a key consideration.

Organizations are urged to participate in one of a variety of programs through Causewave Community Partners. These programs are designed to help nonprofit organizations grow their impact and could include: communications, strategic planning, board development, and fundraising support.

The LGBT+ Giving Circle Grant supports organizations that are inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community in the Greater Rochester area. Established in 2011, it aims to enhance community diversity through projects aligned with its mission. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and have a nondiscrimination policy that includes LGBT+ individuals. The grant does not fund special events, fundraising campaigns, or religious activities, ensuring focused support for impactful initiatives.

The Vitality Grants program aims to bolster regional vitality by preserving historical assets and fostering educational initiatives. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply, focusing on projects that create lasting impacts, promote community revitalization, and enhance sustainability. The program prioritizes efforts that engage the community with its rich historical heritage, while ensuring economic development and equity in storytelling and preservation efforts.