The New York Bar Foundation (TNYBF) is accepting grant applications for the 2026 cycle from nonprofit organizations that deliver legal services within New York State. Applications must be submitted through TNYBF’s online grant application system by midnight on September 30, 2025. Only electronic submissions will be accepted; mailed applications are not considered.
In 2026, the Foundation is prioritizing funding for programs that assist low-income individuals with the essentials of life, emphasizing areas such as housing stability, homelessness prevention, access to education, domestic and family safety, economic empowerment through legal support for small businesses, and legal advocacy for veterans. Additional focus areas include benefit eligibility, consumer debt, elder law, and general civil legal services where unmet needs persist. Grantees are expected to deliver tangible and measurable outcomes that improve access to justice and community well-being.
Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) and have been operational for at least two years. Preference is given to programs that demonstrate broad impact, cost-efficiency, and alignment with the Foundation’s core goals: facilitating civil legal services, improving the justice system, enhancing professional ethics and competence, and increasing public understanding of the law. Grant requests are reviewed with consideration for geographic diversity across New York State and the degree to which services supplement or coordinate with existing offerings.
Applicants are limited to one grant request within a 12-month period unless exceptional circumstances apply. TNYBF typically funds meritorious programs for up to three years but expects organizations to identify or secure additional sources of support to ensure program viability. Law school instructional programs or credit-bearing initiatives are not eligible for funding.
If selected, grantees must comply with reporting and publicity requirements, including acknowledgment of TNYBF support in all related materials and timely communication of program or budget changes. The Foundation prohibits the use of grant funds for lobbying, election-related activities, or voter registration drives. Furthermore, the Foundation reserves the right to withhold or request return of grant funds in cases of non-compliance or changes in tax-exempt status.
For full eligibility details and to apply, organizations should visit www.tnybf.org/grants-scholarships. Questions or requests for clarification may be directed through the Foundation's contact channels.
Demonstrate cost-efficiency, collaboration, and unmet legal needs. Avoid programs offering student credit or compensation.
