New York Arts Grants

This grant provides financial and technical assistance to local organizations and governments in Syracuse to create and improve affordable housing options for residents.

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is offering grants to libraries within Herkimer and Oneida counties. These grants are specifically designed to support program-related expenses, physical structure updates, or technology upgrades, all with the overarching goal of enhancing the services provided to patrons. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen community resources and improve the quality of life for residents by investing in vital local institutions like libraries. The grants aim to foster more dynamic and accessible library services, directly contributing to community enrichment and educational opportunities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are libraries located in Herkimer and Oneida counties. Indirectly, the patrons of these libraries, including individuals and families seeking educational resources, technological access, and community programs, will also benefit significantly. The impact goals include improving the quality and accessibility of library services, fostering innovation in library programming, and ensuring that libraries can meet the evolving needs of their communities. By supporting these institutions, the foundation seeks to strengthen the educational and cultural infrastructure of the region. The grant program prioritizes new programs or projects that begin no earlier than June 2024, or existing/ongoing programs that incur expenses from June 2024 onwards. Emphasis is placed on projects with identifiable and measurable outcomes and a clear timeline for completion. This focus ensures that the funded initiatives are purposeful, accountable, and designed to achieve tangible results. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in projects that demonstrate a clear potential for positive community impact and sustainable improvement in library services. Applicants can request a maximum of $2,500 in Community Foundation funding. Eligibility is restricted to libraries in Herkimer or Oneida counties that are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, or affiliated with a governmental institution. The expected outcomes include a measurable enhancement in library offerings, improved patron engagement, and modernized facilities or technology. Through this targeted funding, the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties operates on a theory of change that posits that strategic investment in local libraries will directly lead to stronger, more resilient communities with increased access to knowledge and resources.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and municipalities in New York for community arts projects that promote diverse artistic disciplines and engage local audiences.

This grant provides funding to professional artists in Sullivan County to support their creative work and encourage community engagement through public exhibitions or performances.

The NYSCA/GHHN Site Assessment Grant, a collaboration between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN), offers crucial support to museums, historical, and cultural organizations across New York State. This program is designed to facilitate half-day museum site assessments, providing professional expertise to help organizations better care for and exhibit their collections. The grant directly aligns with the broader mission of both NYSCA and GHHN to preserve and promote New York's rich cultural heritage by strengthening the foundational capacity of its cultural institutions. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are chartered nonprofit museums, historical organizations, and other cultural institutions in New York State that own, care for, and exhibit collections to the public. This also includes federal and municipal museums and historic sites upon consultation with the grant administrator. Organizations with budgets under $250,000 are particularly encouraged to apply, indicating a focus on empowering smaller institutions. The grant's impact goal is to enhance the professional care and management of cultural collections across the state, thereby ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of these vital historical assets. The grant prioritizes support for professional services from a Site Assessment consultant who will conduct a half-day site visit, focusing specifically on a collections-related topic. This targeted approach ensures that the assistance is directly applicable and addresses specific needs within the organizations' collections management. There is also a clear focus on organizations that have not previously received funding from this specific site assessment program, aiming to broaden the reach and impact of the grant to a wider range of institutions. This strategy helps distribute resources equitably and strengthens a diverse array of cultural organizations. The expected outcome of the grant is that recipient organizations will benefit from expert guidance, leading to improved collections care practices and enhanced organizational capacity. Measurable results include the completion of funded consultancy work within one year of the grant award date, demonstrating the timely application of professional advice. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly detailed, the program's structure implies that by providing expert site assessments, organizations will gain the knowledge and tools necessary to address collections challenges, leading to stronger, more resilient cultural institutions that can better serve the public. The strategic priority is clearly to invest in the operational and collections-based health of New York's cultural sector.

The Farm and Food Growth Fund (FFGF) administers a portion of New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program. This program, funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) of 2021, aims to enhance, grow, and improve the mid-channel of the food supply chain within New York State. The overarching mission alignment is to expand each state’s middle-chain capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural food products, excluding meat, poultry, cannabis, animal food and forage, fiber, and wild-caught seafood. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are New York State agricultural producers, processors, groups of producers and processors, nonprofit organizations, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals that bring producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or invest in equipment for middle-of-the-supply-chain activities. The impact goals are to increase the supply of New York-sourced food products available in New York and regional markets, benefit multiple producers and markets, and support the development of new value-added products. The program prioritizes infrastructure development to expand business capacity for processing, aggregation, storage, and distribution. Specific focuses include targeting infrastructure projects to the dairy, fruit and vegetable, and organic industries. Another key priority is to create greater market access to intermediaries like food hubs, aggregators, wholesalers, and distributors, with the goal of increasing local food sales to institutions such as schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities. Expected outcomes include expanded processing capacities, modernized equipment and facilities, increased packaging and labeling capabilities, enhanced worker safety, and greater storage space, including cold storage. The program also seeks to develop and install climate-smart equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases water use efficiency, and improves air/water quality. Measurable results would involve an increase in New York-sourced food products in local markets, a greater number of businesses with expanded processing and distribution capacities, and an increase in local food sales to institutions, ultimately strengthening the resilience and efficiency of the state's food supply chain.

The Laura Jane Musser Fund offers grants up to $25,000 for collaborative rural community projects in selected states and counties, prioritizing initiatives that involve diverse community participation, demonstrate local support, and aim for positive change within 18 months.

The Tompkins County Tourism Capital grants aim to foster significant investments in projects that attract visitors, such as theaters, museums, trails, and other major cultural and recreational attractions. The program's mission aligns with enhancing tourism infrastructure and experiences within Tompkins County, New York, thereby supporting the local economy and community development. This grant is provided by Tompkins County, signaling a public sector initiative to strategically invest in the region's tourism assets. The target beneficiaries include nonprofit organizations designated as 501(c)3, municipalities within Tompkins County, and Farmers Markets. The impact goals are to support new construction, renovation, and unique permanent installations that serve or promote tourism. Expected outcomes include the expansion or enhancement of existing facilities and the creation of new visitor-generating attractions, ultimately increasing tourism revenue and engagement in the county. Measurable results would be evidenced by the number and scale of new or renovated facilities, increased visitor numbers to funded projects, and the economic benefits generated. The program prioritizes capital investment projects valued at $75,000 or higher, contributing up to one-third (33%) of eligible costs. These eligible costs encompass land acquisition, building construction and renovation, acquisition of furnishings, equipment, permanent exhibitions, and design services. Additionally, the grant supports feasibility studies that lead to capital investments, including concept-level design, cost estimates, and business or tourism plans for capital projects. The focus is on tangible, long-term improvements that will sustainably promote tourism for a minimum of five years. Supported activities from past projects highlight the breadth of this program, including the Dryden Rail Trail, Stewart Park Inclusive Playground renovation, Discover Cayuga Lake’s charter boat for eco-cruises, Tompkins Center for History and Culture buildout, and visitor amenities for the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. This demonstrates a strategic priority of fostering diverse attractions that cater to various visitor interests, from outdoor recreation to cultural heritage. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in high-quality, sustainable tourism infrastructure and experiences, Tompkins County will attract more visitors, leading to economic growth and a more vibrant community.

The Food for Thought Grant Program, sponsored by the Western New York Foundation, aims to support educational and artistic projects that foster awareness, build knowledge, and cultivate conscious advocates for local and regional food systems. This aligns with the foundation's broader mission to engage artists, educators, community members, and food system stakeholders in creative expression and collaboration to spark social change. The program's core objective is to bring these diverse groups together to highlight the importance of just and sustainable food systems. The program primarily targets organizations interested in submitting projects that use arts and/or education to uplift opportunities or inform on issues related to the food system. The ultimate beneficiaries are the communities within Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming counties in New York, as the program seeks to widen community participation, promote collaboration and dialogue, and engage and empower these communities at large. The impact goals include raising awareness, inspiring action, and creating a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system. The program prioritizes projects designed to foster community participation and dialogue, encouraging creative approaches to food system education. It also focuses on the facilitation and exchange of learnings, insights, and expertise related to the food system to inform the public. Learning agendas are specifically encouraged to share practical knowledge, raise awareness, and inspire action towards building better food systems. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) entities or those with a fiscal sponsor or acting as a pass-through. Expected outcomes include an increase in community engagement with food system issues, enhanced collaboration among various stakeholders, and a more informed public regarding sustainable and equitable food practices. Measurable results could involve the number of projects implemented, the reach of educational and artistic initiatives, and documented shifts in community knowledge and advocacy. The Western New York Foundation’s strategic priorities, as evidenced by this program, lean towards fostering community-led initiatives that utilize innovative methods like arts and education to address critical social and environmental issues, particularly within the context of local food systems. Their theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by empowering local communities and fostering creative dialogue, significant social and systemic changes can be achieved.

The NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant is a collaborative initiative between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN). This program offers financial assistance for treatment procedures aimed at stabilizing and preserving objects held in the collections of museums, historical, and cultural organizations across New York State. The grant's mission is aligned with supporting the arts and cultural heritage by safeguarding significant artifacts and ensuring their longevity for public access and historical record. Additional funding from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation specifically supports projects from Long Island and New York City, further extending the reach and impact of this conservation effort. The grant targets nonprofit organizations, including museums, historical organizations, and other cultural institutions that are incorporated in or registered to do business in New York State and own, care for, and exhibit collections to the public. This includes institutions of all sizes, with encouragement for those with smaller budgets to apply. The impact goal is to aid in the stabilization and preservation of cultural objects, thereby contributing to a more inclusive narrative of New York State's history and diverse cultural expression. The program explicitly prioritizes objects involving historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, such as African American/Caribbean, Latino/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, Native American/Indigenous, LGBTQIA, and people with disabilities, to tell a more inclusive story of the state. The funding priorities of the NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant embrace a wide spectrum of cultural expression and artistic pluralism. Organizations are encouraged to demonstrate a holistic commitment to DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and access). The program believes that the objects chosen for conservation reflect what an organization values, therefore, objects and stories that contribute to a more inclusive narrative of New York State are highly valued. This focus aims to ensure that a broader range of cultural heritage is preserved and made accessible to the public, fostering a richer understanding of the state's diverse past. Expected outcomes include the successful conservation of various 3D objects, such as paintings, works on paper, textiles, furniture, frames, sculpture, historical, ethnographic, and decorative objects. Measurable results will be seen in the number of objects treated, the types of communities represented by the conserved objects, and the adherence to professional conservation standards. The grant also supports related costs such as in-state transportation, insurance for treated works, and treatment costs for integral supports, stands, and mounts. For outdoor sculptures, a description of an existing or planned maintenance program is required, indicating a commitment to long-term preservation. The grant operates under the strategic priority of promoting cultural preservation through professional conservation practices, while also advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access within the cultural heritage sector. The theory of change is that by providing financial support for the conservation of diverse cultural objects, the program will empower New York State's cultural organizations to tell more inclusive narratives, preserve valuable historical artifacts, and make these collections accessible to a wider public. This will ultimately enrich the understanding of New York's cultural landscape and foster greater engagement with its varied histories.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for solar and storage projects that benefit low- to moderate-income households in affordable housing across New York, helping to overcome barriers and promote equitable access to renewable energy.

This grant provides funding to organizations and local governments to develop solar and energy storage projects that benefit low-to-moderate income households and affordable housing providers in New York.

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is soliciting applications from nonprofit partners for programs or projects with clear, measurable outcomes. These initiatives must focus on Education, Health, and/or Sciences and serve residents of any age within Herkimer and/or Oneida counties in New York. The Foundation's mission is to strengthen communities through strategic grantmaking that addresses critical needs and fosters positive change, aligning with the core focus areas of this grant. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries across all age groups in Herkimer and Oneida counties. Impact goals are centered on transmitting knowledge and strengthening skills through educational projects, nurturing and improving physical, mental, and social well-being through health initiatives, and enhancing scientific understanding and objectives through science-focused programs. The Foundation prioritizes outcomes-driven programs that demonstrate a clear path to achieving these positive changes within the communities it serves. Specific focus areas are defined as: Education, encompassing projects that teach knowledge, strengthen skills, or impart trades; Health, covering initiatives that nurture and improve physical, mental, and/or social well-being; and Sciences, including projects that study or enhance scientific objectives such as physical, life, or social sciences. Expected outcomes for all funded programs should be identifiable and measurable, with a definitive timeline for completion or achievement. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, governmental institutions, educational institutions, or faith-based organizations addressing non-religious needs. Projects must begin no earlier than July 2024, and only one submission per organization is considered per funding round. Ineligible activities include those relating to animals and/or the arts, financial assistance to individuals, religious-specific programming, organizational payroll/operational needs, and already incurred expenses. These guidelines reflect the Foundation's strategic commitment to investing in programs that drive tangible, community-wide benefits.

This grant provides funding for middle school students in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties to engage in philanthropy by awarding grants to local nonprofit organizations of their choice.

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) is offering $325 million in grants for clean and drinking water projects. These grants are specifically for selected municipalities with infrastructure projects aimed at protecting public health and/or water quality. The EFC's mission aligns with the critical need to safeguard the state's water resources and ensure the well-being of its residents, directly supporting environmental protection and public health initiatives through strategic infrastructure development. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are municipalities across all counties in New York State. The program prioritizes projects that protect public health and water quality, with additional considerations for median household income, population served, governmental and community support, environmental justice, and project readiness. A key focus is on small, rural, and disadvantaged communities with populations of 3,500 or less, as these areas may qualify for enhanced awards, demonstrating an equitable approach to grant distribution. The program has clear priorities and focuses, specifically addressing clean water projects, drinking water projects, and intermunicipal (IMG) clean and drinking water projects. For clean water projects, awards can be up to $25 million or 25% of net eligible costs, with an enhanced 50% funding for small, rural, and disadvantaged communities. Drinking water projects tackling emerging contaminants (EC) above the State's Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) can receive 70% of net eligible costs with no cap, while other drinking water projects are capped at $5 million or 60% of net eligible costs. IMG projects for cooperating municipalities can receive up to $30 million or 40% of net eligible costs. These differentiated funding structures reflect a strategic prioritization of the most pressing water quality challenges. Expected outcomes include the construction, replacement, or repair of water infrastructure, upgrades to comply with environmental and public health laws, system upgrades to combat emerging contaminants like PFOA, PFOS, and 1,4 dioxane, and improvements to address combined and/or sanitary sewer overflow impacts. Measurable results will be seen in the successful completion of these construction-focused projects, improved water quality, enhanced public health protection, and increased compliance with environmental regulations. The EFC's strategic priority is to invest in tangible infrastructure improvements that yield long-term benefits for New York's communities and environment, operating under the theory of change that targeted financial support for critical water infrastructure will directly lead to a healthier and more sustainable future for the state.

This program supports climate technology innovators in New York State by providing mentorship and resources to help scale hardware solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote decarbonization.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in New York to deliver essential work readiness training for individuals facing employment barriers, helping them develop the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.

This program provides $25,000 awards to New York City-based artist mothers with children under three, helping them cover childcare costs while advancing their artistic careers.

The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF), established in 1986, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of residents in northern Chautauqua. Their focus extends beyond geographic boundaries, aiming to foster a thriving community they proudly call home. Over the years, NCCF has spearheaded numerous projects spanning arts and culture, environment, health and human services, and neighborhood revitalization. NCCF seeks to strategically invest in the community, partnering with nonprofits to address complex issues and seize opportunities for lasting impact. They prioritize proposals that combine passion with thoughtful planning and eagerly await ideas for realizing their vision of a healthy and prosperous community. Their Community Grants Program reviews proposals biannually, in spring and fall. The initial step involves submitting a Letter of Interest, which should include a brief project description aligning with the agency’s mission, anticipated impacts, total project cost, and requested amount. Letters must be two pages or less and submitted electronically by 4:00 p.m. on March 1st or September 1st for consideration. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal, though meeting program priorities and guidelines doesn't guarantee an invitation. In evaluating applications, NCCF prioritizes projects' potential community benefits, organizational capacity, meaningful collaborations, and ability to leverage additional funds or resources. Grant proposals must address identified community needs, benefit the northern Chautauqua area, and be submitted by 501(c)3 organizations or appropriate nonprofits. Historically, grants have ranged from $500 to $15,000, with competitive grants typically averaging $1,500 to $3,000. Multi-year funding may be considered based on program outcomes, but organizations can only have one open grant at a time. Expenses like overhead, fundraising campaigns, and unrelated salaries/stipends are generally not funded. Funding for religious organizations is contingent on community benefit and non-proselytization. NCCF prohibits discrimination in hiring, service provision, or volunteer/vendor selection, supporting inclusivity and diversity. For inquiries, Eileen M. Ardillo, the Program Coordinator, can be reached at 716-366-4892 or [email protected]. NCCF appreciates collaboration and shares the community's vision for a healthy and prosperous future.

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is offering grants between $1000 to $10,000 to tax-exempt organizations in Dutchess County, New York, focusing on arts, culture, and education, particularly those making facilities and events accessible to young people and seniors, with the exclusion of certain expenses like debt reduction, equipment, and fundraising campaigns.