New York Capacity Building Grants

This funding opportunity is designed to help organizations create or expand clean energy training programs, particularly for individuals from disadvantaged communities and those facing employment barriers.

This funding opportunity provides $1 million to organizations that support employment access and equity for transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals in New York State through training and workforce development programs.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals for the Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund (NEFRF)(formerly known as the New England Forests and Rivers Fund) to restore and sustain healthy rivers, forests and grasslands that provide habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/11/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The program will advance this goal by investing in projects that: Restore the quality and connectivity of stream and riparian habitats with a focus on improving habitat for river herring, Atlantic salmon, brook trout and wood turtles; Improve management of forest blocks to enhance age and structural diversity, resulting in improved forest conditions for native wildlife, with a focus on improving habitat for golden-winged warbler and New England cottontail; and, Promote hayfield management that allows for successful grassland bird breeding, with a specific focus on habitat for bobolink. Approximately $2 million is available this year. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Zoetis Foundation and Sylvamo. Program Priorities  Proposals should strive to contribute to goals detailed in NFWF’s Northeast Watersheds Business Plan (March 2023), and specifically the strategies for Stream and Riparian Habitat, and Upland Forests and Grasslands. (Applicants interested in supporting the priorities for Coastal Habitats in the business plan are encouraged to apply to NFWF’s Long Island Sound Futures Fund and National Coastal Resilience Fund.) Priority implementation strategies for NEFRF funding in 2024 are detailed below. Approximately $625,000 in program funding will be set aside for projects that direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices benefitting select Working Lands for Wildlife target species, especially northeast turtles and golden-winged warblers. Projects should Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. In addition, projects that incorporate outreach to communities, foster community engagement, and pursue collaborative management leading to measurable conservation benefits are encouraged. When possible, projects should be developed through community input and co-design processes and should consider traditional knowledge where relevant. Additionally, projects should engage community-level partners (e.g., municipalities, NGOs, community organizations, community leaders) to help design, implement, and maintain projects to secure maximum benefits for communities, maintenance, and sustainability post-grant award. Grant Period Projects should plan to start no later than six months after the award date and be completed within three years. Geographical Areas  Projects are eligible from throughout the program boundary, which includes all of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, as well as parts of New York. However, within the Long Island Sound and Connecticut River watershed, NEFRF will only consider projects to sustain and restore healthy forests, grasslands and fish passage projects. All other projects should apply to the Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF). Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include U.S. Federal government agencies, businesses, unincorporated individuals and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

The NYSCA/GHHN Site Assessment Grant is an opportunity under the NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Grant Program, a partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN), that will provide support for half-day museum site assessments for museums, historical, and cultural organizations in New York State. Donor Name: Greater Hudson Heritage Network State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant will support professional services for a Site Assessment consultant who will come to their organization for a half-day site visit focusing on a collections-related topic. Funding Information A maximum of $1,000 is available for the site assessment program. Grant Period Funded consultancy work must be completed within one year of the grant award date. Applicant Eligibility Applications will be accepted from chartered nonprofit museums, historical organizations or other cultural institutions either incorporated in or registered to do business in NYS, that own, care for and exhibit collections to the public. GHHN membership is not required. Federal & municipal museums and historic sites must contact the grant administrator to discuss eligibility. Sites owned by state agencies and religious institutions are ineligible. Organizations with budgets under $250,000 are strongly encouraged to apply. Organizations may apply once a year. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who have not received prior funding from this site assessment program. Ineligibility  Grants will not support staff salaries or staff time.  Requests for a site assessment for archival or library materials and collections (i.e., books, ledgers, log books, letters, scrapbooks, newspapers, ephemera, maps, or any item primarily used for informational/research value) will not be supported.  Architectural requests, i.e. engineer’s reports or historic structures reports, will not be supported. For more information, visit Greater Hudson Heritage Network.

READY Community Foundations, part of ARC's READY Appalachia initiative, offers no-cost training to community foundations in Appalachia. Participants will build skills in financial management, fundraising, grantmaking, and strategic planning. Eligible foundations can apply for up to $25,000 in funding to implement capacity-building projects post-training. Applications are due by July 5, 2024.

This funding opportunity supports not-for-profit organizations and local governments in New York to create community gardens that provide fresh food and nutrition education to low-income populations eligible for SNAP benefits.

The Black Equity & Excellence Fund supports community-based projects for the Black community of Central New York that promote and encourage self-sufficiency and improve the physical and economic conditions that affect quality of life. Donor Name: Central New York Community Foundation State: New York County: Madison County (NY), Onondaga County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Foundation encourages dialogue that will strengthen race-related matters and support social and educational growth in the community. Types of Projects Projects must benefit the Black community or build upon the capabilities of your organization. Projects that focus on one of the following interest areas would qualify for a Black Equity & Excellence grant: Black Creatives Black Leadership + Advancement Black LGBTQIA+ Black Mental Wellness Black Legacy + Generational Wealth Black Business Black Maternal Health Black Civic Engagement Black Youth + Students Black Tech Funding Information Project funding levels are as follows: Grassroots Organizations/Businesses with a Fiscal Sponsor: $10k and under Pilot programs or small projects: $11k-$25k Expansion of existing projects: $26k-$55k Large capital projects or renovations: $56k-$75k Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, prospective applicants must meet all of these requirements: Have Black leadership in the senior executive position. Have at least 51% Black membership on their Board or steering committee. Seek to explicitly serve the Black community by targeting any of the focus areas listed below 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, publicly supported organizations such as schools and municipalities, or organizations using a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. The use of a fiscal sponsor from a non-Black organization is permitted. Organizations serving residents of Onondaga or Madison counties. Projects Not Supported The Foundation does not make grants for the following: Annual operating budgets, except when it is “seed” or “bridge” funding Endowments Religious purposes Loans or assistance to individuals Medical or academic research (except where requested by a donor) Activities that occurred before the Community Foundation’s decision date For more information, visit CNYCF.

The Western New York Foundation’s Impact Capacity Assessment Program Core (iCAP Core) is a tailored program designed for emerging and smaller nonprofits, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of capacity building and its influence on both internal and external facets of their organization. Donor Name: Western New York Foundation State: New York County: Allegany County (NY), Cattaraugus County (NY), Chautauqua County (NY), Erie County (NY), Genesee County (NY), Niagara County (NY), Wyoming County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: Effective Organizations (GEO) defines nonprofit effectiveness as “the ability of an organization or a network to fulfill its mission through a blend of sound management, strong governance, and a persistent rededication to assessing and achieving results.  iCAP Core is a 6-month program designed to address the complexities of capacity-related opportunities and challenges for nonprofits. Key elements of the program include: Leadership Focus Executive Director and Board Chair relationships are at the heart of iCAP Core. Through one-on-one consultation and coaching, these positions receive targeted support and guidance to strengthen their leadership skills, strategic thinking, and organizational vision. Board Training Recognizing the pivotal role of an informed and skilled board in organizational success, iCAP Core focuses on board development. Board members engage in sessions to equip them with the knowledge and tools for effective governance, strategic decision-making, and resource mobilization. Comprehensive Organizational Development The program covers various facets of organizational development including leadership structure development, board governance, financial management, fundraising strategies, communications and marketing, evaluation capacity, implement and assess programs, and building information technology systems to support the agency’s needs. Capacity Building Plan The development of a 1 to 2-year organizational capacity-building plan with an action plan that includes goal and progress measurements. This will help inform future foundation investment in organization’s capacity development. Funding Information A $10,000 stipend that can be used to offset administrative expenses during iCAP. Geographical Areas  Organizations applying for grants must be headquartered within the 7 counties of WNY: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming.  Eligibility Criteria  Applicant must be a non-profit organization who has obtained tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Code or a fiscally sponsored organization Applicant must be a food system, arts and culture, or rural organization. Organization must be in operation for at least 2 years with at least $50,000 in annual revenue. For more information, visit Western New York Foundation.

This funding opportunity provides financial and technical assistance to New York municipalities for projects that revitalize waterfront areas, enhance climate resilience, and improve public access and water quality.

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) is offering $325 million in grants for clean and drinking water projects to selected municipalities with infrastructure projects that protect public health and/or water quality. Donor Name: New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: EFC and the NYS Department of Health (DOH) will evaluate all applications based on factors including protection of public health and water quality; median household income; population served; governmental and community support; environmental justice considerations; and the readiness of the project to proceed. WIIA Clean Water Projects An applicant with an eligible clean water project may receive a WIIA grant award as described below: A project, including all phases of the project, may be awarded the lesser of $25 million or 25% of net eligible project costs (total eligible project costs less any third-party grants awarded in respect of the project) Any grants administered through EFC will not be used to calculate net eligible project costs. Projects serving small, rural, and disadvantaged communities with a population of 3,500 or less may qualify for an enhanced WIIA award which will fund 50% of net eligible project costs. If a municipality applies for more than one project during the current round, EFC will prioritize the awards based on the scores of the projects until all the projects have received 25% of net eligible project costs or the $5 million cap per municipality has been reached. If the highest scoring project submitted by the municipality is awarded a grant that exceeds $5 million, the remaining applications will not be eligible for additional grant in the current round. WIIA Drinking Water Projects An applicant with an eligible drinking water project may receive WIIA grant funding as described below: A project addressing an emerging contaminant (EC) above the current State determined Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) may be awarded 70% of net eligible project costs with no cap. All other projects, which include all phases of the project, and including a project that addresses an EC below the State MCL may be awarded the lesser of $5 million or 60% of net eligible project costs. A Municipality may apply for a WIIA grant on more than one project, but each municipality is limited to receiving no more than $5 million per year, unless they have a project(s) that address an EC above the current State determined MCL. IMG Clean Water and Drinking Water Projects Cooperating municipalities with an eligible project may receive an IMG grant award as described below: The lesser of $30 million or 40% of net eligible project costs. A municipality is limited to receiving one IMG grant per year. If a municipality is awarded grant funds totaling more than $10 million for a project the grant(s) will be allocated over multiple years in increments not to exceed $10 million per year. Eligibility Criteria A WIIA grant or IMG grant is available only to a municipality, which is defined to include a county, city, town, village, district corporation, county or town improvement district, school district, Indian nation or tribe recognized by the state or the United States with a reservation wholly or partly within the boundaries of New York State, any public benefit corporation or public authority established pursuant to the laws of New York or any agency of the State that is empowered to construct and operate a water quality infrastructure project. Eligible projects include water quality infrastructure projects at municipally-owned sewage treatment works2 OR municipally-owned public water systems3 for: Construction, replacement, or repair of infrastructure; or Upgrades to comply with environmental and public health laws and regulations related to water quality; System upgrades and innovative pilot technologies to combat one or more EC, such as PFOA, PFOS and 1,4 dioxane; and System upgrades to address combined and/or sanitary sewer overflow impacts from sustained rain events Each WIIA and IMG project must meet the following criteria:  Result in construction for the requested scope; Not be for the construction of infrastructure that exclusively supports residential or commercial development; Must not have issued a Notice to Proceed before October 1, 2022 for construction of the project; Not have completed construction before June 14, 2024; and Include the applicable EFC terms and conditions in all contracts. Each IMG project must meet the following criteria: Serve multiple municipalities; Be a shared drinking water or sewage treatment infrastructure project, such as: More than one municipality jointly undertaking a capital improvement project, Consolidation of intermunicipal facilities, Joint upgrades to shared water quality infrastructure, Regional wastewater or water facilities, or Interconnection of multiple municipal water systems. Have a valid and binding project Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) between at least two cooperating municipalities for the financing and implementation of the IMG project that describes the proposed project, the role of each municipality, and the costs attributable to each municipality; and Designate a “lead municipality” that applies on behalf of all cooperating municipalities. For more information, visit NYSEFC.

The Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC) announces over $17 million in state funds for various programs, including Access to Home, Access to Home for Heroes, Access to Home for Medicaid Members, RESTORE, and the Mobile

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region to support capacity-building projects that enhance governance, diversity, and overall effectiveness in serving their communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small professional theaters in New York State with limited budgets, helping them enhance their operations and compensate artists while promoting inclusivity in the arts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities and non-profit organizations in New York State for planning and zoning projects that promote sustainable development, environmental protection, and affordable housing.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region for innovative projects that improve environmental quality and promote community health, with a focus on engaging at-risk and low-income youth.

The Cullen Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Responsive Grant – Education. Donor Name: Cullen Foundation State: New York County: Erie County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: In Education, they seek applications from organizations offering Supplemental Academic Programs (SAP). All programs should have direct academic outcomes, be evidence-based, and primarily serve economically disadvantaged students. Programs must support students from multiple schools. Types of Support Cullen Foundation has established the following types of support for responsive grants in the education focus area: Program/project support Capital/physical infrastructure Capacity building Funding Information An organization may apply for 1, 2 or 3 years of funding, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per year (for a $300,000 total maximum). Eligibility Criteria Cullen Foundation has the following eligibility criteria for all applicants: The organization is a 501(c)(3) The organization must submit audited or reviewed financials prepared by a CPA for its most recently completed fiscal year. This is Cullen’s requirement and is not related to NYS requirements Erie County is their primary geographic service area. Education applicants not located in Erie County must serve at least 80% Erie County residents No funding received will be used for partisan political activity No funding received will be used for expenses already incurred No funding will overlap with an existing grant from the Cullen Foundation The request must fit within Cullen Foundation’s education focus area (evidence-based programs with direct academic outcomes, serving economically disadvantaged students in grades pre-K through 12); and requests for the following will not be considered: Recreational camps or recreation-based programs Internship programs Education resource rooms and drop-in centers Museum exhibits Professional development programs and services Field trip funds and programs Skills and job training programs Transportation requests Arts education programs Requests from Individual schools Request for programs that serve students from only one school Individual scholarships will not be awarded other than those provided by the Cullen Scholars program. For more information, visit Cullen Foundation.

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is making up to $2 million in State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF) funding available under the Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship Programs (DEPA) Request for Applications (RFA). The purpose of the RFA is to: 1. Provide funding for DEPA programs to support approximately 300 participants; and2. Support entry into NYS Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs for underrepresented populations including women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.NYSDOL is particularly interested in supporting DEPA programs that provide participants with training and exposure to various trades and offer opportunities for entry into RA training programs. Targeted industries include, but are not limited to, Building and Construction, Manufacturing, and Information Technology (IT).Although grantmaking activities will transition from the Grants Gateway to the Statewide Financial System (SFS) on January 16, 2024, applications for this funding opportunity will continue to be accepted through Grants Gateway until the submission deadline date of March 29, 2024.Note: With the transition of grantmaking activities from the Grants Gateway to SFS, prequalification will be unavailable from December 15, 2023 through January 16, 2024. After January 16, 2024, organizations will prequalify in SFS. If an organization is prequalified at the time of the cutover, their prequalification status will move over to SFS. Additional information regarding prequalification can be found at https://grantsmanagement.ny.gov/transition-SFS.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Onondaga and Madison counties to implement innovative projects in areas such as arts, education, health, and the environment, with a focus on community impact and diversity.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public entities for innovative projects that improve the quality of life for residents in Onondaga and Madison counties, focusing on areas such as arts, education, health, and the environment.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, local governments, and public schools in selected states to implement sustainability initiatives, workforce development, and community resilience programs that enhance the quality of life and economic vitality in their communities.