New York Employment Labor and Training Grants

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties to support youth development programs that improve the quality of life in the region.

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 support to nonprofit organizations and healthcare providers in New York to address racial disparities in maternal health for Black New Yorkers and other communities of color through innovative primary and preventive care solutions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers, focusing on enhancing job training, education, employment services, housing stability, and youth development initiatives.

Herkimer County CARES Grant Program in New York is open to registered NYS for-profit legal business entities located within Herkimer County. Eligible activities include supporting businesses in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, agriculture, high technology, research and development, and traditional and innovative small business endeavors. Technical assistance will be provided through the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center at no cost to the applicant. The grant aims to create or retain at least one new full-time equivalent job for low-to-moderate income individuals and allows reimbursement of eligible costs dating back to March 2020. Grant funds can be used for marketing adaption, community safety improvements, workforce development, safety enhancements to facilities, efficiency improvements, and air quality improvements. Previous funding received through COVID-19 reimbursement programs is allowed but cannot be duplicated through this program.

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) is seeking proposals to restore the health and living resources of Long Island Sound (Sound) with approximately $12 million for grants in 2024. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/13/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The program is managed by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS). Major funding is from EPA through the LISS with additional funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Zoetis Foundation. Program Priorities  The LISFF supports efforts to test innovative approaches to conservation, deliver transformative projects and support people and communities who value the Sound and take a role in its future. A road map guiding investments under the LISFF is the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 2020-2024 Update (CCMP). The Long Island Sound Futures Fund invests in projects under three CCMP themes shown below, in CCMP Implementation Actions (IAs) associated with each theme, and in three CCMP cross-cutting principles: resiliency to climate change, long-term sustainability, and environmental justice all defined in the CCMP. The most competitive proposals will be those that incorporate theme(s), IA(s) and one or more cross-cutting principle(s) of the CCMP. CCMP THEME: Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds – Improve water quality by reducing nitrogen pollution, combined sewer overflows, impervious cover, stormwater runoff, and point and nonpoint source loading into Long Island Sound through: Implementation of “shovel-ready” projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention. The most competitive projects will be those that address water quality at a larger or more comprehensive scale such as a neighborhood, waterfront or downtown. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance. Planning activities that set-the-stage for implementation of water quality projects including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permitting. Projects in the Upper Basin states (MA, NH, VT) of the Long Island Sound Watershed must have a specific outcome related to nitrogen/nutrient prevention as a result of project activities through: Implementation of “shovel-ready” projects that result in quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient pollutant prevention with a benefit to Long Island Sound. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance of the site.  Projects must quantify nitrogen/nutrient reductions in metrics. Planning for activities that set-the-stage for implementation of quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient pollutant prevention with a benefit to Long Island Sound including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permits. Projects must document the benefit to downstream Long Island Sound such as by indicating how the project addresses a source of nitrogen/nutrient pollution, project location and how the design of the project and its implementation will effectively reduce downstream pollution loading. CCMP THEME: Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife – 1) enhance or restore coastal habitats to maintain resilience and function and to support populations of fish, birds and wildlife; and 2) sustain the ecological balance of the Sound in a healthy, productive and resilient state for the benefit of people, wildlife and the natural environment. Implementing “shovel-ready” projects habitat restoration and/or nature based or green-gray hybrid resilience projects. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance. Planning that sets-the-stage for implementation of projects including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permits. Fostering diverse, balanced and abundant populations of fish, birds and wildlife. Consider the LISS Habitat Restoration Guidelines to inform development of a proposal. CCMP THEME: Sustainable and Resilient Communities – Support vibrant, informed, and engaged communities that use, appreciate, and help protect and sustain the Sound. Projects providing hands-on conservation experiences will be more competitive. Funding Information With funding of approximately $12 million for projects in 2024, there are multiple funding categories under the LISFF each with a different range of grant funding. Implementation Projects: $50,000 to $1.5 million for projects with particularly high environmental community benefit relative to cost, including: Water quality, habitat restoration, and resilience projects. Projects with the greatest promise to demonstrate, influence, pilot, innovate, and/or provide a proof of concept with the aim of accelerating local and regional water quality improvements, natural resource restoration, coastal resilience, Environmental Justice and/or community and public outreach and engagement. Design/Planning Projects: $50,000 to $500,000 for: Water quality or habitat restoration projects. Watershed plans. Community resilience/sustainability/natural hazard mitigation plans. Project Period Projects must start within six months and be completed within 24 months after notification of grant award. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local government, municipal government, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. For more information, visit NFWF.

The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Support for Organizations provides flexible general operating and programming funding for non-profit organizations. Donor Name: New York State Council on the Arts State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Applications will be evaluated according to the following three criteria:  Creativity Programming reflects a clear artistic / cultural vision that meets organizational mission. Programming which is well designed, distinctive, and relevant. Significant and creative contribution to the field/artists and/or public. Public Service Organization meets priority service to historically underrepresented communities and demonstrates being conscientious in removing barriers.  Organization demonstrates a clear understanding of service area, reinforced by demographic data and geographical context.  Marketing/advertising is inclusive of diverse audiences.  Active and mutual connection with a local or artistic community. Managerial & Financial Staff and board possess skills/experience to lead.  Sound financial management. Best practices in governance. Clear information about artist compensation, if applicable. Funding Information Awards will be between $10,000-$49,500. Eligiblity Criteria Please read through all the following questions to determine if your organization (or fiscally sponsored applicant) is eligible to apply:  Is your organization (or your fiscally sponsored applicant) an LLC? Did your organization (or your fiscally sponsored applicant) have annual expenses of more than $20,000 in your Fiscal Year Ending in 2023 as shown by your organization’s Statement of Activities (Income Statement showing both revenue and expenses)? If your organization offers arts/cultural programming open to the public, is it: A nonprofit organization either incorporated in or registered to do business in New York State, with a location in New York State and recognized as tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code section as a 501 (c) 3; or  State or Federally recognized Native American nation; or  A unit of local or federal government in New York State. If your organization offers arts/cultural programming open to the public, is it:  Not yet incorporated; or  Not recognized as tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code section as a 501(c)3;  A distinct program within a parent organization – such as a public arts entity within a university or other nonprofit organization. For more information, visit NYSCA.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (the “Department”) is pleased to announce the availability of funds for the 2024 Farm- to-School Competitive Grants Program. Donor Name: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/27/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Farm-to-School is the promotion and use of foods produced by New York State farmers in meals served in cafeterias of K-12 schools. Associations between farms and schools through the cafeteria and classroom can enhance the quality of food served. With over 700 school districts in New York State, there is the opportunity to foster relationships among New York State farmers, food hubs, producers, processors, and distributors to benefit school-age children. While serving New York State produced food in school cafeterias may seem simple, developing Farm-to-School connections highlights several challenges, particularly the lack of an established infrastructure or network of stakeholders that includes all the necessary parties: farmers, food service directors, food service contract management companies, food distributors, processors, agricultural organizations, and commodity organizations. Other challenges include: Seasonality: Farmers plan their crops in January, long before schools make purchasing decisions and place bids for products in the summer. In addition, the summer growing season is when schools are not in session. Inconsistent quality, quantity, and sizing: schools require produce to be served in standard units and meet specifications. Processing and packaging: schools require vegetables and fruits to be processed and packaged in standard units. Bidding: sending and reviewing bids from individual farmers can be time-consuming and complex for school procurement and fiscal staff. Delivery/pick up: distribution can be complicated when purchasing from multiple growers. Lack of equipment and skills to store, prepare and serve fresh produce procured for school meals programs. Connecting diverse populations with their culturally appropriate foods. Lack of training and workforce development for culinary staff. The New York State Farm-to-School Competitive Grants Program began in 2015 to increase school’s purchase of New York specialty crops by building relationships between schools and New York farm product suppliers. Secondary goals of the program include increasing agricultural education opportunities for students, improving nutrition and exposing students to new, local, culinary experiences. The objective of Farm to School projects must be to increase the volume and variety of New York State farm products purchased by schools/districts and served in school meal programs. Applicants are encouraged to include other objectives including agricultural and nutrition education gardening activities and relationship building with local agricultural food businesses and farmers. Projects that partner with producers or food processors are strongly encouraged. Applicants may include partners in their project budget as contractors Funding Information A total of $1,500,000 is available for the Farm-to-School Competitive Grants Program. This year, $300,000 will be set aside for first-time recipients. Grant awards may range from $50,000 to $100,000. Applicants may apply for only one grant per funding period. Applicants must apply for $50,000 to $100,000. Project Duration Proposed projects must be completed within two years of the contract start date. Contract term will be 9/1/2024 to 8/31/2026. Eligible Applicants  Eligible applicants include: K-12 School Food Authorities Charter schools Not-for-profit organizations Indian tribal organizations. For more information, visit NYSDAM.

The Scherman Foundation's Core Fund for Strengthening New York Communities focuses on challenging inequities and improving the conditions of New York City communities in need. The grant program supports housing justice, equitable economic development, gender equity, worker rights, immigrant community challenges, sustainable development, and police and carceral system reform. It also provides support for policy reform organizations collaborating with neighborhood-based groups. The Foundation prioritizes general operating support for smaller neighborhood groups and offers project-specific support for larger and policy-focused organizations or collaborative campaigns.

The Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation is accepting applications for its Mini-Grant Program, offering $2,500 grants to organizations in Bronx County, NY, Fresno County, CA, and San Joaquin County, CA, that support youth leadership, citizenship, health, school activities, and community involvement.

This fellowship supports emerging and underrepresented women and non-binary artists in New York City by providing them with the opportunity to develop and exhibit their work, along with access to mentorship and professional development resources.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, and local or tribal governments in New York State to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of specialty crops through research, development, and education initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit organizations and community groups to develop training programs and services that help disadvantaged individuals and transitioning fossil fuel workers build careers in New York's green economy.

The Chautauqua County Tourism Product Development Grant Program, with a deadline of 10/01/2024, offers $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that enhance tourism and recreation opportunities, increase visibility, and promote overnight stays in the county, with a focus on event development, marketing, and attraction enhancement.

The Jeannette F. Schlobach grant program, funded by the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, offers $10,000 to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations in Dutchess, Putnam, or Ulster Counties, New York, that provide services such as case management, housing, education, job training, and health services to residents impacted by poverty, with a focus on historically marginalized and under-funded communities.

The Research and Education Grant program funds projects that result in gains in farmer knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes that are then applied to make measurable on-farm changes leading to greater sustainability. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: The focus on farmer behavior change is a key requirement of this grant program. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $250,000. Grant Period Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligible Applicants Research and Education Grants are open to anyone who works with farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, for-profit business entities (such as private consultants, farmers and veterinary practices), etc. Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

This funding opportunity supports community-based arts projects and the creation of original work by local artists in Westchester and Rockland Counties, focusing on inclusivity and access for underrepresented communities.

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 Rochester Area Community Foundation is seeking applications for its John F. Wegman Fund. Donor Name: Rochester Area Community Foundation State: New York County: Monroe County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Concerns of the elderly, character-building opportunities for youth, and improved labor/management relations through education or other means. Funding Criteria The John F. Wegman Fund has limited resources and looks for opportunities to provide small amounts of money that significantly impact community-based programs. Most awards are one-time grants for specific, participant-driven projects. The grant preference is for agencies, projects, and programs that are: Small scale Start-up Innovative (develop or adapt new strategies) Participant-driven (based on identified needs of beneficiaries) Examples of recent awards: Concerns of the elderly: Funding to support affordable transportation for seniors to health-related appointments. Character-building opportunities for youth: Funding to empower at-risk youth through workplace skill development and educating students in a supportive, multi-sensory learning environment so that they all become successful learners. Improved labor/management relations: Funding the republishing of the book All These Years of Effort, to more accurately portray the history of Rochester’s central labor unions. Funding Information These grants range from $1,500 to $10,000, with a median size of $7,300. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Monroe County, NY.  The John F. Wegman Advisory Committee will consider new requests from previously funded organizations after the final report has been submitted and 18 months have passed since they were last funded. The John F. Wegman Fund does not provide support for: Annual giving campaigns Capital building Fellowships Individuals Operating deficits Political campaigns Religious activities The John F. Wegman Fund gives limited consideration to: Land acquisition Renewable grants Staff training For more information, visit RACF.

The van Ameringen Foundation provides grants exclusively in the five boroughs of New York City and within the city limits of Philadelphia, as well as advocacy support at the national level. Donor Name: van Ameringen Foundation State: New York and Pennsylvania County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Within its broad focus on mental health, the Foundation encourages innovative and practical grant proposals in areas which: increase the accessibility of mental health services to people and communities with limited financial means and opportunities; offer preventive and early-intervention strategies; advocate for systemic change with local or national impact. Types of Grant The van Ameringen Foundation provides general support and project specific grants in two overall categories: Direct Service Grants The Foundation funds programs and projects that provide a direct service, such as case management, assessment, counseling, psychotherapy, psychiatric care, training, or jobs, housing, and other supports to people and communities confronting significant mental illness. Non-Direct Service Grants Advocacy The Foundation funds strategies that seek to create changes in the law, public policy, or in the perceptions and practices of the public and private sectors responsible for improving mental healthcare, particularly in unserved or underserved communities. Media/Dissemination The Foundation funds efforts which seek to share research findings, best practices, and knowledge related to improving the mental health safety net and system. This may be in the form of a publication, training, or media project using traditional or new forms of communication. Training The Foundation funds activities that provide learning and skill-building opportunities for mental health providers, advocates, people living with mental illness, policymakers, and family or community members who are seeking to deepen their understanding, knowledge, treatment, or social change efforts. Funding Information Direct Service Grants Duration: Up to three years Between $25,000 – $75,000 annually Non-Direct Service Grants Duration: Up to three years Advocacy Grant Size: Up to $250,000 annually Media/Dissemination & Training Grant Size: Between $25,000 – $75,000 annually. The foundation does not fund The Foundation is not active in programs for intellectual disability or physical disability, nor do they make grants directly to individuals. Given the limited resources, the Foundation also is not able to support endowment campaigns, capital projects, annual fund-raising drives, or international activities and institutions. Foundation is no longer providing grants outside of New York City or Philadelphia. For more information, visit VAF.