New York Infrastructure Grants

The Manhattan Community Awards Program (MCAP) invites applications from Manhattan-based organizations to address key community needs. This grant program, contracted through the Department for the Aging (DFTA), the Department of Corrections (DOC), and the Department of Education (DOE), offers one-time contracts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 as reimbursement grants. The program's mission aligns with supporting local communities by funding initiatives that directly address identified priorities within Manhattan, aiming to foster positive social change and improve the well-being of its residents. The target beneficiaries of the MCAP are diverse, including seniors, youth, and intergenerational populations, as well as participants in arts, composting, and various educational and recreational programs. The program aims to create a tangible impact by supporting services and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for these groups. Impact goals include improving health, fitness, education, nutrition for seniors, increasing access to arts and cultural programming, promoting climate mitigation and resiliency through public engagement and green projects, and fostering youth development through sports, arts, and health and wellness programs. The MCAP prioritizes several core focus areas for FY25. These include Senior Programs, encompassing health, fitness, education, nutrition, arts, cultural programming, and food access for seniors. Climate Mitigation and Resiliency is another key area, focusing on public engagement for Manhattan-based resiliency projects, green roof initiatives, hydroponics, and community gardens. Education is also a significant priority, with an emphasis on after-school sports and physical education, youth arts, and youth health and wellness programs. Finally, Anti-Gun Violence Initiatives are critical, supporting intervention programs, social justice-focused arts partnerships, and school-arts organization collaborations pertaining to anti-gun efforts. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the expected outcomes are implicitly linked to the success of programs within the focus areas. For senior programs, outcomes would include improved health metrics, increased social engagement, and enhanced food security. Climate initiatives would aim for increased community participation in environmental projects and the implementation of green infrastructure. Educational and youth programs would strive for improved academic engagement, physical well-being, and artistic development. Anti-gun violence initiatives would seek reductions in violence and increased community safety through intervention and awareness. The program’s strategic priorities are deeply rooted in addressing immediate community needs and fostering a more resilient, educated, and safe Manhattan. Its theory of change posits that by directly funding local organizations that are embedded in these communities, the program can effectively implement solutions tailored to specific challenges, leading to widespread and sustainable community benefits.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for municipalities and nonprofit organizations to implement community development projects that promote smart growth and environmental protection in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is offering the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) to advance pollinator conservation. The core mission of this fund is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. This aligns with NFWF’s broader Monarch Butterfly Business Plan, indicating a strategic, long-term commitment to these species. The fund aims to support both technical assistance for private working lands and direct habitat improvement projects. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include monarch butterflies and other at-risk native insect pollinator species, such as the rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. The program also indirectly benefits private landowners, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, especially those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by providing resources and incentives for conservation practices on their lands. The overall impact goal is to significantly enhance the quality, quantity, and connectivity of pollinator habitat across eligible states. The Pollinator Fund has two main categories of focus. The first is Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands, which prioritizes increasing voluntary engagement of private landowners in conservation practices through staff resources and targeted outreach for Farm Bill programs like CSP and EQIP. The second category, Habitat Improvement, focuses on on-the-ground restoration and enhancement of pollinator habitat, emphasizing regionally appropriate milkweed and diverse native nectar plants, as well as increasing the supply of native seeds and seedlings. These priorities align with NFWF's strategic goal of fostering sustainable ecosystems through direct habitat restoration and incentivizing private land stewardship. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to this program. All proposals must demonstrate how they will directly and measurably contribute to the Pollinator Fund's goals, specifically by providing the number of acres restored or enhanced. A minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states must be restored or enhanced. Historically, successful projects have averaged 2,120 acres, indicating a substantial scale for expected impact. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance and technical support, and by focusing on key geographical areas and species, NFWF can effectively reverse declines in monarch and other native pollinator populations, thereby contributing to broader ecosystem health and biodiversity. The total funding of up to $5.1 million in 2024, contributed by a diverse group of partners, underscores the collaborative and impactful nature of this strategic initiative.

This grant provides funding for organizations in Massachusetts and New York that support young individuals facing intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health challenges, or substance use disorders, with a focus on historically marginalized communities.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust's grant program aims to enhance the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This mission aligns with the foundation's core belief in supporting innovative projects that go beyond basic care, providing long-term benefits for animals today and in the future. The trust focuses on helping organizations deliver an enhanced quality of life for homeless and abused companion animals. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include homeless and abused companion animals, native wildlife, and owned companion animals in under-resourced urban/rural areas or those owned by socially vulnerable populations. Impact goals include increasing successful adoptions, improving staff and volunteer care delivery, promoting humane education, enhancing access to medical care, and controlling pet and feral animal populations through spay/neuter initiatives. The program prioritizes several key areas: animal adoption, behavior training, and fostering; continuing education and training for staff and volunteers; humane and wildlife education; medical care, rehabilitation, and wellness care for animals; pet and feral animal population control through spay/neuter; equipment directly benefiting animals; and other animal care initiatives that celebrate the human-animal bond. Preferred projects include non-capital means of expanding shelter capacity, opportunities for staff and volunteer development, school and community programs addressing humane care, and assistance for owned pets from under-resourced households. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased successful adoptions, improved delivery of care by staff and volunteers, enhanced community understanding of animal welfare, better access to medical care for vulnerable animal populations, and a reduction in unwanted pet populations. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on supporting initiatives that lead to a high quality of life for individual animals and significant improvements for large numbers of animals. Their theory of change is that by funding innovative projects and supporting eligible organizations, they can foster better humane care, improve animal well-being, and address critical issues such as overpopulation and lack of access to care, ultimately creating a more compassionate environment for animals.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Syracuse for projects that enhance affordable housing, homeownership, and community programs for residents of all ages.

This program provides financial support to new farmers in New York State to help them establish and grow sustainable agricultural businesses.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and independent artists in Sullivan County for arts, cultural, and heritage projects, whether in-person or virtual.

CNY Arts is accepting applications for the Tier Three Project Support Program, offering grants between $1,000 to $10,000 for arts and cultural projects executed by Onondaga County nonprofit organizations in New York, with the application deadline on October 21, 2024.

This program provides financial support and resources to community-driven environmental initiatives in underserved areas of New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and federally recognized Indian Nations.

The Creative Learning Grant Program, sponsored by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC), is designed to foster the growth and capacity of Manhattan-based teaching artists and small arts organizations. Its core mission aligns with promoting community-based arts education projects for youth, adults, and older adults. The program is funded through a combination of City funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs’ Greater New York Arts Development Fund and State funds from the New York State Council on the Arts’ (NYSCA) Statewide Community Regrants program, indicating a strategic partnership to broaden arts access. The primary beneficiaries are Manhattan's teaching artists and small arts organizations that are unable to directly apply for City and/or State arts funding. The program targets the development of sequential, skill-building arts study and participatory arts projects. The impact goals are to enrich communities through accessible arts education, delivered in local settings such as senior centers, recreation centers, public libraries, and community centers, thereby strengthening the cultural fabric of Manhattan. The program prioritizes organizations and individual artists with a core artistic mission or a history of arts programming, and those based in Manhattan with proof of nonprofit status (for organizations). A key focus is on supporting entities that do not directly apply to LMCC’s Creative Engagement program or for DCLA (GNYADF) or NYSCA (Statewide Community Regrants) funds in another county/borough for the same fiscal year. First-time applicants are required to attend an information session webinar to ensure understanding of the program's guidelines and expectations. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of high-quality, community-based arts education projects and an increase in the capacity of teaching artists and small arts organizations. Measurable results are demonstrated through the awarding of grants in amounts of $4,000 and $8,000, with projects taking place between January 1 and December 31, 2025. This structured approach ensures a clear project period and defined funding tiers for evaluation. LMCC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this program, revolve around fostering local arts initiatives and ensuring that arts funding reaches a diverse range of artists and organizations who might otherwise face barriers to direct funding. The theory of change suggests that by empowering these local artists and organizations through financial support and capacity building, there will be a direct positive impact on community engagement with the arts and the overall well-being of Manhattan residents of all ages.

This funding opportunity supports arts education projects in public schools and community settings within Fulton, Montgomery, and Saratoga Counties, aimed at enhancing hands-on learning experiences for students through collaborative artistic initiatives.

The Rochester Area Community Foundation is accepting applications for its James M. and Olive Edmunds Memorial Fund. This grant program aims to support local community organizations in the Village of Brockport or towns of Sweden or Clarkson. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this fund, is to enhance the well-being of these communities by fostering arts and cultural opportunities, reducing poverty, enriching the community's beauty, and preserving historic buildings and sites. This aligns with a strategic priority to empower local initiatives that directly benefit residents and address critical community needs. The target beneficiaries are local, community-based organizations within the specified geographic areas (Village of Brockport, towns of Sweden or Clarkson, NY) and, by extension, the residents of these areas. The impact goals are to provide local arts and cultural opportunities, reduce poverty, enhance community beautification, and restore historic buildings and sites. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by funding local organizations addressing these key areas, they can create tangible improvements in the quality of life and cultural richness for residents. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined: supporting traditional and folk arts (not pop culture), physical restoration and maintenance of historic buildings, monuments, sculptures, and other historic items, programs that help lift people out of poverty, and beautification efforts in public areas. These specific focuses indicate a strategic approach to supporting initiatives that have a lasting and tangible positive effect on the community. Expected outcomes include increased access to arts and culture, a reduction in poverty levels, more aesthetically pleasing public spaces, and the preservation of important historical assets. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on "local groups that perform traditional and folk arts," "physical restoration of buildings," and "programs that help lift people out of poverty" suggests that the foundation will be looking for tangible outputs and, ultimately, positive changes in the lives of the residents. Funding ranges from $2,000 to $5,000, with an overall size of $1,000 to $10,000, indicating a focus on supporting a variety of project scales that can demonstrate significant local impact.

This grant provides funding for conservation and climate adaptation projects in New York, focusing on protecting natural areas and engaging underserved communities to enhance resilience against climate change impacts like flooding and erosion.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations in Syracuse to help individuals and families secure and maintain stable housing through prevention, rapid re-housing, and outreach services.

The United Way of Westchester and Putnam Community Impact Fund supports local nonprofits that serve underprivileged, marginalized, or ALICE populations in Westchester or Putnam Counties. ALICE refers to those who are employed but live paycheck-to-paycheck. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to improve education, financial stability, and health within these communities. The grants are intended to provide financial assistance to organizations directly addressing these critical needs. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are underprivileged, marginalized, and ALICE populations within Westchester and Putnam Counties. The impact goals are to support programs that enhance education, promote financial stability, or improve health outcomes for these groups. The funding can also be used to support the operational expenses of local nonprofits whose core mission is aligned with these areas of focus, thereby strengthening the infrastructure of organizations serving these vulnerable populations. The priorities and focuses of the fund are clearly defined: supporting programs in education, financial stability, or health, or providing operational support to nonprofits whose missions are aligned with these three pillars. This dual approach allows the United Way to either directly fund impactful programs or bolster the organizational capacity of groups already doing vital work. The grants range from $5,000 to $10,000, indicating a focus on providing substantial, yet accessible, support to local initiatives. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the program's strategic priorities suggest that successful outcomes would include improved educational attainment, increased financial resilience, and better health indicators among the target populations. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by supporting both direct service programs and the operational stability of aligned nonprofits, they can create a more robust and effective ecosystem of support for the underprivileged, marginalized, and ALICE communities in Westchester and Putnam Counties. More detailed reporting requirements for grant recipients would likely outline the specific metrics to be tracked.

This program provides funding to New York dairy farmers and cooperatives for upgrading milk storage and transfer systems to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

The Launch LC grant opportunity, facilitated by Naturally Lewis, is a competitive program designed to bolster start-up businesses within Lewis County, New York. Its core mission aligns with enhancing the quality of life for residents and fostering a more appealing community for living, working, and recreation. Naturally Lewis, as the funding body, strategically aims to support creative entrepreneurs whose ventures will contribute to these overarching community development goals, embodying a direct alignment between the grant's purpose and the foundation's strategic priorities. The program is specifically tailored to address local economic growth and community enrichment through targeted business support. The program's target beneficiaries are start-up microenterprises—defined as businesses with five or fewer employees—that are either new or have been operating for less than six months in Lewis County. A key impact goal is to empower low-to-moderate income individuals, either by directly supporting businesses owned by them or by incentivizing the creation of jobs made available to this demographic. This focus ensures that the grant funds not only stimulate economic activity but also contribute to social equity and opportunity within the community. The 6-month program structure is designed to provide comprehensive training, funding, and essential tools, thereby equipping entrepreneurs for successful business launch and sustained operation. Naturally Lewis prioritizes start-up businesses within specific categories: Food & Beverage, Small-scale Manufacturing, Tourism, and Construction Trades. These sectors have been identified as key areas that can significantly enhance local experiences for both tourists and residents, directly contributing to the community's attractiveness and economic vitality. The funding model, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 based on project costs, ensures that a variety of small-scale projects can receive crucial early-stage capital. The requirement for applicants to contribute at least 10% of project costs with personal funds promotes a shared investment and commitment to the business's success, aligning with a theory of change that emphasizes entrepreneurial buy-in. Expected outcomes include the successful establishment and growth of new microenterprises in Lewis County, leading to job creation, particularly for low-to-moderate income individuals. Measurable results will be seen in the number of businesses successfully launched, the volume of grant funds effectively utilized for equipment, machinery, furniture, and inventory, and the tangible improvements in community quality of life and attractiveness. The program explicitly excludes retroactive projects, ensuring that funding is directed towards new ventures that will generate future positive impacts. Ultimately, Naturally Lewis anticipates that the Launch LC grant will serve as a catalyst for sustainable economic development and community vibrancy in Lewis County.

Creative Engagement is a program designed to assist Manhattan-based artists, arts groups, and community-focused organizations in securing public and private funding to present arts activities to the public. It is overseen by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) and is funded through a combination of City funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs’ Greater New York Arts Development Fund, State funds from the New York State Council on the Arts’ (NYSCA) Statewide Community Regrants program, and additional funds from the Howard Gilman Foundation. This program specifically targets artists and organizations that may not be able to directly apply to these larger agencies for arts funding, thereby acting as a crucial entry point for many applicants, often providing their first grant and helping to leverage further support. The program's mission aligns with supporting the arts at a grassroots level, fostering public access to a diverse range of artistic expressions, and building capacity within the arts community, particularly for those who might otherwise face barriers to funding. By offering technical assistance, networking opportunities, and promotional support, Creative Engagement not only provides financial aid but also helps develop the professional capabilities and visibility of its grantees. The underlying theory of change suggests that by empowering individual artists and smaller organizations, the program contributes to a more vibrant and accessible arts landscape within Manhattan. Creative Engagement primarily targets individual artists and collectives, as well as nonprofit organizations, all based in Manhattan. For nonprofit organizations, eligibility requires a core artistic mission or history of arts programming, proof of nonprofit status, and a commitment to not directly apply to DCLA (GNYADF) or NYSCA (Statewide Community Regrants) funds in another county/borough for the same fiscal year. Individual artists must also be Manhattan-based and cannot apply on behalf of an organization. Collectives must designate a lead artist who meets these individual artist criteria. First-time applicants are required to attend an information session webinar, ensuring they are well-prepared for the application process. The program prioritizes projects across various artistic disciplines, including performing, literary, media, and visual arts. This encompasses a broad spectrum from folk/traditional forms to contemporary and socially-engaged artistic practices. Supported activities are diverse, ranging from concerts, performances, public art, exhibitions, and screenings to festivals, workshops, and readings. The expected outcomes include an increase in publicly accessible arts activities across Manhattan, enhanced capacity and sustainability for individual artists and small arts organizations, and the fostering of new and diverse artistic voices. Measurable results could include the number of grants awarded, the number of public events supported, and feedback from participants and audiences on the impact of the funded projects. Grants are awarded in specific amounts of $4,000, $8,000, and $12,000, depending on the number of funding sources an applicant is eligible for, indicating a structured approach to resource allocation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to New York-based nonprofits, municipalities, school districts, and BOCES for projects that improve school meal facilities, promote local agriculture, and address food insecurity across multiple districts.