New York Infrastructure Grants

This grant provides financial support to primary and secondary schools in New York City to create gardening projects that promote hands-on learning and environmental awareness among students.

This funding provides financial support for municipal and nonprofit animal shelters in New York to improve their facilities for the care and containment of dogs and cats, particularly in underserved areas.

This grant provides funding for the rehabilitation of historic properties in small rural communities along the Erie Canal in New York, aiming to enhance local tourism and economic development.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations in the greater Theresa area to support projects that enhance community well-being, education, and cultural initiatives.

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 Historic Preservation Action Area supports goal to strengthen regional vitality by preserving region’s historical assets and promoting educational efforts that build on these assets. Donor Name: Rochester Area Community Foundation State: New York County: Genesee County (NY), Livingston County (NY), Monroe County (NY), Ontario County (NY), Orleans County (NY), Seneca County (NY), Wayne County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Applications are invited from nonprofit organizations with programs that support this goal. Of particular interest are projects that: Result in preservation of historical assets, with attention to projects with long-lasting impact that foster economic development and equity in regards to stories told and physical assets preserved; Contribute to community or neighborhood revitalization; Promote sustainability or expression of a sense of place; and Provide new opportunities for the community to engage with region’s rich historical assets. Funding Information $15,000 to $20,000. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or 509(a)(1) public organizations in eight-county region, which comprises Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties. For more information, visit RCF.

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.

This program provides financial assistance to private landowners and organizations for planting new forests on non-forested lands of five acres or more in New York, helping to combat climate change and support local economies.

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.

This funding opportunity is designed to support initiatives that promote tourism and enhance infrastructure in Delaware County, aimed at increasing visitor numbers and spending.

With the ongoing support of Howard Gilman Foundation, Staten Island Arts continues the Performing Arts Residency Cohort (PARC) for performing artists for a second year ((2024-2025). Donor Name: Staten Island Arts State: New York City: Staten Island Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: This program supports the creative practice of 10 performing artists living and working in Staten Island through a 6-month residency cohort. This residency opportunity does not focus on project creation, and does not come with space, but rather focuses on nurturing each artist’s creative practice through peer mentorship and professional development.  The PARC program will support individual performing artists across dance, theater, and music at any stage of their careers. Participating artists will be required to attend monthly cohort meetings from September 2024 to February 2025 at the Staten Island Arts offices. The meetings will serve as space to share more about your creative practice and process, including working ideas, challenges, and needs. This model aims to break down the siloed community structure in Staten Island across different forms of expression and bring more support to creative practice without an explicit focus on outcomes or products. Funding Information Awarded individual artists will receive $6,000. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be at least 18 years old, not a full-time student, and must be a Staten Island resident. Individual artists whose work is based in the Performing Arts – music, dance, theater Not Eligible Previous PARC grant recipients Nonprofit Organizations or arts collectives Artists working outside the field of performing arts Awards can not be used for capital improvements, fundraising events, scholarships, juror fees, prizes, lobbying expenses, or entertainment. For more information, visit Staten Island Arts.

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 Rock Charitable Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation is accepting applications to support from qualified charitable organizations, houses of worship, cemeteries, or governmental entities that serve St. Lawrence County residents. Donor Name: Northern New York Community Foundation State: New York County: Saint Lawrence County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Grant funding is available to organizations whose missions and efforts align with the fund’s charitable purposes, which are:  To benefit or assist veterans of the United States military with their medical or recreational needs who live in St. Lawrence County;  For the maintenance and preservation of churches, houses of worship and cemeteries in St. Lawrence County; and  For the preservation and maintenance of places of legitimate historical significance in the county.  Funding Information  At least $100,000 in grant funding is available. Grant Period Up to 3 years. Eligibility Criteria Organizations that have received a grant award from this fund must wait three years before applying again for new funding. Awards to support veterans may only be made to qualified veteran organizations and cannot be made directly to individuals. However, grants are not restricted to Veterans Service Organizations and can be awarded to any nonprofit to help with programs or initiatives that directly support veterans. For more information, visit Northern New York Community Foundation.

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.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and local governments in New York to develop infrastructure projects that improve food access and resilience in underserved communities.

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.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and event organizers in Cattaraugus County to create tourism-driven events and attractions that encourage visitors to explore the area.

Mertz Gilmore Dance Research Grants are for dance artists, dance collectives, or dance nonprofits at any stage of their career. Donor Name: Staten Island Arts State: New York City: Staten Island Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant opportunity supports the research and development of a new dance work. These funds are designed to alleviate significant challenges around the lack of venues for dance presentations in Staten Island and are designed to focus on the development of new work. Applying artists are asked to describe their idea and detail ways these funds would be allocated to support the further development of this work. Ideas for new work can be undeveloped or in the early stages of development but cannot be for work that has already been presented.  Funds will support the research and development of a new dance work and cannot be used towards the presentation costs of any formal presentation of this work. Funding Information Awards in this category will be $7,500 per artist.  Eligibility Criteria Applicants who are looking to develop new work. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, can not be a full-time student, and must be a Staten Island resident. Individual dancers and/or choreographers Dance Collectives Dance Nonprofits Not eligible Artists/Collectives/Nonprofits working outside the field of Dance Restaging work that has already been presented to the public. Awards can not be used for capital improvements, fundraising events, scholarships, juror fees, prizes, lobbying expenses, or entertainment. For more information, visit Staten Island Arts.

Applications are now being accepted for the Rock Charitable Fund. Donor Name: Northern New York Community Foundation State: New York County: Saint Lawrence County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding is available for projects that specifically address existing structures/elements as well as technical assistance and planning support. No grants will be made for additions or modifications that substantially alter the historic character of the property. While interior improvements may be considered, exterior projects that are most publicly visible and accessible are preferred. Peripheral/incidental projects are not desired. Funding Information  At least $100,000 is available for the fund Eligibility Criteria  501(c)(3) charitable organizations, churches, houses of worship, cemeteries, or government entities may apply for support in one or more of the following focus areas: For the maintenance and preservation of churches, houses of worship, and cemeteries located in St. Lawrence County, New York or For the maintenance and preservation of places of legitimate historical significance located in St. Lawrence County, New York or To benefit and/or assist Veterans of the United States Military residing in St. Lawrence County, New York, for their medical and/or recreational needs. Any property must be wholly owned by the applicant organization. Funding is available for projects that specifically address existing structures/elements as well as technical assistance and planning support. No grants will be made for additions or modifications that substantially alter the historic character of the property. While interior improvements may be considered, exterior projects that are most publicly visible and accessible are preferred. Peripheral/incidental projects are not desired. Grants to cemeteries may support maintenance and preservation of the property as a whole or certain historic or aesthetically significant portions of the cemetery. The awards cannot be used to maintain or preserve specific burial plots, mausoleums, or monuments without the justification of particular significance and public benefit. Grants supporting Veterans can only be awarded to qualified organizations serving Veterans, but not necessarily only to Veterans Service Organizations. Awards may support programs but cannot be made directly to individuals. “ For more information, visit Northern New York Community Foundation.