New York Recreation Grants

The Community Economic Development (CED) Planning Grants program, forecasted under the new NOFO HHS-2024-ACF-OCS-EE-0152, is administered by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Community Services (OCS). OCS plans to award approximately $1.5 million in discretionary funds to Community Development Corporations (CDCs). The fundamental objective is to stimulate the development of new CED projects by providing crucial financial assistance for administrative capacity building within these CDCs. This initiative directly aligns with OCS's core mission to reduce poverty and catalyze economic growth in local communities by facilitating social and revenue reinvestment, laying the groundwork for sustainable community self-sufficiency. The direct beneficiaries of this funding are Community Development Corporations (CDCs) that serve under-resourced, underserved, and persistent high-poverty areas with struggling economies. The ultimate beneficiaries are the residents of these target communities, including those with low incomes in both urban and rural settings. The immediate impact goal is to strengthen the administrative and planning capacity of CDCs that have historically struggled to put forth a viable CED project. The broader impact goals include stimulating the creation of new, viable CED projects, fostering localized economic growth, and ultimately reducing poverty through comprehensive community support and reinvestment. OCS has established three key strategic priorities for this funding opportunity, centering the approach on equity. The first priority aligns the grants with national climate and equity initiatives, specifically Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, and the Justice40 Initiative, by underscoring funding support for energy communities. The second focus is on increasing equity in the geographic distribution of CED funds, ensuring resources reach areas previously overlooked, as mandated by the CED statute. Finally, the third priority emphasizes breaking down service silos by encouraging CDCs to leverage existing partnerships across OCS programs, thereby promoting a holistic, wraparound services model to address poverty. The strategic priority and theory of change for OCS is rooted in the belief that administrative capacity is the critical barrier to entry for effective community-led development in high-poverty areas. By providing financial assistance for capacity building, the awards serve as a crucial step to connect CDCs with the larger CED resources required for impactful social and revenue reinvestment. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of CDCs capable of developing fundable projects, leading to the stimulation of new CED projects in persistent high-poverty areas. Measurable results will focus on the successful leveraging of the initial administrative capacity building funds into tangible new projects, demonstrating a clear path from planning support to demonstrable local economic growth and sustainable poverty reduction.

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.

This grant provides funding for projects in St. Lawrence County that focus on preserving historical sites, supporting places of worship, and aiding military veterans.

This funding opportunity supports businesses and non-profit organizations in Lewis County, NY, by providing financial assistance for creative projects that enhance their visibility in the community.

This program provides funding to municipalities and non-profit organizations in New York that manage natural heritage collections, helping them enhance public education and maintain their living and preserved biological specimens.

The Scherman Foundation's Core Fund Arts Program in New York City supports a diverse range of professional performing arts organizations and a limited number of visual arts groups. The program prioritizes excellence and innovation, providing general operating support to empower artistic leaders with flexible funding. It aims to enrich the city's spirit, create sustainable communities, impact social wellbeing and cohesion, and serve as an economic engine while attracting emerging and established artists and art lovers from around the world. The program supports small groups dedicated to the work of a single artist, larger producing entities, museums, and organizations that sustain the creative life.

The Rock Charitable Fund, administered by the Northern New York Community Foundation, is currently accepting applications for grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to support the well-being and historical preservation within St. Lawrence County, New York. The fund emphasizes projects that address existing structures and elements, as well as providing technical assistance and planning support, indicating a strategic priority on sustainable development and preservation rather than new construction or significant alterations to historic properties. The primary beneficiaries of the Rock Charitable Fund include 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, churches, houses of worship, cemeteries, and government entities. The fund targets projects that contribute to the maintenance and preservation of these institutions and places of historical significance within St. Lawrence County. Additionally, the fund aims to benefit and/or assist Veterans of the United States Military residing in St. Lawrence County by addressing their medical and recreational needs through qualified organizations. The impact goals are centered on enhancing community resources, preserving local heritage, and improving the quality of life for Veterans. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined. For historical and religious properties, there's a strong preference for exterior projects that are publicly visible and accessible, though interior improvements may be considered. Peripheral or incidental projects are not desired. For cemeteries, support covers the property as a whole or aesthetically significant portions, explicitly excluding individual burial plots or monuments without special justification. For Veterans, grants are awarded to qualified organizations serving them, not directly to individuals, and can support programs for medical and recreational needs. This structured approach highlights a theory of change that leverages established organizations to create broader community benefit and long-term impact. Expected outcomes include the successful preservation and maintenance of historically significant sites and religious institutions, ensuring their continued benefit to the public. For Veterans, the anticipated result is improved access to medical and recreational support, contributing to their overall well-being. Measurable results could include the number of structures preserved, the extent of public access improved, and the number of Veterans served by supported programs. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to tangible, community-focused projects that have a lasting positive effect on St. Lawrence County's heritage and its Veteran population.

This funding opportunity supports not-for-profit organizations and local governments in New York State to provide food boxes and nutrition education in communities eligible for SNAP benefits.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations and local entities in New York State to implement programs that promote mental wellness, resilience, and healing from trauma.

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 program provides financial support to municipalities in Albany County for improving parks and recreational facilities to enhance community well-being and accessibility.

This program provides funding to neighborhood associations, block clubs, and community organizations in Rochester to support locally driven projects that strengthen community ties and address local needs.

This funding program provides financial support to municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits in New York for the acquisition and improvement of parks, historic sites, and heritage areas, with increased funding available for projects in high-poverty areas.

This program provides financial support to grassroots organizations in New York City for community-led initiatives that enhance and activate public parks and open spaces, particularly in underserved areas.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods for improving local football fields, ensuring safe and accessible play spaces for community youth.

This fund provides financial support for community projects, conservation efforts, and educational scholarships to enhance the quality of life for residents in the Red Rock area of Columbia County, New York.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut that focus on youth development through health, education, fitness, and football engagement initiatives.

This grant provides financial support to municipalities and non-profit organizations in selected New York counties for various recreational trail projects, including construction, planning, rehabilitation, and educational initiatives.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community groups in Chemung County, New York, to promote tourism and boost local economic activity through visitor engagement in 2026.

This program provides funding to local governments in New York State for the development and improvement of public parks and recreational facilities that promote outdoor activities and enhance community well-being.