New York Workforce Development Grants

The ConnectALL Initiative is accepting applications for its Municipal Infrastructure Program to support the development of open-access and publicly owned and/or controlled last mile fiber broadband infrastructure to deliver reliable high-speed internet service to homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions across the state. Donor Name: ConnectALL Initiative State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The mission of the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development (“ESD”) is to promote a vigorous and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, prosperous local economies across New York State (“NYS”) through the efficient use of loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development, marketing, and other forms of assistance. To support broadband access for communities across the state, ESD’s ConnectALL Office (“CAO”), offers a Municipal Infrastructure Program (“MIP”) Request for Applications (“RFA”).  Through this RFA, CAO intends to establish the Municipal Infrastructure Program (“MIP”) to support the development of open-access and predominantly publicly controlled last mile fiber broadband infrastructure that will directly connect homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions to reliable high-speed internet service, using funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury Capital Projects Fund (“CPF”). The objective of this RFA is to improve broadband access in communities across the state facing connectivity challenges due to the lack of affordable, high-speed internet infrastructure. Funding Information Total funding available: $228 Million Grant size: $30 million max per award Eligible Uses of Funds Eligible uses for program funding include construction of new infrastructure or acquisition of existing infrastructure under the following categories:  Last mile fiber connections to address: Last mile infrastructure: The cabling, wires, necessary pole replacements and make-ready and/or radios that ISPs use to distribute the internet from local Internet Exchanges to network and/or customer endpoints.  Drops to a building: The cabling or wires necessary to make the connection from passing fiber or cable on a street pole or in-street conduit into a building structure.  Fiber connections to Internet Exchange Points or Data Centers:  Middle mile fiber: The fiber necessary to transport internet services to a local Data Center where an Applicant is connecting its CPF-funded last mile infrastructure.  Networking equipment: The routers, switches, and other equipment necessary to interconnect networks in a Data Center.  Acquisition of existing infrastructure assets and related agreements:  Acquisition: The purchase of network assets from a public or private entity for incorporation by an Applicant into a Project Area, and related legal agreements. Eligibility Criteria Public Entities: Municipalities (cities, counties, towns, villages); Tribal Nations; state and local authorities; entities established pursuant to Section 99-y of the NYS General Municipal Law; not-for-profit entities with authorization from public entities; and regional planning boards formed under the provisions of NYS General Municipal Law. Municipal Utilities: Local government entities, including those established by a municipality as nonprofit Utility Cooperatives Eligible Private Partner Applicants, fitting one or more of the following descriptions, may submit applications with letters of endorsement from an Eligible Public Applicant. Eligible Private Partner Applicants can have an ownership structure that may be in the form of public-private partnership, private or shareholder ownership, nongovernmental nonprofit, non-utility cooperative, or community trust. Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Entities providing internet services to consumers, not limited to providers of cable television or telephone services.  Managed Service Providers (MSPs): Entities operating networks and providing service to residents and businesses by using existing internet infrastructure or partnering with construction entities to build networks.  Broadband Infrastructure Builders: Entities that construct and/or deploy open-access broadband infrastructure assets.  Broadband Infrastructure Owners: Entities that own, operate, or hold last mile or middle mile fiber infrastructure. For more information, visit ConnectALL Initiative.

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.

This funding opportunity provides classroom teachers in Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster Counties, New York, with financial support for innovative classroom projects and professional development initiatives to enhance student learning and teacher skills.

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 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 Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is offering grants between $1000 to $10,000 to tax-exempt organizations in Dutchess County, New York, focusing on arts, culture, and education, particularly those making facilities and events accessible to young people and seniors, with the exclusion of certain expenses like debt reduction, equipment, and fundraising campaigns.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities, non-profits, and community boards in New York State for revitalizing areas impacted by brownfields through planning and environmental assessments.

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is offering the Reemployment Training Grant (RTG) Program to provide occupational skills training to unemployed and underemployed individuals. The goal is to help these individuals qualify for full-time or part-time employment or achieve a higher level of employment. Additional points will be given to programs that train priority populations such as veterans, individuals with disabilities, and formerly incarcerated individuals. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until August 2, 2024. The maximum award amount per applicant is $250,000.

Support for Targeted Opportunities provides funding for creative performance residencies, subsidized rehearsal spaces for all performing art forms, and folk arts apprenticeships. Donor Name: New York State Council on the Arts State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Valuing artists and creative expression, the New York State Council on the Arts offers support which further enhances artistic diversity across New York State. For FY2025 the following special opportunities are open for application: Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeships Rehearsal and Studio Space for Performing Arts Performing Arts Residencies Funding Information Awards will be $10,000. Eligibility Criteria Is your organization 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 a State- or Federally-recognized Native American nation; or A unit of local or federal government in New York State? If the answer to any of these is “yes,” you may continue with this set of guidelines and this application. Is your organization an LLC? Organizations that have an LLC designation are not eligible to apply to NYSCA either directly or through a fiscal sponsor. This includes Limited Liability Company (LLC), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or business corporation. For more information, visit NYSCA.

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 opportunity supports municipalities in the Hudson River Valley to develop plans and projects that enhance their scenic, natural, and cultural resources while promoting regional collaboration and community development.

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 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 to nonprofits, schools, and civic organizations in Columbia County, New York, to develop programs that help young people transition from education to the workforce through internships, skill-building, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

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 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 Naturally Lewis Building Business Fund aims to support business growth in Lewis County by providing matching funds for businesses to acquire necessary tools, both literal (equipment/machinery) and figurative (business services/professional services). This initiative is designed to bolster the local economy by facilitating the expansion or diversification of businesses, with an emphasis on projects that demonstrate a clear benefit to the community, including economic development, job creation, introduction of new products or services, and enhancement of cultural or recreational opportunities. Eligible projects may involve equipment, machinery, working capital, training, and workforce development, but cannot include construction or capital improvements. Applications open on July 1, 2024, with a deadline of September 26, 2024. Grant awards range from $10,000 to $50,000.

Rising Restaurateur: A Community Grant Program is an innovative microgrant program that offers $200,000 in microgrants to New York City Latino, Black, Indigenous, Asian American and/or Pacific Islander restaurateurs. From brick-and-mortar establishments to food trucks and carts, BIPOC/AAPI+ entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry can apply for microgrants of up to $10,000 to uplift their businesses. Selected participants will also have access to additional business development opportunities through Oyate Group. Rising Restaurateur is a partnership between Oyate Group, Grubhub and the New York State Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association. To participate, restaurateurs must be Latino, Black, Indigenous, Asian American and/or Pacific Islander, based in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Westchester County (Mt. Vernon and Yonkers), operating as a single business with 30 or fewer employees and a revenue of $2 million or less. Members of the New York State Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association are encouraged to apply. Grant funding is made possible by Grubhub and Oyate Group.

This program provides funding and support to municipalities and designated organizations in New York State to develop and improve large industrial sites, attracting major employers in key industries like semiconductor and high-tech manufacturing.