Mini-Grants Program

The Mini-Grants program is administered by NewYork-Presbyterian, a major nonprofit healthcare system serving communities across New York City and Westchester County. Through its community affairs and population health initiatives, the organization provides financial and technical support to grassroots organizations that play a critical role in improving health outcomes. This grant program reflects NewYork-Presbyterian’s commitment to investing in local, community-based organizations that address health disparities and promote wellness among underserved populations. The purpose of the Mini-Grants program is to support small community-based organizations with limited operating budgets that are actively working to improve health and wellness in their communities. The program prioritizes organizations that serve under-resourced populations in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Westchester County. Eligible projects may include new initiatives or the expansion and strengthening of existing programs, provided they align with health promotion goals and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and long-term impact. Funding is structured as a renewable, multi-year opportunity spanning up to three years. In the first year, selected organizations receive $7,500, with the potential to renew funding for up to $10,000 in the second year and up to $12,500 in the third year, for a maximum total award of $30,000. Continued funding beyond the first year is contingent upon the recipient meeting all program requirements, including performance benchmarks and reporting obligations. Funds are intended strictly for direct program costs such as staffing, supplies, stipends, and facility rentals, and may not be used for general administrative expenses, strategic planning, or unrelated travel. Eligibility is limited to small nonprofit organizations with an annual operating budget under $500,000 that are either registered 501(c)(3) entities or operate under a fiscal sponsor. Organizations must serve communities within the specified geographic areas and must be independent of NewYork-Presbyterian, meaning they cannot be affiliated departments or subsidiaries. Programs must be inclusive and comply with federal non-discrimination laws, ensuring equitable access to services regardless of protected characteristics. The application process requires submission through an online portal, where applicants must create an account and complete all required fields. Applicants are required to upload a detailed budget proposal for the first year of funding, along with documentation of their nonprofit status or fiscal sponsorship. Only complete applications submitted by the stated deadline are considered. An optional information session was held prior to the deadline to guide applicants through the process. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including alignment with health and wellness priorities, clarity and feasibility of the implementation plan, strength of the evaluation strategy, appropriateness of the proposed budget, and the organization’s potential for long-term sustainability. Selected applicants are notified in June 2026, and funding is disbursed by the end of August 2026 following the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding outlining program expectations. Grant recipients are required to meet several ongoing obligations, including participation in site visits, engagement in technical assistance opportunities, and submission of annual reports detailing program outcomes and financial expenditures. These requirements ensure accountability and support organizational development. The program is designed as a recurring initiative, providing continued opportunities for eligible organizations to apply in future cycles and strengthen their capacity to serve their communities.

Ensure strong alignment with health and wellness priorities, provide a clear and feasible implementation plan, include a thoughtful evaluation strategy, and ensure budget aligns closely with proposed activities.