New York Education Grants

This competition provides financial support and resources to Brooklyn residents looking to start or grow community-focused businesses.

This grant provides funding for innovative community projects in Chautauqua and Erie County, New York, focusing on underserved populations and new problem-solving approaches.

The Summer Meals Capacity-Building Mini-Grants program, funded by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, aims to significantly increase the number of children and youth in the City of Rochester who receive summer meals, as well as extend the duration of meal service. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by addressing critical community needs, specifically food insecurity among youth in a designated high-need area. The federally funded Summer Meals program (Summer Food Service Program) ensures that children 18 and under, particularly those near schools with high free and reduced meal eligibility rates, continue to receive nutritious food when school is not in session. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are children and youth aged 18 and under within the City of Rochester, a city designated as a high-need area. The program specifically targets those who would otherwise lack access to consistent meals during the summer months. The impact goals are to enhance the capacity of Summer Meals sites to serve more children and to offer meals for a greater number of days. By providing essential nourishment, the program contributes to the overall well-being and health of Rochester's youth, helping to mitigate the "summer slide" in nutrition and academic readiness. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its goals. This includes supporting the hiring of a Summer Meals Volunteer Coordinator or supplemental staff to boost site capacity. It also focuses on one-time capital purchases such as tables, chairs, coolers, and other refrigeration/dining equipment to expand service capabilities. Furthermore, the grant encourages one-time capital purchases of equipment or supplies that promote physical activity and fun, thereby enticing more youth to participate and increasing the overall reach of the program. The expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the total number of children and youth served by the Summer Meals program and an expansion in the number of days meals are provided. While specific quantitative targets are not detailed, the grant's focus on capacity building inherently aims for a measurable increase in program reach and service duration. The funding information indicates grants of up to $15,000, which will facilitate these capacity-building efforts. The eligibility criteria emphasize partnerships with existing Summer Meals sponsors (City of Rochester, Rochester City School District, or Foodlink) or organizations with LEA status, ensuring alignment with established food service networks. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to addressing equity and supporting youth in the community, with a clear theory of change that by strengthening the infrastructure and staffing of summer meal programs, more children will have access to vital food resources.

The 2025 Innovation Fellowship is a year-long program designed to equip participants with the skills, exposure, and connections needed to excel in high-demand technology fields. Offering tracks in Data Science, Web Development, and Cybersecurity, the fellowship blends structured training with practical experience, preparing fellows for entry-level roles in these industries. Participants benefit from a monthly education stipend, career support, and industry-recognized certifications to enhance their technical and professional growth. The program features a hybrid learning model that includes weekly in-class instruction, self-paced study, and collaborative, project-based learning. Each track targets specific skills: Data Science with Python (offered in New York City, Newark, Atlanta, and Los Angeles) trains fellows in Python programming, data analysis, and database management; Web Development (offered in the same locations) focuses on tools like ReactJS and API creation to prepare participants for roles in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development; and Cybersecurity (available in New York City, Newark, Atlanta, and the Baltimore-Washington area) develops expertise in IT, networking, and application security. In addition to technical training, the fellowship emphasizes career readiness. Fellows engage with corporate volunteers for resume reviews, mock interviews, and hackathon events, gaining valuable insights into the tech industry. During the program's final three months, the Student Success team provides guidance on securing certifications, internships, or full-time roles. Participants can earn certifications from reputable organizations, including AWS, CompTIA, and Google, further boosting their credentials. Eligibility for the fellowship includes residency in one of the specified geographic areas, being 18 years or older by the program start, earning below $60,000 annually (or $55,000 in Atlanta and the DMV area), and possessing a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must demonstrate computer literacy, proficiency in English, and authorization to work in the United States. While no prior programming or design experience is required, successful candidates must show a commitment to completing the program and a proactive approach to learning. The fellowship’s structured schedule requires participants to dedicate 36 hours per week, including remote classes held Monday through Thursday. Fellows must balance this commitment with independent study and group collaboration. In return, they receive personalized support, access to a network of industry professionals, and connections to tech resources that enhance their journey toward a successful career. Applications for the 2025 Innovation Fellowship are open until January 3, 2025. This is an exceptional opportunity for motivated individuals to gain the tools and experience needed to thrive in the fast-paced and rewarding world of technology. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply promptly and take the first step toward transforming their career trajectory.

This funding opportunity supports not-for-profit organizations in Broome County that are working to address critical community issues and promote systemic change through collaborative efforts.

This grant provides funding to professional artists in Sullivan County to support their creative work and encourage community engagement through public exhibitions or performances.

This funding opportunity provides $10,000 to agricultural and horticultural organizations, as well as county extension service associations, to enhance advertising, promotion, and educational efforts for annual fairs and expositions, ultimately boosting public engagement and awareness of agriculture and domestic arts.

The NYSCA/GHHN Site Assessment Grant, a collaboration between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN), offers crucial support to museums, historical, and cultural organizations across New York State. This program is designed to facilitate half-day museum site assessments, providing professional expertise to help organizations better care for and exhibit their collections. The grant directly aligns with the broader mission of both NYSCA and GHHN to preserve and promote New York's rich cultural heritage by strengthening the foundational capacity of its cultural institutions. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are chartered nonprofit museums, historical organizations, and other cultural institutions in New York State that own, care for, and exhibit collections to the public. This also includes federal and municipal museums and historic sites upon consultation with the grant administrator. Organizations with budgets under $250,000 are particularly encouraged to apply, indicating a focus on empowering smaller institutions. The grant's impact goal is to enhance the professional care and management of cultural collections across the state, thereby ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of these vital historical assets. The grant prioritizes support for professional services from a Site Assessment consultant who will conduct a half-day site visit, focusing specifically on a collections-related topic. This targeted approach ensures that the assistance is directly applicable and addresses specific needs within the organizations' collections management. There is also a clear focus on organizations that have not previously received funding from this specific site assessment program, aiming to broaden the reach and impact of the grant to a wider range of institutions. This strategy helps distribute resources equitably and strengthens a diverse array of cultural organizations. The expected outcome of the grant is that recipient organizations will benefit from expert guidance, leading to improved collections care practices and enhanced organizational capacity. Measurable results include the completion of funded consultancy work within one year of the grant award date, demonstrating the timely application of professional advice. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly detailed, the program's structure implies that by providing expert site assessments, organizations will gain the knowledge and tools necessary to address collections challenges, leading to stronger, more resilient cultural institutions that can better serve the public. The strategic priority is clearly to invest in the operational and collections-based health of New York's cultural sector.

The Food for Thought Grant Program, sponsored by the Western New York Foundation, aims to support educational and artistic projects that foster awareness, build knowledge, and cultivate conscious advocates for local and regional food systems. This aligns with the foundation's broader mission to engage artists, educators, community members, and food system stakeholders in creative expression and collaboration to spark social change. The program's core objective is to bring these diverse groups together to highlight the importance of just and sustainable food systems. The program primarily targets organizations interested in submitting projects that use arts and/or education to uplift opportunities or inform on issues related to the food system. The ultimate beneficiaries are the communities within Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming counties in New York, as the program seeks to widen community participation, promote collaboration and dialogue, and engage and empower these communities at large. The impact goals include raising awareness, inspiring action, and creating a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system. The program prioritizes projects designed to foster community participation and dialogue, encouraging creative approaches to food system education. It also focuses on the facilitation and exchange of learnings, insights, and expertise related to the food system to inform the public. Learning agendas are specifically encouraged to share practical knowledge, raise awareness, and inspire action towards building better food systems. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) entities or those with a fiscal sponsor or acting as a pass-through. Expected outcomes include an increase in community engagement with food system issues, enhanced collaboration among various stakeholders, and a more informed public regarding sustainable and equitable food practices. Measurable results could involve the number of projects implemented, the reach of educational and artistic initiatives, and documented shifts in community knowledge and advocacy. The Western New York Foundation’s strategic priorities, as evidenced by this program, lean towards fostering community-led initiatives that utilize innovative methods like arts and education to address critical social and environmental issues, particularly within the context of local food systems. Their theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by empowering local communities and fostering creative dialogue, significant social and systemic changes can be achieved.

The NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant is a collaborative initiative between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN). This program offers financial assistance for treatment procedures aimed at stabilizing and preserving objects held in the collections of museums, historical, and cultural organizations across New York State. The grant's mission is aligned with supporting the arts and cultural heritage by safeguarding significant artifacts and ensuring their longevity for public access and historical record. Additional funding from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation specifically supports projects from Long Island and New York City, further extending the reach and impact of this conservation effort. The grant targets nonprofit organizations, including museums, historical organizations, and other cultural institutions that are incorporated in or registered to do business in New York State and own, care for, and exhibit collections to the public. This includes institutions of all sizes, with encouragement for those with smaller budgets to apply. The impact goal is to aid in the stabilization and preservation of cultural objects, thereby contributing to a more inclusive narrative of New York State's history and diverse cultural expression. The program explicitly prioritizes objects involving historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, such as African American/Caribbean, Latino/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, Native American/Indigenous, LGBTQIA, and people with disabilities, to tell a more inclusive story of the state. The funding priorities of the NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant embrace a wide spectrum of cultural expression and artistic pluralism. Organizations are encouraged to demonstrate a holistic commitment to DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and access). The program believes that the objects chosen for conservation reflect what an organization values, therefore, objects and stories that contribute to a more inclusive narrative of New York State are highly valued. This focus aims to ensure that a broader range of cultural heritage is preserved and made accessible to the public, fostering a richer understanding of the state's diverse past. Expected outcomes include the successful conservation of various 3D objects, such as paintings, works on paper, textiles, furniture, frames, sculpture, historical, ethnographic, and decorative objects. Measurable results will be seen in the number of objects treated, the types of communities represented by the conserved objects, and the adherence to professional conservation standards. The grant also supports related costs such as in-state transportation, insurance for treated works, and treatment costs for integral supports, stands, and mounts. For outdoor sculptures, a description of an existing or planned maintenance program is required, indicating a commitment to long-term preservation. The grant operates under the strategic priority of promoting cultural preservation through professional conservation practices, while also advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access within the cultural heritage sector. The theory of change is that by providing financial support for the conservation of diverse cultural objects, the program will empower New York State's cultural organizations to tell more inclusive narratives, preserve valuable historical artifacts, and make these collections accessible to a wider public. This will ultimately enrich the understanding of New York's cultural landscape and foster greater engagement with its varied histories.

The Manhattan Composting Award, offered by the Manhattan Borough, aims to combat climate change by reducing organic waste in the waste stream through supporting composting programs. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to address environmental challenges at the local level by fostering sustainable practices within the community. The grant specifically focuses on promoting composting as an accessible and effective method for waste reduction, thereby contributing to a healthier environment and mitigating the effects of climate change within Manhattan. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are youth, seniors, intergenerational populations, and the broader Manhattan community. The grant seeks to impact these groups by increasing their engagement in composting activities and enhancing their understanding of its importance. The goal is to empower residents with the knowledge and resources to participate in organic waste diversion, leading to a measurable reduction in the volume of organic materials sent to landfills. Project priorities for the Manhattan Composting Award include the establishment and expansion of composting and composting education programs tailored for youth and seniors, as well as initiatives that foster intergenerational participation. Community engagement efforts that highlight the benefits of composting and the diverse options available throughout Manhattan are also a key focus. These priorities underscore a comprehensive approach to integrating composting into the daily lives of residents across different age groups and demographics. The expected outcomes of this grant include a significant increase in the number of composting programs implemented and the level of community participation in these programs. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the volume of organic waste diverted from landfills, the number of individuals educated through composting programs, and the establishment of new composting infrastructure. While a specific theory of change or explicit strategic priorities of the "foundation" (in this case, the Manhattan Borough) are not detailed, the program implicitly operates on the theory that increased community participation and education in composting will directly lead to reduced waste, a cleaner environment, and a more sustainable urban ecosystem. The focus on education and community engagement suggests a belief that empowering residents with knowledge and practical skills is the most effective way to achieve long-term environmental benefits.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Syracuse to develop affordable housing and support community programs for residents.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community health projects in Monroe County that address local health needs and social determinants of health.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations serving Wyoming County, New York, to address critical health needs through initiatives focused on access to care, chronic disease management, food security, mental health, and more.

The Tioga County Youth Bureau in New York is accepting applications for grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, to fund youth development, after-school, recreation, and sports programs run by non-profit organizations, with the aim of promoting the well-being of youth and families in under-resourced communities.

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is soliciting applications from nonprofit partners for programs or projects with clear, measurable outcomes. These initiatives must focus on Education, Health, and/or Sciences and serve residents of any age within Herkimer and/or Oneida counties in New York. The Foundation's mission is to strengthen communities through strategic grantmaking that addresses critical needs and fosters positive change, aligning with the core focus areas of this grant. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries across all age groups in Herkimer and Oneida counties. Impact goals are centered on transmitting knowledge and strengthening skills through educational projects, nurturing and improving physical, mental, and social well-being through health initiatives, and enhancing scientific understanding and objectives through science-focused programs. The Foundation prioritizes outcomes-driven programs that demonstrate a clear path to achieving these positive changes within the communities it serves. Specific focus areas are defined as: Education, encompassing projects that teach knowledge, strengthen skills, or impart trades; Health, covering initiatives that nurture and improve physical, mental, and/or social well-being; and Sciences, including projects that study or enhance scientific objectives such as physical, life, or social sciences. Expected outcomes for all funded programs should be identifiable and measurable, with a definitive timeline for completion or achievement. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, governmental institutions, educational institutions, or faith-based organizations addressing non-religious needs. Projects must begin no earlier than July 2024, and only one submission per organization is considered per funding round. Ineligible activities include those relating to animals and/or the arts, financial assistance to individuals, religious-specific programming, organizational payroll/operational needs, and already incurred expenses. These guidelines reflect the Foundation's strategic commitment to investing in programs that drive tangible, community-wide benefits.

This grant provides funding for middle school students in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties to engage in philanthropy by awarding grants to local nonprofit organizations of their choice.

This program supports climate technology innovators in New York State by providing mentorship and resources to help scale hardware solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote decarbonization.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in New York to deliver essential work readiness training for individuals facing employment barriers, helping them develop the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.