New York Science and Technology Grants

The NYFIRST medical school grant program aims to support the recruitment or retention of exceptional life science researchers at New York State medical schools. The program offers a maximum grant of $1.0 million, with a requirement for grantees to provide $2 in matching funds for every $1 of NYFIRST program assistance. Eligible expenses include laboratory establishment or upgrades, purchase of capital equipment and specialized supplies, and working capital for professional staff costs. Eligible applicants are limited to medical schools in New York State, and the recruited or retained Principal Investigator must have a history of translational research and be pursuing innovative solutions for unmet clinical needs with a clear path to commercialization. Additionally, the talent must demonstrate a history of entrepreneurship, be tenured or on a tenure track, hire from outside New York State or retain full-time scientists or doctoral students/post-doctoral fellows, and have potential for significant life sciences economic development benefits in New York State. For detailed eligibility requirements, funding criteria, and application guidelines, potential applicants should refer to the Life Sciences Initiative Program Guidelines for the New York Fund for Innovation in Research and Scientific Talent (NYFIRST) Program.

This program provides $5 million in funding to nonprofit organizations in New York State to support mental health, workforce development, or housing initiatives for individuals aged 0-24 in communities disproportionately impacted by past drug policies.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for innovative research projects aimed at advancing treatments and therapies for spinal cord injuries, targeting both established and emerging researchers in New York State.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is offering the Food Security Processing Grant Program, established in 2022 with a $1 million appropriation from the Utah State Legislature. This program aims to increase the processing capacity of agricultural products produced within the state of Utah, aligning with UDAF's mission to promote food security and support the agricultural industry. The program has received additional funding in 2023 and 2024, demonstrating a continued strategic priority to strengthen Utah's food supply chain. The primary target beneficiaries are Utah-based processors with no more than 100 employees that either use at least 51% of Utah-grown/raised ingredients or sell at least 51% of their products to Utah consumers. Meat and poultry processors have specific eligibility criteria, including being state-inspected "equal-to" plants, licensed custom-exempt slaughter plants, or Talmadge-Aiken (TA) or very small federally inspected plants. The impact goal is to enhance the state's capacity for processing agricultural products, thereby contributing to local food security and economic development within the agricultural sector. The program prioritizes a broad range of processing enhancements, covering expenses such as processing equipment (e.g., smoking units, sausage stuffers), coolers/freezers, portion cutters, slaughter equipment (e.g., cradles, saws, scalders), electronic sorting equipment (for items like apples, cherries, or peaches), and bottling equipment for juices. Contractor costs for essential infrastructure like plumbing, draining, venting, and electrical work are also eligible. A significant focus is placed on meat and poultry processing, with 50% of the funds specifically set aside for this area. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and capacity of agricultural processing facilities in Utah. Measurable results will be demonstrated through the completion of planned improvements and equipment purchases by grant recipients between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Individual grant awards are capped at $200,000, with a portion of funds (up to $20,000) reserved for microgrants of $5,000 or less to support smaller-scale initiatives. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance for critical infrastructure and equipment, UDAF can directly stimulate growth in local processing capabilities, leading to a more resilient and self-sufficient food system for Utah residents.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Herkimer and Oneida counties to support programs and services that promote healthy lifestyles and access to resources for older adults.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and individual artists in Fulton, Montgomery, and Saratoga Counties to create public art projects that engage the community and enhance arts participation.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties to support youth development programs that improve the quality of life in the region.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Great Lakes states and tribes for collaborative projects aimed at preventing and managing aquatic invasive species across state and tribal boundaries.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofits, municipalities, and educational institutions to improve public access to the Hudson River estuary, focusing on recreational activities and climate resilience, particularly for disadvantaged communities.

The Black Equity & Excellence Fund, established by the Central New York Community Foundation, is dedicated to supporting community-based projects that foster self-sufficiency and enhance the physical and economic well-being of the Black community in Central New York. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to strengthen race-related matters and promote social and educational growth within the community. By investing in projects that directly address the unique needs and challenges faced by Black residents, the fund aims to create a more equitable and thriving environment, reflecting the Foundation's strategic priority of community development and social justice. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations and projects that explicitly serve the Black community, particularly in Onondaga and Madison counties. The overarching impact goal is to improve the quality of life for Black individuals and families through various interventions. The program aims to empower the Black community by building upon existing capabilities and addressing systemic disparities. This is achieved by focusing on specific interest areas that have been identified as crucial for community advancement and well-being. The fund prioritizes projects within several key focus areas, including Black Creatives, Black Leadership + Advancement, Black LGBTQIA+, Black Mental Wellness, Black Legacy + Generational Wealth, Black Business, Black Maternal Health, Black Civic Engagement, Black Youth + Students, and Black Tech. These areas reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that targeted investments in these sectors will lead to holistic development and greater equity. Projects are encouraged to contribute to dialogue that strengthens race-related matters and supports social and educational growth, indicating a strategic approach to fostering long-term, sustainable change. Expected outcomes include increased self-sufficiency, improved physical and economic conditions, and enhanced community well-being within the Black community. Measurable results are tied to the types of projects funded, with different funding levels supporting various initiatives, from grassroots efforts and pilot programs to the expansion of existing projects and large capital projects. The eligibility criteria, which mandate Black leadership in senior executive positions and at least 51% Black board membership, further ensure that the projects are community-led and responsive to the needs of the Black population, thereby maximizing impact and fostering authentic community empowerment.

The Western New York Foundation’s Impact Capacity Assessment Program Core (iCAP Core) is a tailored program specifically designed for emerging and smaller nonprofits in the region. Its primary objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of capacity building and its influence on both internal and external facets of these organizations. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission to foster effective organizations, which are defined as those that fulfill their mission through sound management, strong governance, and a persistent rededication to assessing and achieving results. The iCAP Core program is a 6-month initiative aimed at addressing the complexities of capacity-related opportunities and challenges, reflecting the foundation's strategic priority to invest in organizational development. The target beneficiaries of the iCAP Core program are non-profit organizations that have obtained tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or are fiscally sponsored, have been in operation for at least two years with at least $50,000 in annual revenue, and are specifically food system, arts and culture, or rural organizations. These organizations must be headquartered within the seven counties of Western New York: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming. The impact goals are to strengthen leadership, enhance board effectiveness, improve overall organizational development, and create a sustainable capacity-building plan. The program prioritizes several key elements. A significant focus is placed on leadership, specifically the relationship between the Executive Director and Board Chair, providing one-on-one consultation and coaching to strengthen their skills and vision. Board training is another core priority, equipping members with knowledge for effective governance, strategic decision-making, and resource mobilization. Comprehensive organizational development covers a wide array of areas including leadership structure, financial management, fundraising, communications, marketing, and IT systems. Expected outcomes include enhanced leadership skills, a more informed and skilled board, improved organizational infrastructure across various functions, and the creation of a detailed 1 to 2-year organizational capacity-building plan with actionable goals and progress measurements. Measurable results will be derived from the implementation and assessment of this capacity-building plan, which will also inform future foundation investment in the organizations' capacity development. A $10,000 stipend is provided to offset administrative expenses during iCAP, further supporting the participating nonprofits in achieving these outcomes.

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 municipalities, non-profits, and educational institutions in New York to restore and improve the health of tributaries in the Hudson River Estuary watershed, enhancing habitats and community resilience to flooding.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and healthcare providers in New York to address racial disparities in maternal health for Black New Yorkers and other communities of color through innovative primary and preventive care solutions.

The County History Partnership Program (CHPP), established in 2015 by the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), aims to decentralize the administration of local re-granting programs across all 21 New Jersey counties. This initiative directly aligns with the mission to support local history organizations that serve the public, fostering a broader engagement with the state's historical heritage. The program is administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, which functions as the donor, extending the NJHC's strategic goal of strengthening local historical infrastructure. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are historical societies, organizations, nonprofits, and municipalities responsible for historic structures or archaeological sites. Eligible applicants must be Somerset County-based. The program's impact goals revolve around increasing public access to New Jersey history, expanding knowledge of the state's past, and improving the management capabilities of local history organizations. This approach is intended to create a more robust and accessible local history ecosystem within Somerset County. The grant prioritizes organizations that provide programs or services that achieve these goals. Specifically, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to enhancing public access to history or expanding historical knowledge. Another key focus is on improving the operational and managerial effectiveness of local history organizations, thereby ensuring their long-term sustainability and impact. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by empowering local organizations with financial support and clear objectives, they can more effectively serve the public and preserve historical assets. Expected outcomes include a more engaged public with New Jersey history, a greater depth of historical knowledge disseminated, and more efficiently run local history organizations. Measurable results would likely include increased participation in historical programs, documented improvements in organizational management, and successful preservation efforts of historic sites. Organizations are also required to have provided public history programs and/or services in Somerset County for the benefit of the general public for at least two years prior to application, and must provide proof of stability and fiscal responsibility, ensuring the grant's investment is directed towards established and accountable entities.

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

Herkimer County CARES Grant Program in New York is open to registered NYS for-profit legal business entities located within Herkimer County. Eligible activities include supporting businesses in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, agriculture, high technology, research and development, and traditional and innovative small business endeavors. Technical assistance will be provided through the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center at no cost to the applicant. The grant aims to create or retain at least one new full-time equivalent job for low-to-moderate income individuals and allows reimbursement of eligible costs dating back to March 2020. Grant funds can be used for marketing adaption, community safety improvements, workforce development, safety enhancements to facilities, efficiency improvements, and air quality improvements. Previous funding received through COVID-19 reimbursement programs is allowed but cannot be duplicated through this program.

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF), managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS), seeks to restore the health and living resources of Long Island Sound. This grant program, with approximately $12 million available in 2024, aligns with the foundation's mission by supporting efforts to test innovative conservation approaches, deliver transformative projects, and engage communities that value and protect the Sound. Major funding is provided by EPA through the LISS, with additional support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Zoetis Foundation, demonstrating a collaborative strategic approach to environmental conservation. The LISFF targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local and municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. The impact goals are centered on improving water quality, enhancing and restoring coastal habitats, and fostering sustainable and resilient communities around the Long Island Sound. The program’s strategic priorities are guided by the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 2020-2024 Update (CCMP), which emphasizes three core themes: Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds, Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife, and Sustainable and Resilient Communities. Cross-cutting principles of resiliency to climate change, long-term sustainability, and environmental justice are also integral to the program's theory of change. Under the "Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds" theme, the program prioritizes reducing nitrogen pollution, combined sewer overflows, impervious cover, stormwater runoff, and point and nonpoint source loading. This includes funding for "shovel-ready" projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention, particularly those addressing water quality at a larger scale. Planning activities, such as community engagement, feasibility studies, site assessments, conceptual design, and final design and permitting, are also supported. Projects in the Upper Basin states (MA, NH, VT) are specifically focused on quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient prevention with a documented benefit to Long Island Sound. The "Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife" theme focuses on enhancing or restoring coastal habitats to maintain resilience and function, supporting fish, bird, and wildlife populations, and sustaining the Sound's ecological balance. This involves implementing "shovel-ready" habitat restoration and nature-based or green-gray hybrid resilience projects, as well as planning activities for such projects. The program also aims to foster diverse, balanced, and abundant populations of fish, birds, and wildlife, encouraging proposals that consider the LISS Habitat Restoration Guidelines. The "Sustainable and Resilient Communities" theme supports vibrant, informed, and engaged communities through projects that offer hands-on conservation experiences. Expected outcomes include quantifiable pollutant reductions, enhanced and restored coastal habitats, increased resilience to climate change, and more engaged communities actively participating in the Sound's protection and sustainability. For water quality projects, measurable results will include quantifiable pollutant prevention, particularly nitrogen/nutrient reductions. For habitat projects, long-term maintenance plans and ecological improvements are expected. The LISFF's strategic framework, rooted in the CCMP, aims to accelerate local and regional water quality improvements, natural resource restoration, coastal resilience, environmental justice, and community outreach, ultimately leading to a healthier, more productive, and resilient Long Island Sound for both people and wildlife.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) is offering the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects across the Northeast. The core mission of this program is to foster competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability. This aligns with a broader strategic objective of strengthening the regional dairy industry by enabling operations of all sizes to successfully launch and sustain their products in the marketplace. By focusing on start-up operations and tangible implementation, the NE-DBIC aims to facilitate direct economic impact and product innovation within the dairy sector. The program targets several key beneficiaries, including dairy farmers ready to begin processing, value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing or business startups, and dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in their start-up phase. The impact goals are centered on developing these businesses, supporting their entry into the market, and ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the Northeast dairy industry. By providing financial assistance for start-up operations, the program seeks to create new opportunities for dairy-related businesses and products. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible implementation rather than earlier stages like research and development, concept development, or initial planning. This indicates a strategic emphasis on getting products to market and establishing sustainable business models. Eligibility criteria further refine this focus, requiring applicants to be headquartered or based in the Northeast, demonstrate proof of concept, have a robust business plan, obtain necessary licenses, and show commitment from buyers or distributors by the end of the grant period. Expected outcomes include the successful launch of new value-added dairy products, the establishment of competitive and viable dairy processing businesses, and increased market access for Northeast dairy products. Measurable results would likely include the number of new businesses launched, the volume of new products brought to market, and the economic growth generated within the participating dairy sectors. The NE-DBIC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, involve direct investment in the operational start-up phase, aiming for a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to the successful commercialization and long-term sustainability of dairy processing ventures in the region.

The Historic Preservation Action Area grant program, offered by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen regional vitality by preserving historical assets and promoting educational efforts related to these assets. This grant specifically targets nonprofit and public organizations (501(c)(3) or 509(a)(1)) operating within an eight-county region of New York, including Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties. The program aims to support projects that contribute to the overall well-being and enrichment of these communities. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the historical assets themselves and the communities within the specified eight-county region. The impact goals include the preservation of historical assets, fostering economic development, promoting equity in the narratives and physical assets preserved, contributing to community and neighborhood revitalization, and enhancing a sense of place and sustainability. Ultimately, the program seeks to create new opportunities for community engagement with the region's rich historical heritage, thereby enriching the lives of its residents. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate long-lasting impact and actively promote economic development and equity, ensuring that diverse stories are told and preserved. Other key focuses include community or neighborhood revitalization efforts, initiatives that promote sustainability or express a strong sense of place, and projects that create novel avenues for community members to interact with the region's historical resources. The grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, with funding information also indicating amounts between $15,000 and $20,000 for specific projects. Expected outcomes include tangible preservation of historical sites and artifacts, revitalization of communities, and increased community engagement with historical assets. Measurable results could involve the number of historical assets preserved, the economic impact generated by preservation projects, the number of revitalization initiatives supported, and the scope of community participation in historical programming. While a specific grant duration is not mentioned, the emphasis on long-lasting impact suggests a strategic approach focused on sustainable preservation and community benefit.