New York Local Grants

Working with the Community Foundation of Otsego County, the group created a field of interest fund, the Advocates for Springfield Fund, to support the health and well-being of the Springfield community. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Otsego County State: New York City: Springfield Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: A local grassroots group created Advocates for Springfield to promote good land uses in its town. Since it began in the early 2000s, Advocates for Springfield has successfully encouraged the Town to adopt a comprehensive plan, a zoning ordinance, and other land use laws.  As the vision and actions of the Town’s governing bodies have aligned with the goals of the Advocates for Springfield, the group found it had worked itself out of a reason to exist. The group wanted its remaining financial resources to be put to good use for the benefit of Town residents. Funding Information Awards up to $500. The Community Foundation has allocated up to $1,500 for awards for 2024. Eligibility Criteria  Support for local nonprofit organizations that add to the fabric of the community, such as the volunteer fire department and the Library Funds to supplement summer jobs that benefit the community, especially in childhood education. Groups fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization are eligible but must submit evidence of the sponsorship. They do not fund: direct grants to individuals. direct grants to businesses. For more information, visit CFOC.

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.

The Onondaga County Department of Planning is excited to announce the 2024 Onondaga County Agritourism Grant Program. Donor Name: Onondaga County Department of Planning State: New York County: Onondaga County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: All Time Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Onondaga County is seeking to partner with the local agricultural community to enhance the viability of the valuable farmland and protect farms and farm operators for future generations. In recognition of the role that agritourism plays in farm viability, tourism, and quality of life in Onondaga County, Onondaga County Department of Planning is pleased to share the Onondaga County Agritourism Grant Program, with individual awards of up to $15,000 to agritourism ventures. These grants may be used to cover a variety of projects to grow and enhance agritourism operations in four general categories: Improve, Expand, Initiate and Market. Funds may be used for projects or programs such as expanding or diversifying operations, improving safety and ease of access, or adding new educational programming. New agritourism ventures may use the funding to help offset costs of getting started on a new venture or product. For more information, visit Onondaga County Department of Planning.

The Schuyler County Fund at the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes provides a vehicle for individuals, families, and businesses to invest in the residents of Schuyler County and to protect the physical environment of the region. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes State: New York County: Schuyler County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/05/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Community Foundation is a public charity that encourages funding requests from non-profit tax-exempt programs. Guiding Principals for Grantmaking The Community Foundation builds community and inspires philanthropy. They support creative, effective and innovative programs in the areas of human services, arts and culture, education and youth, health, the environment and civic affairs. Successful projects will address community needs while demonstrating sustainable impact and measurable outcomes. It strives to create healthier conditions for people in our community by collectively improving and/or developing them together. Funded programs will provide clearly stated goals for the incorporation of diverse cultures, philosophies and experiences. Diversity is present not only in program delivery but also in the mission, boards, and operations of the organization The voices of the underserved and economically diverse are important, and programs designed to foster access for community connections are preferred. Eligibility Criteria The Schuyler County Fund supports a wide variety of projects but does restrict itself to organizations: Classified as a nonprofit charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code; or publicly supported organizations such as school districts and municipalities Who have submitted a grant evaluation for any completed program previously funded by the Community Foundation Projects that address pressing issues and benefit from strong community partnerships Proposals from faith-based organizations will only be considered if: (1) service benefits all, regardless of religion; (2) service provided is not religious in nature; and (3) there is no proselytizing associated with the service. The Schuyler County Fund does not make grants for the following activities: Annual campaigns, special event fundraisers or sponsorships Religious purposes Political or partisan purposes Activities taking place before grant decisions are made Deficit funding or debt retirement Individuals For more information, visit  Schuyler County Fund.

Grant Name: DRI Main Street Facade Improvement Program Location: City of Syracuse, New York Grant Size: $100,000 to $500,000 Duration: Not specified Details: The City of Syracuse Department of Neighborhood and Business Development is offering grants to support the redevelopment and improvement of commercial, mixed-use, and/or historic properties within the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) area. Funding is available for for-profit entities seeking to make building facade improvements. A total of $1.8 million has been allocated for this program, with a maximum award of up to $250,000 per project. Eligible applicants include property owners or those under contract to purchase property in the DRI area. Both for-profit and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. For more information, visit NBD website.

Grant Opportunity: Cattaraugus County Microenterprise Assistance Program Grant (New York) This program provides funding for microenterprises with five or fewer employees, owned by individuals meeting low- or moderate-income criteria as defined by HUD. Not-for-profit corporations are not eligible. Both existing and startup micro-businesses can apply, with startups defined as businesses that have filed structure documentation within the last 6 months. Applicants must submit a completed application, business plan, and proof of income and family size. The assisted business activity must result in the creation of employment positions consistent with low- and moderate-income benefit provisions. Proof of job creation and employee income will be required before grant funds are disbursed.

The Rockland Small Businesses Rescue Grant Program in New York offers funding to small businesses and micro-enterprises in Rockland County that have experienced revenue declines or unexpected operating cost deficits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible businesses include indoor arts, entertainment, and recreation; pet grooming, boarding, and walking; restaurants, eateries, food stands and trucks, bars, bakeries, cafes, breweries/wineries catering, delis; bookstores/stationary; housekeeping; fitness centers; florists; general retail; salons/spas; bicycle shops; and other consumer service firms. The grant covers expenses such as commercial or retail rent reimbursement (up to 3 months with no arrears), safety investments (PPE, cleaning supplies, UV disinfection equipment or services), hardware and software fees, credit card processing fees (difference of % increase), carriage fees, marketing fees (advertising and promotion), business enterprise certification fees, and operational supplies.

The Town of Walworth, having received funding through the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) of 2021, has an interest in supporting small businesses and non-profit organizations who have been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. As the town is supportive of making investments that back long-term growth and opportunity, $100,000 has been allocated to this project, and this application has been made available as a tool for the purpose of assisting COVID-19 impacted small-businesses/ non-profit organizations in their recovery efforts.

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.

This program provides $2,000 to recent graduates who live and work in Monroe County for a year, encouraging them to build careers in fields like Advanced Manufacturing, Life Sciences, and Software/IT while fostering connections with local employers.

Grant Opportunity: Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program Description: The HOPWA program provides housing assistance and supportive services for low-income individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. The County of Rockland, funded by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, offers tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA) and support services to eligible individuals diagnosed with HIV infection or AIDS. The goal is to help these households secure and maintain appropriate housing in Rockland County. Funder: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Award Details: HOPWA rental subsidies (TBRA) will be combined with shelter allowance subsidies from the Rockland County Department of Social Services to maximize funding utilization. TBRA subsidies will be provided along with legal and counseling services, similar to the Section 8 Housing Voucher Choice program. Eligible households must meet the definition of "low-income" set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Medically appropriate and documented cases may qualify for a greater number of bedrooms than in the Section 8 program. Eligibility: Low-income individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS in Rockland County are eligible for this grant opportunity. Contact Information: For more information on this program, please contact Lizzette Regina at 845-364-3708 or email [email protected].

This funding is designed to assist Rockland County in providing essential services and support to individuals and families facing homelessness or housing instability, helping them secure permanent housing and regain stability.

This grant provides funding to community groups in Syracuse for projects that enhance local parks and recreational areas through volunteer-led initiatives.

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.

The Summer Meals Capacity-Building Mini-Grants program seeks to increase the number of children and youth in the City of Rochester receiving summer meals and the number of days meals are served. Donor Name: Rochester Area Community Foundation State: New York City: Rochester Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Summer Meals program is federally funded and designed to provide food to youth when the regular school year is not in session. The program serves youth 18 and under who are in programs that serve, or are located near, a school with at least 50% free and reduced meals eligibility rates. The City of Rochester is designated a high-need area, making all youth in the city eligible for summer meals. The Summer Meals program (officially the Summer Food Service Program) is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service. Proposals may include requests for one or more of the following: A Summer Meals Volunteer Coordinator or supplemental staff to increase the Summer Meals site’s capacity to serve additional children and/or to extend the number of days of meal service. One-time capital purchases to increase the capacity of the Summer Meals site to serve additional children and/or extend the number of days of meal service. Examples include purchase of tables, chairs, and coolers. Examples can be found here: Refrigeration and dining, Equipment One-time capital purchase of equipment or supplies that will encourage physical activity and fun, thus increasing the capacity of the provider to serve additional summer meals as more youth may be enticed to participate. Categories  Children  Equity  Youth  Funding Information Up to $15,000. Eligibility Criteria All applicants must be an approved partner of one of the three main Summer Meals sponsors in Rochester (the City of Rochester, Rochester City School District, or Foodlink) for meal delivery, or maintains its own LEA status with NYSED for Summer Meal sponsorship; AND An organization, church, or government entity that has previously provided reimbursable Summer Meals through the New York State Department of Education under the Summer Food Service Program in the City of Rochester; OR A 501(c)(3) organization or 509(a)(1) public organization Previous Summer Meals Mini-Grant recipients are eligible to reapply, but priority may be given to organizations that have not received Summer Meals Mini-Grants in the past. For more information, visit RACF.