Best Air Quality Grants in New York

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on youth-focused air quality and environmental education in New York can seek up to US $15,000 to support programs. The Dan Paul Foundation funds initiatives that advance children’s health, education, development, and welfare, including projects on clean air and water, poverty, homelessness, and refugee enrichment worldwide.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in New York and globally can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving mostly economically underserved communities pilot or scale innovative, tech-enabled social impact solutions.

Educational institutions, government programs, and eligible nonprofits in New York can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives that improve daily life and neighborhood strength. Focused on these areas, State Farm invites organizations to propose projects such as auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, financial literacy, and K–12 or higher education programs.

Nonprofit public charities in New York City’s five boroughs can seek funding to improve environmental health, including projects that enhance indoor and outdoor air quality in disadvantaged communities. Focused on health, behavioral health, and people with special needs, The New York Community Trust supports systemic change, capacity building, and expanded or improved direct services.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit organizations working on environmental justice and reducing harmful contaminants affecting children in New York can access funding through the Sills Family Foundation; awards range from US $10,000 - US $25,000. Eligible programs may include efforts to reduce pollutants in air, water, food, and homes in low-income or overburdened communities.

Lake Champlain Basin Program

Mission

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) coordinates and funds efforts that benefit the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources, in partnership with government agencies from New York, Vermont, and Québec, private organizations, local communities, and individuals.

Artist-in-Residence Programs

New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (“NEIWPCC”), is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Artist-in-Residence (AiR) programs in the Lake Champlain Basin. The aim of this process is to invite a wide range of innovative and effective projects and further the goals of Opportunities for Action: An Evolving Plan for the Future of the Lake Champlain Basin. The intent of this funding opportunity is to support development of sustainable Artist-in-Residence programs that will recruit artists to obtain and use scientific data, cultural trends, or historical facts to increase interpretation of natural resources within the Lake Champlain basin.

New York nonprofit organizations running community programs, projects, or initiatives can access funding through the Northern New York Community Foundation’s CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund. Eligible groups must serve residents of Jefferson, Lewis, or St. Lawrence counties and may submit one application per year; air quality or environmental education efforts in these areas may be eligible.

Bronx-based nonprofit arts organizations or local government units in New York can apply for Hudson River Foundation’s Artist in Residence support, with awards up to US $20,000, to address water quality and environmental concerns along the Harlem River. Projects that blend arts, culture, and natural resource awareness may be especially competitive.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit organizations in New York can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs, facilities, and services. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. organizations fund education, cultural institutions, environmental and wildlife activities, health facilities, and services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities, which may include air quality-related initiatives.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Undergraduate mechanical, architectural, or engineering technology students preparing for HVAC&R careers and connected to New York or ASHRAE Region 1 can receive up to US $3,000 for tuition support. American Society of Heating Refrigerating & A C Engineers funding may benefit students focused on building systems, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students preparing for HVAC&R careers and connected to New York or other ASHRAE Region I states can apply for scholarships up to US $3,000 from ASHRAE. With a mission to advance sustainable building systems, ASHRAE provides support for accredited programs that can improve indoor air quality and related technologies.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving economic stability, workforce readiness, health, social services, or disaster relief can seek project, operating, or capital support, including organizations serving New York communities. With a mission to strengthen underserved individuals and families, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding to nonprofits that benefit their local communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts has a business presence.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York working on youth education, family services, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs improving community well-being, including air-quality-related environmental education or greening projects, may be competitive.

Local governments, Indian Nations, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, state agencies, and not-for-profit corporations in New York can apply for New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Resilient Watersheds Grant Program; awards US $150,000 - US $10,000,000 for construction and implementation of flood mitigation and climate-resilient, nature-based watershed projects. Air quality and climate-focused initiatives that reduce flooding impacts may be eligible.

Municipalities and public entities in New York seeking to build or upgrade green infrastructure for stormwater and water quality projects can apply for US $1,000,000 - US $10,000,000 grants. Focused on resilient, nature-based stormwater systems, New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation funding may benefit air quality efforts that overlap with urban greening and climate resilience.

Local governments and other eligible entities in New York can seek New York State Department of State funding to design and construct projects that enhance community resilience and reduce flood risk. Coastal rehabilitation and related nature-based projects may benefit communities working to protect infrastructure, public health, and local air and environmental quality from climate-related impacts.

New York municipalities and other eligible local entities seeking to reduce inland flood risk and revitalize waterfronts in New York can apply for implementation funding, with awards over US $150,000. New York State Department of State provides New York climate resilience and water management projects with support for design and construction, prioritizing nature-based solutions that may benefit air quality–related initiatives.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

New York land trusts seeking support to acquire forest conservation easements can apply for competitive matching grants, with awards up to Up to US $350,000. Focused on forest and habitat conservation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation program may benefit organizations whose work also advances air quality and climate resilience in New York.