Best Orange County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The M&T Charitable Foundation Grants provide essential support to a variety of organizations focused on enhancing community well-being. With a mission rooted in corporate responsibility, the foundation prioritizes partnerships with 501(c)(3) organizations in sectors such as arts, health, education, and human services. By investing in local initiatives, the foundation aims to create healthier communities and improve the quality of life for all stakeholders involved.

Our Programs

For over 25 years, Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming has been a leader in building a resilient and equitable food system in New York’s Hudson Valley. Through four interconnected strategies, we strengthen our region’s food system while serving as a national model for transformative, regionally-based solutions.

Core Strategies

Our strategic approaches are not standalone efforts, but a dynamic, interwoven framework that collectively advances our vision of a resilient and equitable regional food system. By incorporating all four strategies into every one of our programs, we create comprehensive solutions that amplify our impact across the agricultural landscape.

Hudson Valley Farm Relief Fund

The Glynwood Center for Food and Farming established the Hudson Valley Farm Relief Fund, an emergency initiative to provide critical financial assistance to farms across eleven New York counties that have lost expected USDA funding due to the federal funding freeze. The Fund was a time-limited initiative, and is separate from Glynwood's core programming.

The Resorts World Gives - New York City, Catskills & Hudson Valley Grant supports registered non-profit organizations aiming for economic and social progress in their communities. With funding up to $50,000 annually, applicants must demonstrate how funds will be used and align with key pillars such as community development and health. Applications are accepted year-round, but must be submitted 3-6 months before the event. For thorough evaluation, applications exceeding $10,000 may require additional review.

The JGS Fellowship for Photography offers a $7,000 cash grant to photography artists residing in New York State, excluding New York City. This competitive fellowship supports five artists engaged in traditional and experimental photography. Funded by The Joy of Giving Something, the fellowship aims to assist artists in creating new works and exhibitions. Eligible applicants must be at least 25 years old and have lived in a qualifying region of New York State for at least 12 months.

The David and Minnie Berk Foundation, established in 1961, provides grants to charitable organizations in the arts, education, and social services, focusing on youth, the elderly, and the needy. With a maximum grant of $10,000, they support innovative ideas and pilot programs. Eligible recipients must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in the greater New York metropolitan area, while ineligible organizations include those with budgets exceeding $3,000,000 and individual projects.

K-12 school food and nutrition programs in Orange County, New York that use fresh New York farm products can access funding through the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets; awards are US $5,000,000 per proposal. Grants support school meal infrastructure, reduce food insecurity, and expand markets for New York producers.

Episcopal Charities of the Diocese of New York focuses on providing essential funding and support to local organizations addressing critical needs in communities. Since 1996, they have granted over $25 million, with initiatives including shelter and immigration support, food access, and youth educational opportunities. Their programs are inclusive and free of religious content, serving asylum seekers, immigrants, and those facing housing insecurity. This commitment ensures a positive impact on over 1 million lives annually.

The Youth Education and Development Grant Program by Episcopal Charities aims to enhance educational opportunities for children in New York. This program funds organizations that provide year-round academic enrichment, arts, and music programs. With over $25 million granted since 1996, it focuses on supporting non-religious, charitable missions that serve underserved communities. Grantees are required to complete a timely application and adhere to training requirements, ensuring impactful support for youth development.

The Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, established in 2004, supports breast cancer initiatives in New York's Hudson Valley. They offer grants for projects focused on breast health education, outreach, and support services. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and educational institutions serving specific counties. Projects must directly address breast cancer issues, while funding excludes capital campaigns and repeated grants for the same program. This initiative aims to enhance community awareness and support for those affected by breast cancer.

The Cleopatra Fund provides grants to support animal welfare organizations in the Greater Hudson Valley. With a funding range of $500 to $2,000 and a maximum award of $3,000, the fund prioritizes programs benefiting cats, dogs, retired circus animals, and retired farm animals. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations within the Hudson Valley region, which encompasses nine counties. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for animals and the community.

The Nuvance Health Taconic IPA Science Education Grants aim to enhance science education for secondary teachers in Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties. By providing essential classroom and laboratory equipment, the program supports innovative teaching methods and encourages student engagement in science-related careers. Priority is given to well-crafted requests for durable equipment that benefits a wide student audience, with special consideration for proposals that demonstrate collaborative sharing of resources among schools.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified public entities providing community development programs in Orange County, New York may be eligible for charitable sponsorship supporting affordable housing, small business growth, financial education, workforce development, youth programs, and neighborhood revitalization. Santander Bank Foundation supports low- to moderate-income communities within its Northeast footprint through this sponsorship program.

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

Supporting Natural & Cultural Resources

The Hudson River Valley Greenway and the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area provide financial support to municipalities and nonprofit organizations that seek to celebrate, preserve, and enhance the region’s natural and cultural resources.

Compact Community Grants

Compact Community Grants provide financial assistance to municipalities in the Hudson River Valley for local and regional planning projects. Become a Compact Community to Access Funding.

The Hudson River Valley Greenway works to celebrate and protect the region’s ecological, scenic, cultural, historic, agricultural, and recreational treasures.  

HRVG’s McHenry Community Planning Grant Program provides financial assistance for local and regional planning projects in the Greenway Area. To be considered for a Greenway Community Grant or a Compact Community Grant, projects must incorporate Greenway Criteria – Natural and Cultural Resource Protection, Regional Planning, Economic Development, Public Access to the Hudson River, Heritage and Environmental Education.  

A variety of projects are eligible to receive financial assistance from HRVG. All applicants must incorporate Greenway Criteria and clearly demonstrate how the requested project will be completed within the grant contract period. 

Projects Categories:

• Community Planning
• Public Participation
• Open Space Protection
• Cultural Resource Protection
• Natural Resource Protection 
• Economic Development
• Scenic Resource Protection 

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to innovative educational modules in eligible schools. This initiative supports public and charter schools in targeted counties, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields. Through grant funding, participating schools can introduce new PLTW Launch modules and provide essential training for teachers, fostering a richer learning environment to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

Nonprofit and for-profit organizations in Orange County, New York seeking support for community-focused events and activities can apply for TD Bank’s Community Sponsorships Program. Grants from TD Charitable Foundation help fund initiatives that positively support the community, offer participation opportunities for bank colleagues, and build relationships with local organizations while raising TD’s visibility.

Orange County, New York animal welfare nonprofits focused on companion animals and endangered species conservation can access funding through the Regina Bauer Frankenberg Foundation for programs improving care, treatment, and cruelty prevention. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets of $250,000 or more may receive capacity-building or infrastructure support for adoption, training, and spay/neuter initiatives.

Open Space Institute provides Orange County, New York nonprofits and their nominated undergraduate or graduate students with funding for Hudson River Valley projects in environmental conservation, historic preservation, environmental justice, arts, and tourism. Awards up to US $6,000 support student-led internships that educate communities, highlight local history and environment, and create tangible community benefits.

Nonprofits, Tribes, and local governments in Orange County, New York can seek US $10,000 - US $35,000 for watershed-focused planning projects that integrate water quality data into conservation or forest management plans. Focused on freshwater and land conservation, Open Space Institute supports efforts addressing climate change, flood hazards, water justice, and related water resource management needs.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) is a philanthropic community foundation that empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their charitable goals and strengthen communities across Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster counties in New York. Through the establishment and stewardship of nearly 600 charitable funds totaling over $100 million in assets, CFHV has distributed hundreds of millions in grants and scholarships to address critical needs, including food insecurity, education, senior services, arts and culture, social services, environmental initiatives, and more. The Foundation works with donors to build lasting charitable legacies, offers leadership on community issues, and provides grants and scholarships that create both immediate relief and long-term positive impact throughout the Hudson Valley. 

Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation Scholarship

The Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors and eligible college students who have been meaningfully affected by breast cancer and are pursuing postsecondary education. The scholarship assists students residing in one of nine Hudson Valley–area New York counties who plan to attend an accredited college, university, or trade school and who have participated in breast cancer–related activities. Awards recognize students who have turned personal challenges related to breast cancer into positive action and community engagement. Multiple one-time scholarships are available each year, with award amounts ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, payable directly to the student’s school.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) is a philanthropic community foundation that empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their charitable goals and strengthen communities across Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster counties in New York. Through the establishment and stewardship of nearly 600 charitable funds totaling over $100 million in assets, CFHV has distributed hundreds of millions in grants and scholarships to address critical needs, including food insecurity, education, senior services, arts and culture, social services, environmental initiatives, and more. The Foundation works with donors to build lasting charitable legacies, offers leadership on community issues, and provides grants and scholarships that create both immediate relief and long-term positive impact throughout the Hudson Valley. 

Lorien Niniel and Howard Robert Kimlin Scholarship Fund

Established in memory of Lorien Niniel Kimlin and her father, Howard Robert Kimlin, this scholarship supports students who value cross-cultural learning and international education. The award assists one student attending Marist College or Dutchess, Orange, or Ulster Community College who graduated from a high school in Dutchess, Orange, or Ulster County and plans to study abroad in Spain. Eligible applicants must be pursuing Art, International Business, or the Spanish language through a semester or program abroad and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA. The scholarship provides a one-time $4,500 award, payable to the school or language program, and is not renewable.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) is a philanthropic community foundation that empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their charitable goals and strengthen communities across Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster counties in New York. Through the establishment and stewardship of nearly 600 charitable funds totaling over $100 million in assets, CFHV has distributed hundreds of millions in grants and scholarships to address critical needs, including food insecurity, education, senior services, arts and culture, social services, environmental initiatives, and more. The Foundation works with donors to build lasting charitable legacies, offers leadership on community issues, and provides grants and scholarships that create both immediate relief and long-term positive impact throughout the Hudson Valley. 

Kathleen H. Zwissler Memorial Scholarship

Established by Adams Fairacre Farms in honor of Kathleen H. Zwissler, this scholarship provides financial assistance to high school seniors and college students in the Hudson Valley. Eligible applicants must be employees of Adams Fairacre Farms, Inc. or members of an employee’s immediate family and maintain a B average or better. The scholarship awards one non-renewable, one-time payment of $2,000, payable directly to the recipient’s school, to support postsecondary education at an accredited institution.