Best Seneca County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Vitality Grants aim to enhance arts and culture in the eight-county region of New York by supporting nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on fostering access to cultural opportunities in underserved communities, ensuring sustainability for local organizations, and celebrating the region’s diverse cultural heritage. With a new grant cycle starting in early 2025 for educational programs, these grants are crucial for enriching the community's cultural landscape.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is committed to improving the health of our communities, making them better places to live, work, play, and raise a family. As a not-for-profit health plan, we strive to offer affordable access to health care. We aim to provide support for efforts focusing on health disparities, social determinants of health, and discrimination affecting our members and their communities. Our investment initiatives aim to help us reach this objective.

Investment opportunities

It is our mission to support impactful community programs, opportunities to seek and apply for funding, and continue to make a real difference. 

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s 31-county region includes: Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Otsego, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, St. Lawrence, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates counties.

Sponsorship Program

These awards support programs and events that align with our mission to promote access to high-quality, affordable health care—such as fundraisers, health fairs, seminars, and other health-related events.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is committed to improving the health of our communities, making them better places to live, work, play, and raise a family. As a not-for-profit health plan, we strive to offer affordable access to health care. We aim to provide support for efforts focusing on health disparities, social determinants of health, and discrimination affecting our members and their communities. Our investment initiatives aim to help us reach this objective.

Investment opportunities

It is our mission to support impactful community programs, opportunities to seek and apply for funding, and continue to make a real difference. 

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s 31-county region includes: Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Otsego, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, St. Lawrence, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates counties.

Health Equity Innovation Awards

These awards recognize programs or initiatives that demonstrate a strong commitment to reducing health disparities and achieving measurable improvements in health outcomes. Proposals should include specific examples of how the program is innovative, such as:

• Introducing a novel approach or reaching a new audience
• Integrating technology to enhance impact
• Driving organizational change
• Building meaningful collaborations and partnerships

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is committed to improving the health of our communities, making them better places to live, work, play, and raise a family. As a not-for-profit health plan, we strive to offer affordable access to health care. We aim to provide support for efforts focusing on health disparities, social determinants of health, and discrimination affecting our members and their communities. Our investment initiatives aim to help us reach this objective.

Investment opportunities

It is our mission to support impactful community programs, opportunities to seek and apply for funding, and continue to make a real difference. 

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s 31-county region includes: Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Otsego, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, St. Lawrence, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates counties.

Health and Wellness Awards

These awards support funding for initiatives that improve health outcomes by addressing Social Determinants of Health. Priority will be given to proposals targeting conditions and factors linked to adverse health outcomes.

The Greater Rochester Health Foundation's Rapid Response Fund offers urgent, short-term financial relief to nonprofits facing unprecedented funding challenges due to sudden cuts and contract cancellations. This fund aims to support essential services for vulnerable populations by providing bridge funding, covering costs associated with workforce reductions, and facilitating transitions to new service providers. Designed for immediate needs, it helps ensure that nonprofits can maintain their critical operations during this crisis.

The Greater Rochester Health Foundation's Community Event Fund supports health equity initiatives in a nine-county region. Events eligible for funding include health fairs, athletic fundraisers, and educational community gatherings. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can apply for grants up to $5,000. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and funding is limited for events occurring in Q3. Early applications are encouraged to enhance chances of receiving support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) organizations providing PreK–12 arts education programming in Seneca County, New York can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Rochester Area Community Foundation help build capacity, support operations, and fund arts programming, support services, and professional development to expand equitable arts access.

Charles J. and Burton S. August Foundation

Mission

The Charles J. and Burton S. August Foundation is a private charitable foundation dedicated to advancing the health and welfare of residents in the Greater Rochester, New York area. The Foundation supports nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that demonstrate through programs and projects measurable impact on the well-being of those served.

Grant

What We Fund

To be considered for funding, organizations must identify a project, capital improvement, or one-time identifiable need which:

• Makes a positive long-term impact on neighborhoods and communities served.
• Benefits the lives of people served.
• Improves the physical space for safety, education and well-being.
• Outlines a planned approach with clear timelines and outcomes.

Organizations who have received funding must submit a report within 12 months of grant award. Organizations who do not submit a report will not be considered for future funding.

Grant recipients must wait a minimum of three (3) years before submitting a new request.

Nonprofit organizations in Seneca County, New York and the surrounding nine-county region can seek multi-year health-focused funding to stabilize and strengthen community-rooted programs. Focused on health equity, Greater Rochester Health Foundation invites proposals for initiatives serving populations experiencing health inequities, with awards of US $25,000 - US $175,000 per year for up to three years.

Graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students in agriculture-related fields from western Monroe, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, Livingston, Wayne, Yates, Ontario, or Seneca counties can receive $1,000 to $4,000 in renewable scholarship support. With a mission to cultivate a thriving Greater Rochester region, Rochester Area Community Foundation also offers a one-time $500 book award.

The New York State Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program aims to enhance K-12 meal preparation by utilizing fresh local farm products. With a total funding of $50 million over five years, the program will award $5 million to each of the ten regions, encouraging projects that alleviate food insecurity and bolster market opportunities for local producers. This initiative seeks to strengthen the state's food system resiliency while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance for the expenses associated with higher education for a student who possesses a spirit and aptitude for understanding and appreciating the free enterprise system that allows private philanthropy to exist.

Allowed Use of Award - Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Graduating medical students and surgical interns or residents in the greater Rochester area can receive US $10,000 - US $60,000 in loan repayment support for surgical training focused on patient care. With a mission to cultivate a thriving Greater Rochester region, Rochester Area Community Foundation offers this scholarship, which may benefit those training in Seneca County, New York who are committed to community service.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

Nonprofit organizations serving children and families in Seneca County, New York can seek funding for health, mental health, welfare, and youth services programs. New Car Dealers of WNY Charitable Foundation supports child-focused initiatives across Western New York through restricted grants, with applications reviewed twice per year by its board of trustees.

Seneca County individuals pursuing graduate study in mental health, behavioral health, or developmental disabilities can access funding through Rochester Area Community Foundation for tuition, books, fees, and other educational costs. Eligible applicants must work or plan to work in these fields in the eight-county Rochester region and may receive approximately US $7,500, with potential to reapply.

Public libraries serving youth in Seneca County, New York and the wider Finger Lakes Library System can seek funding to expand access, reading, and learning programs. With a mission to foster intellectual curiosity, Community Foundation of Tompkins County provides US $500 - US $16,000 to the 33 eligible public libraries in Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga, and Tompkins counties.

Rochester Area Community Foundation provides Seneca County, New York education nonprofits and school districts with funding for evidence-based, high-quality K-12 summer learning programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, public charities, or fiscally sponsored groups in the eight-county region can apply for US $25,000 - US $50,000 to offer blended academic support and enrichment that improves student outcomes.

Great Lakes tribes or their designees working on aquatic invasive species management in or near Seneca County, New York can apply for US Fish and Wildlife Service grants of US $20,000 - US $100,000. Funding supports development and implementation of Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans that protect the Great Lakes Basin.

Seneca County, New York nonprofits providing intensive children’s mental health services can access funding through the New York State Office of Mental Health to operate a Youth Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. Awards will support multidisciplinary, home- and community-based treatment for youth with serious emotional disturbance returning from or at risk of higher-level care.

The Kelly for Kids Community Grants aim to support disadvantaged and disabled youth in Western New York. Founded by former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, the foundation has distributed nearly $5 million to local children's charities. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on health and social services for children in need. The foundation prioritizes innovative programs and equipment improvements, ensuring funds are used effectively to make a significant impact in the community.

The Vitality Grants program aims to bolster regional vitality by preserving historical assets and fostering educational initiatives. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply, focusing on projects that create lasting impacts, promote community revitalization, and enhance sustainability. The program prioritizes efforts that engage the community with its rich historical heritage, while ensuring economic development and equity in storytelling and preservation efforts.

The Chesapeake Bay Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) Grant Program, funded by the EPA and Chesapeake Bay Trust, supports innovative green infrastructure projects enhancing community livability. With funding opportunities ranging from conceptual plans to full project implementation, this program aims to reduce stormwater runoff, improve urban green spaces, and boost local water health within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Eligible locations include parts of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, as well as New York.

The LGBT+ Giving Circle Grant supports organizations that are inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community in the Greater Rochester area. Established in 2011, it aims to enhance community diversity through projects aligned with its mission. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and have a nondiscrimination policy that includes LGBT+ individuals. The grant does not fund special events, fundraising campaigns, or religious activities, ensuring focused support for impactful initiatives.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Fund for Youth Sports Grants, established by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, aims to enhance youth sports and recreation in six counties of New York. Grant requests can range from $5,000 to $25,000, supporting nonprofits and government entities that serve youth. Priority is given to community-engaged programs that align with eight identified strategies to keep youth active. Applications are limited to one per organization and must focus on quality sports experiences.

Rochester Area Community Foundation

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission: We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Rochester Tooling and Machining (James M. Nieboer) Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

For students enrolled in the advanced manufacturing industry related curricula at an accredited community college, junior college, or technical post-secondary institution within the Finger Lakes region.

Allowed Use of Award

Expenses associated with higher education.

Renewability

This award is not automatically renewable; students may reapply each Fall and Spring semester.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established in 1993 by the Rochester Tooling and Machining Institute, Inc. to encourage students to engage in the metalworking industry.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.