NYSFOLA will post opportunities that come to our attention on our home page so check back often.
Before applying for any grant, you should fully understand what will or will not be funded. Look carefully at the requirements and ask questions before you spend a lot of time putting together a proposal that does not meet the criteria. Here are some resources to get your started. Local and county government agencies such as your county Soil and Water Conservation District as well as nearby academic institutions may also be able to assist you.
BoatUS Foundation Grassroots Grants (ongoing) – Over the past 25 years the Foundation has awarded over a million dollars to local community organizations, yacht clubs, flotillas and squadrons. The Foundation is looking for creative and innovative projects that promote safe and clean boating on your local waterway.
Community Foundations – Local and regional community foundations are often overlooked sources of funding for water quality projects. Many of them have environmental funds available. The list below is not intended to be a complete listing of NY community funding organizations. We recommend that you investigate what may be available in your area.
- Adirondack Foundation – Adirondack Foundation, founded in 1997 as Adirondack Community Trust, is a community foundation serving the Adirondack region of northeastern New York.
- Central NY Communtity Foundation Community Grant Program – Tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations in Onondaga and Madison counties are encouraged to apply for grants to fund innovative projects in the areas of: arts and culture, civic affairs, education, health, human services and the environment
- Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region -Since 1968, the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region has worked to improve the quality of life in the region by promoting and facilitating effective philanthropy.
- The Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes inspires philanthropy to make lives better. Grants support the people of Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties in the Southern Tier of New York State. This foundation has a dedicated Keuka Area Fund for projects that improve Keuka Lake.
- The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan offers grant funding from more than 300 different charitable component funds. Each year, they distribute nearly $3 million in charitable grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarship awards to local students. The organization also has a BoardStrong program to help nonprofit organizations achieve the highest standards of board leadership, governance and oversight. This is done by providing nonprofit board training, consultation and educational resources.
- Long Island Clean Water Partnership – Funded, in part, by the Rauch Foundation, the Long Island Clean Water Partnership is a coalition of organizations who are committed to restoring and protecting Long Island’s water qulity.
- Northern NY Community Foundation – The Northern New York Community Foundation community grant program allows tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties to apply for grants to fund innovative programs, projects and initiatives that positively affect the quality of life in the region.
- Westchester Community Foundation – Invests in smart and innovative efforts to achieve their goal of making Westchester a vibrant place of opportunity where inequality is reduced, natural resources are protected, and communities are resilient.
Iroquois Community Grants – Is your lake in a community along the Iroquois pipline route? Local, state and county governments of pipeline host communities, tax-exempt, not-for-profit environmental organizations and land trusts, and private tax-exempt organizations under IRS Section 501(c)(3) may apply. Only projects in a community in which Iroquois facilities are located will be considered for funding.
Lake Champlain Basin Program – The Lake Champlain Basin Program has periodic opportunities for water quality projects within the watershed. If your lake is in the Lake Champlain watershed, it’s a good idea to check their website for current opportunities.
New York State Grant Funding – The New York State Grants Gateway is the entry point for obtaining NYS state grant funding. Register your not-for-profit organization, get prequalified, and search for funding.
New York Pollution Prevention Insitute (NYSP2I) – The Community Grants Program supports initiatives that promote public awareness, understanding, and implementation of pollution prevention practices at the local level. NYSP2I invites applications from community organizations, municipal departments, and other public sector and nonprofit entities based in New York State.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation – Grant cycles are generally open once per year for a variety of projects and are highly competitive.
New York State Department of State Office of Planning and Development – The NYS Deparatment of State periodically has watershed planning and implementation grants available. Check their website or the Grants Gateway for the current status.
New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation – The NYS EFC has periodic grants to support drinking water infrastructure, water supply protection, and stormwater management.
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets – The Department offers various funding opportunities to ensure the growth of New York’s agricultural communities. These opportunities touch many parts of the diverse agricultural sector: connecting farmers with new markets; supporting marketing efforts for producers and retailers; getting local, healthy foods into schools; improving infrastructure on fairgrounds and in companion animal shelters statewide; ensuring climate resilient farming practices; water quality and more.
Tug Hill Commission – The Tug Hill Commission maintains a list of common funding sources used by their partners. Lake associations in this region should subscribe to or monitor the Tug Hill Times to keep informed of the most current grant opportunities.
Federal Funding – United States Enviromental Protection Agency, United States Fish & Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, etc. – To apply for federal funding, it’s usually best to collaborate with a state or local agency or an academic institution. The grant applications can be challenging, and the paperwork is generally not for beginners. There is a clearinghouse website to search for available federal grant funding and grant writing tips at: https://www.grants.gov/