Types of Grants

The foundation has two types of grants: foundation grants and discretionary awards. The foundation grants are by application. The discretionary awards are by nomination only. Please read the information below in detail to familiarize yourself with the foundation’s grant types, cycles and deadlines.

Foundation Grants

Foundation grant categories have individual seasonal cycles and application deadlines that occur once per year: the Spring Cycle for Environmental, the Fall Cycle for the Arts, and the Winter Cycle for Human Services. For educational organizations, apply under one of the other categories based on the organization’s mission and program content.

We encourage organizations interested in applying for funding to read our mission and online application guidelines. Applicants may also review past grantees to understand the organizations, programs and grant amounts the foundation currently funds.

Please note that if a deadline falls on a weekend or a holiday, the deadline is extended to the following Monday or Tuesday at 5pm. You can always find the most up-to-date information on a current grant cycle’s deadline on the home page of the foundation’s grant portal.

Environmental Grants

The Environmental cycle is open to organizations whose mission and programs relate to the preservation of the history of New York City, parks, gardens, and environmental education.

Environmental grants are accepted and awarded during our spring cycle. See important dates below:

Arts Grants

The Arts cycle is open to organizations whose mission and programs relate to arts and arts education. The foundation supports visual, theater, music, and art education. The foundation does not support dance at this time.

Arts grants are accepted and awarded during our fall cycle. See important dates below:

Human Services Grants

The Human Services cycle is open to organizations whose mission and programs support prevention, change, and education programs aimed at improving the quality of life for all New York City residents.

Human Services grants are accepted and awarded during our winter cycle. See important dates below:

Discretionary Awards

Individual members of the Board of Directors initiate these awards. We do not accept unsolicited proposals for discretionary awards. Discretionary awards are subject to approval by the Board and are not renewable. You will be notified if your organization has been nominated for a discretionary award.