Parks & Trails | Arts Regrants Program | Farmers' Markets | Food Relief  | Community Facilities | Community Heart & Soul | Stewart's Community Giving | National Grid Energy Assistance

This program is open to organizations whose mission reflects the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, environmental education, maintenance and/or promotion of a New York State park, trail, historic site or other public land under the jurisdiction of the NYSOPRHP or NYSDEC. These organizations are typically known as "Friends" groups. Four grant categories are available: Capacity and Organizational Effectiveness; Stewardship and Public Access; Professional Development; and Step Up Grants.

Deadline: December 9, 2022

Artists, municipalities, libraries, 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations can apply directly for grants. Others may be eligible to apply with the help of a sponsor organization. These grants are for programs taking place in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties.

• Individual Artists may request $1,000-$2,500
• Arts Education projects may request $300-$5,000
• Community Arts Projects may request $300-$5,000

Arts funding info sessions are scheduled throughout the tri-county area through November and early December. All first-time applicants are REQUIRED to attend a workshop before applying for a grant; return applicants are strongly encouraged to do so

Deadline: December 15, 2022

Grant funds must be used to increase farmers' markets' resiliency, which may be through the development and enhancement of the farmers' markets infrastructure, online sales and/or delivery capabilities across the state. Projects to support this goal may include but are not limited to developing services, paying expenses, and managing the awarded project activities. Project terms will begin 4/1/23

Deadline: December 15, 2022

Provides funding to local emergency food relief organizations to purchase equipment such as trucks, refrigerated vehicles, trailers, food storage containers, cooling equipment. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations that provide emergency food relief (excluding NYS Food Banks). A 25% local match is required; maximum grant request is $100,000.

Deadline: Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received; awards will be made to each application with a passing score until funds are exhausted.

Community Facilities Programs offer direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America. Public bodies, non-profit organizations and federally recognized American Indian Tribes can use the funds to construct, expand or improve facilities that provide health care, education, public safety, and public services. Projects include fire and rescue stations, village and town halls, health care clinics, hospitals, adult and child care centers, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, public buildings, schools, libraries, and many other community-based initiatives. Financing may also cover the costs for land acquisition, professional fees, and purchase of equipment.

Deadline: Open

NOTE - Potential applicants should contact the regional USDA Service Center for more information and technical assistance: 1942 Old Dekalb Rd, Canton, NY; 315-386-2401

The Community Heart & Soul Grant Program is designed for small cities and towns (populations 2,500-3,000) provides $10,000 in funding for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns to start the Community Heart & Soul model. Grant funding requires a $10,000 cash match from the participating municipality or a partnering organization. Community Heart & Soul is a four-phase, step-by-step process that brings residents together to chart a course forward that recognizes and honors the unique character of their town and the emotional connection of the people who live there.

Deadline: Rolling

Stewart's provides gift certificates, product donations, and discounts for various charitable groups. In addition, monetary donations may also be requested: requests of less than $5,000 may be submitted online, requests for more than $5,000 must be submitted by US Mail. See website for full details; briefly, Stewart's has an interest in the area of kids, their recreation and education and values volunteer support. They avoid cause-related and religious organizations; prefer to give to those providing a service, as opposed to those supporting a cause; contribution dollars are for people versus animals; and they do not donate directly to individuals.

Deadline: Open - Requests for donations or support should be submitted at least three weeks in advance of the event or deadline for which support is requested.

To help customers who need financial assistance, as winter energy prices are expected to rise significantly due to the global energy crisis and inflation, National Grid is committing $17 million in philanthropic funding. These funds are in addition to annual local community and philanthropic support. The funds will be distributed through National Grid and the National Grid Foundation to existing networks and community partners across Massachusetts and New York that are set up to help individuals, families and communities who need it most.

National Grid does not control energy prices - it buys energy from the wholesale market and passes it directly on to customers at the same price with no markup or profit. But the company understands the impact of energy supply price increases on customers and communities, especially when the costs for other goods and services are also going up and is committed to playing its part to help.

That's why National Grid has launched the Winter Customer Savings Initiative to help customers reduce their energy use and save money, better manage their bills, and secure available energy assistance.

The initiative includes numerous payment assistance programs for income-eligible customers, extensive residential and business energy efficiency programs and incentives, low-cost and no-cost bill management solutions, and flexible payment programs.