Artwork by Sarah Bellinger
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Search here for local, regional, and national funding opportunities. If you notice any funding agencies or opportunities that are missing, please submit your information to [email protected] and we would be glad to add it to our page. Please note that listings without deadlines indicate applications that are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information on any of these opportunities, please contact the foundation or funding agency directly. Additional resources:
Funding Opportunities for Organizations:
The mission of the Adolf Busch Award is to recognize and honor organizations that use music to address social injustice, inequity and lack of opportunity.
The Award grants $10,000 to one organization each year. Smaller awards are often given to additional compelling applicants.
Deadline: October 1st, annually
OVERVIEW
To support small and medium-sized businesses with On-the-Job Training, wage subsidy, skills upgrading, and skills retraining. When a company invests in its employees through training that allows them to elevate their skillset, it provides the employer with resources to elevate their performance in their industry. On-The-Job Training grants can assist in the acceleration of promotable employees by alleviating some of the costs associated with retaining talent and attracting new talent.
DETAILS
- Chamber membership is not required, and the grant is available for the 8 counties of WNY.
- It is a reimbursable grant and both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations could be eligible.
REIMBURSEMENT
This is a reimbursement grant. With an On-the-Job Training application and approved training plan, a business can be reimbursed for up to 50% of training costs and 50% of wages. Business is required to pay for training and wages upfront.
Deadline: Applications accepted on rolling basis through August 31, 2026
The Carnahan-Jackson Foundation is a trust that was created and operates for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.
- Grant Range: $1,000- $150,000
- Funding Focus: Libraries, Basic Human Needs, Educational Institutions
- Geographic Focus: Western New York
- Eligibility: 501 (c)(3) organizations and religious organizations
- Deadlines: April 1st and October 1st, annually
Supports programming and capital improvement projects that seek to address a community need or deliver broad community benefit.
- Range: $4,000- $20,000
- Geographic Focus: Organizations located in or serving Southern Chautauqua County
- Deadlines:
March 2, 2026- August 3, 2026
The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation annually awards over $1M through its competitive grant processes to charitable organizations working to make a difference across the region. General grants are offered bi-monthly and are intended to assist with emerging needs or one-time costs. Requests can be made up to $4,000. Organizations can only submit two requests per year.
- Range: $1,000- $4,000
- Geographic Focus: Organizations located in or serving Southern Chautauqua County
- Deadlines: Bi-monthly; last Wednesday of even months (February 25th, April 29th, June 24th, August 26th, October 28th, December 30th)
Supports emerging needs and one-time costs, organizations serving Falconer, Kennedy, Ellington and Randolph NY communities. Open to faith-based organizations.
Range: $1,000- $4,000
Deadline: April 1, annually
The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation hosts two cycles per year, intending to fund larger initiatives with wide-reaching and longer term community impact. The process occurs in two stages for each cycle, beginning with submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) and followed by an invitation to submit a full application. Priority given to requests that indicate support from multiple funding sources, demonstrate plans for sustainability, indicate collaborative partnerships and employ evidence-based approaches with measurable outcomes (where applicable).
- Range: Over $20,000
- Geographic Focus: Organizations located in or serving Southern Chautauqua County
- Deadlines: Pre-Applications due December 1, 2026; full applications by invitation due January 5, 2027
In 2021, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation established endowment funds at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to support arts and culture in the eight counties of Western New York, plus Monroe County, in recognition of the key role arts and culture organizations play in a thriving economy.
Since the inception of the Arts & Culture Initiative (ACI), the Community Foundation has prioritized community feedback in the creation of this annual funding opportunity. Click here to learn more about the history of this grant process.
One grant opportunity is available in 2026: General Operating Micro Grants of up to $2,500 for arts & culture organizations with less than one full-time staff member to execute immediate programming.
The Capacity-Building & General Operating grant process will open next in 2028.
Timeline:
- June 2026: Information Sessions
- August 3, 2026: Process opens
- September 11, 2026 at 4 p.m.: Process closes, no exceptions
- Early November 2026: Decision notification
The DownRoot Fund exists to promote community ownership and community control. For too long, traditional economic systems have extracted resources, displaced communities, and concentrated wealth away from the people most impacted.
DownRoot takes a different approach.
By supporting community-driven initiatives, the fund helps lay down lasting roots in Buffalo and across Western New York. DownRoot invests in projects that build an economy where people have real control over their workplaces, neighborhoods, and economic futures.
Through strategic grants, the fund strengthens organizations and initiatives that advance shared wealth, democratic ownership, and community leadership.
Funding Opportunities
- Preserve Grant
- The Preserve Grant helps sustain existing businesses and nonprofits that serve and are led by individuals from historically disinvested communities.
- Grants up to $10,000
- Build Grant
- The Build Grant supports new collaborative projects that expand shared ownership and democratic control within the local economy.
- Grants of up to $25,000
- Startup Grant
- The Startup Grant supports the start-up of new businesses led by individuals from disinvested communities (i.e. Black, POC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized groups), to help these businesses take root and positively impact their communities.
- Grants of up to $10,000
2026 Deadlines:
May 31, 2026- September 30, 2026
The Regional Development Corporation (RDC), is the lending arm of the Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA). The RDC Loan Program enhances the competitiveness of local businesses, promotes local ownership of firms employing local residents, and assists with the formation of new companies, including the technology sector and businesses in designated economic development zones.
The RDC Business Loan program supports underserved markets, including borrowers with little to no credit history, low income borrowers, and minority and women entrepreneurs in distressed rural and urban areas, who may not qualify for more conventional loans. M/WBE businesses may qualify for special loan terms.
The RDC offers business loans from $50,000 to $2,000,000 to businesses operating in Erie County, NY.
RDC Loans may be used for:
- permanent working capital
- machinery and equipment purchases
- property acquisition
- pollution control improvements
- loans to effect changes is local ownership when the employment base of the company would otherwise be in jeopardy
Deadline: Rolling
Empire State Development announced the launch of the NY Entertainment Workforce Diversity Grant Program, which will provide over $1 million annually in matching funds to support diversity and inclusivity in job creation and training programs in New York’s film and television industries. The grant program is funded through the Empire State Entertainment Diversity Job Training Development Fund which, at the suggestion of industry leaders, is financed by an allocated percentage from New York State’s film tax credit program. Grants from $25,000 to $500,000 will be available for job creation and training programs that support efforts to: recruit, hire, promote, retain, develop, and train a diverse and inclusive workforce for New York’s motion picture and television production and post-production industries.
Deadline: Rolling
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Fifty Fabulous Women Giving Circle (FFWGC) Buffalo Chapter is a community of philanthropic women who combine their financial strength to improve the lives of women and children in Western New York. As an all-volunteer organization with no overhead, 100% of member contributions go directly to programs that align with our mission. FFWGC Buffalo Chapter members meet four times per year to pool resources, hear presentations from finalist organizations, and select the organization that will receive grant funding.
ELIBILITY
In order to be eligible for a grant from FFWGC Buffalo Chapter, your organization must:
- Be a registered 501(c)3
- Have an annual operating budget below $1 million
- Be based in and providing services within the 8 counties of Western New York
- Promote the well being of women and children in Western New York
- Please note that we prefer to support grassroots organizations!
Deadlines:
Quarter 1: February 27, 2026Quarter 2: May 1, 2026- Quarter 3: September 4, 2026
- Quarter 4: October 30, 2026
Explore a variety of funding opportunities that can support your projects or ideas. We offer several grants and scholarships to promote access to professional development, outreach to the public, and to support research and publications.
Deadlines: Rolling, Grant Specific Deadlines
Good Neighbor Fund is dedicated to leveling the playing field for entrepreneurship by providing $1,000 micro-grants to under-resourced and underrepresented founders, primarily at the ideation stage. Inspired by Buffalo’s nickname “The City of Good Neighbors,” we offer not just financial support, but belief capital and mentorship to empower new and diverse founders.
Deadline: Rolling
The Hultquist Foundation is a private foundation with an emphasis on charitable and educational organizations in Chautauqua County.
- Grant Range: $5,000- $300,000 (Average award of $45,000)
- Funding Focus: Charitable and educational organizations
- Geographic Focus: Southern Chautauqua County
- Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations
Deadlines: No earlier than March 10th, May 10th, & September 10th annually
Community Sponsorships support an organization’s fundraising efforts through events or general support.
- Community Sponsorships are funded by KeyBank, not the KeyBank Foundation
- They typically fund events or general operating support, especially to help nonprofits with their fundraising efforts.
- The typical range is $500 to $5,000, though exact amounts may depend on the organization and event.
- Applications are accepted January through October. KeyBank does not accept them in November or December, and it’s recommended to submit at least two months before decision is needed.
Deadlines: Rolling annually January-October
Community Grants support organizations for which contributions are tax deductible and that invest in programs that align with our funding priorities and foster positive change in the communities we serve.
- These are grants from the KeyBank Foundation, designed to support programmatic work that aligns with key funding priorities: Neighbors, Education, and Workforce.
- Neighbors often involve safe, inclusive communities, affordable housing, economic development, and small business growth.
- Education supports preparing students for career success.
- Workforce targets skills, certification completion, and employment outcomes.
- Grant amounts typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with an average of $15,000.
- Eligibility requirements:
- Organizations must have an annual operating budget of at least $100,000.
- Must serve communities within states where KeyBank operates (e.g., New York, Ohio, etc.).
- Application process:
- Community Grants are by invitation only. Interested organizations should start by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through their grant portal.
- The Foundation will review the EOI and may follow up within about 90 days.
Deadlines: Rolling
The Lake Shore Bank Community Reinvestment Fund has been established to provide funding for nonprofit community organizations within the Bank’s service area, with a focus on programs/projects that directly benefit low-to-moderate income individuals or geographies in Chautauqua County and Erie County, NY.
The largest contribution made will be $2,500 with most contributions in smaller amounts. Further consideration will be given to factors such as availability of funds, donations to date in a particular category or region, and the impact to the community. Contributions are a one-time grant with no commitment for ongoing projects.
Organizations may apply for no more than one contribution each calendar year (June or December). Special projects that are sponsored by educational or religious institutions will be considered only if they benefit the community as a whole.
Careful consideration will be given to the commitment and composition of the requesting organization’s board, officers, and project leaders. The organization must be able to show that they have the fiscal responsibility, management qualifications and the ability to complete, deliver or provide the services or programs for which the contribution is requested.
Deadlines: June 1st and December 1st, annually
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Lenna Foundation is a private foundation that makes grants to charitable organizations, educational institutions, and foundations benefiting Southwestern New York.
- Grant Range: $500 to $100,000
- Funding Focus: Program funding and capital projects
- Areas of interest: The arts, education, healthcare, youth, economic development, and the environment
- Geographic Focus: Primarily the greater Jamestown, NY area
- Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations, religious organizations
Spring 2026 Deadlines: March 15 LOI / April 15 Application- Summer 2026 Deadlines: June 15 LOI / July 15 Application
For more than 165 years, M&T has strived to take an active role in our communities and build long-lasting relationships with our customers. We are a bank for communities—combining the capabilities of a large bank with the care of a locally focused institution.
The M&T Charitable Foundation strives to strengthen communities by providing support for a diverse range of civic, cultural, health and human service organizations through grants.
To be considered for a grant from M&T Charitable Foundation, organizations must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:
- Organization must be operating as a recognized 501(c)3 public charity
- Must operate or serve individuals within the cities/towns where M&T Bank conducts business
Deadline: Rolling (Grant Portal closes annually on October 31st and reopens December 15th)
Building upon the legacy of Mother Cabrini and the Catholic tradition of healing for the sick and caring for the poor, our Foundation supports programs that meet the unmet healthcare and healthcare related needs of individuals, families, and communities throughout New York State.
Grant Programs
- Access to Healthcare
- Basic Needs
- Healthcare Workforce
- Mental and Behavioral Health
- General Fund & Eight Populations
- The Nursing Initiative
Deadlines: Rolling
Microsoft Tech for Social Impact is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible technology and tools to help nonprofits of all sizes achieve their missions. That’s why we offer grants and discounts of our products and services to eligible nonprofits around the world, including cloud solutions like Azure, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft 365, as well as solutions custom-built for nonprofits like Fundraising and Engagement for Dynamics 365 Sales.
Microsoft 365 with Microsoft Teams can help your nonprofit improve cybersecurity, reduce costs and empower staff and volunteers to work from anywhere.
Deadline: Rolling
The NEA is committed to supporting excellent arts projects for the benefit of all Americans. Activities funded through Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) enable Americans throughout the nation to experience the arts, foster and celebrate America’s artistic heritage and cultural legacy, and benefit from arts education at all stages of life. We also support arts and health programs, including creative arts therapies, that advance the well-being of people and communities. We strongly encourage applications for arts projects that focus on one or more agency funding priorities. We welcome applications from first-time and returning applicants; from organizations serving rural, urban, suburban, and tribal communities of all sizes; and from organizations with small, medium, or large operating budgets.
We fund arts projects in the following disciplines: Arts Education, Challenge America, Dance, Design & Our Town, Folk & Traditional Arts, Literary Arts, Local Arts Agencies, Museums, Music, Opera, Presenting & Multidisciplinary Works, Theater & Musical Theater, and Visual & Media Arts.
Timeline
- Part 1 Grants.gov Submission deadline: July 9, 2026
- Part 2 NEA Applicant Portal Opens to applicants: July 14, 2026
- Part 3 NEA Applicant Portal Submission deadline: July 21, 2026
National Fuel strives to fund innovative programs, initiatives, and, on rare occasions, special events that fall within the pillars of National Fuel’s community giving policies and promise to advance strong, vibrant, and stable communities. These pillars, or focus areas, include, community enrichment and safety, education, environmental stewardship and veteran services.
If your organization would like to apply for a Foundation Grant, National Fuel requests that you first contact one of their Foundation representatives to further discuss your potential grant opportunity prior to submitting an application.
Deadline: Rolling Quarterly
Round 16 Funding through the WNY Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative are open now. Funding opportunities available from many different state agencies, including ESD, DOS, HCR, DEC, DOL, NYPA, NYSERDA, DEC, NY Parks and NY Canalways.
Upcoming Workshop Schedule;
Mon, June 8 – 1:00 p.m. at the Holiday Valley Resort Conference Center, 6557 Holiday Valley Road, Ellicottville, NY 14731Wed, June 10 – 1:30 p.m. at The White Inn, 52 E. Main Road, Fredonia, NY 14063Thu, June 11 – 1:30 p.m. at the Niagara County Center for Economic Development, 6311 Inducon Corporate Dr, Sanborn, NY 14132- Mon, June 15 – 1:00 p.m. at the Cuba Circulating Library, 39 E. Main St, Cuba, NY 14727
- Wed, June 17 – 1:00 p.m. at the Burchfield Penney Art Center
The New York State Council on the Arts’ (NYSCA) Support for Organizations opportunity offers streamlined and flexible funding to support the general operating and arts programming activities of eligible organizations.
Join an info session / webinar for more information.
Deadline: July 8, 2026
The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation was established in 1986 for the betterment of all community residents. To us, northern Chautauqua is more than a geographic region – it’s the place we call home. Because of that, we have worked hard to build a strong understanding of how it can be improved. Over the years, the NCCF has helped to create and fund many projects that enhance the lives of those who live here. Our interest areas span from arts and culture to the environment, to health and human services, to neighborhood revitalization, and beyond.
We seek to make strategic investments in the community and look to partner with nonprofit organizations to help create enduring solutions to often complex problems and to capitalize on promising opportunities. Effecting change requires both passion and measured thought, and we work hard to find proposals that encompass both.
We are keenly interested in what inspires you and look forward to hearing your ideas for transforming our vision of a healthy and prosperous community into reality.
Deadlines: March 1st & September 1st, annually
This annual statewide program offers 45 nonprofit arts organizations insight into strategies to optimize their organizations and individualized support to address an immediate area of growth. The program is administered by NYFA with funding support from the New York State Council on the Arts.
Deadline: June 17, 2026
For organizations, the Media Arts Assistance Fund (MAAF) provides funds to support technical strategies for online development as well as to hire outside consultants to support organizational and professional development. Eligible organizations are current NYSCA grantees. Priority will be given to organizations that have missions specific to the media arts and dedicate the majority of their programming to technology as an art form. Applications from multi-disciplinary organizations that incorporate art and technology will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
NYSCA supported organizations may apply for support in two categories:
- Technical Strategies for Online Development
- Outside Consultants for Organizational Development
A maximum request for each application is $2,500. Organizations may submit one request per application deadline. Each application must be for a separate and distinct request.
2026 Application Due Dates:
Spring: May 1, 2026 (Project Period: June – December 31, 2026)- Fall: October 1, 2026 (Project Period: November 2026 – June 30, 2027)
The Oishei Foundation provides support to nonprofits that align with their five focus areas: Strengthen the P-20 education continuum, Enhance options for self-sufficiency, Build livable, stable neighborhoods; Promote health and improve systems of care; and Expand the role of arts, culture and heritage in regional development. They encourage all applicants to discuss applications with their program officers before submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) and throughout the application process.
Support is primarily focused on activities in Erie and Niagara counties (NY), however, we will consider requests from other WNY counties including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming.
Deadline: Rolling
TPP support early stage grassroots volunteers, many of whom may have just a glimmer of an idea. Often, these ideas are seen as too small or too risky to attract other support.
The Daily Grant program makes $1000 micro grants 365 days a year. These grants are designed to kick start an organization or individual’s work and give them the lift they need to thrive and grow. accept applications from individuals, groups and startup not-for-profit organizations based anywhere in the world. To be considered, all applications must meet the following criteria:
- Your group/organization’s annual budget must be $50,000 or less.
- The total budget for your project must be less than $10,000. You can request up to $1,000 in seed funding from TPP.
- Individual, group and/or organization (including co-leaders and project team members) must not have received previous funding from TPP.
- Your group/organization must not have paid staff.
The Resilience & Recovery Fund (RRF) Grant exists to support projects designed by volunteers in the immediate aftermath of emergencies such as natural disaster, civil unrest, pandemic, or other unforeseen events. The RRF Grant provides expeditious, one-time funding of up to $1,000 to projects responding to an emergency.
Deadline: Rolling
The Sheldon Foundation devotes financial assistance to advance the physical, educational and cultural well-being of the people of the southerly portion of Chautauqua County, New York; and honors the memory of its founder, Isabella M. Sheldon and her husband, Ralph C. Sheldon.
- Program interests include: Charitable, Health Care, Education, Youth, Arts and Humanities, and Environment
- Types of Support: general/operating, capital campaigns, building/renovation, equipment, matching/challenge support
- Range of Grant Award: $100 – $2,000,000
LOI Deadlines:
The Robert Lehman Foundation operates exclusively in the field of the visual arts. Grants are made to leaders in the field of the visual arts as well as innovative newcomers – museums, arts organizations, educational institutions and other cultural organizations – with the goal of enhancing the role of the visual arts within American and world culture. The Foundation supports museum exhibitions, art education programs, scholarly publications and art history lectureships that complement the strengths of the Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and advance the goal of identifying the Foundation with serious scholarly and creative endeavors. The art education programs we support share the goal of providing art education to underserved communities that have insufficient access to any type of arts learning. The Foundation believes that access to the arts improves the lives of individuals and communities.
Support Areas:
- Exhibitions
- Art Education
- Art Lectureships
- Capital Projects
Deadlines: April 1st & September 15th, annually
Have an idea for a project? Thinking about that video you’ve been meaning to shoot? Considering a new perspective on a familiar idea? Squeaky Wheel is offering Equipment Access Grants to those looking to create specific projects that require the tools and time sometimes difficult or unavailable in daily life. Recipients will receive up to $1,000 worth of equipment usage and facilities time. Amount: $1,000 in-kind equipment rentals.
Deadline: Rolling
Founded in 2020, the Stenclik Family Charitable Fund promotes the advancement of Buffalo Niagara through philanthropic commitments to the area’s most promising educational, cultural, scientific, and community initiatives. The Fund seeks to strengthen the region’s existing assets while clearing new paths for innovation that promote prosperity and vitality in our neighborhoods. They want to support projects that improve the lives of people now and make a lasting difference.
The Stenclik Family Charitable Fund supports the following three priority areas:
- Culture & Science
- Educational Opportunities
- Thriving Communities
Deadline: Rolling
Local arts and cultural organizations of all sizes that are based in Amherst and provide services or memberships to include Amherst residents are encouraged to apply for a grant for assistance to carry out their mission.
About the Arts & Culture in Public Places Board –
The Arts & Culture in Public Places Board (ACPPB) is a community based, volunteer board established and appointed by the Amherst, NY Town Board to promote arts and culture and to collaborate with individuals, groups, and organizations in support of enhancing various forms of art and culture in the Town of Amherst. Projects include:
- Commission local artists to design and paint outdoor traffic signal boxes;
- Present the Let’s Do Lunch speaker series;
- Present Kite Flying @ Bassett Park;
- Recommend grant awards that promote and expose art, entertainment, and cultural organizations to Town residents;
- Present or co-present all ages entertainment events, and
- Provide ArtStart – hands-on, children’s craft workshops during community events.
Deadline: August 18, 2026
Through the Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation program, EDA is focused on accelerating the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. $750 million of EDA’s American Rescue Plan funds are allocated to support the following efforts:
- State Tourism Grants: $510 million in non-competitive awards to help states quickly invest in marketing, infrastructure, workforce and other projects to rejuvenate safe leisure, business and international travel.
- Competitive Grants: $240 million to help communities that have been hardest hit by challenges facing the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors to invest in infrastructure, workforce or other projects to support the recovery of the industry and economic resilience of the community in the future.
Deadline: Rolling
We’re dedicated to enhancing the health and wellbeing of our communities, creating better places to live, work, play, and raise families in Western New York. We focus on supporting initiatives that address health disparities, social determinants of health, and discrimination impacting our members and their neighborhoods. Through our partnerships, we strive to make a lasting difference for our members.
It is Univera’s mission to support impactful community programs, opportunities to seek and apply for funding, and continue to make a real difference. Brief overview of funding opportunities, guidelines, and timelines are below;
- Sponsorships
- Application submissions are available January – November
- These awards support programs and events that share our mission of promoting access to high-quality, affordable health care, such as a fundraiser, health fair, health seminar, or other health-related event.
- Health and Wellness Awards
- Application submissions are available March – November
- These awards support programs and initiatives that improve health and health outcomes associated with Social Determinants of Health. Proposals focusing on improving health conditions and factors linked to adverse health outcomes will be given preference.
- Health Equity Innovation Awards
- Application submissions available August – September
- These awards focus on innovative initiatives or projects that address health disparities and improving health outcomes.
- Member and Community Health Improvement (MACHI) Grants
- Applications available based on regional availability
- This grant program aims to improve the health of our members and communities. We are committed to positively impacting all members of our communities, especially the marginalized or minoritized, by enhancing their health and quality of life. Our current goals are focused on improving behavioral health, maternal health, and chronic condition management for members. Programs and initiatives focused on these areas are our current priority. We are interested in multi-year initiatives involving multiple community organizations with specific objectives and measurable outcomes.
- Employee Volunteerism
- Employee volunteerism aligns with our company’s vision and values of improving the health of our community. We provide employees with volunteer time off hours to cultivate community connections through volunteer service, engage with the community via board membership and help nurture meaningful community relationships. Community Based Organization’s that are seeking new applicants for their board of directors can contact a Community Investments and Partnerships lead for more information.
Deadlines: Rolling (details above)
Who can apply?
Owners of for-profit small businesses based in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands who are 18 or older may apply. Owners of multiple businesses may apply for one business only. See national grant FAQs for more information.
How do I apply?
Register and complete any combination of two eligible courses or events anytime in 2026 to unlock the grant application. Apply once to remain eligible for $10,000 grants awarded throughout the year.
When will I hear back?
Applications will be reviewed monthly from June through December 2026. Each month, 10 small businesses will be selected for grants. If you are not selected in a given month, your application will remain under consideration for the remainder of 2026. All applicants will receive a final decision by January 12, 2027.
Deadline: Rolling (Applications will be reviewed monthly from June through December 2026)
Walmart believes that strengthening local communities creates value for business as well as society. Each year, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and Distribution Centers award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5000. These local grants are designed to address the unique needs of the communities where we operate.
Deadline: Rolling
Last updated: June 12, 2026
Funding Opportunities for Individuals:
A $35,000 unrestricted grant can cover more than six months of living expenses so Fellows can focus full-time on their careers.
Fellowship Benefits;
- Weekly conversations with leading showrunners, writers, producers and creative executives help Fellows get bespoke advice and build new connections.
- Ongoing writing workshops and check-ins with the Inevitable team allow Fellows to sharpen their writing and pitching skills.
- Our personalized Concierge service links Fellows with Showrunners and Creative Executives for development and staffing opportunities.
- Connecting with other disabled screenwriters both inside and outside of the Fellowship program will build a supportive community that will stay with Fellows as they grow.
Deadline: Rolling
The Adobe Creative Residency Community Fund provides support to creators during times of extraordinary hardship. Current Fund efforts are focused on supporting creators who have been directly impacted by the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. If selected, you will receive $10,000 from the Adobe Creative Residency Community Fund.
Deadline: Rolling
The Evolution Grant will provide unrestricted funding of $1,000 to an individual artist with recognized artistic excellence in fine art media and a demonstrated commitment to their art. There is a $35 application fee.
Deadlines: June 19, 2026
Unrestricted grant to one visual artist three times each year. Must be aged 18 or older, an emerging or established artist, and can work in a wide range of media. Application fee of $30.
Deadlines: March 15, July 15, November 15, annually
The Authors League Fund is an emergency fund providing non-taxable charitable support in times of urgent need, when a writer cannot afford to pay for necessities. Common circumstances include:
- Illness, or supporting a dependent family member in ill health.
- Overwhelming medical or dental bills.
- Imminent eviction and other forms of housing insecurity.
- Struggling after a natural disaster.
- Major income loss, including due to COVID-19.
They help writers at all stage of life, though priority is given to sick and/or older writers, and to mid- and late-career writers. There are limited funds for younger and/or emerging writers whose emergency is solely related to insufficient income.
The Authors League Fund helps authors, dramatists, journalists, critics, short story writers, and poets. They do accept applications from indie authors with a record of financial or critical success.
The Fund cannot assist writers whose sole credits are self-published or released by a press that charges for publication. The Fund does not help TV/film writers or lyricists and cannot help writers whose sole credits are from copywriting, blogging, public relations, technical writing, and writing for corporate clients.
Support cannot be used for professional expenses, e.g., time to write, computer purchase, book publicity, hiring an editor, airline tickets to a residency, book tour costs, theater production costs, starting a business.
Deadline: Rolling
Launched in April 2017, Awesome Disability is an independent chapter of the Awesome Foundation, a global community that provides micro-grants with no strings attached. The trustees of Awesome Disability are people with disabilities that want to support ideas and projects in our community. Awards are based on need – valuing up to $1,000 per month. There’s no limit to the number of grants and other sources you can apply to. Amount $1,000.
Deadline: Submissions accepted between the 1st and the 10th of every month
The Awesome Foundation is an ever-growing worldwide community devoted to forwarding the interest of awesome in the universe. Created in the long hot summer days of 2009 in Boston, the Foundation distributes $1,000 grants, no strings attached, to projects and their creators. At each fully autonomous chapter, the money is pooled together from the coffers of ten or so self-organizing “micro-trustees” and given up front in cash, check, or gold doubloons.
Deadline: Rolling
The Basic Needs Grant
For entertainment technology professionals who are seriously ill or injured and are seeking assistance with basic living expenses (such as rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, insurance and transportation) or for medical expenses (including health insurance, doctor and hospital bills, medication, physical therapy, home health care, and medical equipment.This grant is also appropriate if the eligible person has an immediate, dependent family member who is seriously ill or injured.
The Counseling Grant
For entertainment technology professionals who would like to initiate or support ongoing counseling or participate in an in-patient or out-patient chemical dependency recovery program. Grants are issued directly to the recipient’s self-selected provider, which must be a licensed social worker, psychotherapist, psychiatrist, mental health facility, emergency medical facility, or chemical dependency recovery facility.
The Natural Disaster Relief Grant
For entertainment technology professionals who have been severely impacted by a natural disaster. Grants are $250 and are issued in the form of an electronic American Express Gift Card emailed directly to you. These are intended to be used for immediate needs such as food, clothing, medication, or toiletries.
The Funeral Assistance Grant
For immediate family members of an entertainment technology professional who has passed away and assistance with funeral costs is needed.
Deadline: Rolling
SMALL THINGS ARE IN. Microbrewing, microdosing, microcomputing — so we’re giving out microgrants. Artists and curators are frequently asked to donate their time, labor, and money to make exhibitions or performances happen. We hope this grant will help offset some of that.
What it is:
- A $300 good-faith grant for artists and curators who are realizing a project in the greater Buffalo area. This is no-strings-attached money that an artist or curator can use in whatever way they feel it’s needed.
What we fund:
- Exhibitions, performances, or other projects that contribute to the visual arts in Buffalo.
Your project must:
- Include at least one public event (an opening, a performance, etc)
- Take place within three months (in the past or forthcoming) from the application date. IE: You could apply with a project that took place up to three months ago or a project that will take place in up to three months.
Rolling Deadline: January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1, annually
CERF+ offers $3,000 Emergency Relief Grants to craft artists who experienced a recent and substantially disruptive emergency or disaster.
To qualify for an Emergency Relief Grant, applicants need to be craft artists who are 18 years of age or older. They must have been living and working in the U.S. or U.S. Territories for the past two years. Additionally, they should not have received an Emergency Relief Grant in the previous year or exceeded the maximum lifetime limit of 4 grants.
To apply, visit our website and complete the online application with supporting documentation. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For questions, contact [email protected] or (802) 229-2306.
If you are assisting an artist in an emergency situation, you may apply on their behalf provided you have their permission. Ensure the artist meets the eligibility criteria and gather all necessary contact information and materials required for the application.
Deadline: Rolling (as needs arise)
The DownRoot Fund exists to promote community ownership and community control. For too long, traditional economic systems have extracted resources, displaced communities, and concentrated wealth away from the people most impacted.
DownRoot takes a different approach.
By supporting community-driven initiatives, the fund helps lay down lasting roots in Buffalo and across Western New York. DownRoot invests in projects that build an economy where people have real control over their workplaces, neighborhoods, and economic futures.
Through strategic grants, the fund strengthens organizations and initiatives that advance shared wealth, democratic ownership, and community leadership.
Funding Opportunities for Individuals
- Create Grant
- The Create Grant supports individual artists and collaborative arts projects that bring alive the vision and goals of the Just Transition Framework. Frontline artists are those who are first and most impacted by climate, economic, and racial injustice, yet play a critical role in shaping culture, storytelling, and community expression.
- Grants of up to $5,000
2026 Deadlines:
May 31, 2026- September 30, 2026
Founded in 1985, Career Transition For Dancers enables dancers to define their career possibilities and develop the skills necessary to excel in a variety of disciplines outside of dance.
- Professional Development Scholarship: The Professional Development Scholarship provides a one-time award of up to $1,000 for occupational skills training in a certification or licensure program in a field outside of dance, to initiate a post-dance career.
- Deadline: The 12th of every month
- Learn more.
- Undergraduate Studies Scholarship: The Undergraduate Studies Scholarship assists current and former dancers in meeting the substantial financial commitments that come with the pursuit of a college-level degree. A limited number of scholarships in amounts up to $2,000 will be awarded to eligible applicants towards their tuition.
- Deadline: October 15 and June 15, annually
- Learn more.
Created in 1993 to further FCA’s mission to encourage, sponsor, and promote work of a contemporary, experimental nature, Emergency Grants provide urgent funding for visual and performing artists who:
- Have sudden, unanticipated opportunities to present their work to the public when there is insufficient time to seek other sources of funding
- Incur unexpected or unbudgeted expenses for projects close to completion with committed exhibition or performance dates
Emergency Grants is the only active, multi-disciplinary program that offers immediate, project-based assistance of this kind to artists living and working anywhere in the United States, for projects occurring in the U.S. and abroad.
Each month FCA receives an average of 100 Emergency Grant applications and makes approximately 12-21 grants. Grants range in amount from $500 to $3,000, and the average grant is now $1,900.
Deadline: Rolling
Good Neighbor Fund is dedicated to leveling the playing field for entrepreneurship by providing $1,000 micro-grants to under-resourced and underrepresented founders, primarily at the ideation stage. Inspired by Buffalo’s nickname “The City of Good Neighbors,” we offer not just financial support, but belief capital and mentorship to empower new and diverse founders.
Deadline: Rolling
The Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant program provides interim financial assistance to qualified painters, printmakers, and sculptors whose needs are the result of an unforeseen, catastrophic incident. The maximum amount of this grant is $15,000; an award of $5,000 is typical.
Deadline: Rolling
A global award for emerging media artists engaging with the context of Asia, featuring production grants, an online residency with Ars Electronica, and global exhibitions. This 7th edition introduces a new “Honorary Mention” category and awards the Grand Prix winner an additional $30,000 grant.
Deadline: July 21, 2026
The International Documentary Association (IDA) supports the vital work of documentary storytellers and champions a thriving and inclusive documentary culture. They have compiled a directory of all grants supporting documentary efforts at the link below.
Innovate Grant distributes (2) $1,800.00 grants each quarter, to one Visual Artist and one Photographer.
- Our newly increased $1,800.00 grants act as mighty sparks of financial support that ignite your creative development.
- Our grant cycles are open (4) times a year (Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall) giving you more opportunities to access the support you need.
- Our process is simple so you spend less time on the application and more time making your important work.
2026 Deadlines:
Q1: Winter (Jan, Feb, Mar) – Deadline: March 19, 2026- Q2: Spring (Apr, May, Jun) – Deadline: June 18, 2026
- Q3: Summer (Jul, Aug, Sept) – Deadline: TBA
- Q4: Fall (Oct, Nov, Dec) – Deadline: TBA
The Chrysalis Award was created by the James Renwick Alliance for Craft to support and inspire emerging craft artists in the United States. Eligible applicants are in the early stages of their professional artistic careers—regardless of age—and have completed their training within the past five years. This year’s award will recognize an emerging artist working in ceramics, who will receive a $5,000 unrestricted award, a one-year JRACraft membership, and the opportunity to present their work at a JRACraft event.
Deadline: August 23, 2026
The Musicians Foundation offers one-time financial assistance grants to professional musicians across all genres. You must be a professional music performer, composer/arranger, or educator in a specific time of need caused by an unexpected hardship (e.g. medical or dental situation, natural disaster, or certain housing crisis). You must have worked and filed taxes as a professional musician in the United States for five or more years and currently reside in the U.S.
Deadline: Rolling
Reel Change supports developing composers who are creating music for film through targeted grants and high-impact mentorship. This pivotal program gives composers at crucial career stages the resources they need to produce compelling, original scores.
Initially established as a five-year program in 2020, funding for Reel Change was renewed in 2025 for an additional three years. Four to six grants averaging $20,000 are awarded each year.
Grant support covers composer compensation, musician fees, studio costs, orchestration, recording, mastering, and essential production resources, ensuring that emerging talents can advance professionally and build sustainable careers in film composition.
Deadline: Rolling
New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), in partnership with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, offer two grant programs for artists in emergency situations: the Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants and Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants program.
Grant cycles for July 2023-June 2024 are listed on each program’s page. These national emergency grant programs reflect Robert Rauschenberg’s concern for the well-being of fellow creative practitioners and were created in the tradition of Change, Inc., a non-profit foundation established in 1970 by Robert Rauschenberg to assist professional artists of all disciplines in need.
Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants
- Provides one-time grants of up to $3,000 to professional dancers in need who have a dire financial emergency as a result of a loss or lack of current live performance work, because of circumstances beyond your control.
- Provides up to three months of essential expenses.
- You must demonstrate an urgent and critical need for emergency support in order to apply.
- Click here to learn more.
Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants
- Provides one-time grants of up to $5,000 for recent unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies.
- Open to artists in financial need who are practicing in the visual arts, film/video/electronic/digital arts, and choreography.
- Period covered: Related, eligible expenses incurred for up to 12 months from the date of the emergency.
- Click here to learn more.
Deadline: Rolling, quarterly application cycle (check unique grant links)
General information available here.
The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award is an $8,000 cash grant to be awarded to one (1) New York State-based playwright or screenwriter who self-identifies as LGBTQ+.
The Award honors the life and work of Ryan Hudak. Ryan was a gay playwright, theater maker, filmmaker, and a valued member of NYFA’s staff who served on the executive and development teams. Tragically, Ryan passed away in May 2022 after a long battle with Leukemia at the age of 32. The Award is open to playwrights and screenwriters who live in New York State, including those who live within the five boroughs of New York City.
Funding for this award is generously provided by Ryan’s parents, Pat and Tom Hudak; individual donors; and the philanthropic community. Those interested in contributing funds to this annual award may donate below.
Deadline: June 16, 2026
Funds creative commissions to individual artists across the state. Applicants must apply through a non-profit fiscal sponsor. NYSCA embraces the rich diversity of artmaking across New York, and applicants from all artistic practices and disciplines are encouraged to apply. Grant awards are $10,000; fiscal sponsors may retain a maximum of $500 for administrative costs.
Deadline: July 8, 2026
The Foundation welcomes applications from visual artists who are painters, sculptors and artists who work on paper, including printmakers. The Foundation provides financial resources up to $50,000 to create new work, acquire supplies, rent studio space, prepare for exhibitions, attend a residency and offset living expenses. Grants are intended for a one-year period of time. Artists must be actively exhibiting their current work in professional artistic venues, such as gallery and museum spaces.
Deadline: Rolling
Have an idea for a project? Thinking about that video you’ve been meaning to shoot? Considering a new perspective on a familiar idea? Squeaky Wheel is offering Equipment Access Grants to those looking to create specific projects that require the tools and time sometimes difficult or unavailable in daily life. Recipients will receive up to $1,000 worth of equipment usage and facilities time. Amount: $1,000 in-kind equipment rentals.
Deadline: Rolling
Who can apply?
Owners of for-profit small businesses based in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands who are 18 or older may apply. Owners of multiple businesses may apply for one business only. See national grant FAQs for more information.
How do I apply?
Register and complete any combination of two eligible courses or events anytime in 2026 to unlock the grant application. Apply once to remain eligible for $10,000 grants awarded throughout the year.
When will I hear back?
Applications will be reviewed monthly from June through December 2026. Each month, 10 small businesses will be selected for grants. If you are not selected in a given month, your application will remain under consideration for the remainder of 2026. All applicants will receive a final decision by January 12, 2027.
Deadline: Rolling (Applications will be reviewed monthly from June through December 2026)
The Emerging Native Arts Grant is a cornerstone initiative of the Walker Youngbird Foundation, created to support early-career Native artists who are honoring tradition while boldly shaping the future of contemporary Indigenous art. Awarded twice annually, the $15,000 grant provides funding, mentorship, and a curated showcase to artists at a critical stage in their development—offering them the resources and visibility they need to take bold next steps in their creative journeys.
Deadline: June 18, 2026
We award $250 cash to weird, wonderful, and timely ideas that better Buffalo. It’s no-strings-attached, meant to give your ah-ha the boost it needs to become a thing!
What makes an idea ah-ha-able?
- We use the following loose criteria to select ideas. Consider addressing these areas in your application:
- Is it ah-ha-able?: Is it unique? A new idea? Something that may be unfundable through traditional means? We’re looking for your Silly Walks and your bus stop jazz clubs.
- Will $250 make an actual impact? : We try to support individuals and small groups, rather than organizations that are already well-funded. We’re looking for the small, but mighty ideas for which $250 will make the difference between trying or not. Be as specific as possible; tell us exactly how the cash will be spent, so we can best understand your idea.
- How will the project help the Buffalo area?: It’s important to us to fund projects that directly support and impact our neighbors in the Buffalo-Niagara community. We’ll consider projects outside city limits, but maybe not all the way to our large-city neighbors right now.
We don’t typically fund:
- Personal use: We think you’re really great, but we can’t give you $250 for personal salary/a car/vacation/rent payment/home reno/pony.
- Charities, foundations, organizations: We’re primarily interested in new ventures and not the continuation of an existing organization. But existing organizations with a specific, creative $250 idea can apply!
- Promotion: We want to hear all about your great idea and how we can help fund its happening, not just its posters.
Deadline: Rolling
Last updated: June 12, 2026
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