The New York Community Trust Competitive Grants
Eligibility
501(c)(3) nonprofits serving New York City, Long Island (Nassau/Suffolk counties), or Westchester County may apply. Education grants support K-12 learning, STEM access, workforce readiness, and youth development. Environment grants fund conservation, sustainability, and environmental education. Organizations must be based in or primarily serving these regions.
Program Goals
The New York Community Trust is one of the nation's largest community foundations, investing in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County communities. Education grants support innovative K-12 programs, STEM access, youth development, and workforce readiness. Environmental grants fund conservation, sustainability, and environmental education. NYC applications are accepted on a rolling basis; Long Island and Westchester have specific application windows each year.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
NYC grant applications are submitted through the NYCT online portal on a rolling basis. Long Island and Westchester divisions have scheduled application windows announced on the NYCT website. Submit a letter of inquiry or full application through the portal. The Foundation conducts competitive reviews for all applications.
Cycle Notes
NYC competitive grants are reviewed on a rolling basis. Long Island and Westchester divisions have scheduled annual windows. Visit nycommunitytrust.org for current application windows for Long Island and Westchester and the rolling NYC portal.
Grant Award Amount
Grant amounts vary widely by program and division. Education and environment grants typically range from $20,000 to $200,000. Multi-year grants are possible for high-impact grantees.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — physical computing for STEM education programs in New York City and metro area
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI and technology literacy for NY Community Trust education grants
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — environmental monitoring for NYCT sustainability and environment programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for New York Community Trust grants?
501(c)(3) nonprofits serving NYC, Long Island, or Westchester County may apply. Programs must align to education, environment, health, or community development priorities.
How much funding is available through The New York Community Trust?
Education and environment grants typically range from $20,000 to $200,000. Multi-year grants are possible.
Can NYCT funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. NYCT funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
How do New York schools apply for NYCT grants?
Apply online at nycommunitytrust.org. NYC applications are rolling. Long Island and Westchester have scheduled annual windows — check the website for current dates.
How can Forward Education help with NYCT funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for New York schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes NYCT funds. Contact us before submitting your application.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — New York standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
Explore more New York funding resources
View all New York AI & CS grants →Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
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