[New York Community Trust](https://thenytrust.org)

April 7, 2026 | August 4, 2026 | January 5, 2027

Typical grants range from $15,000 to $25,000; project-focused, generally 1-year duration, multi-year considered case-by-case.

Supports nonprofit projects addressing Long Island's local needs and priorities across arts, education, health, environment, youth, and more.

--- ## Description The New York Community Trust's Long Island Competitive Grants program funds nonprofit organizations working to address pressing needs and opportunities specific to Long Island. Grants are awarded through an ongoing competitive process to support projects that align with the Trust’s mission of building resilient, equitable communities. Eligible projects may focus on areas such as arts, community development, education, environment, health, hunger, mental health, technical assistance, youth development, and social justice. Applicants are encouraged to review both general and Long Island–specific guidance to ensure their project fits program goals and priorities. --- ## Due Dates - April 7, 2026: Full application submission deadline (First Tuesday in April) - August 4, 2026: Full application submission deadline (First Tuesday in August) - January 5, 2027: Full application submission deadline (First Tuesday in January) Applications must be submitted via the Grantseeker portal by 11:59 p.m. ET on the due date. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant awards: $15,000–$25,000 per project. - Most grants are for a single year; multi-year grants may be considered for new initiatives or advocacy projects if justified. - Overhead for universities, hospitals, and affiliated nonprofit fiscal sponsors is capped at 5% of the total project budget; other administrative costs may be included as appropriate. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be nonprofit organizations (public charities or those with an eligible fiscal sponsor). - Projects must serve Long Island (Nassau or Suffolk counties). - Board of directors should have at least four members (preferably five), all unrelated except for one paid staff head. - Ineligible: Individuals, general operating support, capital campaigns, equipment, endowments, performances, private/pre-schools, religious activities, summer/camp programs, and sponsorships. - See [What We Fund & Don’t Fund](https://thenytrust.org/nonprofits/what-we-fund-apply-for-grant/) for full details. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Guidelines** - Read the general eligibility and funding priorities at [NYCT Nonprofits](https://thenytrust.org/nonprofits/). - Download and review the [Long Island-specific proposal guidelines (PDF)](https://grantseeker.thenytrust.org/Rfp/DownloadRfp/?id=115). 2. **Prepare Application Materials** - Cover letter on organizational letterhead, signed by the staff head. - Narrative proposal (max 5 pages) covering organizational background, project need, alignment with Trust goals, activities, timeline, expected outcomes, and sustainability. - Itemized project budget (use provided template; round to nearest thousand). - Current year’s annual operating budget. - Board of directors list with affiliations. 3. **Submit Proposal** - Combine materials into a single PDF (max 25 MB). - Submit via the [Grantseeker Portal](https://grantseeker.thenytrust.org/Home/ThreeChoices) by the relevant deadline. 4. **Review & Decision** - Proposals are reviewed for alignment with Trust priorities and completeness. - Applicants may submit one proposal per calendar year. --- ## Additional Information - Administrative/indirect cost cap of 5% applies to universities/hospitals; see guidelines for details. - Project budgets should reflect the full cost of the project, not just the amount requested. - Applicants should demonstrate organizational capacity and clear, realistic project outcomes. - Renewals and multi-year funding are rare but possible for new or advocacy initiatives. --- ## External Links - [New York Community Trust – Nonprofits Overview](https://thenytrust.org/nonprofits/) - [What We Fund & Don’t Fund](https://thenytrust.org/nonprofits/what-we-fund-apply-for-grant/) - [Long Island Competitive Grants Program Guidelines (PDF)](https://grantseeker.thenytrust.org/Rfp/DownloadRfp/?id=115) - [Grantseeker Portal (Apply)](https://grantseeker.thenytrust.org/Home/ThreeChoices) - [Eligibility Quiz](https://thenytrust.org/nonprofits/what-we-fund-apply-for-grant/#eligibility-quiz) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role/Region | Email | Phone | |--------------------|--------------------|----------------------------------------|-------------------| | Sheila R. Dinkins | Sr. Manager, Grants & Scholarships | [sdinkins@thenytrust.org](mailto:sdinkins@thenytrust.org) | (212) 871-6413 | | Marie C. Smith | Director, Donor Relations & Communications, Long Island | [msmith@thenytrust.org](mailto:msmith@thenytrust.org) | (631) 450-4052 | | General Inquiries | - | [info@thenytrust.org](mailto:info@thenytrust.org) | (212) 686-0010 | ---

Long Island: Ongoing Competitive Grants (2026)

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