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

January 6, 2026 | April 7, 2026 | August 4, 2026

Typical grants range from $15,000 to $25,000 for one year; some multi-year awards possible.

Supports projects that address community needs and drive positive change in Long Island across key focus areas.

Only one application per organization per calendar year; proposals must align with Long Island program areas.

--- ## Description The Long Island Competitive Grants Program from The New York Community Trust funds nonprofit projects that create meaningful, measurable change in Long Island communities. The program welcomes proposals in areas such as Arts, Community Development, Education, Environment, Health, Hunger, Mental Health, Technical Assistance, and Youth Development. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, a compelling need, clear goals, and a plan for evaluating outcomes. Proposals should reflect a strong alignment with the Trust’s program goals for Long Island and offer strategies for sustainability beyond the grant period. --- ## Due Dates - January 6, 2026: Application receipt cutoff (submit via Grantseeker portal by 11:59 p.m.) - April 7, 2026: Application receipt cutoff (submit via Grantseeker portal by 11:59 p.m.) - August 4, 2026: Application receipt cutoff (submit via Grantseeker portal by 11:59 p.m.) These are the submission cutoffs for each board review cycle. Applications received after a cutoff will be considered in the following cycle. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grants range from $15,000 to $25,000 for a one-year period. - Some multi-year or renewal grants are possible, depending on issue area and available funds. - No strict minimum or maximum award amount; grant size is based on project scope and available resources. --- ## Eligibility - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Long Island communities. - Only one proposal per organization per calendar year (except for universities, which may submit up to two in different categories, and collaborative fund applications). - Projects must address one or more of the following focus areas: Arts, Community Development, Education, Environment, Health, Hunger, Mental Health, Technical Assistance, Youth Development. - Not eligible: individuals, general operating support, capital improvements, equipment, endowments, religious activities, private schools, camps, summer programs, sponsorships, and performances. - The board of directors should have at least five unrelated members; only one may be paid staff. --- ## Application Process 1. **Eligibility Check**: Review the [What We Fund & Don’t Fund](https://thenytrust.org/nonprofits/what-we-fund-apply-for-grant/) guidelines and take the [eligibility quiz](https://thenytrust.org/nonprofits/what-we-fund-apply-for-grant/#eligibility-quiz) if needed. 2. **Prepare Proposal Materials** (combine into a single PDF, <25MB): - Cover letter on organization letterhead, signed by staff head or designee, specifying program area. - Narrative proposal (max 5 pages): organization background, need/problem, project description, goals, timeline, expected outcomes, evaluation plan, sustainability. - Itemized project budget (full project costs, not just Trust request), including other funding sources and in-kind support. - Current year annual operating budget. - Board of directors list (with affiliations). - If using a funds administrator/fiscal sponsor, include required documentation. 3. **Submit Online**: Apply via the [Grantseeker Portal](https://grantseeker.thenytrust.org/Home/ThreeChoices) by the stated cutoff date. 4. **After Submission**: You will receive an email confirmation and can track your application status via the portal. 5. **Reporting**: If awarded, submit interim and final reports as instructed (via portal or email, depending on grant cycle). --- ## Additional Information - Only one competitive application per year per organization (exceptions for universities and collaborative funds). - Current grantees must complete and submit a final report before reapplying. - Overhead for universities, hospitals, and similar institutions may not exceed 5% of the total project budget (project-related admin costs are not subject to this cap). - Proposals may be submitted at any time, but will be reviewed according to the nearest upcoming cutoff. - Decision notifications are typically sent: - Early April (for January cutoff) - Early August (for April cutoff) - Early December (for August cutoff) --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines & Application Instructions (PDF)](https://grantseeker.thenytrust.org/Rfp/DownloadRfp/?id=99) - [What We Fund & Don’t Fund](https://thenytrust.org/nonprofits/what-we-fund-apply-for-grant/) - [Grantseeker Portal](https://grantseeker.thenytrust.org/Home/ThreeChoices) - [Recent Long Island Grants List (2024)](https://thenytrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Total-Grants-2024-List.pdf) - [Nonprofit Resources](https://thenytrust.org/nonprofits/) - [Sample Budget Template](https://thenytrust.org/nonprofits/sample-budget-template/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | Notes | |----------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------|-------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | info@thenytrust.org | (212) 686-0010 | | | Long Island Program Staff | See [staff page](https://thenytrust.org/about/staff/) | | Contact specific program officers | | Grant Portal Help | See [contact form](https://thenytrust.org/contact/) | | | For technical issues or application questions, contact the appropriate staff member listed on the Long Island team page or use the main contact information above.

Long Island’s Competitive Grants Program

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