August 4, 2026
FROM ASSEMBLYMAN PHIL PALMESANO: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) is sending his “August Grant Action News Update” to residents, organizations and local governments regarding a series of grants available from the state, federal government and private entities. Each month, the Assembly provides an updated list of grants for a variety of categories.
“During a time of economic recovery, grants can play an integral part in helping our local communities complete needed infrastructure repairs or support underfunded projects,” said Palmesano. “Many people don’t realize the scope of available opportunities because they aren’t sure where to look. The ‘Grants Action News’ bulletin makes finding these grants much easier by consolidating the information and making it available to everyone. I hope residents, organizations and local governments throughout the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions will be able to use this resource to find much-needed support to strengthen communities in our rural area.”
All not-for-profit applicants must now prequalify on the NYS Grants Reform website at grantsreform.ny.gov/grantees in order to apply for certain New York state grant solicitations. Potential not-for-profit applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the process of registering and prequalifying immediately as this is a lengthy process.
The Grant Action News bulletin is updated at the beginning of each month with newly available grants and information on how to apply.
The update can be accessed here: https://nyassembly.gov/gan/?sec=story&story=119177
State Grants: NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), Capital for New or Expansion of Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) for Children & Adolescents
The capital and program development grant (PDG) funds the acquisition of new property, construction of new facilities or rehabilitation of existing buildings for the expansion of existing or development of new psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF), also known as residential treatment facilities (RTFs), within five distinct regions in New York State. OMH is seeking to increase RTF accessibility in areas of the state that need additional capacity by opening new RTF programs or beds in existing programs to serve children and adolescents based on regional and statewide need for RTF beds in Central, Hudson River, New York City and Long Island.
■ Deadline: September 15, 2026, 2 PM EST
■ Eligible Applicants: Not-for-profit organizations
■ Total Funding Available: $20 million
■ Contact: Amanda Szczepkowski
■ Email: omhlocalprocurement@omh.ny.gov
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/
♦ ♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/
♦ https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/2026/capital-rtf/capital_rtf_rfp.pdf
Federal Grants:
U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Funding
With a focus on two-year institutions of higher education (IHEs), the Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program supports the education of technicians for the high-technology fields that drive our nation’s economy. The program involves partnerships between academic institutions (grades 7-12, IHEs), industry and economic development agencies to promote improvement in the education of science and engineering technicians. The ATE program supports curriculum development; professional development of college faculty and secondary school teachers; career pathway development for both students and incumbent workers; and other activities including applied research projects that advance the knowledge base related to technician education. The ATE program encourages partnerships with other entities that may impact technician education.
■ Deadline: October 1, 2026, 5 PM
■ Eligible Applicants: For-profit organizations: U.S.-based commercial organizations, including small businesses with strong capabilities in scientific or engineering research or education and a passion for innovation; non-profit, non-academic organizations: independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities; state and local governments; institutions of higher education (IHEs): two and four-year IHEs accredited in, and having a campus located in the U.S., acting on behalf of their faculty members, special instructions for international branch campuses of U.S. IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a U.S. institution of higher education (including through use of sub-awards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus; Tribal Nations: an American Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the secretary of the Department of the Interior acknowledges as a federally recognized tribe pursuant to the federally recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, 25 U.S.C. §§ 5130-5131
■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $74 million
■ Award Ceiling: $7.5 million
■ Award Floor: $475,000
■ Expected Number of Awards: 80
■ Email: ate-prog@nsf.gov
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/355100
♦ https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/ate-advanced-technological-education
U.S. Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Youth Conservation Corps Funding
The BLM Youth Program partners with qualified youth corps through the Public Lands Corps (PLC) Program to engage individuals between the ages of 16 and 30 and veterans up to age 35, including tribal members. The PLC program mandates employing youth who are interested in working on natural and cultural resource projects that protect public lands. Projects available under the PLC Program are developed in collaboration with the state youth program lead and district/field office project coordinators. The projects emphasize hands-on engagement in on-the-ground projects, skill development training and mentorship opportunities for participants. These projects create jobs that strengthen America’s economy and foster relationships with youth corps organizations striving for balanced stewardship and use
of public lands. Proposed projects within this funding opportunity notice will support the goals of the PLC Program and may also incorporate the goals of the Indian Youth Service Corps Program through outreach to Indian tribes and tribal-serving youth corps organizations. Projects will include the following:
♦ enhancement of recreation opportunities through trail building, maintenance and restoration and other
improvements to visitor and recreation facilities (e.g., kiosks, campgrounds, signage, etc.)
♦ monitoring riparian area vegetation and hydrological functions, collecting soil and stream data as well as timber stand improvement projects for wildlife habitat and overall forest health
♦ habitat restoration and wildlife protection, including reduction of invasive species, tree planting, fence removal/installation, riparian area restoration
♦ development and implementation of natural and cultural resource stewardship plans or educational materials for visitors
♦ studies such as resource inventories, historic or archival research, archaeological excavation or stabilization, oral histories, historic preservation, habitat surveys
♦ preservation of cultural resources, including historic structures
♦ seed collection for restoration of lands affected by natural disasters
♦ reduction of wildfire risk to communities, watersheds and other public land ecosystems
♦ production of materials and programs on natural, cultural and/or paleontological resources, communication, education and interpretation of natural and cultural resources
♦ in-house projects, such as cartography, records management, realty or wildland fire support
Projects must demonstrate a clear benefit to natural or cultural resources and include a field component of at least 120 hours.
■ Deadline: October 16, 2026, 5 PM
■ Eligible Applicants: Special district governments; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); state governments; county governments; private institutions of higher education; city or township governments; public and state controlled institutions of higher education; nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $900,000
■ Award Ceiling: $220,000
■ Award Floor: $30,000
■ Expected Number of Awards: Eight
■ Email: chanda_brown@ios.doi.gov
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362787
♦ https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/1727db46-f685-4182-9a30-d7f101ba9889
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Specialty Crop Multi-State Program (SCMP) Funding
The SCMP supports collaborative multi-state partnerships to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through competitively funded projects. A multi-state partnership is a project that implements activities with measurable outcomes that benefit two or more U.S. states and/or territories along with non-profit entities. The focus is to address regional or national-level specialty crop issues, including, but not limited to: food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific projects addressing common issues and marketing and promotion. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of U.S. or U.S. territory-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets.
■ Deadline: October 16, 2026, 11:59 PM
■ Eligible Applicants: Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; state governments
■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $14.3 million
■ Award Ceiling: $1 million
■ Award Floor: $250,000
■ Expected Number of Awards: 20
■ Email: sagpgrants@usda.glv
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361876
♦ https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/01f10b3d-0bc4-4e12-98af-f05c66e6537f
♦ https://files.simpler.grants.gov/opportunities/01f10b3d-0bc4-4e12-98af-f05c66e6537f/attachments/37351317-028b-40b4-ac65-2a82988cb3e3/SCMP_NOFO_Approved_Final.pdf
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS), Genomics Research to Elucidate
the Genetics of Rare Diseases: Innovation (GREGoRi) Projects Funding
This initiative seeks to accelerate a paradigm shift in rare disease diagnosis by reimagining the tools, molecular technologies and analytical approaches used to identify the causal gene(s) and/or variant(s) underlying rare genetic disorders. This funding intends to stimulate the development and testing of highly innovative experimental or computational approaches for rare disease diagnosis that have the potential to make transformative improvements to the current state of the art.
■ Deadline: October 30, 2026
■ Eligible Applicants: Independent school districts; for profit organizations other than small businesses; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; special district governments; Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); private institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); small businesses; county governments; state governments; nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification in the links below); city or township governments; public and state controlled institutions of higher education
■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $7.5 million
■ Award Ceiling: $500,000
■ Expected Number of Awards: 10
■ Email: nhgri-gregor@mail.nih.gov
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359644
♦ https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/4dd61e81-d44e-4e85-a0e2-c422124fd0b9
Private Grants:
Foundation for Women’s Health (FWH), Research Grants
These grants will help fund innovative studies to optimize the health of girls and women, prioritizing studies of those diseases that present the largest burden to women and have the lowest amounts of research funding in both the public and private sectors. The areas of study below are the funding priorities for year three because they continue to place huge burdens on the lives of women and girls and remain grossly under-funded.
FUNDING PRIORITIES:
1.) Menopause and Brain Health: investigating the neurological transition of menopause, including cognitive changes, mental health impacts and sleep disorders
2.) Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain: investigating the cause and mechanism of endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain, inclusive of the role of genetics, immune dysfunction and environmental factors and the development of disease-modifying treatments for the disease, inclusive of non-hormonal options
3.) Miscarriage: investigation into the causes of miscarriage, inclusive of human fetal tissue research, endometrial health and immunology of implantation
4.) PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome): investigations into the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of PMOS and the development of disease-modifying treatments for the disease
5.) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): investigation of the biological, neurological and psychosocial mechanisms underlying sex-specific differences in the relationship between ACEs and mental and physical health outcomes among girls and women
■ Letter of Intent Deadline: September 8, 2026
■ Submission Requirements:
♦ applicant contact information
♦ one-page letter of intent that covers:
♦ summary of current research
♦ long-range research goals and plans for future research with specific aim(s) included in bold
♦ brief budget overview, including how FWH funds will be used and any existing funding for the project
♦ CV and NIH bio-sketch of applicant
If the applicant does not hold a faculty appointment at the level of associate professor or professor, the two documents below are also required:
♦ NIH bio-sketch of sponsoring mentor
♦ letter of support from the sponsoring mentor only stating the support is adequate to complete the research; no additional letters will be accepted
■ Award Amounts: $200,000- $300,000
■ Email: info@foundationwomenshealth.org
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://www.foundationwomenshealth.org/how-to-apply
♦ https://www.foundationwomenshealth.org/s/FWH-RFA-2026.pdf
American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), Community Engaged Research Grants
This funding supports projects that advance occupational therapy scholarship through equitable, collaborative research grounded in the lived experiences and priorities of diverse communities, particularly those historically marginalized or underrepresented.
■ Deadline: September 19, 2026, 11:59 PM EST
■ Eligibility Criteria: The principal investigator (PI) must;
♦ have a terminal research degree (PhD, ScD) or have an OTD or EdD with advanced research training (e.g., completion of a post-degree research fellowship)
♦ be a credentialed occupational therapist with a full-time faculty position appointment or an equivalent research position at the time of application OR a non-OT investigator with a primary academic appointment in an occupational therapy department
♦ be employed by a U.S. domestic, public or private, non-profit organization/institution that is eligible to receive foundation research grants and will provide assurance of its accountability and support for the project
♦ be a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national of the U.S. admitted for permanent residence OR applied for permanent residence. (for non-citizens/visa holders, the applicant organization must have policies in place to determine whether residence status or visa status will allow completion of the research.)
■ Number of Awards: Three, two-year non-renewable grants for up to $100,000
■ Email: RESEARCH@AOTF.ORG
■ Link to Additional Information: https://www.aotf.org/fund/community-engaged-research-grant-nbcot/
New York Farm Viability Institute, NYS Grown & Certified Research and Development (GCRD) Grants
This funding helps NYS Grown & Certified farmers, food processors and distributors cover the research and development costs needed to launch new NYS Grown & Certified food products or increase the production and/or distribution of existing NYS Grown & Certified food products.
■ Deadline: Rolling, until October 25, 2027, or until funds are exhausted
■ Eligible Applicants: New York farmers, food processors, distributors and others currently enrolled in the NYS Grown & Certified Program.
■ What can be funded:
♦ consulting services
♦ technical service providers
♦ market research
♦ product development
♦ food lab testing and pilot runs
♦ GAP and USDA certification training expenses
♦ farm-to-institution specialists
♦ other services tied to R&D
■ Total Funding Available: $1.36 million
■ Award Amount: $10,000-$50,000
■ Required Match: 10%
■ Email: NYSGCgrants@nyfvi.org
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://nyfvi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/GCRD-Technical-Requirements-2026-1.pdf
Scholar Awards:
Girls Impact the World Film Scholarship Awards
The ConnectHER Film Festival is an international youth competition that welcomes short films about issues that impact women and girls. Before making a film for submission, please read all the following entry requirements and FAQs (see the links below).
■ Film Submission Deadline: October 1, 2026
■ Entry Rules:
♦ films must focus on one of the topic areas listed here: https://connectherfilmfest.org/awards/
♦ every type of filmmaking form and style is eligible
♦ filmmakers must be 13-25 years of age at the submission date. Scripts, storyboards, directing, cinematography and editing, etc. must be done by people who meet this age requirement. Actors can be any age. As part of the application process, all applicants are required to submit a valid proof of identity. Please provide one of the following accepted documents:
♦ passport (recommended for international applicants), national ID card, driver’s license or state/provincial ID card
♦ for minors: school ID with photo, accompanied by an original birth certificate
♦ an official government-issued document bearing a photograph and date of birth will be considered for verification purposes. Note that a second form of identification may be required if deemed necessary
♦ films must be original works that have not yet been screened at other major film festivals
♦ films must be completed after October 1, 2025
♦ films must be 3-6 minutes long. Animated films may have a run time of 2-6 minutes
♦ film file formats accepted are .mov and .mp4; HD resolution and optimized sound quality are preferred
♦ participants must follow the file naming format when submitting materials
♦ portrait/headshot file: must be named using the participant’s first and last name, formatted as: FirstName_LastName (e.g. Jane_Doe.jpg)
♦ film file: must be named using the film title followed by the names of all filmmakers, formatted as: Title_by_FilmmakersNames_Country (e.g.,Sunrise_by_JaneDoe_JohnSmith_AmyLee_UnitedKingdom.mp4)
♦ thumbnail file: must be named Film Title_Thumbnail (e.g., Sunrise_Thumbnail.jpeg)
♦ at the end of your film, include a graphic featuring the names and logos of two local, regional or national organizations working to solve the issue
♦ films must be subtitled in English
♦ films must be submitted by the deadline
♦ if your film contains any graphic content, include a warning near the beginning of the film. ConnectHER has full discretion in accepting films, particularly in instances where film submissions contain nudity, profanity, violence, or sexually explicit content
♦ PowerPoints are not accepted. Films must have cinematic value
♦ AI policy. Films must be principally created through human authorship. Films that use generative AI to create substantive visual, audio, or narrative content are not eligible for consideration. AI-assisted tools used for technical, administrative, accessibility, or post-production functions (including transcription, subtitling, captioning, color correction, noise reduction and similar functions) are permitted but must be disclosed at the time of submission. Failure to disclose AI use may result in disqualification. ConnectHER reserves the right to request additional information regarding AI use and to determine eligibility in its sole discretion
♦ digital submission through Google Drive is preferred, but Dropbox also works
■ Scholarship Value: $2,500-$5,000
■ Number of Awards: 12
■ Email: filmfest@Connecther.org
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://connectherfilmfest.org/submit/
♦ https://connectherfilmfest.org/awards/
♦ https://connectherfilmfest.org/faqs/
VFW Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Scholarships
Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 28,000 ninth- through 12th-grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.6 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
■ Deadline: October 31, 2026
■ Entry Rules:
♦ open to students in grades 9-12 who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions, or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools
♦ students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law
♦ you must be the sole author of your essay. Inappropriate use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed
♦ the recording must be in your own voice and in English. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions
♦ no music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed
♦ to ensure fairness and impartiality in judging, essays must be anonymous. Please do not include your name, address, school name, or any other personal identifiers in the body of your essay. Additionally, avoid references to your race, sex, religion, national origin, or other specific personal characteristics that could reveal your identity. General references to nationality or patriotic identity (such as being an American or referencing American values) are permitted if they are relevant to the essay theme. However, personal identifiers tied to your individual background or experience should be avoided
■ Scholarship Value: Varies
■ Number of Awards: 50
■ Email: youthscholarships@vfw.org
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/9228/voice-of-democracy-scholarship
♦ https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships
Jack Kent Cook Learning and Media Lab Fellowships for Musicians Ages 8-18 & Young Artist Needs-Based Awards
In today’s world, being a musician is so much more than just performing. Learning and Media Lab Fellows join a dynamic community that cares about:
♦ exploring ways to make an impact through music now and in the future
♦ accessing professional tools and mentors
♦ learning about the multiple career avenues for a musician today
♦ celebrating their music and voices on a major national platform
From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship is free to all participants. Fellows complete an online curriculum spanning 12 hours over six weeks (for a detailed breakdown of sessions and times, please click here). At the end of the remote learning program, fellows:
♦ work together to plan and implement a community engagement activity
♦ record their solo or ensemble performance and interview for From the Top’s national radio program and podcast
♦ collaborate on From the Top’s digital media
♦ join a network of more than 3,000 alumni including students, professional musicians, educators and arts
administrators
The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award is a one-time, non-renewable, need-based award of up to $10,000 given in conjunction with full participation in From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship. Each year, From the Top chooses approximately 20 pre-collegiate musicians ages 8-18 to receive the award. The award is given to driven and committed pre-collegiate musicians with financial need to help offset the often prohibitively expensive costs of studying classical music at a high level. An application for the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award is also an application to From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship program. You do not need to complete two separate applications. See the “How To Apply” section in the links below for more instructions. If you are selected as a Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist, you must also participate fully in our Learning and Media Lab Fellowship program. The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award cannot be granted without full participation in the Fellowship program
■ Deadline: November 9, 2026
■ Eligibility:
♦ musicians between the ages of 8–18, not enrolled in a college or conservatory*
♦ live in or have a significant training connection to the U.S.
■ Materials Needed to Apply:
♦ at least two unedited, un-enhanced video or audio samples of your music for uploading into the application portal
♦ contact information for two teachers (an academic teacher and a music teacher) who are willing to write recommendations
♦ a copy of your family’s most recent tax forms (including all schedules, attachments and W2 forms)
♦ a copy of your most recent academic transcript
■ Scholarship Value: $10,000 to apply toward instrument purchases, summer camp tuition, college audition travel expenses, private lessons, or other music-related needs
■ Number of Awards: 20
■ Email: scholarship@fromthetop.org
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/26488/jack-kent-cooke-young-artist-award
♦ https://fromthetop.org/apply/jack-kent-cooke-young-artist-award/#deadlines
♦ https://fromthetop.org/apply/become-a-fellow/
