September 9, 2026
FROM ASSEMBLYMAN PHIL PALMESANO: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) is sending his “September 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 pre-qualify on the New York State Grants Management 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=116024
Federal Grants:
U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI)
PEI is one of several initiatives of the FHIP and provides competitive awards to eligible private, nonprofit fair housing enforcement organizations to conduct testing and other investigative activities to enforce the rights granted under the Fair Housing Act and state or local laws with equivalent rights and remedies.
■ Deadline: November 2, 2026, 11:59 p,m,
■ Eligible Applicants: private, tax-exempt, nonprofit, charitable 501(c) (3) organizations currently engaged in complaint intake, complaint investigation, testing for fair housing violations and enforcement of meritorious claims; and either a: Qualified Fair Housing \ Enforcement Organization (QFHO) with at least two years of experience in all of the following fair housing enforcement related activities in the three years before filing the application hereunder: complaint intake, complaint investigation, testing for fair housing violations and enforcement of meritorious claims experience; or a Fair Housing Enforcement Organization (FHO) with at least one year of experience in all of the following fair housing enforcement related activities: complaint intake, complaint investigation, testing for fair housing violations and enforcement of meritorious claims experience. See 42 U.S.C. §3616a (b) and (h). Applicants must complete Appendix B, Certification for PEI Applicants, to certify QFHO or FHO status. If the organization does not currently qualify as a QFHO or FHO (see 24 CFR §§ 125.103 and 125.401), the organization may be eligible to apply under the FHIP Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) or Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHOI) NOFOs. Please see each NOFO for specific eligibility requirements. If an applicant applies for both a PEI and FHOI Continuing Development Component grant and receives awards for both, HUD will rescind funding for the FHOI award if the activities for both awards are substantially similar. Co-applicants or members of a consortium are not eligible applicants under this NOFO. Individuals, foreign entities and sole proprietorship organizations are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement
■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $13.5million
■ Award Ceiling: $1.5million
■ Award Floor: $500,000
■ Expected Number of Awards: 13
■ Email:katherine.vasilopoulos@hud.gov
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362827
♦ https://www.hud.gov/stat/fheo/initiatives-program
♦https://files.simpler.grants.gov/opportunities/b1a490a3-f0c4-4734-b8b8-7cdf6cada9cf/attachments/c47131b7- 4679-48b0-910a-bc96f0319c80/Foa_Content_of_OFH-2600-DC-021C.pdf
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Advanced Development and Validation of Emerging Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research Funding
NCI invites grant applications proposing exploratory research projects focused on further development and technical validation of emerging technologies offering novel capabilities for the molecular or cellular characterization of cancer or for improved handling and quality control of biospecimens used for basic, clinical or epidemiological cancer research.
■ Deadline: November 10, 2026
■ Eligible Applicants: State governments; city or township governments; others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification); independent school districts; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; county governments; Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; small businesses; special district governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; for profit organizations other than small businesses; public and state controlled institutions of higher education
■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $5.9 million
■ Award Ceiling: $300,000
■ Expected Number of Awards: 13
■ Email: NCI-IMAT@nih.gov
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360534
♦ https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/organization/cssi/research/imat
National Science Foundation (NSF), Translation to Practice (TTP)
NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) partners across sectors to advance three primary focus areas–accelerating technology translation and development, fostering regional innovation and economic growth and preparing the American workforce for future high-wage jobs in STEM fields. The translation of research to practice ensures that the insights and innovations developed through scientific study and experimentation have tangible, positive impacts for the nation. These impacts include improving the quality of life, promoting economic and job growth, ensuring national security and maintaining global competitiveness.
■ Deadline: November 17, 2026
■ Eligible Applicants: 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; institutions of higher education (IHEs): two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) 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 US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of subawards 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 US campus. *Who May Serve as PI: By the submission deadline, a PI must hold either:
♦ a tenured or tenure-track position or
♦ a primary, full-time, paid appointment in a research or teaching position (with exceptions granted for family or medical leave), as determined by the submitting institution
■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $30 million
■ Award Ceiling: $2 million
■ Award Floor: $600,000
■ Email: translation@nsf.gov
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/01db6b26-98f3-43cc-ba54-f38ee97aefdb
♦ https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/nsf-ttp-national-science-foundation-translation-practice
Private Grants:
Jacques Pépin Foundation (JPF), Community-
Based Culinary Training Grant Programs
JPF supports nonprofit, community-based culinary training programs that provide free culinary and life-skills training to people facing barriers to employment. These grants help support organizations that use culinary education to build confidence, improve health outcomes and create pathways to sustainable employment in the food industry.
■ Deadline: October 2, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
■ Eligible Organizations:
♦ are U.S.-based nonprofits that operate community-based culinary training programs
♦ provide training at no cost to participants
♦ serve individuals who are unemployed or underemployed
♦ provide wraparound support such as case management, job placement or social services
■ Principal Grant:
♦ for organizations that have never received a JPF grant
♦ for organizations that have applied but were not previously funded
■ Award Amounts: Up to $10,000
■ Partnership Circle Grant: For organizations that have already received JPF grant funding
■ Award Amounts: Unrestricted grants of $25,000 per year for two consecutive years ($50,000 total) to help programs launch new pilots or initiatives, expand or strengthen programs, increase enrollments, increase staff capacity, develop employer partnerships or add a social enterprise
■ Email: grants@jp.foundation
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://jp.foundation/news/jpf-grant-applications-are-open
♦ https://jp.foundation/programs/
The Lawrence Foundation, Grants to Support Environmental, Human Services and Other Causes
The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support environmental, human services and other causes.
■ Deadline: October 31, 2026
■ Eligible Applicants: U.S. based charitable organizations that qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or public schools and libraries eligible for contributions or grants
■ Award Amounts: $5,000- $10,000
■ Contact Link: https://thelawrencefoundation.org/contact-us
■ Link to Additional Information:
♦ https://thelawrencefoundation.org/application-process/
♦ https://thelawrencefoundation.org/apply-for-a-grant
Toshiba American Foundation, Elevating STEM Education in Middle & High School Grants
These grants are for teachers with groundbreaking ideas to transform STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in their classrooms and looking to implement project-based learning with measurable outcomes and make STEM subjects a thrilling experience for their students.
♦ 11/1 – for teachers applying for grants greater than $5,000
♦ 12/1 – for teachers applying for grants less than $5,000
■ Eligible Applicants: Teachers from 6th to 12th grade
■ Award Amounts: Up to $5,000/Over $5,000
■ Contact Link: https://toshiba.com/taf/contact/
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://toshiba.com/taf/612-2/
♦ https://toshiba.com/taf/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/taf_message_to_teachers.pdf
Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation, Artist Grants
These grants support young artists working at the forefront of representational art. The grants empower emerging talents to refine their craft through time-honored artistic traditions and to pursue creative freedom as they begin their professional careers.
■ Deadline: November 27, 2026
■ Eligible Applicants Must:
♦ be between 18-41 years old when submitting a first grant application. Former grant recipients may apply beyond age 41 if they meet all other eligibility criteria
♦ be a student or emerging artist in the process of launching a career or developing a practice. Grants are not intended for amateur artists or mature, established artists
♦ apply solely on your behalf and not as part of a collective, group or organization
**grants are available to citizens worldwide
■ Eligible Artists/Artwork Must:
♦ be applying to study or produce representational or figurative art
♦ be studying or working in one or more of these disciplines: painting, sculpture, printmaking or drawing.
♦ be produced by hand using traditional tools and techniques; any work that uses photography or digital imagery as the primary medium (including photo-based prints or image transfers) or that is produced using computer software or robotics (including 3D printing) is not eligible
♦ use grant funds for expenses related to studying or practicing art, such as tuition, studio rental, model wages, art materials, travel & living expenses (see FAQ for ineligible expenses)
♦ apply in advance of the start of the project or the school term; the grant may only be used for future expenses
** The following types of work are not eligible for funding: abstract or non-representational art; installation art; public art; murals; textile art; illustration; graphic design; photography; animation; video art; film; performance art; digital art; crafts; decorative arts.
■ Project Eligibility: Artists may apply for a grant for one of the following purposes:
♦ to develop their work as an artist through studio practice, production of a new body of work, exhibition of their work and/or participation in a residency (proof of acceptance is required)
♦ to study art in a fine arts or studio arts program in which the artist has been accepted or is currently enrolled at a university, college, studio/atelier or apprenticeship program (proof of acceptance or enrollment is required)
■ Award Amount: $17,000 to $20,000 for second- and third-time recipients
■ Email: info@greenshieldsfoundation.ca
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://www.elizabethgreenshieldsfoundation.ca/en
♦ https://www.elizabethgreenshieldsfoundation.ca/en/apply
♦ https://www.elizabethgreenshieldsfoundation.ca/en/faq
Dental Trade Alliance Foundation, Supporting Innovative Oral Health Projects
This funding will help expand oral health care to underserved populations, with a focus on ideas that are innovative, sustainable and scalable. Proposals will be evaluated by the foundation’s grants committee based on three primary criteria:
♦ innovation
♦ sustainability and scalability
♦ impact on access to oral healthcare for underserved populations
While applications are open to projects serving any underserved group, the foundation has identified children’s oral health as a key focus for 2026 and encourages applicants to highlight how their proposed project supports this priority.
■ Deadline: November 30, 2026
■ Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit organizations
■ Award Amounts: $25,000
■ Email: jackiemichaels@dentaltradealliance.org
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://dtafoundation.submittable.com/submit/352429/new-grant-proposals-spring-nov-2026
Overwatch Alliance, Military Charities Funding
These grants are awarded to non-profit organizations with total annual revenues of $500,000 or LESS who provide services to active military, veterans and their families.
■ Deadline: December 31, 2026
■ Eligibility: Non-profit organizations designated as tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3), and are not considered a private foundation as described in Section 509(a), with total annual revenues of $500,000 or less
■ Requirements:
♦ completed application for assistance – click here to download the pdf form. The application is NOT
uploadable. The application must be downloaded, completed, dated and signed, and either mailed to:
Overwatch Alliance, 1000 NorthChase Drive, Suite 220, Goodlettsville, TN 37072 or emailed to: info@asmba.com.
Please note: INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
♦ cover letter on the organization’s letterhead with a brief history and statement of purpose of the organization, as well as a brief outline of the nature and scope of programs and services provided. The letter should also include some information on projected intermediate and long-term outcomes surrounding the project or program
♦ a board of directors roster, and whether they have contributed to the organization
♦ a copy of the organization’s Internal Revenue Service Determination Letter, as well as an Affirmation
Letter, signed by an officer of the organization, stating that the IRS determination letter has not been revoked
♦ a copy of the current operating budget and financial statements, including the salaries of key personnel
♦ a copy of the most recent financial audit and IRS Form 990, including all attachments. If the organization has not had an audit, please provide a copy of the most recent full year’s Income & Expense Statement.
NOTE: If the organization has been in existence for less than two years, a detailed business plan with a
proposed budget will be required
♦ a brief (less than 1,000 words) description of the request, including who the organization wishes to help and explaining the project/program and its current needs. Applicants need to demonstrate that their program/ project will address the root causes of the specific program and lead to sustained improvement in (or have a positive impact on) the lives of veterans, military members and their families
♦ a description of the organization’s overall mission and services with an explanation of how this project or program fits that mission. Please communicate clearly how community needs cannot be met by other nonprofit organizations and why the applicant is uniquely qualified to get the job done. A clear statement of expected results should be included and how the efficiency, quality and effectiveness of the project/program will be evaluated
♦ a description of the organization’s fundraising goal and the current status of fundraising for this project
♦ a detailed budget for the request, including a list of all funding commitments received for this project
■ Award Amounts: Up to $15,000
■ Email: info@asmba.com
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://overwatchalliance.org/
♦ https://overwatchalliance.org/applying-for-a-grant
Scholar Awards
Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships
These fellowships support doctoral candidates in the final year of dissertation writing whose work engages significant questions of religion, ethics, morals and values.
■ Deadline: November 1, 2026
■ Eligible Applicants Must:
♦ be candidates for Ph.D. degrees in any field of study in the humanities and social sciences at accredited graduate schools in the U,S. Candidates working on D.Min., JD, Psy.D., Ed.D. and other professional degrees are not eligible. Students in science, technology, engineering and math fields may apply provided questions of religious understanding, ethics or values are central to the dissertation
♦ be “all but dissertation” (ABD) and have completed all pre-dissertation requirements fulfilled by the application deadline, including approval of the dissertation proposal
♦ be in the writing stage of the dissertation. Usually, this means that fieldwork or other research is complete and writing has begun by the time of the award
♦ expect to complete the dissertation between April 1 and August 31, the year of the tenure of the award
♦ have never held a similar national award for the final year of dissertation writing
■ The Program of Study Must:
♦ be campus-based at the institution. This fellowship program does not provide funding for distance learning or online programs, or for degrees heavily dependent on distance learning components (research travel excluded)
■ Additional Eligibility Notes:
♦ the Dissertation Fellowship is intended for applicants who are completing their first doctoral degree
♦ fellows are not required to live in the U.S. during the tenure of the award
♦ the fellowship uses a two-phase review process. All applicants complete the Phase 1 application. A smaller group of finalists is then invited to submit additional materials for Phase 2 review
■ Phase 1
Applicants submit materials that help reviewers understand:
♦ the dissertation project (dissertation overview)
♦ the project’s relationship to religion, ethics, morals and values
♦ the current status of the dissertation and the work to be completed during the fellowship year
♦ the applicant’s scholarly preparation for the project
♦ supporting materials, including a curriculum vitae, transcript and two brief recommendation rubrics Applicants selected as finalists are invited to participate in Phase 2.
■ Phase 2 (Finalists Only)
Finalists submit materials that allow reviewers to evaluate the project in greater depth, including:
♦ a full dissertation proposal
♦ a statement of Intellectual Commitments
♦ a statement on Future Contributions
♦ two full letters of recommendation
■ Scholarship Value: $33,500
■ Email: Fellowships@newcombefoundation.org
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://newcombefoundation.org/fellowships/
♦ Guidebook Start Here – Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation
Overseas Press Club Foundation, Scholar Awards
Graduate and undergraduate students at North American colleges and universities or American students studying abroad are invited to apply for the Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholar Awards. An applicant must be a college junior, senior or graduate student enrolled in a degree program on the application deadline and have demonstrated an interest in international journalism. This program aims to help students of any nationality who wish to pursue international journalism, rather than returning to their countries of origin and becoming local reporters. This program is also heavily oriented toward helping journalists launch their careers rather than assisting mid-career professionals.
■ Deadline: November 15, 2026
■ Eligibility: An applicant must be a college junior, senior or graduate student enrolled at a North American college or university, or an American student studying abroad in a degree program at the application deadline and have demonstrated an interest in international journalism
■ Scholarship Value: $3,000
■ Number of Awards: 18
■ Email: foundation@opcofamerica.org
■ Link to Additional Information: https://www.overseaspressclubfoundation.org/scholar-awards-program
The James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalist Awards
These awards aim to provide financial support to high school and college-age student photographers. Through a variety of funding, including equipment purchases and scholarships for college and technical school classes, the foundation’s mission is to expand educational and developmental opportunities for student photographers who demonstrate interest, talent and financial need.
■ Deadline: November 15, 2026, 12 a.m.
■ Eligiblity: U.S. citizens (applicant’s school must be located in the U.S.); U.S. citizens attending U.S. government schools outside the U.S. may apply
■ Types of Awards:
♦ five $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to five college or technical school students, payable to their school. Four awards will be for video work and one will be for still photography
♦ one $2,500 scholarship to one graduate student, payable to their school, for video work
♦ five digital SLR cameras will be awarded to five high school students (high school applicants should only submit still photographs.) The video awards are for college and graduate students only
■ Requirements: Applicants must complete and submit
♦ an application
♦ a brief essay
♦ two letters of reference
♦ school transcript
♦ financial data
♦ portfolio:
♦ high school applicants should only submit still photographs—the video awards are for college and graduate students only
♦ digital images for still photography submissions or two videos, with a maximum duration of three minutes each, for video submissions
♦ Parental Release Form for applicants under 18—completed in the application after the Uploads step
■ Email: info@jamesalancoxfoundation.org
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://www.jamesalancoxfoundation.org/apply
♦ https://www.jamesalancoxfoundation.org/apply/start
Merck Animal Health Scholarships
These scholarships are provided to second- and third-year veterinary students attending accredited veterinary schools in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.
■ Deadline: November 30, 2026
■ Eligibility:
♦ 2nd- or 3rd-year veterinary student in good standing at an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited school in the U.S., Canada, or the Caribbean
♦ demonstration of academic excellence
♦ involvement in university-affiliated organizations including leadership responsibilities
♦ leadership and participation in non-university activities
♦ financial need
■ Scholarship Value:
♦ first place – $10,000
♦ second place – $5,000
♦ third place – $3,000
■ Email: scholarships@avma.org
■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://www.avmf.org/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/merck-animal-health-scholarship/
♦ https://www.avmf.org/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/
Assemblyman Palmesano represents the 132nd District, which includes Schuyler County, Yates County and parts of Chemung County, Seneca County and Steuben County. For more information about Assemblyman Palmesano, please follow him on Facebook.
