Grant Applicants

Every day, I’m fighting to deliver the economic relief that our families deserve and bring home the federal investments that our local businesses and communities need to thrive. I’ve secured millions in federal grants for Hudson Valley communities, family-owned businesses, first responders, non-profits, and local governments big and small - like the historic $21.7 million grant to rehabilitate the Kingston waterfront and $5 million for Family Services in Poughkeepsie to complete asbestos abatement projects.

Image

Below are some current funding opportunities as well as resources for finding more opportunities and learning more about federal grants and investments, including those I’ve secured for NY-18.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to my team and I for assistance in securing these funding opportunities and learning more about opportunities that meet your specific needs. Give us a call at (845) 443-2930, send us a message using my webform here, or reach out to my Grants Coordinator, Natalie, at Natalie.Lincoln@mail.house.gov. Just like we helped Elisabeth help her business save on its energy costs, we’re looking forward to helping you, too. 

“Uphill Dressage Center is thrilled to be the recipient of a generous REAP grant, which will cover half the cost of installing solar panels on the roof of our equestrian center. We are expecting the panels to generate enough solar energy to cover all of the building's electricity usage. The grant will lower our operating costs and help us do our part to combat the climate crisis. 

The Rural Energy for America program is a prime example of our federal government working to help farmers and the environment, and was made possible in part by Congressman Pat Ryan's tireless work to support agriculture and small business in the Hudson Valley, and by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act – the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis.”

-Elisabeth Straus, Owner and Manager, Uphill Dressage Center 

CURRENT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 

• NYS Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program is a state-funded $25,000,000 competitive grant program that supports the enhancement of the security and safety of the citizens of New York State by providing critical funding to strengthen volunteer fire departments and districts statewide. Eligible applicants can apply for up to $1,000,000 if proposing projects for construction, renovation, or purchase costs for critical facilities (buildings, training facilities, etc.) that support fire operations, or up to $500,000 if proposing projects for allowable fire service equipment to upgrade and improve their response capabilities. The application deadline is February 25, 2026, by 5:00 pm.  

   

• 2026 Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Programs: IMLS supports and advances the work of museums, libraries, and related institutions across the U.S. Through a wide range of grant programs, it empowers these organizations to enhance their services, foster innovation, and address community needs. The available grants are designed to cater to the diverse missions of these institutions, promoting growth and sustainability. Below are a few examples of its programming:
  21st Century Museum Professionals Program supports projects that build career pathways, strengthen professional networks, and identify and share effective workforce education and training practices in the museum field.
  Museums for America (MFA): This program invests in museums of all sizes and disciplines in project-based efforts to serve the public through educational programs and exhibits, community partnerships, and collections stewardship activities.  
  Inspire Grants for Small Museums (Inspire): This is a special initiative of the Museums for America grant program designed to support small museums of all disciplines.
  Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21): This program support the development of a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  
  Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (AAHC): This program builds the capacity of African American museums and supports the growth and development of museum professionals at African American museums. The program supports projects that nurture museum professionals, build institutional capacity, and increase access to museum and archival collections at African American museums and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).  
  Many of these programs have a deadline of March 13, 2026.
   

• The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley has ongoing community grant, funding, and scholarship opportunities. Current funding includes:
  Hudson Valley Farm Fresh Food Grant Program: The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, through a grant from the NoVo Foundation, is pleased to offer multi-year funding through the Hudson Valley Farm Fresh Food grant program in 2026 – 2028. This grant program is designed to distribute multi-year grant funds in amounts up to $20,000 a year for 3 years to nonprofit organizations in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Ulster counties. The focus of the program is to fund programs and organizations that work to increase access to local, farm fresh food for individuals who are considered food insecure.  Deadline March 1, 2026 View Guidelines and Apply Online Here.
  Jeannette F. Schlobach Grant Program is open to nonprofit organizations serving residents of Dutchess County, New York who are impacted by poverty. Organizations involved in providing programs and services to individuals, families and their pets to support and improve economic stability, health and educational opportunities, are encouraged to apply. Application Deadline: February 15, 2026 View Guidelines and Apply Online Here
  The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley administers more than 50 scholarship funds to help students pursue postsecondary education. Opportunities are available for students attending four-year colleges, community colleges, and trade or technical programs. A single common application with eligibility quiz makes it easier for students to quickly identify and apply for awards Deadline: March 15, 2026 Learn more and apply here.

   

• 2025 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP): $97.4 million in new funding is available for active transportation-related projects and programs that support the advancement of healthy lifestyles across New York State. Projects selected under this solicitation will support the Department of Transportation’s commitment to community-centered transportation by providing safe, reliable and resilient transportation systems. Selected projects, which include multi-use paths for pedestrians and bicyclists, will also connect communities, enhance the quality of life, protect the environment and support the economic well-being of New York State. TAP funding is made available to the State through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and administered by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). The application deadline is March 12, 2026. The application, program guidance and workshop schedules can be found here.
   
• Brownfields 101 with the EPA: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 2 Office recorded its “Brownfields 101” briefing for New York communities to provide an overview of the EPA’s Brownfield Program. To view the recording, please contact Natalie Lincoln at natalie.lincoln@mail.house.gov or (518) 465-0700. Sign up for the EPA’s Technical Assistance and Funding Resource Guide here!

• Each month Hudson Valley Regional Council publishes its Grants Guide focused on federal, state, and local funding opportunities related to economic development, water, clean energy, resilience, and sustainability.  Each grant listing features the deadline, eligibility, and a short description including the amounts municipalities are eligible to apply for and any required match. To view past Grants Guides, click here. To subscribe to the grants guide, please email elaferriere@hudsonvalleyrc.org.

• New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP): Governor Kathy Hochul announced $200 million in new funding for zero-emission school buses through the Environmental Bond Act of 2022. Distributed via the NYSBIP, the funds support electric bus purchases, charging infrastructure, and fleet planning to improve air quality and reduce pollution in communities across the state. The funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis with incentive amounts covering up to 100 percent of the incremental cost of a new or repowered electric school bus. This helps offset some or all of the difference in purchase price between zero-emission buses and comparable diesel or gasoline buses. All school bus fleet operators in New York State can also qualify for funding for fleet electrification plans, which provide a customized roadmap for electric bus adoption.

Home Energy Improvements

• New York is now offering U.S. Department of Energy Home Energy Rebate Funding through its EmPower+ Program to help low- and moderate-income households save on energy costs and make home improvements that will build the value of their home. The program includes:
  • No-cost comprehensive home energy assessments to pinpoint where energy and dollars are being wasted and receive a customized plan to lower energy usage.
  • No-cost direct install improvements identified during the assessment can be installed by participating program contractors.
  • Funding toward the cost of energy efficiency improvements, including air sealing, insulation, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electrical service and wiring upgrades.

         The program is open to income-eligible owners and renters of one- to four-family households. Click here for the EmPower+ Application!

• The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is collaborating with the Cornell Cooperative and community organizations from across the Hudson Valley to develop an all-in-one Mid-Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub. The Hub will help residents, businesses and communities navigate the abundance of new opportunities to save on energy costs and reap the benefits from the green economy. From tax credits for energy efficient appliances for households to grants for infrastructure repairs and upgrades for businesses, learn more about how the Hub can help you here.

Weatherization Assistance Program

The NYS Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is the largest residential energy conservation program in the country. NYS WAP assists income-eligible homeowners and some renters in our state by reducing heating and cooling costs through energy-conservation measures, while also addressing health and safety issues in their homes. 

Households with incomes at or below 60% of state median income are eligible for assistance. If a household contains a member who receives Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits or certain other forms of public assistance, the household is automatically eligible for NYS WAP services.  Applications are accepted from renters, homeowners, and rental property owners.  Potential program participants apply by contacting the WAP provider that serves their area. Find Your Weatherization Provider Here!

Services include but are not limited to: sealing of cracks and holes to reduce heat loss; insulation of attics and walls; heating system repairs or replacement; providing efficient lighting and refrigeration; window and/or outside door repair or replacement; minor repairs which are needed to ensure maximum efficiency of the weatherization services performed; and mitigation of energy-related health and safety issues.

Small Business Resources

• The Small Business Administration holds regular online trainings for both new and experienced small business owners. Explore and sign up for upcoming learning opportunities here!

Community Funding Opportunities

• Funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Inflation Reduction Act, Fordham University’s Flourishing in Community Initiative will distribute $40 million to support community-led environmental justice projects. Subgrants will range from $75,000 to $350,000 for projects and initiatives focused on addressing climate change, pollution, and environmental stressors in frontline communities. This is a 3-year program, accepting applications on a rolling basis, with quarterly evaluations. Apply Here! I encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Remember to contact my office for a letter of support. 

GRANTS RESOURCES & FINDING MORE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

For FAQs on federal grants, see the Congressional Research Service’s report on Resources for Grantseekers here.

Learn more about the federal investments and grants coming to NY-18 and how they are going to uplift our communities and help our families thrive here!

• Grants.gov is a free, federal website that allows you to find and apply for current competitive grant opportunities from ALL federal agencies. In addition to a search engine of grant and funding opportunities, Grants.Gov also includes an eligibility tool, trainings and webinars to guide you through the application processes, grant writing tutorials, and more! 

• SAM.gov is a database administered by the General Services Administration (GSA) that contains the descriptions of more than 2,200 federal assistance programs, including grants, loans, and other financial and nonfinancial assistance. Descriptions are updated by departments and agencies, and they cover authorizing legislation, objectives, and eligibility and compliance requirements.

• USA.gov is the go-to for frequently asked questions about how the federal government works for you, and includes information on government benefits for individuals, businesses, communities and more. Learn how we can assist you with anything from helping pay utility bills, signing up for affordable health insurance, starting your own small business, to making rent. Use the benefit finder tool to learn about programs that can meet your specific needs. From starting college to entering retirement, USA.gov even has resources that have you covered for every stage of life and unexpected life events.

• Federal Student Aid by the Department of Education can help you navigate all of the options to make attending the college of your choice, attaining a degree, and taking classes to advance your career attainable and affordable.

• The Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is administering landmark investments from the historic Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Here, you can learn about how funding opportunities can help your business save on energy costs or how your community can make strides towards becoming carbon neutral. The Office invests in research and development to lower the cost of clean energy technologies, protect the private sector from financial risk, and ensure an equitable transition to a decarbonized economy.

• The Department of Homeland Security distributes grant funds to improve the ability of regional authorities to prepare, prevent and respond to terrorist attacks and other disasters. Localities use grants for planning, equipment, training and exercise needs.