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=115111

State Grants:

NYS Environmental Conservation, Adirondack Park Smart Growth Grant

The Adirondack Park Community Smart Growth Grant Program supports projects that foster sustainable development, environmental protection and the long-term well-being of park communities. The program supports planning and implementation of key projects identified as priorities in plans. The program offers grant funding for counties, towns and villages that need financial or technical assistance to plan and grow successfully.

■ Deadline: October 1, 2025, 3 p.m.

■ Eligible Applicants: Governmental entities, not-for-profit entities

■ Total Funding Available: $2.8 million

■ Email: dlfgrants@dec.ny.gov

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://dec.ny.gov/nature/open-space/smart-growth-in-adirondack-park-catskill-park

♦ https://www.nyscr.ny.gov/iframes/openAdDetail.cfm?id=DA5421F7-26E4-40FD-A7B5-94B00FB0857F

NYS Environmental Conservation, Catskill Park Smart Growth Grant

The Catskill Park Community Smart Growth Grant Program supports projects that foster sustainable development, environmental protection and the long-term well-being of park communities. The program supports planning and implementation of key projects identified as priorities in plans. The program offers grant funding for counties, towns and villages that need financial or technical assistance to plan and grow successfully.

■ Deadline: October 1, 2025, 3 p.m.

■ Eligible Applicants: Governmental entities, not-for-profit entities

■ Total Program Funding: $1 million

■ Email: dlfgrants@dec.ny.gov

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://dec.ny.gov/nature/open-space/smart-growth-in-adirondack-park-catskill-park

♦ https://www.nyscr.ny.gov/iframes/openAdDetail.cfm?id=DA5421F7-26E4-40FD-A7B5-94B00FB0857F

Federal Grants:

U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, National Historical Publications and Records Grants

Funding is available for archival projects that will significantly improve online public discovery and use of historical records collections. Projects that engage the public, expand civic education and promote understanding of the nation’s history, democracy and culture from the founding era to the present day are eligible. The commission encourages projects focused on collections of America’s early legal records, such as the records of colonial, territorial, county and early statehood and tribal proceedings that document the evolution of the nation’s legal history.

■ Deadline: November 5, 2025

■ Eligible Applicants: Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); county governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; city or township governments; nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; state governments

■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $1.4 million

■ Award Ceiling: $150,000

■ Number of Awards: 14

■ Contact: Nancy Melley

■ Email: Nancy.Melley@nara.gov

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/358927

♦ https://www.archives.gov/nhprc/announcement/archival.html

U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Fast-Track Pilot Programs

This funding supports moving scientific excellence and technological innovation from the lab to the market. By funding startups and small businesses, NSF helps build a strong national economy and stimulates the creation of novel products, services and solutions in private, public or government sectors with potential for broad impact; strengthens the role of small business in meeting federal research and development needs; increases the commercial application of federally supported research results; and develops and increases the US workforce, especially by fostering and encouraging participation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses.

■ Deadline: November 5, 2025, 5 p.m.

■ Eligible Applicants: Small businesses that meet certain requirements (see more information in the links below)

■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $56 million

■ Award Ceiling: $1.5 million

■ Award Floor: $400,000

■ Estimated Number of Awards: 36

■ Email: sbir@nsf.gov

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/355009

♦ http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf24582

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Occupational Safety and Health Research Funding

This funding is for programs that develop an understanding of the risks and conditions associated with occupational diseases and injuries, explore methods for reducing risks and preventing or minimizing exposure to hazardous conditions in the workplace and translate significant scientific findings into prevention practices and products that will effectively reduce work-related illnesses and injuries.

■ Deadline: November 17, 2025, 5 p.m.

■ Eligible Applicants: Special district governments; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); state governments; small businesses; county governments; for profit organizations other than small businesses; Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; city or township governments; private institutions of higher education; independent school districts; others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification); nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; public and state controlled institutions of higher education

■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $2 million

■ Award Ceiling: $400,000

■ Anticipated Number of Awards: 5-10

■ Contact: Sharon Chiou

■ Email: SChiou@cdc.gov

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/305727

♦ https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-18-812.html

U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSEC)

This funding provides sustained support of materials research and education of the highest quality while addressing fundamental problems in science and engineering. Each MRSEC addresses research of a scope and complexity requiring the scale, synergy and multidisciplinary approach provided by a campus-based research center. The MRSECs support materials research infrastructure in the US, promote active collaboration between universities and other sectors, including industry and international organizations and contribute to the development of a national network of university-based centers in materials research, education and facilities.

■ Deadline: November 24, 2025, 5 p.m.

■ Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education (IHEs): two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, 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 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 US campus

■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $27 million

■ Award Ceiling: $4.5 million

■ Award Floor: $3 million

■ Anticipated Number of Awards: 10

■ Contact: Serdar Ogut

■ Email: sogut@nsf.gov

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/358003

♦ http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf25532

Private Level:

Musicians Foundation, Grants for Essential Bills

Professional musicians in specific periods of need, crisis and transition can apply for a one-time grant through the comprehensive online application. Submitted applications are reviewed, and a screening committee ensures that aid is provided as effectively as possible. If awarded a grant, a check is made out directly to the biller (hospitals, landlords, utility providers, etc.) and sent to the approved applicant. This process allows musicians to pay bills quickly and with dignity.

■ Deadline: Rolling

■ Eligible Applicants Must:

♦ be a professional music performer, composer/arranger or educator in a specific time of need caused by an unexpected hardship (e.g., medical or dental situation, natural disaster or certain housing crisis)

♦ have worked as a professional musician in the US for five or more years and currently reside in the US

♦ have filed taxes as a musician for five or more years and be able to provide a copy of a recently completed tax return

■ Award Amounts: Vary, typically $500 - $3,000

■ Email: info@musiciansfoundation.org

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.musiciansfoundation.org/about/what-we-do

♦ https://www.musiciansfoundation.org/apply

Glen W. Bailey (GWB) Foundation, STEM Initiatives Grants

Funding is available for organizations seeking programmatic funding pertaining to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education at all levels. Applications are invited for the following programs:

STEM Sprouts: An early education STEM program designed to introduce young children, typically between the ages of three and 10, to the foundational concepts and skills within these four fields. Such programs should aim to foster curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities and a love for STEM learning from an early age. Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded

STEM Stars: Organizations supporting middle and high school students participating or interested in advanced STEM programs and who want to pursue a college degree in a STEM-related field. Programming can take place before, during or after school. The foundation encourages programs that are successfully preparing interested students who wish to be fully prepared for their intended college STEM major by exposing them to advanced topics in science, engineering, computer science and more. Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded

STEM Scholars: A post-secondary STEM program aimed at providing colleges and universities with more funding and flexibility for their internal STEM programs. The program seeks to offer opportunities to expand current programs or seed money to create new programs. Funding can support a multitude of activities and initiatives such as club activities, career management counselors, showcases, research projects, camps, tech talks, student clubs and organizations, lecture series and professor continuing-education programs. Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded.

Teen Tech Competition: The foundation is interested in supporting large STEM-related organizations that are interested in creating or continuing a tech competition for local youth. Organizations would be required to operate under certain (but flexible) parameters and are encouraged to let the participating students lead the way in building out the actual competition’s layout. Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded

■ Deadline: November 15, 2025, Rolling

■ Eligible Applicants Must: Be tax-exempt as defined by section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code

■ Contact Link: https://www.gwbaileyfoundation.org/contact-us-1

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.gwbaileyfoundation.org/

♦ https://www.gwbaileyfoundation.org/faqs

♦ https://www.gwbaileyfoundation.org/program-information

♦ https://www.gwbaileyfoundation.org/funding-criteria

American Council of Learned Societies, Digital Justice Seed Grants

This program is designed to promote and provide resources for projects at various stages of development that diversify the digital domain, advance justice and equity in digital scholarly practice and/or contribute to public understanding of racial and social justice issues. This program supports digital projects across the humanities and interpretative social sciences that critically engage with the interests and histories of people of color and other historically marginalized communities through the ethical use of digital tools and methods. In this way, the program seeks to address the inequities in the distribution of access to tools and support for digital work among scholars across various fields, those working with under-utilized or understudied source materials and those in institutions with less support for digital projects.

■ Deadline: November 20, 2025, 9 p.m.

■ Eligibility Requirements:

♦ at least one of the project’s principal investigators (PIs) must be a scholar in the humanities and/or the interpretative social sciences

♦ projects must be within the start-up or prototyping phase of development

♦ projects must be made as widely available as intellectual property constraints allow, ideally with the most liberal open-source and Creative Commons license that is appropriate for the underlying content

♦ an institution of higher education in the US must administer awarded grant funds

■ Award Amounts: $10,000-$25,000

■ Email: digitaljustice@acls.org

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.acls.org/programs/acls-digital-justice-grants/

♦ https://www.acls.org/competitions/acls-digital-justice-seed-grants/

Tell Every Amazing Lady (TEAL) About Ovarian Cancer Louisa M. McGregor Ovarian Cancer Foundation, Research Grants

T.E.A.L.R, offers women’s health and wellness services, including public awareness and education of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer, provides support to those impacted by the disease and raises funds for research in order to find a screening test and a cure.

T.E.A.L. invites applications for its 2025 ovarian cancer medical research program.

■ Deadline: Rolling, by April 13, 2026

■ Eligible Applicants Must: Be affiliated with a 501(c)(3) non-for-profit institution within the US.

■ Award Amounts: Up to $20,000

■ Email: contact@telleveryamazinglady.org

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://telleveryamazinglady.org/

♦ https://telleveryamazinglady.org/ovarian-cancer/medical-research/

♦ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOxuCajIK3hd985xOXocCdM9esIdqVxPVdT787-cNfsDdq1A/viewform

Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) Grants

This program deploys urgent funding to support research and outreach in response to emerging or unanticipated

threats to the nation’s food supply or agricultural systems. According to FFAR, plant and animal pests and pathogens

can strike quickly, devastating crops, livestock and livelihoods. To address these outbreaks quickly, the ROAR

program funds rapid research related to response, prevention or mitigation of new pests and pathogens. ROAR’s

one-year funding fills urgent research gaps until traditional, longer-term funding can be secured.

■ Concept Note Deadline: Rolling, by June 17, 2026

■ Eligible Applicants: Public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit

organizations

■ Award Amounts: Up to $150,000

■ Contact Links:

♦ communications@foundationfar.org

♦ grants@foundationfar.org

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://foundationfar.org/programs/rapid-outcomes-from-agricultural-research/

♦ https://foundationfar.org/grants-funding/

Scholar Awards:

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program

These scholarships are available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. Each award is intended to cover a significant share of the student’s educational expenses–including tuition, living expenses, books and required fees. Awards vary by individual, based on the cost of tuition as well as other grants or scholarships the student may receive.

■ Deadline: November 12, 2025

■ Eligible Applicants Must:

♦ complete four years of high school in the US, a US territory, or on a US military base and plan to graduate in spring 2026

♦ intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning in fall 2026

♦ earn a minimum, cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75 or above

♦ submit standardized test score(s) from one of the following: SAT, ACT, AP or IB exam. There is no minimum score requirement to apply; however, applicants must have taken one (or more) of these tests and submit the score

♦ demonstrate unmet financial need–applicants with a family adjusted gross income up to $95,000 will be considered. During the selection process, the foundation will conduct a full financial review, which will take into account all income and assets of the student and the student’s parents

■ Award Amounts: Vary

■ Number of Awards: 40

■ Email: scholarships@jkcf.org

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/

♦ https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/

♦ https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/resources-for-high-schoolers/

♦ https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/faqs/

Elks Most Valuable Student (MVS) College Scholarships

Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need.

■ Deadline: November 12, 2025, 11:59 p.m. PT

■ Eligible Applicants Must:

♦ be a current high school senior, or the equivalent

♦ be US citizens on the date the application is submitted

♦ enroll in a four-year undergraduate degree program, on a full-time basis, at an accredited U. college or university

■ Award Amounts: $1,000-$7,500

■ Number of Awards: 500

■ Email: scholarship@elks.org

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/mvs.cfm

♦ https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/guidelines.cfm

♦ https://www.elks.org/scholars/resources/statechairmen.cfm

Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship Program for Veterans

These scholarships provide vital financial support to service members and veterans, ensuring they can achieve their educational goals without incurring excessive student loan debt.

■ Deadline: November 15, 2025

■ Eligible Applicants Must:

♦ be a citizen of the US

♦ be retired, honorably discharged, active duty or a member of the National Guard or Reserve

♦ have completed basic training and follow-on training (advanced individual training, technical school, etc.)

♦ be separated with or currently hold a military rank of E-5 or below

♦ demonstrate a need for financial assistance

♦ participate in, be accepted to or currently enrolled in a VA-approved program or school at an accredited postsecondary institution

■ Award Amount: $5,000

■ Email: Foundation@VFW.org

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://vfwfoundation.org/sports-clips/

♦ https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/help_a_hero

Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards, Scholarships for Women

The Live Your Dream Awards offers three levels of cash awards. Eligible applicants can submit their application between August 1 and November 15. Ultimately, a Live Your Dream Awards finalist has the potential to receive up to $16,000 to help offset tuition costs, purchase books, get transportation or find reliable childcare so she can worry less about how to pay her bills and focus on achieving her education dreams.

■ Deadline: November 15, 2025

■ Eligible Applicants Must:

♦ provide the primary financial support for themselves and their dependents. Dependents can include children, spouse, partner, siblings and/or parents

♦ have financial need

♦ be enrolled in or have been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program

♦ be motivated to achieve their education and career goals

♦ reside in one of Soroptimist International of the Americas’ member countries/territories (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Guam, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan, United States of America, Venezuela)

♦ not previously been the recipient of a Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity or Live Your Dream Award

♦ not have a graduate degree and is not pursuing one currently

♦ not be a Soroptimist member, an employee of Soroptimist International of the Americas or immediate family of either

■ Award Amounts: Up to $16,000

■ Number of Awards: 1,700

■ Email: siahq@soroptimist.org

■ Link to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.liveyourdream.org/get-help/apply-for-an-educational-grant/index.html

Dell Scholars Program, College Scholarships

This program helps students earn a college degree and launch a career. Each year, 500 students nationwide become Dell Scholars, gaining financial assistance, academic advising, career coaching and a team of dedicated experts who support them every step of the way.

■ Deadline: December 1, 2025

■ Eligible Applicants Must:

♦ be a high school senior participating in an approved college readiness program

♦ plan to enroll full-time at an accredited college or university right after high school

♦ be Pell Grant eligible

♦ have at least a 2.4 GPA

■ Strong Candidates Demonstrate:

♦ strong sense of purpose–they set clear goals and take steps to achieve them

♦ a career-driven mindset–they see their bachelor’s degree as a stepping-stone to a fulfilling career

♦ perseverance–they turn obstacles into opportunities, finding ways to move forward and succeed

♦ self-motivation and determination–they take initiative, seek opportunities and keep pushing forward

■ Award Amount: $20,000

■ Number of Awards: 500

■ Email: apply@dellscholars.org

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.dellscholars.org/

♦ https://www.dellscholars.org/students/#program-overview