The New York Foundation (NYF) is offering core grants to support organizations based in New York City that work to address social justice issues through community organizing and grassroots advocacy. The grants provide funding of $47,500 per year for established organizations, for up to 3 years, and up to 5 years for emerging organizations. These grants are part of NYF's annual grant cycle, and for 2025, there will be only one cycle, with applications due by March 3rd. If the deadline falls on a weekend, applications will be due the following Monday. In addition to financial support, recipients also gain access to various capacity-building resources, including pro bono legal services from Lawyers Alliance for New York, 501(c)(4) startup assistance from Tides Advocacy, and responsive small grants of up to $5,000 for organizational development. Monthly workshops and coaching are also provided to help organizations develop the skills needed to strengthen their impact.

To be eligible for funding, organizations must be based in New York City and be either a 501(c)(3) organization or fiscally sponsored by one. The organization's primary strategy must focus on community organizing and grassroots advocacy to address the root causes of oppression. Community organizing refers to community-led initiatives aimed at building power for systemic social change, while grassroots advocacy involves rallying public action for equitable policies. The grant is open to organizations that focus on racial justice, systemic change, and power-building, particularly those led by Black, Indigenous, and people of color, as well as those serving gender non-conforming, nonbinary, and trans individuals. Collaborations and coalition-building with allies sharing similar values are also prioritized.

However, several types of organizations and activities are not eligible for funding. These include those providing direct services, individuals, capital campaigns, research studies, films, publications, documentaries, educational institutions, conferences, events, and requests outside of the United States or outside New York City. The foundation prioritizes funding for organizations that are led by Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities, trans and gender non-conforming people, and trans and cis women. NYF also prioritizes emerging organizations with limited access to institutional funding, those working with underserved constituencies or overlooked neighborhoods, and those addressing social justice issues that have not yet garnered significant public attention.

The application process is competitive, with hundreds of requests typically received each cycle. Only about five new grants are awarded per cycle, in addition to renewals for ongoing grantees. After the application deadline, applicants are notified within two weeks whether they will be invited to provide further information or undergo a site visit. Site visits are virtual, and from those who are invited, the foundation selects a small number of organizations to recommend to the Board of Trustees for final approval. Grantees are notified after the Board's meeting in June, and approved grants are processed in July.

The New York Foundation's mission is to support organizations committed to social justice, racial equity, and systemic change through grassroots organizing and advocacy. Their grant application process includes resources, support, and mentorship to help applicants succeed in their work.