By Blake Jackson
The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) opened applications for its 2026 Mini-Grant Program on November 2, 2026, offering financial assistance to wineries, grape growers, wine trails, and regional promotional organizations across the state.
Now in its fourth year, the initiative provides flexible funding for marketing, educational, and business development projects that support the growth of New York's wine and grape industry.
“At NYWGF, we know that some of the most impactful ideas in this industry happen in real time, outside of strategic plans and funding cycles,” said Sam Filler, Executive Director of NYWGF. “The Mini-Grant Program is designed to give wineries, growers, and regional partners the flexibility to act on those ideas.”
The program offers different funding levels based on membership and organization type. Member wineries and grape growers can receive up to $1,000, while non-member wineries and growers are eligible for up to $500. Wine trails and nonprofit organizations associated with New York's wine and grape industry can apply for grants of up to $750.
Funding is available in two categories: Promotion & Marketing and Education & Business Development. Eligible activities include promotional events, advertising campaigns, agritourism marketing, and subscriptions to industry publications.
Educational projects may cover staff training, professional seminars, strategic planning, succession planning, financial management, diversity, equity and inclusion training, and marketing consultations.
Grants will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until available funding is exhausted. Eligible projects must have taken place or be scheduled between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027.
Applicants can generally expect an email notification about their funding decision within four to five weeks of submitting a complete application.
All recipients must submit a final project report using the foundation's designated template by April 30, 2027. Organizations that fail to meet this requirement will lose eligibility for future Mini-Grant opportunities.
During the 2025 program, NYWGF distributed $21,000 among 41 wineries, growers, wine trails, and regional organizations. Supported initiatives included digital advertising, video production, international market development, promotional events, and business improvement projects.
“This program is one of my favorite things we do at NYWGF because the impact is so immediate and tangible,” said Jennifer Cooper, NYWGF Membership Manager.
“Every grant funded is a real project, a real investment, and a real story of someone in our industry taking a huge step forward. We cannot wait to see what this year’s applicants bring to the table.”
Applications are available at newyorkwines.org/mini-grant-program. For additional information, contact Jennifer Cooper at jennifercooper@nywgf.org.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-willhowecreative
Categories: New York, General