National Grid Awards $625,000 in Grants to Strengthen Long Island Communities
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National Grid, through its Grid for Good initiative, has awarded $625,000 in grants during Fiscal Year 2024/2025 to support 18 Long Island organizations advancing clean energy, workforce development, and stronger, more resilient communities.
These investments align with National Grid’s core pillars—Clean Energy & Sustainability, Environmental Justice & Social Equity, Neighborhood Development & Community Engagement, and Workforce Development—supporting nonprofits and community partners working every day to expand opportunity and enhance quality of life.
“Strong communities depend on strong local organizations,” said Brian Sapp, Director of External Affairs, National Grid. “By investing in these programs, National Grid is helping meet immediate challenges while creating lasting opportunity for Long Island families.”
Workforce Development
Girl Scouts of Nassau County – STEM Science Fair
Support for a council-wide STEM Science Fair encourages girls to explore innovation, scientific research, and careers in STEM and non-traditional fields. The program provides hands-on learning opportunities that build confidence, curiosity, and leadership skills, helping to inspire the next generation of women in STEM.
New Hyde Park & Elmont Chambers of Commerce – Business Leadership Program
This initiative delivered training and best practices to more than 150 small businesses, strengthening sales performance and building confidence among local entrepreneurs. The program also created opportunities for networking and peer learning, helping business owners adapt and grow in a competitive marketplace.
Stony Brook University – Geothermal Workforce Training
A grant supported a three-day geothermal training program transitioning HVAC students into ground-source heat pump installation. In partnership with IGSHPA and Suffolk County Community College, participants completed certification requirements, strengthening the clean energy workforce pipeline.
Vision Long Island – Enhanced Small Business Outreach Project
This initiative expands outreach and technical assistance to small businesses across Long Island. Through workshops, resources, and direct engagement, the program helps business owners navigate challenges, access new opportunities, and build long-term resilience.
Women’s Diversity Network – Wealth Equity Fellowship
This fellowship advances career pathways for women by providing mentorship, professional development, and access to high-growth industries. Participants gain critical skills and connections that support long-term economic mobility and leadership opportunities.
Community Support
ECLI-VIBES – Engage to Empower Program
Funding supports youth programming, childcare access, and family services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Participants engaged in enrichment activities that promote healing, confidence, and social connection. The grant also enabled a young survivor to attend summer camp, providing a safe, restorative environment during recovery.
Island Harvest Food Bank – Nutrition Pathways Program
Continued support delivers nutrition education, counseling, and healthy food distribution to participants. The program reinforces the connection between food and long-term health, empowering individuals and families to make informed choices that improve overall well-being.
Helping Hand Rescue Mission – Community Food Pantry & Outreach
This grant supports the organization’s food pantry operations and outreach efforts, ensuring that individuals and families facing food insecurity have consistent access to nutritious meals. The program also connects community members with additional resources to support long-term stability.
Hope For Youth – Outdoor Revitalization Project
Improvements at a boys group home included landscaping upgrades, new plantings, and enhanced outdoor spaces. These changes created a safer, more welcoming environment that promotes well-being, recreation, and a sense of pride for residents.
New Hour for Women and Children – Reentry Support Services
This program provides critical support for formerly incarcerated women as they transition back into the community. Services include mentorship, counseling, and access to essential resources, helping participants rebuild their lives and achieve long-term stability.
“Over the past 3 years, National Grid has been an incredible supporter of our work, not only through grant awards but also with volunteers showing up to some of our key events,” said Serena Martin, the executive director of New Hour.
Rising Stars Youth Foundation – Scholars Program
Funding provides mentorship, academic support, and college and career readiness through youth sports. The program helps student-athletes develop discipline, leadership, and confidence, preparing them for success both on and off the court.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Single Mothers Assistance Program (SMART)
This program supports single mothers by providing access to essential resources, financial assistance, and supportive services. It helps families achieve greater stability while empowering mothers to build a stronger future for themselves and their children.
United Veterans Beacon House – Veterans Housing Initiatives
This initiative supports housing and services for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Through stable housing and wraparound support, the program helps veterans regain independence and improve their quality of life.
Environmental Stewardship & Beautification
9/11 Memorial Park, Smithtown – Sustainability Upgrades
Funding supported reconstruction of the park’s water feature with energy-efficient systems and improved water recycling, enhancing both sustainability and community space.
Habitat for Humanity of Long Island – Sustainable Home Builds
Support included tree plantings for new homes in Riverhead and Wyandanch, along with employee volunteer build days. These efforts contribute to sustainable, affordable housing while strengthening community connections through hands-on engagement.
ReWild Long Island – Valley Stream Community Garden
In partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County, this project promotes native planting, sustainable landscaping, and community access to fresh produce through workshops and volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer gardeners raised produce for personal use but also provided towards our donations to Long Island Cares food bank Valley Stream. The donation bed produce and member contributions totaled over 260 pounds of fresh produce donated from June to October 2025.
“Your generous support in 2025 allowed for our community to connect, learn and literally grow through gardening,” said Dave Sabatino.
“Our gardens allow us to support the community through donations to our food pantry Long Island Cares, and that makes us feel proud,” said a volunteer.
Village of Farmingdale – Downtown Tree & Streetscape Initiative
Funding supported the installation of new trees and planters following major infrastructure upgrades, helping to revitalize the downtown corridor and enhance the local business environment.
Village of Northport – Main Street Tree Replacement Project
Funding supports the replacement of historic corkscrew weeping willows, preserving the village’s character and environmental health, with additional plantings planned.
“We are incredibly grateful for this generous support from National Grid. This donation allows us to expand our tree canopy and enhance the natural beauty of Northport,” said Roland Buzard, Village Administrator.
National Grid remains dedicated to fostering partnerships that advance sustainability, equity, economic opportunity, and community vitality throughout the region.
About National Grid
National Grid (NYSE: NGG) delivers electricity and natural gas to more than 20 million people across New York and Massachusetts. We’re committed to meeting our customers’ energy needs and supporting economic growth across the regions we serve—providing safe, reliable energy today and building the resilient networks of the future. National Grid Ventures, our commercial business, develops and operates infrastructure that delivers affordable and reliable energy to consumers. National Grid Partners, our corporate investment and innovation arm, invests in and collaborates with technology companies that are transforming the energy sector and accelerating industry-wide innovation.
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