Applications open November 2nd. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) is pleased to announce the opening of its 2026 Mini-Grant Program on Monday, November 2, 2026. Now in its fourth year, the program provides fast, flexible funding to help New York wineries, grape growers, wine trails, and regional promotional entities act on high-impact marketing, education, and business development initiatives throughout the program year.
“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 Mini-Grant Program is open to all New York wineries, grape growers, wine trails, and regional promotional entities. Grant amounts are as follows:
- NYWGF Member Winery or Grower: Up to $1,000 for Promotion & Marketing or Education & Business Development
- Non-Member Winery or Grower: Up to $500 for Promotion & Marketing or Education & Business Development
- Wine Trail or Nonprofit Entity in the New York Wine & Grape Industry: Up to $750 for Promotion & Marketing or Education & Business Development
Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Qualifying projects may have taken place, or may take place, between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027. Applicants will be notified of their award by email typically within 4-5 weeks of submitting their application.
Mini-Grant projects fall into two focus areas:
- Promotion & Marketing: virtual or in-person promotional events, regional or winery-specific campaigns, general marketing to support agritourism in New York State, and subscriptions to industry periodicals such as Cristaldi & Co. and Wine Enthusiast.
- Education & Business Development: educational seminars for management or tasting room staff, and business consulting on strategic planning, succession planning, financial management, DEI training, and marketing strategies.
All award recipients must submit a final report by April 30, 2027, using the template provided by NYWGF. Recipients who do not complete their final report will not be eligible for future Mini-Grants.
The 2025 Mini-Grant Program awarded $21,000 to 41 wineries, growers, wine trails, and regional organizations across New York State, funding projects that spanned digital advertising, professional video production, international market exposure, event activations, and business development initiatives. For a full look at last year’s impact, visit newyorkwines.org/2025-2026-nywgf-mini-grant-impact.
“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 open Monday, November 2, 2026, and are available at newyorkwines.org/mini-grant-program. Only complete applications will be considered. For questions, contact Jennifer Cooper at jennifercooper@nywgf.org.
