Each year, the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) develops a comprehensive schedule of domestic and international marketing activities designed to promote the New York wine and grape industry. Funded by a mix of state, federal, and local entities, these marketing activities, along with educational and business development resources, are intended to significantly impact NYWGF’s mission goals and further the ability of wineries and growers to accomplish theirs.    

Though NYWGF creates its promotional and education strategies based on various factors, including community surveys, member needs, market analysis, and budget, we recognize that it is important for our industry to remain nimble and responsive to opportunities that present themselves throughout the year. To further support our community members, NYWGF is once again providing small grants designed to ensure those opportunities are taken advantage of to their full potential.   

“At NYWGF, we know that some of the most impactful ideas happen in real time, outside of strategic plans and funding cycles. Our Mini-Grant Program is designed to give wineries, growers, and regional partners the flexibility to act on those ideas,” said Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. “Whether it’s launching a new marketing campaign or investing in business development, these grants empower our industry to stay nimble, seize opportunities, and grow stronger together.” 

Beginning in June 2025, New York wineries, grape growers, wine trails, and regional promotional entities can apply for funding to support marketing or educational efforts that responsibly benefit farmers, producers, and consumers.   

Eligible Applicants   

Promotion & Marketing    

All applications must clearly articulate how the proposed activity will promote the world-class image of New York grapes and wines from our diverse regions to responsibly benefit farmers, producers, and consumers through innovative marketing, research, communication, and advocacy. Priority will be given to activities that serve more than one winery or grower.   

Education & Business Development    

Business Development is critical to New York’s wineries and growers in an ever-changing marketplace. Often business leaders require training, expert opinions, guidance, and strategy development from experienced business consultants with multiple skill areas. All applications must clearly articulate how the proposed activity will bolster your business’s ability to prosper in a dynamic economic environment, including how to evolve, expand, or restructure to ensure continued success in a desired area.   

Grant Amounts    

• Winery or Grower – NYWGF Member 
  • Up to $1,000 for either Promotion/Marketing or Education/Bus Development 
• Winery or Grower – Non-Member 
  • Up to $500 for either Promotion/Marketing or Education/Bus Development 
• Wine Trail or Nonprofit Entity    
  • Up to $750 for either Promotion/Marketing or Education/Bus Development 
• For-Profit Entity* 
  • Up to $500 for Promotion & Marketing Only   

**Please Note: In alignment with our mission to support the state’s wine and grape industry, priority will be given to New York-based growers and wineries, as well as nonprofit organizations.

Examples of Eligible Projects   

• Virtual or In-Person Promotional Events   
• Regional or Winery Specific Campaigns  
• General Marketing to Support AgroTourism in New York Sate   
• Educational Seminars for Management or Tasting Room Staff   
• Business Consulting on Strategic Planning, Succession Planning, Financial Management, DEI Training, General Business Planning, Marketing Strategies    

How to Apply   

**APPLICATIONS ARE NO LONGER BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2025 MINI-GRANT PROGRAM.

NYWGF Business Partner Members    

Though you may already have a partner or provider in mind for your project, you may want to explore NYWGF Business Partner Members and their services.   

• Adirondack Solutions: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion consulting   
• Crafting A Brand: Beverage marketing   
• DTC Wine Workshop, Sandra Hess: Direct to Consumer sales strategies and tactics   
• Farm Credit East: Business, Strategic, Financial and Succession planning   
• Mengel Metzger Barr: Financial Management, Tax and Estate Planning, Inventory Accounting   
• Miranda Tax & Consulting: Financial Management, Tax and Estate Planning, Inventory Accounting   
• WISE Academy: DTC sales and marketing skill building, Tasting Room Management, Wine Club Development and B2B Sales Strategies   

Click HERE for full list of Business Partners.   

Notice   

**PLEASE NOTE: Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2025 Mini-Grant Program.

Grants are available first come, first served until funds are spent. NYWGF’s fiscal year runs from April through March.   

Please note that a $350 subsidy will again be provided to Tier 2- and 3-member winery or grower members by NYWGF this year and you do not need an application for that support. If you have questions about your membership status, please contact Jennifer Cooper at jennifercooper@nywgf.org.