New York Wine & Grape Foundation

NYWGF Mini-Grant Program

Flexible Funding to Power Growth Across New York’s Wine & Grape Industry

The NYWGF Mini-Grant Program provides fast, flexible funding to help wineries, grape growers, wine trails, and industry partners take action on high-impact projects. Whether you’re launching a marketing campaign, promoting an event, training staff, upgrading business systems, or expanding into new markets, Mini-Grants help turn timely opportunities into real results.

Funding Levels:

  • NYWGF Members: Up to $1,000
  • Non-Members: Up to $500

Member Value Advantage

NYWGF members are eligible for up to $1,000 in Mini-Grant funding — double the funding available to non-members (up to $500).

Becoming a member unlocks higher funding access while supporting NYWGF’s mission to grow and strengthen New York’s wine and grape industry.

What the Mini-Grant Can Support

Mini-Grant projects typically fall into two focus areas: Promotion & Marketing and Education & Business Development, giving applicants flexibility to invest where it matters most.

Promotion & Marketing

  • Digital advertising and paid media campaigns
  • Event and wine trail promotion
  • Tourism and visitation marketing
  • Photo and video content creation
  • Regional branding and storytelling projects
  • Trade and media activation support

Education & Business Development

  • Staff training and certification programs
  • Business, financial, and marketing consulting
  • Strategic planning and operational improvements
  • Website, e-commerce, POS, and systems upgrades
  • Sustainability and certification marketing initiatives

How Mini-Grants Are Being Used

Across New York State, Mini-Grants are helping businesses and organizations make smart, targeted investments:

  • Drive Visitation and Event Sales
    Recipients have used funding for targeted social media campaigns that increase tasting room traffic, grow wine trail passport programs, and boost ticket sales for seasonal and holiday events, particularly in competitive tourism markets.
  • Strengthen Storytelling and Regional Marketing
    Mini-Grants have supported short-form video, professional photography, and content campaigns that highlight wineries, regions, and visitor experiences across websites, social media, and tourism channels.
  • Expand Trade and Media Reach
    Funding has helped offset costs tied to tastings, roadshows, and educational events that connect New York producers with trade buyers, distributors, and media.
  • Build Long-Term Business Strength
    Recipients have invested in staff training, accounting systems, POS transitions, consulting services, and operational improvements that support long-term stability and growth.
  • Promote Sustainability and Certification
    Mini-Grants have supported the development of marketing materials, website updates, label integration, and campaigns that help communicate sustainable practices to consumers and trade.

Why the Mini-Grant Program Matters

Rising marketing costs, shifting consumer behavior, and increasing operational complexity are challenging businesses across the wine and grape industry. The NYWGF Mini-Grant Program helps reduce financial barriers and provides practical support for organizations working to grow visitation, strengthen brand visibility, improve operations, and elevate New York’s wine regions. By offering accessible funding with flexible project uses, the program empowers both members and non-members to invest in growth while delivering added value to NYWGF members through higher funding eligibility.

Ready to Apply?

Mini-Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while funds remain available.

What You’ll Need

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

  • A brief project description and goals
  • How grant funds will be used
  • Expected outcomes or success metrics
  • A simple budget breakdown

Program Details

  • NYWGF Members: Eligible for up to $1,000
  • Non-Members: Eligible for up to $500
  • Application Timing: Rolling beginning in May/June (until funds are exhausted)
  • NYWGF Fiscal Year: April 1st – March 31st

Apply Now: FUNDING FOR THE 2025 MINI-GRANT PROGRAM IS EXHAUSTED – CHECK BACK IN MAY/JUNE 2026

Questions? Contact NYWGF at jennifercooper@nywgf.org

Interested in increased Mini-Grant eligibility and additional member benefits?

Explore NYWGF Membership HERE!