Foundations
12,440
Total Assets
$209.7B
Total Giving
$66.3B
Active Grants
0
National Rank
#2
New York Grants: Navigating the Empire State's Vast Landscape of State Funding for Communities, Businesses, and Nonprofits
New York State operates one of the most expansive and well-funded grant ecosystems in the nation, channeling hundreds of millions of dollars annually to communities, businesses, nonprofits, and cultural organizations through a sophisticated network of state agencies. The centerpiece of this system is the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), a streamlined portal that allows applicants to access funding from multiple state agencies through a single application. In the most recent round, Governor Hochul announced more than $463 million awarded statewide through the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative, with nearly 400 projects receiving over $300 million across the state's ten economic development regions. Empire State Development (ESD), the state's primary economic development agency, administers a portfolio of grant programs that touch virtually every sector of the economy.
The Regional Council Capital Fund provides $60 million in annual capital grant funding for businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and economic development organizations. The NFP Grant Program offers 50/50 matching capital grants of up to $100,000 for nonprofit organizations providing community benefit. For small businesses, the New York Forward Loan Fund 2 provides $150 million in low-cost capital through mission-driven lenders, while the Global NY Grant Fund supports export assistance with grants up to $100,000. The ACHIEVE Competition, a new $150 million initiative, rewards regions advancing high-impact economic visions.
Beyond economic development, New York invests heavily in community infrastructure, arts, and social services. The NY BRICKS program has allocated $100 million for 30 community center projects, the NY PLAYS initiative directs $67.5 million toward playground renovation, and the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) offers capital improvement grants up to $2 million for cultural organizations. The Department of State administers programs including the Local Government Efficiency Grant and Smart Growth Community Planning Grant, which help municipalities modernize operations and plan for sustainable growth. With grants available through the Grants Gateway online portal and CFA system, New York provides applicants with centralized tools to discover and compete for an extraordinary breadth of funding opportunities.
Key State Programs
Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) and Regional Economic Development Councils
New York's flagship grant delivery system, awarding over $463 million annually across nearly 400 projects statewide. The CFA allows applicants to apply for funding from multiple state agencies through a single streamlined application, with awards guided by the ten Regional Economic Development Councils.
Empire State Development NFP Grant Program
A 50/50 matching capital grant program providing up to $100,000 to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for projects that deliver economic and community benefit. Eligible expenses include facility improvements, equipment, and infrastructure that support the organization's mission.
NY BRICKS Community Center Program
A $100 million competitive grant program providing 30 awards to municipalities and nonprofit organizations for building or renovating community centers across New York State. Supports construction, renovation, and expansion of facilities that serve as community gathering spaces.
Regional Council Capital Fund (ESD Grants)
Empire State Development allocates $60 million annually in capital grant funding for eligible projects including business expansion, nonprofit facility improvements, and economic development infrastructure. Open to for-profit businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and economic development organizations across all ten REDC regions.
New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Grants
FY2026 grants supporting arts organizations statewide, including Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants offering up to $2 million for construction and capital equipment, and no-match grants of $10,000 to $99,000 for organizations with operating budgets under $2 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) and how do I apply?
The CFA is New York State's enterprise grant application system that allows organizations to apply for funding from multiple state agencies through a single application. It was created to support the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative and has streamlined the way state resources are allocated. Applications are submitted online through the CFA portal at the Regional Councils website, typically during an annual application window. Many ESD grant fund applications remain open on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
What grants are available for New York nonprofits?
New York offers extensive grant programs for nonprofits. The Empire State Development NFP Grant Program provides 50/50 matching capital grants up to $100,000. The Regional Council Capital Fund includes nonprofit eligibility for capital projects. NYSCA offers arts grants including capital improvement funding up to $2 million. The NY BRICKS program provides community center construction grants, and the New York Forward Loan Fund 2 offers $150 million in low-cost capital through mission-driven lenders for qualifying nonprofit organizations.
How do Regional Economic Development Councils affect grant funding in New York?
New York's ten Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) play a central role in directing state grant funding. Each council develops a strategic economic development plan for its region and reviews CFA applications to prioritize projects that align with regional goals. In the most recent round, the REDC initiative directed over $463 million to projects across the state. Additionally, the ACHIEVE Competition awards $150 million to regions advancing high-impact economic development visions.
Are there New York state grants for small businesses?
Yes, New York provides multiple funding channels for small businesses. Empire State Development's Division of Small Business offers growth support programs and connects businesses with regional resources. The Innovation Matching Grants Program has awarded over $3 million to support small business innovation through NYSTAR. The New York Forward Loan Fund 2 provides loans up to $150,000 through mission-driven lenders. Small businesses can also apply through the CFA for Regional Council Capital Fund grants for expansion and equipment projects.
What is the Grants Gateway and how is it different from the CFA?
The Grants Gateway is New York State's enterprise system for viewing grant opportunities and managing grant applications online across all state agencies. The CFA is specifically designed for the annual Regional Economic Development Council initiative and bundles funding from multiple economic development-focused agencies into a single application. Some programs use the Grants Gateway exclusively, while economic development programs typically use the CFA. Organizations should register in both systems to access the full range of New York State grant opportunities.
Explore
New York Funding Resources
Top Foundations
Largest Foundations in New York
| # | Foundation | Assets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford Foundation | $17.5B |
| 2 | Bloomberg Family Foundation Inc. | $12.1B |
| 3 | Foundation To Promote Open Society | $10.8B |
| 4 | Andrew W Mellon Foundation | $7.8B |
| 5 | Leona M & Harry B Helmsley Charitable Trust | $7.1B |
Active Grants