Hochul launches $60 million infrastructure investment program for nonprofits

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday launched a $60 million Nonprofit Infrastructure Capital Investment Program to support the delivery of critical services to New Yorkers.

A minimum of $60 million in grant funding will be made available to eligible nonprofit human services organizations through the new program. Nonprofit organizations that can provide direct programs and services to New Yorkers may receive grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 for the completion of small and large scale construction projects. 

The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York will administer the program. The agency will be posting Request for Applications on its website and display the funding opportunities availability on the state Grants Gateway. The authority will also be posting an informational Webinar Video to provide essential information to any prospective nonprofit applicants. This webinar video will become available both on the authority’s website and the Grants Gateway on October 18, 2023. 

“The Nonprofit Infrastructure Capital Investment Program is one of our state’s most powerful tools to strengthen and preserve New York’s social safety net,” said Hochul in a news release announcing the program. The unique opportunity will utilize a first come first serve process, as it is a competitive grant program. Applications will be accepted between Dec. 1 and January 12, and will begin the scoring process as early as Dec. 2. All applicants who score within the minimum threshold will then advance to the authority for grant processing until all available funding has been utilized. The scoring applications will emphasize capital projects that are ready to begin and are expected to be completed on or before December 2026. Additionally, if an advanced applicant cannot complete the required reviews or its proposed project the funding will return to the program pool and be awarded to the next eligible and qualified applicant. 

The program builds on Hochul’s stated commitment to protect and support the nonprofit sector. Last month, she announced awards of more than $63 million in capital funding for various New York colleges and universities to support construction and infrastructure projects. She also announced investments of nearly $38 million in the strengthening of nonprofits’ facility security and overall preparedness, $13 million for organizations that provide career training to New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, and $2.7 million in funding for organizations serving veterans.

“Nonprofit organizations are an essential partner in delivering critical services to individuals in need, but far too often, infrastructure needs and a lack of capital funding stretch these organizations to capacity” said Hochul. “By making transformative investments in our nonprofit sector, my administration is committed to maintaining the vital resources and services that New Yorkers rely on.”