State Soliciting Applications for Various Grant Funding Opportunities
New York State has launched Round XIII of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative. Round XIII includes core capital grant and tax-credit funding combined with a wide range of programs from multiple state agencies. Entities seeking funding for projects that would advance the priorities of their REDC are encouraged to apply using the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), a single application for multiple sources of state funding. While many of the targeted economic development programs may not apply to members, two Empire State Development (ESD) Capital Grant programs may offer an opportunity.
New and notable this year is a $5 million Not-for-Profit (NFP) Capital Grant Program. The program is designed to provide capital improvement matching grants to 501(c)(3) NFP organizations whose mission is to provide an economic and community benefit. The grants will range from $25,000 to $100,000 and will be aimed at projects that support REDC long-term strategic plans for economic growth in their regions. A set of slides specific to this program is available here, and a guidelines document is here. A recommended first step in the process is for the applicant to reach out to their local REDC (listed here).
Examples of eligible costs include, but are not limited to:
- Acquisition of land, buildings, furniture, fixtures, machinery, and/or equipment;
- New construction, renovation, or leasehold improvements;
- Infrastructure improvements to the facility;
- Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements; or
- Other capital costs/expenditures deemed eligible by ESD.
The deadline to apply through the CFA for most of the programs, including the NFP Capital Grant Program, is 4 p.m. on Fri., July 28, 2023.
Information on the main ESD Capital Grants program that will provide $150 million this round to a wider applicant pool than the NFP program and that accepts applications on an ongoing basis (i.e., is not subject to the July 28th deadline) is available here. It is designed for capital-based economic development projects intended to create or retain jobs; prevent, reduce, or eliminate unemployment and underemployment; and/or increase business or economic activity in a community or region. This year’s strategic focus areas include green buildings and child care projects.
A press release with an overview of Round XIII is here. The REDC website with resources and complete information on all of the funding programs and application materials is here.
Contact: Darius Kirstein, dkirstein@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8841