Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the launch of the Nonprofit Infrastructure Capital Investment Program (NICIP), aimed at bolstering New York’s vital social safety net. This initiative will provide a minimum of $60 million in capital grant funding to eligible nonprofit human services organizations, facilitating the delivery of essential services to the people of New York. These funds will support both small- and large-scale construction projects, enabling nonprofits to enhance their infrastructure and meet the increasing demands for their services.
Grant Opportunities for Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit organizations that directly serve New Yorkers by providing crucial programs and services are eligible to apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000. These grants will aid in the successful completion of construction projects, ensuring that organizations can meet the needs of their communities effectively. The program’s emphasis lies in advancing projects that are ‘shovel ready,’ with completion anticipated on or before December 2026.
Governor Hochul stated, “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. 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. By making transformative investments in our nonprofit sector, my administration is committed to maintaining the vital resources and services that New Yorkers rely on.”
Administering the Program
The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) will oversee the administration of the NICIP and will publish the Request For Applications (RFA) on its website. Additionally, funding opportunities will be made available through the New York State Grants Gateway. Prospective nonprofit applicants will receive crucial information through an informational Webinar Video to be posted on both platforms on October 18, 2023.
NICIP will operate on a first-come, first-served basis for this competitive grant program. Applications can be submitted between December 1, 2023, and January 12, 2024. Scoring of applications will commence as early as December 2, 2023, and applications meeting the minimum threshold will progress for grant processing by DASNY until all funding has been allocated. In the event that an applicant is unable to proceed with the proposed project, the funds will be returned to the NICIP pool and awarded to the next qualifying applicant.
Building on Commitment to Support Nonprofits
The NICIP initiative is an extension of Governor Hochul’s dedication to safeguarding and fortifying the nonprofit sector, which plays a critical role in delivering essential resources and services across New York. Recent announcements include over $63 million in capital funding awards for numerous colleges and universities to support substantial construction projects, equipment acquisition, and other essential investments in university infrastructure.
Additionally, the Governor has earmarked nearly $38 million to enhance the facility security and preparedness of nonprofits, $13 million for organizations offering career training to New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, and $2.7 million in funding for organizations aiding veterans.
Nonprofit Infrastructure Capital Investment Program (NICIP)
DASNY serves as the administering body for the Nonprofit Infrastructure Capital Investment Program (NICIP), managing grants awarded through a competitive process. The initial wave of NICIP projects, totaling approximately $120 million, was awarded to recipients in 2017 and 2018. The 2023-2024 Enacted State Budget has authorized $50 million for this new competitive NICIP opportunity.
For more information on NICIP and to access application materials, visit the official website and explore the available resources:
- 2023 Announcements
- 2023 Request for Applications
- Appendix 1 – NICIP Application
- Appendix 2 – NICIP Scoring Matrix
- Appendix 3 – NICIP FAQs
- Appendix 4 – NICIP Sample Grant Disbursement Agreement
- 2017-2018 Awards
Tania Quigley, CPA
Partner
Tania Quigley has been a member of Cerini & Associates’ audit and consulting practice area since 2005 where she focuses on serving the firms nonprofit and employee benefit plan clientele. Tania has experience in performing financial statement audits and reviews, tax return preparation, cost report preparation and filing, retirement plan audits, and other consulting. Tania brings her expertise, diversified background, and helpful approach to all of her engagements.
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