Governor Kathy Hochul speaks during a news conference in the Red Room at the State Capitol.
Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced, on Tuesday, Sept. 9, that up to $80 million in capital funding is now available to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations through the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSA) Capital Projects Fund.
Hochul said the fund has three grant categories: Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants, Large Capital Improvement Grants and Capital Design Grants for Arts and Culture.
She said the $80 million funding opportunity builds on the $86 million in capital awards made by NYSCA earlier this year, including multi-year funding to facilitate large-scale capital projects that prioritize community development and placemaking.
“New York’s thriving cultural sector attracts global visitors, generates economic opportunity and strengthens our incomparable creativity, which makes us a global epicenter for tourism,” Gov. Hochul said. “Through this transformative grant program, our world-class organizations will be able to develop innovative and sustainable projects that will serve New York residents and visitors for generations to come.”
The governor said NYSCA’s Capital Projects Fund will support arts and cultural nonprofits seeking State funding for investments in capital improvements that allow organizations to sustain and expand cultural programming for diverse audiences, promote accessibility and environmental sustainability, preserve and create jobs, and ultimately contribute to the growth of New York’s dynamic arts and tourism sectors.
She said the application portal and guidelines for these opportunities are now open, and can be accessed on NYSCA’s website. The deadline to submit completed applications is Jan. 13, 2026.
Hochul said all eligible New York State nonprofit arts and cultural organizations are encouraged to apply for NYSCA’s Capital Projects Fund.
She said NYSCA will also conduct webinars about the application process and host multiple virtual office sessions for applicants to receive one-on-one assistance before the Jan. 13, 2026, deadline.
The governor said prospective applicants that are interested in Large Capital support must consult with NYSCA Capital Projects staff to make sure their projects are aligned with program priorities before applying. Grant awards are expected to be announced in spring 2026.
Since the NYSCA Capital Projects Fund began in 2018, Hochul said the agency has awarded 607 capital grants, totaling $302.5 million, across all 10 state regions.
In FY 2025, the governor said 60 percent of the awards went to organizations with budgets under $5 million.
She said the FY 2026 Enacted Budget also includes over $81 million for NYSCA general operating support to non-profit organizations and individual artists. These grants will be awarded at the end of the calendar year.
New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “Capital projects transform cultural facilities into community catalysts, delivering economic and social benefits which far surpass the initial investment.
“These grants are powerful drivers for diverse and groundbreaking projects that will enable organizations to think boldly and reach brand-new audiences,” she said. “By strengthening our creative ecosystem, we are building sustainable tourism, developing lasting job growth and further empowering New York as the global influencer.”