Need funding?
On April 25th, Governor Cuomo commenced Round VII of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. The annual competition will provide more than $800 million in state economic development resources. Starting May 1st, candidates can use a single form, the Consolidated Funding Application, to compete for funding from dozens of state programs.
There is funding available for parks and historic sites through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). There is $20 million available for EPF Parks, Preservation and Heritage grant funding for the acquisition, planning, development, and improvement of parks, historic properties, and heritage areas located within the physical boundaries of the State of New York. Grants can fund up to 50 percent of total project cost, and up to 75 percent if the project is located in a high-poverty district. The limit for grant awards is $500,000. For more information, see page 84 of the CFA Resource Manual.
There is also $1.9 million in funding available through the Recreational Trails program. Eligible projects include: the maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails; development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities, and trail linkages for recreational trails; purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment; construction of new recreational trails; acquisition of easements; and assessment of trail conditions for accessibility and maintenance. Grants can fund up to 80% of the total project cost. The minimum grant award for restoration, development and property acquisition projects is $25,000. The minimum equipment purchase award is $5,000. All grant awards are capped at $200,000. For more information, see page 100 of the CFA Resource Manual.
Eligible applicants include:
with pertinent federal and state filings and are pre-qualified in the Grants Gateway (see http://www.grantsreform.ny.gov/Grantees).
Additionally, there is $1 million available for the Canalway Grants Program. This competitive grant program is available to eligible municipalities, and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations along the New York State Canal System for canal related capital projects. Applicants can request between $25,000 and $150,000. For more information, please see page 123 of the CFA Resource Manual.