New York State is accepting applications for $80 million in capital project funding to help nonprofit arts and cultural organizations improve their buildings and facilities. Grants range from $10,000 to $10 million, and applications are due by 5 p.m. on Jan. 12, 2027. The application portal is open at arts.ny.gov.
The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) announced on Sept. 15 that it is accepting applications for $80 million in capital project funding to help nonprofit arts and cultural organizations improve their facilities. Grants range from $10,000 to $10 million depending on project size, and applications are due by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2027. The application portal and guidelines are already available at arts.ny.gov, and award decisions will be announced in late spring 2027.
The funding is divided into three tracks. Small and midsize facility improvement grants provide $50,000 to $2 million for construction costs and equipment purchases, covering up to half of total project costs. Organizations with annual operating budgets under $2 million can receive $10,000 to $99,000 with no matching funds required. Priority in review goes to accessibility, sustainability, safety, and structural and historic repairs.
Large facility improvement grants provide $2 million to $10 million for projects with total costs of $4 million or more, also covering up to half of project costs. Applicants must also submit a social equity project and an accessibility plan. Design grants are for organizations with operating budgets of $10 million or less to use in the early stages of design, providing $50,000 to $500,000 for up to half of design costs. Organizations with operating budgets under $2 million are eligible for separate grants of $10,000 to $99,000 with no matching funds required.
739 Grants and $382 Million Over Eight Years
The capital project fund began in 2018 and has since awarded more than $382 million across 739 grants in 10 regions statewide. Earlier this year, $82 million was also awarded in capital funding, and for FY26, $80.9 million was allocated to arts organizations and individual artists for operating and creative support rather than facilities. The FY27 budget separately sets aside $81 million in general operating support, which will be allocated at the end of the year. NYSCA's total spending for FY27 exceeds $161 million.
Before the deadline, NYSCA will hold several webinars explaining the application process, as well as online office hours offering one-on-one consultations. Executive Director Erika Malin said arts and cultural organizations are economic engines that create jobs and attract tourism, and that investment in facilities leads to local growth. Any nonprofit arts and cultural organization registered in New York State may apply, regardless of size.