Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday said that up to $80 million in capital funding is now available for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations through the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Capital Projects Fund.
The initiative offers three grant opportunities aimed at supporting long-term investments in arts facilities across the state.
“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,” Hochul said in a statement.
The three categories include:
- Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants: Up to $2 million for projects that enhance accessibility, sustainability, health and safety or historic preservation. No-match grants from $10,000 to $99,000 are available for organizations with budgets under $2 million.
- Large Capital Improvement Grants: $2 million to $10 million for large-scale projects costing at least $4 million, supporting up to 50% of total project costs. Applicants must also commit to social equity and accessibility initiatives.
- Capital Design Grants: $50,000 to $500,000 for design-phase work on eligible projects at organizations with budgets of $10 million or less. No-match grants of $10,000 to $99,000 are available for groups with budgets under $2 million.
Applications are now open at arts.ny.gov and must be submitted by Jan. 13, 2026. NYSCA will also offer webinars and one-on-one virtual office hours to help applicants navigate the process. Awards are expected to be announced in spring 2026.
The NYSCA, founded in 1960, plays a central role in advancing creativity statewide. In FY 2026, the Council will distribute over $161 million in support for organizations and artists across all 10 regions of New York. In addition to this capital funding, the FY 2026 state budget allocates $81 million for general operating support for nonprofit organizations and individual artists, continuing record investment in New York’s cultural sector.
