New York nonprofit arts and cultural organizations can apply for a new round of state capital grants ranging from $10,000 to $10 million for construction, equipment and project design.
The state Council on the Arts has opened applications for $80 million through its Capital Projects Fund. Completed applications are due by 5 p.m. Jan. 12, 2027, and awards are expected to be announced in late spring 2027.
The program is divided into three grant categories covering small and midsized improvements, large construction projects and design work. Eligibility, award size and matching requirements vary by category.
The state said eligible projects may address accessibility, environmental sustainability, health and safety, structural needs, historic preservation, new construction and equipment. Applicants must be nonprofit arts or cultural organizations based in New York.
Small and midsized projects
Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants can support construction and capital equipment projects led by organizations of any size. Standard grants range from $50,000 to $2 million and can cover no more than half of a project's total cost.
Organizations with annual operating budgets below $2 million may instead seek no-match awards ranging from $10,000 to $99,000. The state said it will evaluate design quality, organizational capacity and how well a proposal responds to community needs.
The category can cover work focused on accessibility, artistic programming, cultural development, sustainability, structural repairs and historic improvements. Applicants must show how the project fits their organization's long-term operation and service.
Large projects and design grants
Large Capital Improvement Grants range from $2 million to $10 million for projects costing at least $4 million. State funding can cover up to 50% of the total project cost.
Applicants in the large-project category must commit to social equity initiatives and plans that expand access for New Yorkers. The state said projects should support broader programming, reach diverse audiences and contribute to economic development.
Capital Design Grants are available to organizations with operating budgets of $10 million or less that are planning eligible improvements and have reached the mid-stage or advanced stage of design. Awards range from $50,000 to $500,000 and generally cover no more than half of design costs.
Organizations with budgets under $2 million can also seek no-match design grants of $10,000 to $99,000. The grants are intended to help applicants complete design documents before construction.
Applications and assistance
Application guidelines and the online portal are available through the Council on the Arts website at arts.ny.gov. The agency plans to offer webinars and virtual office sessions, including one-on-one assistance, before the January deadline.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the funding is intended to help cultural organizations expand, improve accessibility and complete sustainability projects. Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said capital work can help organizations maintain facilities while supporting jobs and tourism.
The $80 million opportunity follows $82 million in capital awards made earlier this year, including multiyear support for large projects. The state also awarded $80.9 million in noncapital grants to arts organizations and individual artists for the 2026 fiscal year.
Since the Capital Projects Fund began in 2018, the council has awarded 739 grants totaling more than $382 million across the state's 10 regions. New York's 2027 budget also includes more than $81 million for general operating support through the agency, with those awards expected by the end of the calendar year.
The Council on the Arts expects to distribute more than $161 million overall during the 2027 fiscal year through capital and operating programs serving organizations and artists statewide.
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