NYSCA FY2026 Capital Projects Fund Opportunity

FY2026 Opportunity Guidelines

The FY 2026 Capital Projects Fund opportunity is now OPEN.  The deadline is January 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. 

Sign up for the kick-off webinar on September 18 at 11 am at this link.  Also a full schedule of office hours is available on the Application Webinars/Office Hours page. 

Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture: This opportunity funds projects initiated by nonprofit arts and cultural organizations of any size, with construction and capital equipment grants of up to $2 million that prioritize accessibility, artistry, cultural development, sustainability, health and safety, and structural and historical improvements. No-match grants of $10,000-$99,000 are available for organizations with operating budgets under $2 million. Strong projects combine excellence in design with informed decisions about organizational capacity and community needs that will positively affect the future of arts and cultural organizations across New York. 

Download the Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants Guidelines HERE.

Large Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture: This opportunity will support arts and cultural nonprofits across the state that are undertaking impactful, large-scale capital improvements. Grants will range from $2 million to $10 million for projects that have a total cost of $4 million or more (grants support a maximum of 50 percent of the project's total cost). This funding will support investments that allow organizations to thrive by expanding cultural programming, reaching new and diverse audiences, and promoting accessibility. These grants will also help advance the State's goals around economic development and will require all applicants to commit to social equity initiatives and access plans that serve all New Yorkers. 

Download the Large Capital Improvement Grants Guidelines HERE.

Capital Design Grants for Arts and Culture: This opportunity will support the development of mid-stage and advanced design documents for arts and cultural nonprofits with operating budgets of $10 million or less across the state that are planning eligible capital improvements and are currently in the early stages of design. Grants will range from $50,000-$500,000, for a maximum of 50 percent of the design phase’s total cost. No-match grants of $10,000 to $99,000 will also be available for organizations with budgets under $2 million. 

Download the Capital Design Grants Guidelines HERE.

Our FY2026 application period for Support for Organizations, Support for Artists, Support for Targeted Opportunities, and Support for Regrants and Services IS NOW CLOSED.

Support for Organizations: Provides flexible general operating and programming funding for non-profit 501 (c) 3 organizations.

• FY 26 Support for Organizations with Application Manual

Support for Sponsored Organizations: Flexible operating support for organizations that may need to apply through a fiscal sponsor organization (ie, not yet incorporated or arts entities that exist as distinct, independent programs within a parent organization such as a university or social service organization.)

• FY 2026 Support for Sponsored Organizations Guidelines with Application Manual

Support for Artists: Funds creative commissions to individual artists across the state. Applicants must apply through a non-profit 501 (c) 3 fiscal sponsor. NYSCA embraces the rich diversity of artmaking across New York, and applicants from all artistic practices and disciplines are encouraged to apply. Grant awards are $10,000; fiscal sponsors may retain a maximum of $500 for administrative costs.

• FY 2026 Support for Artists with Application Manual 

Support for Targeted Opportunities: (Formerly Special Opportunities) These opportunities provide funding for creative performance residencies, subsidized rehearsal spaces for all performing art forms, and folk arts apprenticeships.  

• FY 2026 Support for Targeted Opportunities with Application Manual

Support for Regrants and Services: (Formerly Partnerships) Supports regrant and partner organizations across all 62 counties while identifying new opportunities to ensure the greater reach of NYSCA funding and greater access for new applicants. Partnerships cover a range of services.

• FY 2026 Support for Regrants and Services with Application Manual

FY2026 Application Manual