ZBGA Capital Grant Program

The Zoos, Botanical Gardens, and Aquaria Capital Grant Program (ZBGA CAP) is administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and is funded through a $10 million appropriation from the New York State Legislature for fiscal year 2025-26. The program is designed to support strategic capital improvements that benefit Natural Heritage Collections (NHC) maintained by New York State-based zoos, botanical gardens, and aquaria. These capital grants aim to enhance educational programming, promote tourism, foster environmental sustainability, improve public safety, and contribute to the economic and cultural development of local communities. Eligible applicants must already be recipients of a 2021–2026 ZBGA Operational Support grant and be either New York State local governments or not-for-profit organizations. The ZBGA CAP awards support construction, renovation, or restoration of facilities and the installation of permanent capital equipment systems. Funding is available for planning and design work incurred up to three years prior to the application deadline, though these costs should not exceed 15% of total construction costs. All grants are reimbursement-based, and applicants must front costs before applying for reimbursement. A local cost share of at least 20% of the total project cost is required. Projects must align with ZBGA priorities, including improvements that enhance accessibility, address environmental sustainability, advance health and safety, and extend the lifespan or utility of the NHC. Ineligible costs include overhead, maintenance, operating expenses, vehicles, legal fees, insurance, and any previously reimbursed costs under ZBGA Operational Support. Applicants must demonstrate site control via ownership or long-term agreements and ensure compliance with federal civil rights statutes, procurement standards, and environmental/historic preservation requirements. Applications must be submitted through the Statewide Financial System (SFS), requiring all applicants to register and, if applicable, complete vendor prequalification. Required documentation includes a project narrative, itemized budget using the ZBGA template, site photos, ownership documentation, SEQR compliance materials, and schematic site plans. Applications will be evaluated by OPRHP based on eligibility and equitable distribution of funds. If the total requested funds exceed the $10 million appropriation, awards will be prorated. The application portal opened in 2025 and closes at 4:00 PM EST on January 30, 2026. Grants are non-renewable, and there is no guarantee of future funding. Awards will be announced following review, and successful applicants will enter into a contract with OPRHP before beginning work. A project manager must be designated to ensure compliance and reporting. Projects are subject to inspection and must be completed per agreed terms for reimbursement. The next anticipated application cycle will begin in January 2027, as this is an annually recurring opportunity.

Align project with program priorities; ensure SEQRA compliance; do not start project before contract is signed.