Office for Faith and Nonprofit Development Services Technical Assistance Grant Program

The Office for Faith and Nonprofit Development Services Technical Assistance program is a state-funded grant opportunity administered by the New York State Department of State through its Office for Faith and Nonprofit Development Services. Established in 2023, the office serves as a central resource hub for faith-based and nonprofit organizations across New York State, aiming to strengthen organizational capacity and improve access to public funding. This Request for Applications seeks to address documented gaps identified through a statewide listening tour, where nonprofits expressed challenges in meeting compliance requirements, managing fiscal systems, and preparing competitive grant applications. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support qualified nonprofit organizations in delivering comprehensive, no-cost technical assistance services to other nonprofits. The selected grantees will design and administer structured programs that improve organizational readiness, enhance fiscal and legal compliance, and expand nonprofits’ ability to secure and manage public funding. The program emphasizes strengthening infrastructure, including financial systems, governance practices, and grant development capabilities, ultimately improving the sustainability and effectiveness of nonprofit operations across the state. Funding is approximately 1.2 million dollars in total, with awards allocated by geographic region. One award will be granted in each of two regions, with a maximum of 660000 dollars for the Downstate region and 540000 dollars for the Upstate region. The project period is one year, with the possibility of two additional one-year renewals. Funds may be used for direct program costs such as staff salaries, travel, supplies, outreach materials, and certain equipment purchases, as well as limited administrative costs capped at ten percent. All services delivered under the grant must be provided free of charge to participating nonprofits and must be nonsectarian in nature. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations that are domestic corporations, pre-qualified in the Statewide Financial System by the application deadline, and have a physical presence within the region they propose to serve. Preference is given to organizations with at least three years of experience delivering similar technical assistance or capacity-building services. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to provide both group-based training and individualized support, including workshops, coaching sessions, and structured technical assistance programs covering financial management, compliance, and grant readiness. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive proposal including administrative forms, a detailed narrative, staffing plans, a technical assistance logic model, and a budget summary. Applications may be submitted electronically or via mail, and must be complete to be considered. Required attachments include compliance certifications, organizational documentation, and budget materials. The evaluation process includes an initial eligibility screening followed by a scored review based on organizational capacity, experience, program design, and budget justification. Applications must achieve a minimum score to be considered for funding. The timeline for this opportunity includes a release date of June 9, 2026, a questions deadline of June 22, 2026, and a final application submission deadline of August 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Questions must be submitted in writing and responses are posted publicly. Awards are expected to follow a competitive review process, and successful applicants will enter into a formal contract with the state. The initial contract period is one year, with anticipated renewals based on performance and funding availability. Overall, this grant represents a strategic investment by New York State to build long-term nonprofit capacity through structured technical assistance delivery. By funding intermediary organizations to support smaller and emerging nonprofits, the program seeks to improve access to state funding opportunities, strengthen compliance with regulatory requirements, and enhance the overall impact of nonprofit services across communities.

Demonstrate strong regional experience, clear staffing plan, and measurable outcomes aligned with required service areas; ensure complete and compliant submission to avoid disqualification