Grant Workshops Announcement
Consolidated Funding Application (CFA)
On July 20, 2011, as part of a historic initiative to transform New York State's model for economic development and
job creation, Governor Cuomo announced that up to $1 billion in economic development funding would be made available
through a Consolidated Application Process (CFA). Beginning September 2, 2011, the NYS Consolidated Funding Application
(CFA) is available to eligible applicants, marking a fundamental shift in how economic development resources are
allocated. The CFA will serve as a more efficient and effective tool to streamline and expedite the State's efforts to
generate sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities across the state.
The CFA aligns agency resources behind a coordinated and comprehensive approach that ensures less bureaucracy and
greater efficiency in the fulfillment of local economic development needs. By eliminating the need for businesses and
others to navigate a complicated and uncoordinated system of economic incentives, the CFA will make it quicker and easier
for economic development project applicants to access up to $1 billion in state resources from multiple agencies.
To support the Governor's transformative plans to improve New York's business climate and stimulate economic growth,
ten Regional Economic Development Councils were recently created. Through a performance based, community-driven approach,
Regional Councils will design a strategic economic development model for their area and use the CFA as the primary
support mechanism to work with eligible applicants to advance projects that demonstrate the greatest potential for job
creation and economic opportunity.
In addition to OPRHP, eight other state agencies and authorities have pooled together resources to be made available
through the CFA including: Empire State Development; NYS Canal Corporation; Energy Research and Development Authority;
Environmental Facilities Corporation; Homes and Community Renewal; Department of Labor; Department of State; and
Department of Transportation. As the CFA process is revised and improved, additional resources will become available.
Funding is currently available for the following projects:
- Affordable Housing
- Community and Waterfront Revitalization
- Direct Assistance to Businesses
- Energy and Environmental Improvements
- Low-Cost Financing
- Parks, Historic Preservation and Heritage Areas
- Municipal/Public infrastructure projects
- Sustainability Planning Assistance
- Transportation Infrastructure
- Workforce Development
To access the CFA, and any related materials, please visit http://nyworks.ny.gov.
As part of the up to $1 billion in state resources including low cost financing, tax credits and grant funding from
over a dozen of existing agency programs, OPRHP is dedicating up to $13 million to parks, historic preservation and
heritage area projects through the CFA.
These programs include:
The Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) Municipal Parks and Historic Preservation Grant programs which offer matching
grants for the acquisition or development of parks and recreational facilities; for the acquisition or restoration of
properties listed on the National or State Registers of Historic Places; and for projects identified in approved plans
for statutorily designated Heritage Areas. Funds are available to municipalities or not-for-profits with an ownership
interest. The maximum award is $400,000.
Community Grant Opportunities
Please Note: OPRHP never requires a fee to apply for any of our grants.
State Parks, through state and federal funding sources, provides a number of grant programs. From historic preservation
efforts to playgrounds and trail development, we provide grants to a variety of projects that promote recreation, preserve our historic
and natural resources and generally improve the quality of life in communities throughout the state.
Although applications can be downloaded from this website, they may not be filed electronically. All applications must be
submitted to the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation as specified. Learn more about
grant programs.
Regional Grants Officers are available in the Agency's Regional offices to offer assistance
with applications and program details.
Featured Project
Chris Martin Field of Dreams - Alexander, NY
- Description: Located in the Town of Alexander bordering Genesee and Wyoming counties, the 71-acre Field of
Dreams offers recreational opportunities for children and teens as well as a gathering space for this rural community.
- Community Benefits: Preserved wetlands and wood areas and created a unique outdoor recreation area.
- Acres of parkland created: 24
- EPF Category: Municipal Parks Acquisition, Development or Improvement Program authorized by Section 54-0903
of Environmental Conservation Law.
- Matching funds: $90,000 and hundreds of hours of volunteer time and in-kind services from local businesses.
