New York State Nonprofit Unit

New York State Nonprofit Unit

About Us

"We live to fight another day."

The Nonprofit Unit was established in 2012. New York is the only state with a dedicated nonprofit staff within the Governor’s office.

Mission Statement

The New York State Nonprofit Unit works to strengthen the relationship between all aspects of State Government and the Nonprofit Sector. The Unit works with State Agencies and New York nonprofits to interpret and clarify state regulations, and connect nonprofits to State decision-makers. Simultaneously, the Nonprofit Unit brings nonprofit leaders into conversation with State leadership as they deliberate policy and practice changes.

Unit Leadership

Lillian Padilla, Deputy Director of Nonprofit Affairs Headshot

Lillian Y. Padilla joined State government in 2015 as an Executive Assistant, and managed multiple senior executive staff in the Executive Chamber. Shortly thereafter, she was recruited by the Nonprofit Unit as Special Assistant to work on research-based projects and traveled with the nonprofit team across NYS, visiting various nonprofit sites. Lillian stepped fully into her new role as Chief of Staff of the Nonprofit Unit in 2021. She manages research and resulting briefings. Lillian has open and constant communication with relevant state agency heads and nonprofit leadership. She is working towards improving nonprofits’ ability to interact effectively with State government, and conversely making sure State executives are fully versed in the important role nonprofits play.

Lillian now serves as the Deputy Director of Nonprofit Affairs, continuing to oversee the Nonprofit Unit and its daily operations while acting as a vital bridge between State government and the nonprofit sector. In this expanded role, she is working to strengthen the relationship between State government and nonprofit organizations, fostering greater collaboration, understanding, and increase the impact of State engagement with nonprofit organizations. Lillian leads a multi-agency team in delivering statewide Not-for-Profit Foundation Engagement sessions, providing nonprofit groups with valuable information about New York State resources, systems, and initiatives. Through this effort, she is helping foster greater collaboration, understanding, and access to support across the sector. She is also solely responsible for the operational management of the Not-for-Profit Contracting Advisory Committee, ensuring effective coordination and streamlined communication among all stakeholders. These collaborative sessions and initiatives offer nonprofit and faith-based organizations an in-depth look at key State programs and resources, equipping them with essential tools to strengthen their work, expand partnerships, and enhance access to State support.

Lillian is a native New Yorker and a Queens resident. She has held leadership positions on PTA boards and on the School Leadership Team committee. She also leads, manages and supervises three ministries at her church. Lillian is inspired by her faith, community volunteer work, her love for animals, and values her time spent with her daughter and family.

Not-For-Profit Contracting Advisory Committee

The Not-for-Profit Contracting Advisory Committee (NFPCAC) was established by §179-aa of the New York State's Prompt Contracting Law, enacted in 1991 as Article XI-B of the State Finance Law. The goal of the Committee is to report to the Governor and the Legislature with recommendations on improving the contracting procedures with not-for-profit organizations, which receive state funds.

The Committee is composed of 16 board members: Eight (8) members are appointed by the Governor of whom four (4) represent nonprofit organizations providing services in the state; Two (2) upon recommendation of the President of the Senate; Two (2) upon recommendation of the Speaker of the Assembly, and Eight (8) members represent state agencies designated by the Governor. The Chair of the Committee is also a designated appointee of the Governor. Members of the Board serve at pleasure. The Committee meets four (4) times a year.

Upcoming NFPCAC Meetings

View the 2026 NFPCAC Meeting Schedule (PDF)

In-person meeting locations
New York City: 919 Third Avenue, 45th Floor
Albany: State Capitol, 2nd Floor, Room 214-2

*Dates and meeting times are 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. subject to change, as needed. RSVP for in-person attendance is required due to room capacity.

View past meeting agendas and minutes

NFPCAC Board Members

Executive
Wayne Ho, Chair (Chinese-American Planning Council)
Juanita Brooks (Finger Lakes Performing Provider System)
Stephen Papas (United Way of Rockland County)
Grace Bonilla (United Way of New York City)

Senate
Jan Fisher (Nonprofit Westchester)

Assembly
Hon. Andrew D. Hevesi
Megan T. Allen (New York Council of Nonprofits)

Ex-officio and Statutory Members
Michelle Heaslip, Division of the Budget (DOB)
Edward Lenart, State Education Department (NYSED)
Hanna Rubin, Office of the Attorney General (OAG)
Melody Goetz, Office of the State Comptroller (OSC)
Joanna Palladino, Department of Labor (DOL)
Suzanne Mantica, Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
Rachel Gaul, Office of Mental Health (OMH)
Marcos Ortiz, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)

Funding Opportunities

The following funding opportunities are available by State agencies and partners through the New York Statewide Financial System (SFS).

State Agencies and Programs

Resources for Nonprofits

7 State Contract Agencies

This is a list of the seven (7) contract agencies that deal with most of the New York State nonprofit contracts. To help better assist you, please provide the contract number(s) in question when reaching out to your respective state contract agency.

Nonprofit Membership Organizations (list in formation)

If you know of any membership organizations that might like to be included on this list, please contact the Nonprofit Unit at [email protected].

Partners

Transition from Grants Gateway to Statewide Financial System

As of January 9, 2025, Grants Gateway was retired from service. All prequalification and grant making activities previously conducted in Grants Gateway has moved to the New York Statewide Financial System (SFS). To learn more about the transition, visit Grants Management.

View a presentation

Watch the presentation

Prequalify for State Funding

Nonprofit organizations must prequalify to do business with New York State agencies before they can compete for State grants. Prequalify today.

NYS Commission on National and Community Service

The NYS Commission on National and Community Service is home to the State's national service and volunteer programs, including: AmeriCorps, Public Health AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA.

Filing Financial Disclosure Reports

The Department of State (DOS) requires certain not-for-profit organizations to file Financial Disclosure Reports pursuant to Article 7-A of Executive Law. For more information on the filing requirements and how to file reports, please visit the Department of State’s website.

Here’s the latest information on DOS Financial Reporting Program requirements and more about what not-for-profits this program applies to.

Other Programs

Financial Aid for New York Veterans

New York State’s Veterans Tuition Awards Program allows all veterans who served at least four years on active-duty to qualify for full-tuition awards and access critical financial aid for college. The Veterans Tuition Award, administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, provides eligible veterans with up to the full cost of SUNY undergraduate tuition at approved colleges and vocational training programs.

Military Families Eligible for Child Care Assistance

The military fee assistance will offset the cost of child care not covered by the parent fee as calculated by their total family income up to a maximum child care rate of $1,800 per month per child. New York State has been selected as the first state approved to qualify licensed/registered child care providers for participation in this federal military fee assistance program.

New York State Direct File

Nonprofit leaders, it’s tax time, and we want to make sure you, your employees, and your communities are aware of New York State’s new free, easy-to-use electronic filing option called Direct File. If your 2025 wages were less than $200,000 – or $250,000 if you’re filing a joint return – you may qualify for Direct File. Using your computer, tablet, or mobile device, you can e-file your return whenever and wherever you want – in English or Spanish! To see if you’re eligible, visit e-File.

New York State Fellowship Program

If you would like to be apart of the next generation of talented professionals for careers in New York State government, apply to become a Fellow.

  • The Empire State Fellows Program is a full-time leadership training program that prepares the next generation of talented professionals for careers as New York State policymakers. Fellows receive an annual salary of $90,000, plus a generous benefits package. At the end of the fellowship, high performing Fellows are given the opportunity to continue to serve as leaders in New York State government after completing the program.
  • The Excelsior Service Fellowship Program brings highly talented recent graduates of law, graduate and professional schools into government service.

Learn more about the Fellowship Program

Secure Choice Savings Program

The New York State Secure Choice Savings Program is a retirement savings program for private-sector employees who do not have access to a retirement plan at work. Through automatic enrollment and payroll deduction, workers can save in their own Roth IRA. The Program is overseen by the New York Secure Choice Savings Program Board.

Spring Forward Internship Program

The City University of New York (CUNY) Spring Forward Internship Program gives employers the opportunity to hire talent for no cost.

State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA)

Join the SONYMA team of nonprofit housing partners who help make homeownership a reality for New Yorkers.

SUNY Empire State Service Corps

If you have a desire to do good and make a difference, you can apply here to get hands-on experience and serve your community through paid public service with the Empire State Service Corps.

2026 Extreme Heat Equipment Credit for Small Businesses

The Extreme Heat Equipment Credit allows small businesses that purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect employees against extreme heat to lower their workers’ compensation premium by up to $1,000 this year.

Nonprofit Trainings, Webinars and Workshop Opportunities

Nonprofit Readiness: Protecting Staff, Clients & Mission in the Current Immigration Enforcement Environment
Join the Nonprofit Resiliency Network's latest guidance for responding to immigration enforcement activity. Learn how to address employee rights, client and participant protections, and potential detentions and arrests. The training is best suited for nonprofit leaders concerned with immigration enforcement impacts on organizational activities and operations. The webinar will also address documentation practices, organizational policies, risk management, and preparedness planning to help your organization respond effectively and confidently.
Date: 12:30 PM, Oct. 27, 2026
Register for Nonprofit Readiness

Demystifying the NYC Council Application, Award and Collection Process
Learn how to apply for New York City Council discretionary funding and build relationships with NYC Council offices. This Learning Circle covers the funding process from planning and outreach through applications, meetings and post-award responsibilities.
Dates: September 2026–July 2027
Cost: $30 for Nonprofit New York members; $50 for non-members
Register for Learning Circles

Not-for-Profits Prequalification Webinar
Join us to learn how Not-for-Profits prequalify in the Statewide Financial System.
Join a prequalification webinar

Justice Center for the Protection of People With Special Needs: Family Engagement Sessions
The Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs recently hosted a series focused on sharing information about the resources and supports offered to people receiving services, families and their personal representatives as they navigate the investigation process.
Watch the presentation on YouTube
Additional resources

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