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)

April 28, 2026
12 PM - 1:30 PM

June 9, 2026
12 PM - 1:30 PM

September 15, 2026
12 PM - 1:30 PM

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

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)
Frederick Shack (Urban Pathways)

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

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

Funding Opportunities

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

Disaster Assistance and Relief Due to Extreme Weather

  • Funding Available for Residents and Businesses Impacted by Tropical Storm Debby Emergency Repair Program for Homeowners in Nassau and Suffolk Counties
    Under the New York Homes and Community Renewal program, homeowners may be eligible for grants of up to $50,000 to fund or reimburse qualifying health and safety related repairs to address damage caused by record rainfall on August 18-19, 2024. Homeowners are encouraged to complete this form to be notified when applications open.
  • Federal Assistance for Nonprofits, Residents and Businesses Impacted by Aug. 18-19, 2024 Flooding
    The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses in Lewis, Suffolk and Nassau counties.
    The low interest loans to repair/replace damaged property incurred as a result of the event for:
    • Businesses or private, non-profit organizations up to $2 million
    • Homeowners or renters up to $100,000 (to help repair or replace personal property)
    • Homeowners up to $500,000 (to repair or restore their primary home to pre-disaster condition)
      New Yorkers can find additional information, download applications, and apply online. They may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected].

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

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

As of Dec. 1, 2025, applications are now open to help low-income New Yorkers stay cool or warm through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Find out more about HEAP here.

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.

Upcoming Nonprofit Trainings, Webinars and Workshop Opportunities

Check back for more nonprofit trainings, webinars and workshop opportunities.

NYS Office of Cannabis Management: Community Grants Reinvestment Program Grant Readiness Sessions
The Office of Cannabis Management is hosting informational sessions to help nonprofits and community-based organizations prepare for the next round of funding from the Community Grants Reinvestment Program. Sessions will cover eligibility requirements, common pre-qualification challenges, and resources to strengthen grant applications.

Friday, March 13, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: College of Staten Island
Register for the 3/13 Staten Island Session

Thursday, March 19, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Broome County Public Library
Register for the 3/19 Binghamton Session

Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: SUNY Farmingdale – Gleeson Lecture Hall
Register for the 3/20 Farmingdale Session

Thursday, March 26, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Newburgh Free Library
Register for the 3/26 Newburgh Session

Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Plattsburgh Public Library
Register for the 3/31 Plattsburgh Session

Unable to attend an in-person session? Organizations can watch the Grant Readiness 101 webinar to learn about the State grant process.

Contact Us

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