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

Headshot of Lillian Padilla Deputy Director of Nonprofit Affairs

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. In addition, she is solely responsible for operational management, planning and staffing quarterly meetings of the Not-for-Profit Contracting Advisory Committee. 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 manage the Nonprofit Unit and its daily operations, while also serving as the bridge between State government and the nonprofit sector. In this expanded capacity, she is helping to strengthen the relationship between State government and nonprofit organizations, fostering greater collaboration, understanding, and impact across the sector.

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.

NFPCAC Meetings

2025 NFPCAC Meeting Schedule

  • December 11, 2025
    • The November 13th meeting was rescheduled.

*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 (SED)
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).

  • The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, Division of HIV and Hepatitis Health Care, Bureau of Hepatitis Health Care and Epidemiology announces the availability of New York State funds to increase the number of people living with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) who are treated and cured by ensuring equitable access to HCV treatment.
  • Center for Health Systems Improvement
    Applications due by December 5, 2025 at 4 PM
  • AGM 2026 Youth Transportation to County & Local Fairs
    Applications due by December 9, 2025 at 4 PM.
  • OMH Youth Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team
    Applications due by December 16, 2025 at 2 PM.
  • New York Peer Specialist IPA
    Applications due by December 18, 2025 at 2 PM
  • OMH Children's Community Residence Transition Age Youth
    Applications due by January 6, 2026 at 2 PM.
  • DEC 2025 Zero Emission Vehicle Clean Vehicle
    Applications due by February 27, 2026 at 3 PM.
  • OMH Intensive and Sustained Engagement Teams: New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) seeks to expand the availability of Intensive and Sustained Engagement Teams (INSET). Applications due by Dec. 1, 2025 at 2 PM.
  • OMH Promoting Wellness and Healing in Communities: The New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS OMH) announces the availability of funds for community-based organizations and partnerships throughout New York State to enhance community resilience and reduce the impact of trauma. Applications due by Dec. 16, 2025 at 2 PM.
  • DOH Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (Comp A): The New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) announces the availability of funds to implement evidence-based nutrition and physical activity strategies to help reduce health disparities in chronic conditions related to poor nutrition and physical inactivity. Applications due by Dec. 12, 2025 at 4 PM.
  • Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (Comp B): The New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) announces the availability of funds to implement evidence-based nutrition and physical activity strategies to help reduce health disparities in chronic conditions related to poor nutrition and physical inactivity. Applications due by Dec. 12, 2025 at 4 PM.
  • OMH Daniel's Law Pilot Program: The New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS OMH) announces the availability of $6M for the expansion and/or creation of health-led community behavioral health crisis response pilot programs consistent with the Daniel's Law Task Force (DLTF) Behavioral Health Crisis Response report. Applications due by Jan. 12, 2026 at 2 PM.
  • AGM Regional School Food Infrastructure 2025 (Round 3): Funding from the program will go toward projects that encourage the use of fresh New York State farm products in meal preparation for K-12 school children. Applications due by Jan. 20, 2026 at 3 PM.
  • DEC Green Jobs for Youth - Skills Training: The Environmental Justice Green Jobs for Youth Grant is available to help youth (ages 17-24) in environmental justice areas develop skills training and job placement in various green industries. Applications due by Jan. 28, 2026 at 3 PM.

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

  • Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program
    The Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program (CRF) helps farms reduce their operational impact on the environment and address the impacts of extreme weather events resulting from climate change. The State's County Soil and Water Conservation Districts can apply now on behalf of farmers for these competitive grants. Proposed projects should be rooted in the Department’s Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) process and support local AEM priorities. The application and additional information are available on the Department’s website.
  • Ecosystem Based Management Program
    $2 million is available to support on-and off-farm water quality conservation projects across the State through the Ecosystem Based Management - Stream Corridor Management Program. The State's County Soil and Water Conservation Districts can apply for this competitive grant program, which is also funded through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund, as part of the Ocean and Great Lakes Initiative. The application and additional information are available on the Department’s website.
  • Funding Available through New York Forward Loan Fund 2 Program
    $150 million is available through the New York Forward Loan Fund 2 program for qualifying small businesses and nonprofits. Qualified recipients with fewer than 100 employees and less than $5 million in gross annual revenue can pre-apply for loans up to $150,000 with affordable, fixed-rate interest rates. Learn more and pre-apply now.
  • Regional Disability Health Clinic Program (RDHCP) Request for Application
    $25 million in capital project grants will go toward the development of Regional Disability Health Clinics through the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Applications are due by November 5, 2025, by 4:00 p.m. ET. Explore procurement opportunities with OPWDD.
  • Nonprofit Contracting Opportunities from the Department of Health
    Find Health Research Incorporated funding opportunities.
  • Funding Opportunities from the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
    Find Request for Proposals, Invitation for Bids, Request for Information and other funding opportunities through OCFS.
  • NYS Council of the Arts (NYSCA)
    The FY 2026 Capital Projects Fund opportunity is now open. The deadline is January 13, 2026.
    Find FY2026 NYSCA opportunities here.
  • Office of General Services (OGS) Procurement Services Centralized Contract
    Certain charitable organizations can make purchases from commodity contracts awarded by the Procurement Services division of the New York State Office of General Services.
    Find OGS Procurement Services for charitable organizations here.

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.

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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)

Applications* 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.

* Applications are currently delayed due to the federal government shutdown.

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 2024 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 Direct File.

Attached here are additional materials and graphics from the New York State Tax Department, which you can use for social media posts and spreading the word.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Upcoming Nonprofit Trainings, Webinars and Workshop Opportunities

Behind the Seal: Inside New York State Agencies and Initiatives
Date: November 25, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm
In honor of Veterans Month, this session will highlight the work of the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services — showcasing programs, advocacy efforts, and community partnerships that ensure New York’s veterans and their families have access to the full range of resources and support they deserve.
Register here

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