New York State Nonprofit Unit

Fran Barrett, Interagency Coordinator for Nonprofit Organizations

Fran Barrett joined State Government in April 2012 as the first Interagency Coordinator for Nonprofit Organizations in the Governor’s office. Previously, Fran had a long career in the nonprofit sector, including her role as Director of Capacity Building at Atlantic Philanthropies, and as the Founder and Executive Director of Community Resource Exchange, a highly regarded nonprofit management assistance organization in New York City.

Fran has successfully engaged with, and is often praised by, hundreds of nonprofits. She was the recipient of the Brook Astor Award, and was given a lifetime achievement award by the Nonprofit Management Association. Fran has served on the boards of Community Service Society, Campaign for Human Development, Samaritan House, the New York Women’s Foundation, and the organization previously known as the Community Food Resource Center. She has taught at Baruch College at CUNY, and has l lectured at Executive Leadership Programs at Columbia Business School and Columbia Nonprofit Law clinic.

Fran’s life work is to help and support nonprofit leaders as they work to strengthen New York State’s communities.

Lillian Y. Padilla, Chief of Staff

Lillian 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 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.

Liam Jackson, Nonprofit Unit Network Systems VISTA

Liam graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2023 with a Bachelor's degree in Media Studies, specializing in the French language. Before joining the Executive Chamber as an AmeriCorps VISTA, he worked with Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), an NGO dedicated to addressing energy poverty in low-income regions. Through his research, he aims to identify strategies for providing more equitable funding to not-for-profit organizations across New York State while deepening his knowledge of the sector.

Originally from Cork, Ireland, Liam grew up traveling the world due to his father's work and spent many years living in Manhattan. He is passionate about public transportation and enjoys cycling throughout the city.

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

• January 28, 2025 - Register to attend via Zoom
• March 18, 2025
• May 20, 2025
• September 16, 2025

*Dates and meeting times are 1 to 2:30 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 (Council of Agency Executives - Rochester)
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)

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.

• New York State Council of the Arts (NYSCA)
  • Lenn Ditman
    Director of Grants Management and Information Technology
    (212) 459-8810
    [email protected]
    
• Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
  • Dean Defruscio
    Deputy Commissioner, Policy and Planning
    (518) 485-7913
    [email protected]
    
• Department of Labor (DOL)
  • Julie Keating
    Workforce Programs Manager 2
    (518) 457-9530
    [email protected]
    
• Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
  • Sue Mantica
    Director, Bureau of Contract Management
    (518) 473-8345
    [email protected]
    
• ​​Office of Mental Health (OMH)
  • Rachel Gaul
    Assistant Director, Contracts & Claims
    Community Budget & Financial Management
    (518) 473-1983
    [email protected]
    
• Department of Health (DOH)
  • Eryn Keefe
    Procurement Manager
    (518) 408-7765
    [email protected]
    
• Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)
  • Marcos Ortiz
    Assistant Director, Not-for-Profit Unit
    Bureau of Contract Management
    (518) 402-3004
    [email protected]

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].

• Asian-America Federation
• Black Agency Executives
• Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New York
• Chinese American Planning Council
• Council of Agency Executives
• Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA)
• Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA)
• Feeding NYS - New York State
• Health and Welfare Council of Long Island
• Hispanic Federation
• Human Services Council (HSC)
• Lawyers Alliance for New York
• New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON)
• New York Lawyers for the Public Interest
• Nonprofit New York
• Staten Island Nonprofit Association
• UJA Federation
• United Neighborhood Houses (UNH)
• United Way of New York State
• Western NY Nonprofit Support Group (NSG)

Transition from Grants Gateway to Statewide Financial System

As of January 9, 2024, 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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On February 12, 2025, the Grants Gateway will officially sunset and any residual files will no longer be available. Agencies and vendors are reminded to follow prior guidance and download any files they need from the Gateway. Information about the transactions and documentation converted to SFS are available to assist you in your effort. Please take action now. After February 12, 2025, access to the Gateway will no longer be available.

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.

Funding Available to Offer Statewide Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid Program

The State Office of Mental Health is providing $10 million over five years for not-for-profit organizations to develop a training and certification program that helps New Yorkers identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in young people who may be experiencing a crisis. Learn more about the Request for Proposals. Proposals are due by 2:00 p.m., March 12, 2025.

Funding to Conduct Focus Groups with Parents and Caregivers of Children with Disabilities (Medicaid-Eligible)

Organizations that can conduct in person or virtual guided discussions and/or focus groups for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities who receive Medicaid in New York State, and do not live in New York City can qualify for up to $8,200 each. Applications are due by 11:59pm on Feb 3, 2025. Find information about eligibility and how to apply.

Funding Available for Residents and Businesses Impacted by Tropical Storm Debby

Federal assistance is available to New Yorkers in Steuben County and the contiguous counties of Allegany, Chemung, Livingston, Ontario, Schuyler and Yates which were impacted by severe weather related to Tropical Storm Debby from Aug. 8-10, 2024. Eligible homeowners, renters and businesses can now apply for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans to aid in recovery from storms that caused significant damage to homes and businesses.

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 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].

Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, can dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

In Suffolk and Nassau counties, the filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Jan. 27, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Aug. 26, 2025.

In Lewis County, the filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Feb. 18, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Sept. 22, 2025.

Funding Available through Environmental Justice Community Impact Grants

Impact Grants available to help communities most vulnerable to the impacts of pollution and climate change address environmental concerns and legacy pollution. View a complete list of guidelines and find more information here.

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 apply for loans up to $150,000 with affordable, fixed-rate interest rates. Learn more and apply now

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.

Funding Opportunities from the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)

Find Public Safety Grants through the Division of Criminal Justice Services

Funding Opportunities from the Department of Veterans' Services (DVS)

Find funding for capital improvements through the Veterans' Nonprofit Capital Program

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.

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.

Check back for more training, webinar and workshop opportunities.