Funding Agreements
NYCEDC’s Funding Agreements division is dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations plan and execute construction and real property acquisition projects, especially when nonprofits are recipients of capital funding from elected officials.
- Our Mission: Responsibly guiding nonprofit organizations through the City funding process to advance capital projects serving a public purpose.
- Our Vision: Supporting equitable access to essential services and programs for all New Yorkers through the funding of capital improvements.
By the Numbers
City Capital managed by Funding Agreements across 150+ projects (FY 25)
Registered City Capital managed by Funding Agreements (FY 25)
Disbursed City Capital managed by Funding Agreements (FY 25)
City Capital managed by Funding Agreements across 150+ projects (FY 25)
Registered City Capital managed by Funding Agreements (FY 25)
Disbursed City Capital managed by Funding Agreements (FY 25)
Process Overview
Funding Agreements manages projects through the City Capital process. The process consists of multiple phases, which require project and compliance documentation from the recipients of City Capital funding (Funding Recipients). We partner with Funding Recipients to collect and prepare the relevant documentation for review and approval from various City agencies.
The City Capital Process
- City Capital Application
- Certificate to Proceed Preparation and Submission
- Funding Agreement Contract Execution and Registration
- Requisitions and Funding Agreement Contract Closeout
Funding Agreements developed this Process Flow Chart, which provides a more detailed overview of the City Capital process including relevant definitions, stakeholders, considerations, and caveats.
Deliverables
We’ve developed documents to help Funding Recipients hit the ground running once they receive a City Capital award.
Intake Deliverables: Funding Recipients must provide certain initial project documentation to advance through the City Capital process.
Compliance Deliverables: Per the Funding Agreement, Funding Recipients must comply with certain contract compliance requirements.
External Resources
Resources for Potential Applicants of City Capital Funding
- Applying for Funding from Elected Officials (OMB Capital Grants Portal - CapGrants)
- Capital Funding for Cultural Institutions (Department of Cultural Affairs)
- Capitally Eligible Costs (Accounting Directive 10)
Resources for Current Funding Recipients
- Registering Organizations and Contractors with the City (PASSPort)
- Registering Organizations and Vendors for Payment (Payee Information Portal)
- How to Conduct an Environmental Review (Mayor’s Office of Environmental Coordination)
- Conducting Property Title Searches (Automated City Register Information System - ACRIS)
- A Visual Map of Property Information (NYCityMap)
- Accessing Registered Funding Agreements (CheckbookNYC)
- Employment Reports for Supply and Services and Construction Contractors (NYC Small Business Services)
Projects
Funding Agreements works with Funding Recipients on capital projects to improve spaces such as community centers, healthcare facilities, and cultural institutions. Below are a few examples where nonprofit organizations worked with us to access and utilize City Capital funding.
La MaMa Experimental Theater Club | Theater Renovation
Funding Agreement Amount: $15,148,000.00
About the Organization: La MaMa was founded in 1961 as a space for artists to develop new work without the constraints of commercial success. Based in Manhattan’s East Village, it has become a major hub for experimental theater, supporting artists from around the world. The theater has presented thousands of productions, helping to launch the careers of numerous playwrights and performers while providing a platform for creative expression across disciplines, including theater, dance, and multimedia arts.
About the Project: Completed in 2023, the project modernized La MaMa’s space with improved acoustics, updated lighting and A/V technology, and an expanded first-floor lobby. The project also transformed the third and fourth floors into flexible performance, community, and educational spaces. Finally, the modernization fully restored the building’s façade to enhance the venue’s presence. These improvements allow La MaMa to continue supporting artists and providing a functional, accessible, and welcoming space for audiences and the surrounding community.
Photo courtesy of La MaMa.
.
Queens Community House | Community Center Renovation
Funding Agreement Amount: $4,810,488.00
About the Organization: QCH operates across 14 neighborhoods, providing programs in housing assistance, employment services, education, senior care, and immigrant support. The organization takes a holistic approach to community development, addressing the interconnected challenges of housing, health, employment, and financial stability to support individuals and families in achieving long-term success.
About the Project: Completed in 2022, the renovation transformed an aging community center into a modern, fully accessible space. The project included the installation of an ADA-compliant ramp, a new elevator, and updated restrooms to improve accessibility. Structural repairs, including a new roof, reinforced exterior walls, and upgraded windows and doors, enhanced the building’s safety and energy efficiency. Interior improvements reconfigured the former office spaces into activity rooms, expanded the multipurpose room, and redesigned the lobby to accommodate more visitors. These changes ensure that QCH’s community center remains a welcoming and functional space for residents of all ages.
.
Heartshare | Special Needs Preschool Renovation
Funding Agreement Amount: $1,177,560.98
About the Organization: For over 150 years, Heartshare has championed vibrant New York City communities facing systemic barriers. The nonprofit agency supports two primary populations: children and families navigating the child welfare system, and people of all ages with developmental disabilities. Through interconnected, evidence-based programs, Heartshare fosters self-belief and independence—helping to build a future where every New Yorker has the opportunity to thrive and realize their full potential.
About the Project: Completed in 2021, the project focused on renovations at the Cuomo First Step Early Childhood Center in Richmond Hill, ensuring the Heartshare preschool could continue serving children with special needs in a safe and modern environment. Interior upgrades included new flooring, multiple HVAC replacements, and renovated bathrooms and kitchen facilities. Exterior improvements included sidewalk and window replacements to enhance accessibility and safety. These upgrades have helped maintain a high-quality learning environment for the children and families who rely on Heartshare’s services.
.
Council of Peoples Organization | Community Center Acquisition
Funding Agreement Amount: $4,288,613.00
About the Organization: COPO was founded in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy in response to the backlash faced by South Asians, particularly Muslims, in south-central Brooklyn. Today, COPO’s mission is to assist low-income immigrant families, particularly South Asians and Muslims, to reach their full potential as residents of New York City. COPO empowers marginalized communities to advocate for their rights and understand their responsibilities as Americans and is a “one-stop-shop,” providing free, high quality, trusted services to over 65,000 households each year. COPO’s programs include a senior center, Halal Meals On Wheels, Halal food pantry, family empowerment, youth empowerment, immigration legal services, ESOL and civics classes, afterschool program, computer lab, and a range of other social services.
About the Project: COPO operated from five adjacent ground floor storefronts at 1075-1083 Coney Island Avenue, with a lease that was due for expiration. COPO focuses on addressing the most critical needs of the community through programs and services that have been limited only by the lack of space available to the organization. In February 2024, COPO purchased 1075-1079 Coney Island Avenue—three of the five leased buildings—providing the organization with much-needed space on the second and third floors of these buildings to better serve the community. Classrooms and counseling spaces have been moved to the second floor, and sensitive programs and administrative offices to the third. Public-facing programs such as the halal food pantry and senior community room remain on the ground floor. This acquisition has given COPO a permanent home, additional space for programs to serve the community, and has reduced COPO’s operating costs.
Photo courtesy of COPO.
Get in Touch
Interested in learning more? Let's connect!