The NYSCA Capital Design Grants for Arts and Culture, managed by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), supports arts and cultural organizations in developing design plans for capital improvement projects. These grants aim to enhance facilities that foster community engagement and creativity, ensuring long-term sustainability for arts organizations across New York State. The application deadline is January 14, 2025, at 4 PM.

Eligible applicants are nonprofit arts and cultural organizations with annual operating budgets of $10 million or less, registered to do business in New York State, and holding 501(c)(3) status. Organizations must be in the advanced stages of design, ready to develop schematics, design documents, and construction plans for projects involving new construction, renovations, or equipment installations. Applicants must own the property or hold a long-term lease, with site control documentation included in the submission. Projects must have an estimated useful life of at least 10 years.

Grant requests range from $50,000 to $500,000, with a 1:1 match required for most applicants. Organizations with annual operating budgets under $2 million may apply for no-match grants ranging from $50,000 to $99,000. Eligible costs include fees for architects, engineers, and design consultants directly related to the development of construction-ready plans. Ineligible costs include maintenance, staff salaries, feasibility studies, and general operational expenses.

Applications are evaluated on their alignment with NYSCA priorities, including accessibility, cultural development, diversity, environmental sustainability, and organizational health. The review process involves technical and community relevance assessments by a panel of experts. Applicants are required to prequalify in the New York Statewide Financial System (SFS) before submission and demonstrate viable plans for funding the entire project through completion.

The grant term extends from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, with a possibility for one-year extensions. Award notifications will be made in April 2025. Successful applicants must provide interim and final reports documenting progress and financial expenditures. Organizations are encouraged to review program webinars, attend office hours, and contact NYSCA staff for assistance before submitting their applications.

For more information, contact NYSCA at capitalprojects@arts.ny.gov or call 212-459-8800. Further details, including guidelines and application materials, are available on the NYSCA website.