PROJECTS

Learn more about eligible projects and submit your proposal! The Open Call for Project Proposals will be open from Friday, June 13th to Thursday, July 17th at 11:59 PM. See below for more details.

Open Call for Project Proposals

The Open Call for Project Proposals is now closed.

Project Types Eligible for NY Forward Funding

NEW DEVELOPMENT AND/OR REHABILITATION OF EXISTING DOWNTOWN BUILDINGS

Projects in this category may include the development or redevelopment of real property for mixed-use, commercial, residential, not-for-profit, or public uses. All projects should be capital investments or should lead to capital investments. They should have a visible and functional impact on the downtown, serving as catalytic or transformative projects that will provide employment opportunities, housing choices, and/or services for the community. Proposals to construct or rehabilitate parking facilities will only be considered if they directly support new development in the downtown area.

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

These may include projects such as streetscape and transportation improvements, recreational trails, wayfinding signage, new and upgraded parks, plazas, public art, green infrastructure, and other public realm projects that will contribute to the revitalization of the downtown.

SMALL PROJECT FUND

A locally managed matching small project fund may be proposed to undertake a range of smaller downtown projects such as facade enhancements, building renovation improvements to commercial or mixed-use spaces, business assistance, or public art. Funds are capped at $300,000 for NYF communities. However, a NYF community can receive up to $600,000 if there is substantial demand demonstrated for a Small Project Fund.

BRANDING AND MARKETING

Downtown branding and marketing projects that may target residents, investors, developers, tourists, and/or visitors are eligible projects. The costs eligible under this category must be one-time expenses, such as those to develop associated materials. Ongoing operational costs, such as funding a downtown manager or maintaining a website, are not eligible for DRI/NYF funding. This project type is intended for the overall branding and marketing of a downtown, not to provide branding and marketing services to individual downtown businesses or other entities.

Project Sponsors

DRI/NYF funding may be awarded to public, not-for-profit, and private entities to implement projects included in the final Strategic Investment Plan (SIP). Each project must have a project sponsor that has both the capacity and the legal authority to undertake the project and to whom the grant funds may be awarded. A project sponsor must be an entity and not an individual. Proposals from project sponsors that are membership-only organizations or religious facilities must propose projects that are available to the public and not just to active members.