Grant Funding Will Help Address the Need for Emerging Technology in Communities Across the State

The New York State Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services today announced that approximately $2.3 million in grant funding is now available for faith-based and not-for-profit organizations to improve public access to essential technologies. Interested organizations can apply for this grant funding to turn available spaces into community resource rooms where community members can use computers, Wi-Fi, audio/video equipment and other technologies for a variety of health, education, career and social services. Applications are due on January 10, 2025.

“As technology has evolved to touch every part of our lives, we must be sure New Yorkers can find resources readily available in their communities to solve tasks in a simple and efficient way,” said Caura Washington, Director, Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services. “These grants will make the difference for New York residents who are ready to go to their local and friendly organizations to look for help with technology services.”

“After partnering with the Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development services through the 62-county tour, the New York State Interfaith Council believes that this grant directly addresses some of the needs identified by county leaders across our state,” said Rev. A. R. Bernard President of the New York State Interfaith Council and Pastor of Christian Cultural Center. “By providing funding to Community Resource Rooms, communities across our state will be enhanced reaching across racial demographics, socioeconomic differentiation, educational backgrounds, and the urban-rural divide. Technological advancement levels the playing field for all.”  

Through this Request for Proposals, the Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services is aiming to assist local community faith-based and not-for-profit organizations address the need of emerging technology challenges in communities around the state. The goal of this grant is to tap into the available space and resources faith-based and non-profit organizations have to enhance the ability to meet the community’s technology needs. The grants will allow these organizations to further break down barriers for people in need of technology services including telehealth appointments, career advance services, remote educational opportunities, social services applications and other computer service needs.

This grant opportunity will fund up to 46 awards of no more than $50,000. These grants will be awarded in the 10 Economic Development Regions across New York State. The Request for Application and more information is available online at https://dos.ny.gov/funding-bid-opportunities.

Organizations planning to solicit funds must be a domestic corporation and must be:

• Incorporated under the Religious Corporations Law or a charitable corporation incorporated under the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law,
• Pre-qualified within the Statewide Financial System (SFS) as of the application due date,
• Described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code, and
• Having a physical location within the Region for which they are applying that is accessible to the public. 

All applicants are required to demonstrate the organization’s ability to provide an appropriate space, and the capacity to manage room scheduling and ensure public access.

Questions regarding this competitive grant program must be submitted in writing and received on or before December 2, 2024. Questions should be sent via email to dos.sm.procurement@dos.ny.gov with the subject line “OFNDS Community Resource Room RFA #24-OFNDS-42.”

About the Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services
Since its creation in November of 2023, the New York State Office of Faith & Nonprofit Development Services (OFNDS) has stood as a beacon of support and resources for faith-based and not-for-profit organizations across the State. At its core, OFNDS seeks to empower faith-based and not-for-profit organizations by providing essential information, facilitating access to state grants, and enhancing organizational capacities. More information is available on the OFNDS website.