FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/28/2015                                                                    GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO

Governor Cuomo today announced that $50 million is available through the Governor’s Nonprofit Infrastructure Capital Investment Program to support projects that improve the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of programs that provide crucial human services to millions of New Yorkers each year.

"Nonprofit organizations play an invaluable role in providing critical services for countless New Yorkers and we must do all we can to make sure that aging infrastructure does not stand in the way of their admirable work," Governor Cuomo said. "This funding does just that by helping these organizations complete capital projects that further their ability to deliver essential services."

As part of Governor Cuomo's 2015-16 Opportunity Agenda, the Nonprofit Infrastructure Capital Investment Program provides funding critical for the financing of construction projects that include renovation or expansion of program space, accessibility renovations, energy efficiency modifications, and other technology projects. The program is being administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York and the funding application will be available on New York State's Grants Gateway website. All interested nonprofits must submit completed applications by Wednesday, December 23, 2015.

The announcement was made during New York State's first Housing, Community, and Faith Based Development Conference today at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica. These conferences seek to help local partners create affordable housing, deliver social services, and revitalize downtown communities by bringing state resources and expertise directly to the region.

Today’s Utica conference, titled Building Capacity and Community Partnerships to Better Serve New York State, was co-hosted by the Governor’s Office of Faith Based Community Development Services and the Governor’s Nonprofit Coordination Unit. Representatives from various state agencies including the Office of Mental Health, Office of Temporary Disability Assistance, Department of Health, and Empire State Development, gathered with housing developers, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations to focus on issues ranging from the application process for housing development opportunities to best practices for successful downtown revitalization.

Senator Joseph Griffo said, "Affordable housing is a building block to better communities and ours is getting better every day. This State investment in the potential of our local nonprofits—the organizations on the ground working on behalf of our neighbors – will help them do even greater things. We have at our disposal a wide range of resources and tools available to help organizations grow in their missions to serve. I was proud to support the allocation of these funds for eligible nonprofits in this year's budget, and I look forward to the positive changes that will be made through the use of these funds on behalf of the people in the Mohawk Valley."

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi said, "By bringing together our community and faith-based organizations that help our residents every day with State agencies we are able to share ideas, discuss challenges and work collaboratively in new ways that will better the residents of the Mohawk Valley. I thank Governor Cuomo for his tremendous support of the Mohawk Valley and we appreciate you launching this innovative series of conferences here today, and bringing government directly to the people."

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, "We continue to see the benefits of Governor Cuomo's Capital for a Day here in the Mohawk Valley. Today members of state government, including Commissioner Destito, Commissioner Rubin and other State Officials met with County Government and stakeholders in our community to discuss and further enhance efforts to grow affordable housing and economic opportunity in the Mohawk Valley. I thank Governor Cuomo for his continued support of our region."

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri said, "I thank Governor Cuomo for convening this conference today and once again demonstrating his commitment to transforming Utica and the entire Mohawk Valley Region. Building partnerships with local organizations brings hope, strengthens working relationships and provides the foundation to continue to move Utica and our community forward."

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner/CEO James S. Rubin said, "Faith-based and nonprofit organizations are vital partners in our efforts to create affordable and supportive housing. Governor Cuomo has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to housing, to partnerships, and to local collaborations. These conferences continue that commitment and offer learning opportunities for our nonprofit and faith based partners so they can work effectively with the state and make an even greater difference for New Yorkers."

Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Faith Based Community Development Services Karim Camara said, "Faith-based organizations are critical partners in delivering education, health, and social services to communities, particularly those most in need. I thank Governor Cuomo for convening us in Utica today and for the upcoming opportunities to communicate directly with our faith-based partners to provide the guidance they need to access grant opportunities and build productive, lasting relationships with the state that lead to a better quality of life for New Yorkers."

Dormitory Authority of the State of New York President/CEO Gerrard P. Bushell said, "DASNY is proud to Support Governor Cuomo's nonprofit capital investment initiative. New York is investing in the safety and well-being of its most vulnerable residents."

Interagency Coordinator for Non-profit Organizations Fran Barrett said, "New York State has the nation's largest nonprofit sector and these organizations touch the lives of millions of New Yorkers. Governor Cuomo established the groundbreaking Nonprofit Coordination Unit last year to address issues that are important to the State's nonprofit sector and to ensure that nonprofits are providing the highest level of service to our state’s residents. I look forward to traveling the state to bring the resources of our team directly to nonprofits and the communities they serve.”

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner and Chair of the Governor's Mohawk Valley Capital for a Day Working Group RoAnn Destito said, "The Governor's focus on and commitment to housing, community, and economic development in the Mohawk Valley is already making a difference. Following a successful Mohawk Valley Capital for a Day in August, we've finalized contracts to improve 30 affordable housing units in the City of Gloversville and help newly arriving refugee teens and young adults in the Mohawk Valley prepare to enter the workforce. These conferences build on our work to ensure we keep achieving success in the Mohawk Valley and throughout the state."