Capital Funding Process

DCLA’s Capital budget is determined by New York City’s budget process. Capital appropriations are allocated by the Mayor, City Council and Borough Presidents in the City's Adopted Budget.

Learn more about the City’s budget process and fiscal year

Once capital funding is allocated in DCLA’s budget, DCLA works with the cultural organizations to confirm their project scope. As a sponsor agency, DCLA determines the appropriate managing agency. Meeting the construction, renovation and restoration needs of New York's cultural community, DCLA's Capital Projects Unit plays a significant role in planning the projects it funds, coordinating with other City agencies on project implementation, monitoring project design and construction or purchase according to the City's Procurement Policy Board rules.

To be eligible to request capital funding from the Department of Cultural Affairs, cultural organizations must meet the baseline requirements below:

1. Your organization is a nonprofit with documented tax-exempt status pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code or able to designate a fiscal conduit with such status.
2. Your organization is one of the 34 members of the Cultural Institutions Group or has received at least one baseline Cultural Development Fund (CDF) recommendation within the last three fiscal years: City FY 2022, 2023, or 2024.
3. Your organization guarantees that any capital funding allocated by the City will not be used to advance or support sectarian activity, including (but not limited to) religious worship, instruction, or proselytizing.

The types of capital projects that are eligible for capital funding:

• Equipment is the purchase of goods used in providing services. Equipment purchases require a minimum request of $50,000 per item or system. DCLA does not manage Initial Outfitting projects.
• Construction/Renovation is the building, reconstruction, or upgrading of real property and/or structures. If the improved property is privately owned, your organization must agree to sign a legal agreement (known as a restrictive covenant) ensuring that the improved property will be used for a public purpose and that the City has first lien rights on the property. In addition, your organization must agree to provide a title report and to purchase title insurance securing the total amount of City funding allocation. All construction/renovation projects are subject to a $500,000 minimum cost.