About CDF / Registration

The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) is a mayoral agency charged with the administration of city funds in support of arts and culture throughout the five boroughs of New York City. The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) is DCLA’s competitive, peer-evaluated grant process that supports a broad, multidisciplinary group of diverse non-profit organizations for their cultural services to city residents and is managed by the agency’s Programs Service Unit. Annually, the CDF receives over 1,000 applications for programmatic funding; on average, over 75% of applicants receive funding, which is provided by the Mayor and City Council. This process allows public funds to be widely distributed through every council district and in every cultural discipline.

The FY23 CDF application cycle closed on May 16, 2022. The FY24 application will be available in 2023 for activities taking place between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. In the interim, interested organizations may register for a Cultural Affairs account and read the CDF Guidelines . Any arts or cultural organization interested in applying for a Fiscal 2024 grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs must be:

• Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations located and operating in any of the five boroughs of New York City;
• Incorporated as a nonprofit in New York State as of your organization's Fiscal 2021, and compliant with annual State and Federal filing requirements for nonprofit organizations, including Charities Bureau filings;
• Organizations whose incorporation dates are in their FY22 or FY23 will not be eligible to apply in the FY24 cycle. In this case, organizations must wait until they have a two-year history to apply.
• In possession of a Federal Employee Identification Number (EIN) unique to the organization;
• Currently certified tax exempt under Internal Revenue Service Code Section 501(c)(3). Incorporated nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status may apply using a fiscal conduit that is approved by DCLA;
• Able to demonstrate at least two years of cultural public service in NYC prior to applying for DCLA funding, as substantiated by the required financial documents and proof of programmatic activity for the organization's Fiscal 2022 and 2023.

Registration

If you are an eligible arts or cultural organization and have not already registered for a Cultural Affairs Account, please complete the registration process. Please review the Registration Help Guide before beginning the registration process

REGISTER OR LOG IN TO AN ACCOUNT

CDF Panelist Nomination

All eligible FY23 CDF applications will go through a competitive panel review during the spring and summer of calendar year 2022. Proposals are reviewed by peer panelists with current expertise in arts and culture of New York City.

DCLA is currently seeking nominations for panelists to bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to the table, and who represent the diversity of New York City.

Selected panelists will convene virtually in spring and summer 2022. Cultural Affairs has increased stipends for panelists to $480 to prepare for and participate in a single-day panel.

Nominate yourself for panel service using the Panelist Nomination Form.