Column: Prepare for preliminary budget hearings and community funding opportunities

Budget Column
Council Member Amanda Farías,

As we approach March, New York City residents, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations should be aware of the important upcoming fiscal discussions. The New York City Council will begin its review of the Fiscal Year (FY)2026 Preliminary Budget, where every committee will evaluate the mayor’s proposal and provide oversight on each city agency’s ability to serve New Yorkers effectively. The City’s budget is a reflection of our values and priorities, and this hearing process is crucial to ensure that our tax dollars are being meaningfully invested in solutions that address the most pressing challenges facing our communities.

New York City’s economy has proven to be durable and resilient, resulting in greater tax revenues, which the Council’s economists accurately projected. This gives us the financial opportunity to invest in key areas that matter most to New Yorkers. It is imperative that the City’s resources are directed toward initiatives that serve working-class residents, and the Administration’s budget must align with its stated goals.

The Council’s City for All plan, which prioritizes housing and infrastructure investments, is included in the FY26 Preliminary Budget; there are still investments missing from major city priorities. We must address the gaps. Key education programs that were funded last year and have a proven positive impact on students are not supported in the mayor’s new proposal. We also see that the Administration’s mental health investments fall short of the scale of need across the city. While we are pleased that the Parks Department will receive more funding for additional staff to maintain our parks, we must also restore previous cuts that have left our green spaces under-resourced.

As stewards of the city’s budget and financial health, the Council is committed to holding the Administration accountable for wasteful spending that does not serve New Yorkers. Recent allegations of overtime corruption are a glaring example of the need to curb unnecessary spending and reprioritize resources to essential services. The Council will examine the Preliminary Budget closely, conduct oversight hearings on agency spending, and advocate for investments that strengthen our city, ensuring no New Yorker is left behind.

In addition to the budget hearings, this is also the time for community-based organizations to apply for vital funding through the city’s discretionary and capital grant programs. These programs offer an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to receive financial support to continue their important work serving our communities.

Capital Applications for FY2026 Now Open

Non-City organizations seeking capital funding for Fiscal Year 2026 can now apply through the CapGrants portal. Organizations such as charter schools, housing organizations, and community-based groups can download and submit their applications directly through this platform. It is important to note that deadlines vary based on the source of funding:

  • Thursday, February 20, 2025, 5:00 pm: If your project is requesting funding from Borough Presidents, even if you are also requesting funds from the City Council or Department of Cultural Affairs, this is your deadline.
  • Thursday, March 20, 2025, 5:00 pm: This deadline applies if your project is solely requesting funding from the Council or the Department of Cultural Affairs.

Discretionary Funding Application for FY2026

For nonprofit community-based organizations interested in applying for discretionary funding in FY2026, the Council’s application process opened on Monday, January 6, 2025. The deadline to submit your application is Wednesday, February 19, 2025. If an application is not submitted within the filing period, the organization will not be eligible for funding, so it is essential to apply within the given timeframe.

I encourage all groups to prepare early, watch the Council’s FY2025 Discretionary Budget Training Video, and reach out with any questions to ensure your application is complete and submitted on time.

All budgetary information can be found at, council.nyc.gov/budget

As we move forward into FY2026, the City Council will continue to prioritize equity, ensure responsible spending, and advocate for the investments that truly make a difference.