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. It also determines the appropriate administrative 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. This unit is also concerned with long-range maintenance and development for facilities under the City’s jurisdiction.

To receive capital funding from the Department of Cultural Affairs organizations must meet the baseline requirements below:

1. Your organization is a not-for-profit 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 a baseline CDF recommendation from the Department of Cultural Affairs in fiscal years: City FY 2021, 2022, or 2023.
3. Your organization guarantees that any capital funding received from 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 to receive 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 not City-owned, then your organization must agree to sign a restrictive covenant ensuring that the City has first lien rights on the property. All construction/renovation projects are subject to a $500,000 minimum cost.