Federal Grant Opportunities: September 16, 2025 My office is sharing the following information on federal grant opportunities available to you. If you are applying for a grant that accepts Congressional letters of support, or if you are seeking additional information or guidance in your application process, please contact our office. We stand ready to assist you. Help Improve Grants.gov! In January, the Simpler Grants initiative launched its first Co-Design Group (CDG) to bring the voices of grant seekers directly into shaping Simpler.Grants.gov. The first Cohort of CDG ended in August. If you are interested in joining the second Cohort of CDG , please fill out this form. The second Cohort will launch at the end of September. Participants are compensated for their time. Featured Funding OpportunitiesNYS Canal System Tourism Infrastructure & Event GrantsThe NYS Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor offer competitive grant funding to support tourism and recreation along the New York State Canal System, including Canal Waterways and Canalway Trail. Funding is open to counties, municipalities, units of local government, not-for-profit organizations, and federally recognized Native American tribes.There are two funding opportunities:Tourism Infrastructure & Amenity Support (Award Range: $5,000 to $24,000)This program supports capital improvement projects and purchase of equipment that enhance recreational amenities and tourism, along the NYS Canal System (Canal Waterways and Canalway Trails).Event Support (Award Range: $500 to $3,000)This program supports public events and festivals that encourage exploration and enjoyment of the wealth of cultural, heritage, nature and recreational offerings within New York State's canal corridor.Applications Open: October 14, 2025. Applications Due: November 21, 2025.New York State Council on the Arts FY2026 Capital Projects FundLast week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that up to $80 million in capital funding is now available to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations through the New York State Council on the Arts Capital Projects Fund. The Fund has three grant categories: Small and Midsized Capital Improvement GrantsLarge Capital Improvement Grants Capital Design Grants for Arts and CultureThe deadline is January 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. Sign up for the kick-off webinar on September 18 at 11 am here! Small Business ResourcesThe Albany Small Business Development Center serves small businesses in the Capital Region. Since its start in 1984, the expert advisors of the Albany SBDC have worked directly with 28,053 businesses, helping them to invest $543,926,495 in the area's economy, and create or save 15,244 jobs.You can make an appointment for counseling by calling 518-442-7232 or filling out their online form.New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) - NYS Multi-Agency Small Business Resource PresentationWatch this free session as representatives from several NYS agencies share information about resources and services available to assist small businesses. Topics include licensing, regulations, taxes, insurance, grants, training, and more. Featured Federal WebinarBrownfields 101 with the EPALast week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 2 Office held a “Brownfields 101” briefing for New York communities to provide an overview of the EPA’s Brownfield Program. If you missed it and would like to view the recording, please contact Natalie Lincoln at [email protected] or (518) 465-0700.Sign up for the EPA’s Technical Assistance and Funding Resource Guide! Federal Funding AnnouncementsThis summary includes new or updated opportunities in the following areas. Please click on the topic below to view all grant announcements:Agriculture, Food and NutritionArts, Culture and HistoryBusiness, Jobs and Workforce DevelopmentChildren, Youth, Families, Older Americans and VeteransCommunity DevelopmentCrime Prevention, Justice and Public SafetyEducationEnergy, Environment and WildlifeHealthHousing and HomelessnessInfrastructure, Transportation and WaterInternational DevelopmentScience, Technology and Research This summary has been brought to you by the Office of Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20). Does one of these grants accept Congressional Letters of Support? Please contact our office to find out how Rep. Tonko can support your request. Grant deadlines and guidelines may change. Please check with the awarding agency before applying. Please feel free to share this newsletter with others who may be interested. To join or remove yourself from this mailing list, or if you have specific grant questions, please contact Natalie Lincoln at [email protected] or (518) 465-0700.