Federal Grant Opportunities: 1-13-2026

Federal Grant Opportunities: January 13, 2026

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.

Featured Funding Opportunities

Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) - Spring 2026 Grant Round Now Open
- The NBRC is a Federal-State partnership for economic and community development within the most distressed counties of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York.
- Each year, NBRC accepts applications during Spring and Fall rounds for three of its programs:
  - Catalyst Program: This Program supports a broad range of economic development initiatives that modernize and expand water and wastewater systems; revitalize transportation infrastructure; establish workforce development programs and facilities; grow outdoor recreation infrastructure and economies; and construct new childcare and healthcare facilities.
  - Forest Economy Program: This Program 1) emphasizes the potential for impact across the entire NBRC region; and 2) Infrastructure must directly support the forest industry.
  - Timber for Transit: This Program advances the use of wood materials and composites through applied research and demonstration projects.
- Pre-applications are due by February 27, 2026.
- Eligible projects must be located in Rensselaer, Saratoga, or Schenectady Counties. A local match of 20%-50% is required.

NYS Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program
- The SFY2025-2026 Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program is a state-funded $25,000,000 competitive grant program that supports the enhancement of the security and safety of the citizens of New York State by providing critical funding to strengthen volunteer fire departments and districts statewide.
- Eligible applicants can apply for up to $1,000,000 if proposing projects for construction, renovation, or purchase costs for critical facilities (buildings, training facilities, etc.) that support fire operations, or up to $500,000 if proposing projects for allowable fire service equipment to upgrade and improve their response capabilities.
- The application deadline is February 25, 2026, by 5:00 pm.
NYS Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant Program (MPR)
- $10 million will be made available for the second round of the MPR Grant Program to fund the development and improvement of municipal parks and recreation sites statewide. Funds for the MPR Grant Program are provided by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.
- MPR funding is available for the construction of recreational facilities and other improvements to municipally owned recreational sites and parks. Examples include playgrounds, courts, playing fields, and facilities for swimming, biking, boating, picnicking, hiking, fishing, camping or other recreational activities.
- The application period opened on December 31, 2025 and applications must be submitted by February 9, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Awards are expected to be announced no earlier than May 22, 2026.

NEA FY 2027 Grants for Arts Projects Guidelines Now Available
- Guidelines and application materials for the National Endowment for the Arts’ principal grants category, Grants for Arts Projects, are now available. These grants support projects taking place in any part of the nation’s 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. jurisdictions.
- To simplify the application intake and review process, Our Town and Challenge America applicants will apply within the Grants for Arts Projects program and choose the “Design & Our Town” or “Challenge America” discipline. Other disciplines include Arts Education, Dance, Folk & Traditional Arts, Literary Arts, Local Arts Agencies, Museums, Music, Opera, Presenting & Multidisciplinary Works, Theater & Musical Theater, and Visual & Media Arts.
- Application deadlines are February 12, 2026, and July 9, 2026, for projects taking place beginning in 2027.

Small Business Resources

New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC)
- For over forty years, the New York SBDC network has been the backbone for small businesses. With 20 regional centers, over 70 satellite locations, and hundreds of dedicated experts, we understand every industry, every region, and every phase of the lifecycle of a business.
- Advisory and Core Services
  - Get free services. Access no-cost, personalized 1-on-1 advising for every stage of your journey.
- Business Education
  - Get educated. Access their resource library and learning opportunities from across the state.
- Research + Data
  - Get research-driven insights. Access their research network + data to support your project.
The 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.

Federal Funding Announcements

This summary includes new or updated opportunities in the following areas. Please click on the topic below to view all grant announcements:

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.