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New York is launching a $100 million capital grant program—Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS)—to help municipalities and nonprofit organizations develop or renovate community centers that promote physical and mental well-being. The competitive program is part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s “Unplug and Play” initiative, funded through the enacted fiscal year 2026 budget.
Grants up to $15 million will be available to support design, construction, land acquisition, major renovations and modernization of eligible facilities.
Priority will be given to proposals located in underserved areas or offering affordable community services, such as childcare, elder care or mental health support. Applicants must provide at least a 20% match toward the total project cost. Nonprofit applicants must also be prequalified in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) before applying and remain in good standing through the disbursement process.
- NY BRICKS will encourage applicants to engage through the grant selection process, which includes a Q&A period through June 27. Questions must be submitted through the NY BRICKS SurveyMonkey form.
- Webinar release: A recorded webinar explaining the application process will be available June 25 at New York’s parks and recreations website.
- Application window: July 14 to August 15, 2025.
- Award announcements: No earlier than November 1.
Unlike previous Unplug and Play programs—such as Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) or New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS), where funding recipients were identified early—no specific NY BRICKS projects have yet been confirmed, as the initiative is still in its very first stage.
Photo by Jorge Samper from Pexels
