Nonprofit organizations are a lifeline to the diverse communities of Queens.  They are an economic driver, providing 15 percent of the borough’s private employment.  At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the borough’s nonprofits stretched every dollar to continue serving as a vital safety net for Queens families.  By offering a wide range of programs and services, nonprofits empower Queens residents to build community and to participate in the democratic process.

Borough President Donovan Richards recognizes that nonprofit organizations are indispensable partners in government’s work to achieve equity for the people of Queens.  To reach that goal, he has created the Department of Nonprofit Opportunities within the Queens Borough President’s Office to ensure that Queens Borough Hall strengthens its relationships with community-based organizations — particularly to assist, support, and empower small to mid-sized nonprofits located in Queens.

In the months ahead, the Department of Nonprofit Opportunities will:

• Serve as a clearinghouse of information on nonprofit resources.
• Sponsor webinars on fund raising and other issues relevant to nonprofits.
• Introduce grant makers to grant seekers.
• Host networking sessions to understand nonprofits’ evolving needs and priorities.

Join the Queens Borough President’s Nonprofit Network (NPN)

Queens-based nonprofit organizations are encouraged to join Borough President Richards’ Nonprofit Network (NPN), to receive emails about timely and relevant issues. Click here to apply.

Resources

• To apply for capital or expense funding through the Queens Borough President’s Office, visit queensbp.org/budget.

• The Fund for the City of New York is committed to strengthening the City’s nonprofit sector through investments that promote equity and inclusion. Some of the Fund’s key initiatives, available to Queens nonprofits, include:
  • Nonprofit Cash Flow Program — Organizations waiting for committed funds from government or foundation sources can apply for bridge financing.  Please send inquiries to the Fund’s Vice President, Andrew Walrond, at [email protected]. 
  • Cultural Arts Capital Loan Program — Small to mid-sized cultural arts organizations can receive help in jumpstarting capital projects funded through the Borough President’s Office or the City, if these projects have stalled because of financing issues. Click here to complete the Cultural Arts Capital Loan Fund Inquiry form.
  • Partner Project/Incubator Program — Social entrepreneurs and established nonprofit organizations can apply for comprehensive administrative, operational, and financial support, enabling them to focus on achieving their missions. Click here for more information.

• The 2021 Nonprofit Security Grant Program makes funding available to houses of worship and other community organizations in need of emergency preparedness support. 
  • Click here to learn how to apply. 
  • All nonprofit organizations applying for these grants must first prequalify through the NYS Grants Management Program. Click here to learn more.
  • Applications must be submitted to the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services via the E-Grants system. Click here to learn more.

• Candid (formerly known as the Foundation Center of New York) is a leading expert in the world of nonprofit assistance. Click here to contact an online librarian about your nonprofit organization’s capacity-building needs. 

• Queens Public Library collaborates with Candid on providing a Foundation Directory Online database, where you can search for potential grants. Click here to visit the database. 

• Click here to visit Nonprofit New York, a vibrant network that educates and advocates with nonprofits throughout the state.

• In July 2020, the NYC Comptroller’s Office produced a report, titled, “The Economic Impact of NYC Nonprofit Organizations.” Click here to read it.