FAQ for Applicants

1. Has NYSCA announced their FY2025 Grant Opportunities and how do I apply? 
 

2. I am new to NYSCA: How can I prequalify my organization? 
 

3. Are there any current extensions available in Grants Gateway for Document Vaults for COVID-related delays in uploading IRS990 documents, Financial Statements, or Charities Bureau filings?  
 

4. Are you planning any events or information sessions for the FY2024 application process?
 

5. I am an arts organization with a public university affiliation; can I apply for NYSCA funding?
 

6. My organization is sponsored, but only the sponsor is asked for information about "organization type," 'hours," "number of people served," and "in person and virtual attendance." How do I share this information in the application?
 

7. My organization is a university applying for different arts organizations. Am I allowed more than one application?

 
8. If we have a multiyear grant, do we have to reapply?
 

9. I am an individual artist and wish to apply for Support for Artists. Do I need to prequalify?
 

10. Does NYSCA fund for-profit organizations, businesses or galleries?


 

1. Has NYSCA announced their FY2024 Grant Opportunities and how do I apply? 
 

PLEASE NOTE Our FY2025 guidelines for Support for Organizations, Support for Artists, Support for Targeted Opportunities, and Support for Regrants and Services will be available in Spring 2024. You can subscribe to our mailing list for important NYSCA updates.
 

2.  I am new to NYSCA: How can I prequalify my organization? 
 

Applicants to NYSCA must submit a prequalification application in the New York Statewide Financial System (SFS).  Applicants need to be “prequalified” in order to apply for a NYS grant. 

Step 1: Register in the New York Statewide Financial System (SFS): Obtain a Login

It is MANDATORY that all applicants be registered in the Statewide Financial System and prequalify to receive a grant. We recommend starting this process as SOON AS POSSIBLE.

You can find the registration form, instructions, and related documents on the New York State Grants Management Website at:  https://grantsmanagement.ny.gov/register-your-organization.

Step 2: Submit a Prequalification Application

  • Log onto the SFS Vendor Portal
  • Navigate to the Prequalification Application by clicking the Grants Management Title then the Prequalification Application Tile
  • On the Welcome Page, select the applicable option under Select an Activity Below to Initiate, Collaborate or Update a Prequalification Application and click the Next button.
  • Enter ART01 in the State Agency field.
  • Complete questions shown about your policies and practices and upload key documents including IRS determination letters, audits, board information, leadership resumes, and more. 

 

Find basic instructions and checklists here: https://grantsmanagement.ny.gov/get-prequalified. For detailed instructions, please refer to pages 20-56 of the SFS Handbook: Grantee Processing in SFS. For technical help with SFS including log in credentials, please contact the SFS Help Desk at [email protected]. For help with grant related questions, please contact [email protected]

 

Your prequalification expires annually. You are required to update your application and upload new documents to maintain prequalified status in order for your application to be considered.


3. Are there any current extensions available in Grants Gateway for Document Vaults for COVID-related delays in uploading IRS990 documents, Financial Statements, or Charities Bureau filings?  


No. All extensions available have already been applied. Please upload your updated IRS990 document, Audit or equivalent statement, and Char500 filing. You may contact our Prequalification Specialist at [email protected] if you have any questions. 
 

4. Are you planning to hold any office hours and webinars for the FY2024 application process?


Yes. Webinars will be recorded if you cannot attend a virtual event. Office hours are not recorded. You can review our FY2024 Opportunity Webinars and presentations here.
 

Please note: Attending webinars, office hours and contacting NYSCA staff is optional. It has no bearing on the review of an application.
 

5. I am an arts organization with a public university affiliation; can I apply for NYSCA funding?


Please read the eligibility requirements under the applicable Guidelines. As stated in such Guidelines, additional information is required to determine your eligibility.  You should to submit information in accordance with this form as soon as possible prior to the application deadline. 
 

6. My organization is sponsored, but only the sponsor is asked for information about "organization type," 'hours," "number of people served," and "in person and virtual attendance." How do I share this information in the application?


Sponsored organizations may use the "Background" section to provide specific information about themselves. 
 

7. My organization is a university applying for different arts organizations. Am I allowed more than one application?
 

Yes, you are allowed to sponsor more than one organization. Universities must apply as fiscal sponsors for arts organizations that are open to the public but legally part of the university.
 

8. If we have a multiyear grant, do we have to reapply? 


With a multiyear grant, you do not have to reapply, however, you must check that you are still prequalified. Your prequalification expires every year and you are required to update your application. Please check your status today by logging onto the SFS Vendor Portal.

9. I am an individual artist and wish to apply for Support for Artists. Do I need to prequalify?


Individuals do not need to prequalify through The New York Statewide Financial System (SFS).  Applications for Support for Artists must be made through a Fiscal Sponsor and the Fiscal Sponsor must be prequalified. All organizations must prequalify.


10. Do you fund for-profit organizations, businesses or galleries?


No. Your organization may receive NYSCA funding if it is:

  1. A nonprofit organization either incorporated in or registered to do business in New York State, with a location in New York State, and recognized as tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code section as a 501(c)3
  2. A State- or Federally-recognized Native American nation
  3. A unit of local or federal government in New York State