New York launches second round of NY BRICKS with $75 million in grants

Albany, New York – Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a new round of state funding aimed at helping communities across New York build, renovate and modernize community centers, with $75 million now available through the Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors program, known as NY BRICKS.

The funding is part of Hochul’s broader effort to encourage New Yorkers, particularly children and older adults, to spend less time on screens and more time taking part in physical activities and community programs. The governor secured the additional funding as part of the FY2027 Enacted Budget.

The second round of NY BRICKS will offer grants ranging from $250,000 to $15 million. Municipalities and nonprofit organizations will be eligible to apply for money to support a wide range of community center projects. State officials said priority will be given to proposals serving underserved communities.

The program is intended to support places where people can exercise, take part in recreational activities, attend programs and services, and spend time with other members of their communities. Projects can involve everything from new construction to major improvements at existing facilities.

“Strong communities need places where people can come together, stay active and build lasting connections,” Governor Hochul said. “Through this $75 million investment, we’re giving municipalities and nonprofits the resources to build and improve community centers that serve New Yorkers of all ages. NY BRICKS is helping us create more opportunities for kids to play, families to connect and older New Yorkers to stay active in communities across our state.”

Under the second round, funding can be used for the design and construction of new community centers, as well as reconstruction, major renovations, modernization, improvements and rehabilitation of existing facilities.

Read also: New York State Police charge 30-year-old Burke man following aggravated harassment investigation

Applicants will not receive full project costs from the state, however. Grant recipients are required to provide a 20 percent match toward the total cost of their projects.

The state is again working through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, or DASNY, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to administer the program.

“DASNY is proud to help deliver another $75 million in NY BRICKS funding to communities across New York. Community centers give New Yorkers places to come together, stay active and access programs and services that strengthen their neighborhoods. We thank Governor Hochul for continuing to invest in these important spaces and look forward to working with our partners at State Parks and communities across New York to bring these projects to life.”

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser also pointed to the role recreation can play in improving both physical and mental well-being.

“Thanks to Governor Hochul’s NY BRICKS program, New York State is making it easier for families to disconnect from their devices, get active and enjoy the benefits of recreation. Our agency looks forward to working with community partners across the state to help more New Yorkers access high-quality recreational facilities and experience the mental and physical benefits of staying active year-round.”

The new funding builds on the first round of NY BRICKS. During that initial round, New York awarded $100 million to 30 projects across 22 counties. Those projects are expected to serve nearly 400,000 New Yorkers.

More than 90 percent of the first-round funding is supporting projects in underserved communities, according to the state. The second $75 million allocation is expected to continue that focus by giving priority to projects where new or improved recreational facilities are most needed.

The announcement is part of Governor Hochul’s Unplug and Play initiative, which is centered on encouraging people to put down their electronic devices, become more active and spend more time connecting with others. Community centers are viewed as an important part of that effort because they can provide year-round spaces for recreation and social activities.

NY BRICKS is not the only state program included in the broader push to expand recreational opportunities. New York is also investing in public swimming facilities through its Statewide Investment in More Swimming initiative, known as NY SWIMS.

Through three rounds of competitive grants and other state investments, nearly $260 million has been announced for 79 NY SWIMS projects. Those facilities are expected to benefit about 2.5 million New Yorkers.

Read also: Monroe County Executive Adam Bello opens expanded Strong Museum of Play area at Rochester airport

Another initiative, Places for Learning, Activity and Youth Socialization, or NY PLAYS, is making $67.5 million available to help communities construct new playgrounds and renovate existing ones.

Together, the programs are intended to give communities more options for recreation, especially for children and families. Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign complements the investments by encouraging children and their parents to spend more time outdoors and place greater emphasis on physical and mental health.

For municipalities and nonprofit organizations interested in the new NY BRICKS funding, the application process is already moving forward. The Request for Applications and supporting materials are available through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York and the State Parks websites.

The period for applicants to submit questions is now open. A webinar for potential applicants is expected to be posted by September 14, while questions must be submitted by September 30. Answers to those questions are scheduled to be posted by October 26.

Applications will be accepted through the DASNY Grants Application Portal starting November 2. Completed applications must be submitted no later than 3 p.m. on December 7, 2026.

State officials expect grant awards to be announced no earlier than February 26, 2027.

Applications will be reviewed based on several factors, including the need for the proposed project, its expected impact and whether the project is considered viable.

Nonprofit organizations face an additional requirement before applying. They must have approved prequalification status in the Statewide Financial System before submitting an application and must remain prequalified through the execution of the Grant Disbursement Agreement and payment of all requisitions.

With the second round of NY BRICKS, New York is putting another significant investment behind the idea that recreation and community spaces should be available close to where people live. The goal is not simply to create new buildings, but to provide places where children can play, older residents can stay active and families can spend time together away from their screens.