OFNDS - Technical Assistance RFA

The New York State Office of Faith & Nonprofit Development Services (OFNDS) is requesting applications from nonprofit organizations to provide free technical assistance to nonprofits across New York State, with applications due August 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. OFNDS will award funding to up to two providers—one serving Region A (Downstate) and one serving Region B (Upstate)—under a one-year initial term with two optional one-year renewals.

Applicants must be domestic corporations pre-qualified in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) with a physical location in the target region and preferably three or more years of experience providing similar technical assistance services. All services must be provided at no cost to client organizations and must be nonsectarian in nature. MWBE participation goals of 30% utilization and SDVOB participation goals of 6% utilization apply. Applicants must certify EO 16 compliance (no business with Russia) and gender-based violence workplace policy requirements.

Region A (Downstate) receives $660,000 in funding; Region B (Upstate) receives $540,000, for a total of approximately $1.2 million. Matching funds are not required. Eligible direct costs include salaries and fringe for technical assistance staff (limited to actual documented time on grant activities), approved in-state travel, supplies, outreach materials requiring prior OFNDS approval, equipment purchases exceeding $500 in the first year, and rent and utilities allocated to direct positions. Administrative costs are capped at 10% of direct costs for prime grantees and subcontractors.

Required staffing includes a minimum of one FTE Project Manager, three FTE Technical Assistance Specialists, and one FTE Program Coordinator per region. Region A must conduct a minimum of 20 workshops serving at least 200 nonprofits, provide 900 hours of technical assistance, and deliver 40 individual coaching sessions. Region B must conduct a minimum of 15 workshops serving at least 160 nonprofits, provide 800 hours of technical assistance, and deliver 32 coaching sessions.

Applications are evaluated on Service Area and Organizational Capacity (20 points), Organizational Experience (30 points), Program Proposal (30 points), and Budget Proposal (20 points), with a minimum passing score of 60 points required. Questions are due July 8, 2026, with Q&A updates posted July 22, 2026.