Communities of Color Nonprofit Stabilization Fund

The Communities of Color Nonprofit Stabilization Fund (CCNSF) is a New York City–based capacity-building initiative created to strengthen and stabilize social service organizations led by and serving communities of color. The program is designed to support nonprofits in enhancing their infrastructure, leadership, and long-term sustainability while ensuring culturally competent service delivery for New York City residents. It provides targeted grants for organizational development, rather than direct program services, enabling eligible organizations to address pressing internal needs that affect their overall effectiveness. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least two years of incorporation, current registration with the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau, and a demonstrated service footprint in New York City where at least 75% of clients are residents. Applicants must have an operating budget of at least $150,000 but no more than $3.5 million, and must primarily serve communities in which the majority population (51% or greater) are people of color. Additional requirements include a proven track record of outreach to communities of color in leadership recruitment and demonstrated commitment to equal employment opportunities and culturally competent service delivery. Organizations using fiscal sponsors are not eligible. CCNSF awards are structured to support specific organizational capacity-building areas. Applicants may choose only one of seven project categories and cannot reapply for a category they have previously been funded under. Eligible categories include: management information systems design and development; financial management and planning; evaluation and outcomes system development; leadership development; new program planning and development; strategy and organizational development; and collaboration and strategic alliances. This targeted approach ensures that funding supports critical infrastructure rather than duplicating past investments. Grant awards vary depending on organizational size. Nonprofits with annual operating budgets between $150,000 and $500,000 are eligible for awards of up to $35,000, while organizations with budgets of $500,001 to $3.5 million may receive up to $45,000. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. Proposals are reviewed by independent allocation panels comprised of experts in philanthropy and capacity-building, as well as representatives from CCNSF partner organizations. These panels evaluate projects on clarity, feasibility, alignment with CCNSF goals, and potential for long-term impact. Evaluation criteria emphasize strong needs assessments, clear outcomes, culturally and linguistically competent approaches, qualified leadership, and realistic budgets. Applicants must demonstrate how funded projects will improve organizational effectiveness, expand culturally competent service delivery, and ensure sustainability after the award period ends. The review process also requires a clear and achievable project timeline, detailed budget, and measurable success indicators. Applications must be submitted by Friday, October 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Strong applications will show evidence of leadership diversity, community involvement, and accountability to the populations served. By investing in the internal capacity of nonprofits that serve communities of color, the CCNSF aims to build long-term organizational resilience, strengthen culturally competent service delivery, and improve outcomes for New York City’s diverse communities.