Heart, Love & Soul to receives $100,000

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday announced more than $57 million has been awarded to support 238 projects across New York through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Round XIII included Empire State Development grant funds and Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits, which was made available on a continuous and competitive basis to support the immediate needs of communities.

Her team said, “Over $46 million in funding from these programs will support impactful projects that align with each region’s strategic goals. Round XIII also included two new micro grant programs: the Craft Beverage Micro Grant Program and the Not-for-Profit Capital Grant Program, which awarded over $9.7 million to support 170 craft beverage manufacturers and nonprofit organizations throughout the state.”

Among the awardees, in the not-for-profit category, Heart, Love & Soul was awarded $100,000. The nonprofit community organization provides hunger relief and social care to low-income individuals and families. Grant funding will be used to renovate and expand its current facility in Niagara Falls to serve more clients.

More than $4.9 million has been awarded to support 62 projects through the Not-for-Profit Capital Grant program, which supports not-for-profit organizations who provide economic and community benefits in their region to assist with facility improvements and upgrades.

Full list of awardees for the not-for-profit program can be found here.

“New York state is supporting our growing communities by investing in shovel-ready projects that will encourage job creation and help boost local economies,” Hochul said. “The range of these projects reflects crucial Regional Economic Development Council input from the stakeholders who know their local assets and industries best, helping us to make strategic investments to create opportunity in our communities, both now and for the future.”

The application for Empire State Development Grant funds remains open, and applications are being reviewed on an ongoing basis until funds are exhausted.

Hochul’s team said, “Applicants with strong, shovel-ready projects that align with the state and region's economic development priorities can apply through the consolidated funding application.”

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, chair of the Regional Economic Development Councils, said, "The Regional Economic Development Councils continue to help connect strategic investments to historically distressed communities throughout New York state. Through this process of identifying and funding shovel-ready projects that align with REDC strategic plans and goals, the funding goes where it’s needed and where it will have the biggest impact. By working closely with the REDCs, I know that these awards will make a difference in growth, jobs and educational opportunities for so many New Yorkers.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “From supporting STEM education and manufacturing to workforce development, child care and more, the REDCs are guiding the needs and the future success of their regions through projects that will have a lasting economic impact. Two new micro-grant programs will also help to grow our robust craft beverage industry and support the important work of nonprofits throughout New York state.”

This first round of ESD grant projects was recommended by each Regional Council because of the project's readiness and alignment with each region's strategic plan.