Grant Funding Report

It's not that the City doesn't wish to be involved with the home repair program. Rather, there's a nonprofit entity which already conducts the program. The community does rely on its nonprofits for a wide range of services that help in many ways in which local government does not or may not have the capacity. Some of the City's CDBG funds are redirected to nonprofits through a competitive process for special services such as after-school programs. The largest portion goes toward projects that benefit the community and don't have other sources of funding to complete the work. A good example would be a sewer repair project. We receive approximately $700,000 annually, but the amount varies from year to year.

This office seeks grant funds outside of CDBG to support a variety of programs that help improve the quality of life in Kingston without using tax-payer dollars. We are always on the look-out for opportunities to apply for grants that fund things such as home repair or business facade repair. However, those types of grant opportunities don't come up very often.

Thank you and best regards, Ruth Ann

Hi - The City isn't involved in the program, but I spoke with the Rupco manager handling it. They've had two sources of funding for it, but one recently ran out. The second is funded with CDBG grant monies. Kingston is a CDBG entitlement community, which means we automatically receive funding every year for improvements in the city - our funds are not directed to home improvements but rather broader projects that help improve the city for all residents. As an entitlement community, we're ineligible for other CDBG funds. Since RUPCO currently only has CDBG funds for the home repair program, they can't award grants to Kingston residents.

That said, Rupco anticipates receiving a re-up of the funding from the other source, which does not have those limitations for Kingston residents. You may fill out an application to be placed on the waiting list for those funds. Please call Colleen at 331-2140, ext. 217 for further instructions.

Hope this helps. Thank you and best regards, Ruth Ann

Hi, Teri - that's likely true in many cases but not necessarily all. Funders consider the total operating budget when determining award amounts. They also consider if there are paid staff, which with a small $10,000 budget we imagine your organization is volunteer-run. To offer more information, we need to know a little more about the organization and its mission. Feel free to call me at 845-334-3962 if you'd like to discuss. - thank you and best regards, Ruth Ann

Almost $5 million of Kingston's $17.3 federal ARPA award is allocated to supporting Housing Actions Projects, which include development of affordable housing. Please see our ARPA project page to find the Economic Recovery Plan that outlines the Housing Action Projects - page 12. https://engagekingston.com/american-rescue-plan-act-arpa. Also explore the other pages on engagekingston where more information on programs that have or will soon launch. Thank you and best regards, Ruth Ann

Hi, Tisha -

Our office doesn't typically award grants - we only do when we've won funding from the state, federal government, or a charitable foundation specifically for that purpose, which doesn't happen frequently - there aren't many sources to which we can apply. Our American Rescue Plan Act grant from the federal government has recently enabled us to offer a number of programs to Kingston businesses and nonprofits, but this was unprecedented. 

I recommend reaching out to the Ulster County Office of Economic Development, which often has information about state, federal, county grant programs for small businesses. You can sign up for their newsletter to receive announcements at https://ulstercountyny.gov/economic-development. Another good information resource is the Small Business Development Center located at SUNY Ulster: https://www.sunyulster.edu/continuing_education/employer-resources/sbdc.php.

If the City does have a another small business grant program in the future, it will be announced in the Mayor's weekly update. You can sign up to receive that here: https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001b6WaUIAerTfLB6fTU0Sl2idIsjHgY9fmOWAJWtbuc7rHYkgjUscawpzeS1FJYBD9qh8wb5E_jYDUvQszQ1BTMkJ4Wv97CTFBubX6s_VScpAjWdGEq_fYKAAPQ4nv-uXnRl2DjwwSXL7OopAnOYvHiZzgecQDttwH.

Thanks and best wishes,

Ruth Ann

Hi - yes, we're aware of those opportunities but need to wait for the next rounds to open. We're once again going in for the RAISE grant for the Weaving the Waterfront Transportation Project, which addresses the concerns you mentioned. Ultimately, it will complete connections between the end of Kingston Point Rail Trail Phase 1 out to Kingston Point Beach and the Sojourner Truth State Park. It will provide safe, non-vehicular travel options for residents and visitors and enable them to connect from the waterfront to routes in Midtown and Uptown without the need for a car. This application is due on 2/28 -- please wish us luck! Thank you. Ruth Ann