NY Forward

NY Forward is a New York State grant program that invests in downtown revitalization. Funding supports projects that improve buildings, public spaces, and quality of life — projects that attract visitors, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy.

Walton is preparing its NY Forward application, and community input gathered right now will help shape which projects Walton puts forward. This is the moment to share your ideas.

• Not every proposed or selected project receives funding. The Local Planning Committee (LPC) recommends projects — it does not have final authority to award grants.
• The NYS Department of State (DOS), with other State agencies, makes the final funding decisions.
• Inclusion in the Strategic Investment Plan is not a guarantee of a grant award.

NY Forward is primarily a capital grant program, not a traditional loan. Private projects carry a minimum private match of 25% of total eligible project cost. Public and nonprofit projects generally have no minimum match under the standard program, subject to project-specific rules.

• Funding generally operates on a reimbursement basis — you may need to pay contractors first and may need interim financing.
• Proof of completed work, with invoices and payment documentation, is required before reimbursement.
• Pre-award costs are generally not reimbursable.

The direct project sponsor must be a legal entity, not an individual acting personally. Most projects are sponsored by businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, or other legal entities.

For smaller grants under a Small Project Fund, individual property owners may be recipients under that program's rules.

• The sponsor does not always have to be the deeded owner.
• The property owner must be identified.
• If the sponsor is not the owner, explain your legal rights and how permission will be obtained — you must have sufficient legal authority or site control.

A business tenant may propose improvements if the owner authorizes the work and the sponsor demonstrates sufficient legal control (lease, owner consent, or agreements).

A prospective purchaser may propose a redevelopment, but NY Forward funding generally cannot pay the purchase price — acquisition must be financed through another source.

1. Community planning (~9 months): community input, project proposals, LPC review, and the Strategic Investment Plan.
2. State review & project selection: the Department of State reviews and decides.
3. Contracting & approvals: agreements, financing, and approvals — this can take additional months.
4. Construction & reimbursement: complete eligible work, submit documentation, and request reimbursement.

Estimates only — timelines can vary.

Funded projects carry ongoing obligations around approved use, maintenance, and compliance. A sale or change of use may require approval or create repayment obligations. The committee will ask the State to explain the applicable restrictions, agreements, or liens and how long they last.

• Ownership documentation (deed, LLC info, or evidence of site control)
• Project budget (construction, architecture, engineering, permits, contingencies)
• Proof of financing (bank statements, commitments, or other sources)
• Project schedule (start, completion, milestones)
• Financial sustainability
• Owner authorization, if you are not the owner