The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is pleased to announce the launch of the initial round of Community Reinvestment Program grants.
The grants will provide up to $5 million in funding to nonprofit organizations that support young people, ages 0-24 in underserved and under-resourced communities across New York. The program, funded through taxes collected from legal adult-use cannabis sales, aims to address a wide range of community needs in three priority areas: mental health, workforce development, and housing.
This initiative is part of the state’s commitment to implement the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) by reinvesting in communities disproportionately affected by New York’s cannabis prohibition practices.
“… community-based organizations to provide critical support to young people …”
The Community Reinvestment Program aims to award funding to community-based organizations to provide critical support to young people in underserved areas. These grants will address a wide range of local needs, supporting organizations that focus on comprehensive solutions to empower their communities. New York recognizes that it is the on-the-ground individuals and organizations who are the experts in their future. They know their communities’ needs best and are in the most central position to align these funds to achieve maximum impact for youth and families. These funds are not a seat at the table, they are the opportunity to make the meal.
By directing a significant portion of cannabis tax revenue back to communities historically harmed by cannabis criminalization, New York is intentionally and unequivocally underscoring the importance of direct support and restorative justice after decades of prohibition.
“Having previously served youth harmed by the legacy of the War on Drugs and worked with communities that have been historically and systemically underserved, the Community Reinvestment Program is a thrilling opportunity”, said Felicia A.B. Reid, Acting Executive Director for the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. “New York is putting cannabis tax dollars to work for the next generation; this $5 million is the first of many down payments on the promise of what the future holds.”
“If anyone needs another reason why buying cannabis from licensed dispensaries is the best option, here you go. Every dollar spent in a legal shop contributes to the important work of reinvesting in communities harmed by prohibition.”, said Tabatha Robison Director of Economic Development for the New York State Office of Cannabis Management.
In this first 2024 grant cycle, eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that offer services for youth in designated areas of New York State. The grants, each totaling $100,000, are designed to support activities that focus on mental health, workforce development, or housing for young people. Organizations do not need to be affiliated with cannabis-related activities to qualify and are encouraged to apply. The priorities of the Community Reinvestment Program are determined by the Cannabis Advisory Board in alignment with its mandate in the MRTA. Future priorities of the fund are subject to change.
“… look for a broader scope of issues to be part of our community reinvestment efforts.”
“We are excited to get the Community Reinvestment Program operational this year and start driving dollars into communities across the State.”, said Chair of the Cannabis Advisory Board, Joe Belluck. “The Cannabis Advisory Board proudly oversees the Reinvestment Program. Our youth are an important place to start but in future years look for a broader scope of issues to be part of our community reinvestment efforts.”
A Request for Applications (RFA) is available on the OCM Community Reinvestment Program website. Interested nonprofits should start the prequalification process in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) as soon as possible. Applicants must be prequalified in SFS. To access SFS and SFS training materials, visit the SFS Webpage.
Applications will be submitted through OCM’s eGrants system. Organizations will be selected based on their ability to implement successful projects aligned with the goals of the Community Reinvestment Program.
“… those historically under-resourced and overpoliced …”
To ensure equitable distribution of funds, the 2024 grant cycle will prioritize counties identified as high need for youth services and those historically under-resourced and overpoliced, with the intent to make at least one award in each Empire State Development (ESD) Region.
For more information and updates, sign up for the OCM newsletter at bit.ly/ocmnewsletter.
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