Zoos, Botanical Gardens and Aquaria Operational Support Grant Program
Forecasted
Zoos, Botanical Gardens and Aquaria Operational Support Grant Program supports municipalities and nonprofits in caring for natural collections and providing public education about natural heritage.
Funder: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: New awardees: up to $15,000 annually, capped at one-third of the NHC operating budget; three-year agreement
Summary: Annual operational support for permanent natural specimen collections and public education interpreting those collections.
Key Information: Nonprofits must maintain SFS prequalification and two preceding State fiscal years of 501(c)(3) status.
Description
The Zoos, Botanical Gardens and Aquaria Operational Support Grant Program (ZBGA OS) supports local governments and not-for-profit organizations maintaining permanent collections of natural specimens and providing education about them. Administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), it is funded through annual appropriations from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund.
The program pairs collection care, operation, and security with ongoing public interpretation of natural heritage. Eligible institutions include zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, preserves, and other natural heritage institutions. Awards are eligibility-based, with review addressing organizational strength, collection quality and care, and public service. Funding in succeeding years is not guaranteed.
