On April 8, 2016, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Assembly Member Seawright's bill that removes the sunset provision from last year’s legislation clarifying the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s ability to distribute Public Purpose Funds on Roosevelt Island. The removal of the sunset provision – which initially called for the legislation to expire on December 31, 2016 – allows RIOC to continue to distribute the funds without question into the future.

The application process for the 2016 Public Purpose Grant has begun. Information and the Letter of Intent form are available online at https://rioc.ny.gov/grants.htm. Letters of Intent are due to RIOC’s office by July 29, 2016 at 4:30 pm.

Public Purpose Funds are awarded to non-profit organizations seeking additional funding for their programs or projects that benefit island residents. These funds are provided for the educational, artistic, environmental, and cultural enrichment of the community, with an aim to deliver services to those who need them most. Non-profit organizations whose programming benefits Roosevelt Island residents are encouraged to apply. It is strongly suggested that interested organizations review the Public Purpose Funds Procedures and the Letter of Intent form thoroughly.

Questions about this Letter of Intent or RIOC's Public Purpose Grants program in general should be submitted via e-mail at PublicPurpose@rioc.ny.gov.

For more information on Public Purpose Funds, please contact the Community Office of Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright at 212.288.4607.