Plugged In To Education

April 17, 2026

Coverage of updates in lower education, higher education & human services.

What’s Inside

  • $70 Million Available to Help Protect Community-based Organizations Vulnerable to Hate Crimes and Attacks
  • Applications Open For 2026 Empire State Arts Scholarship Program
  • Governor Hochul Launches New Initiative to Support Youth and Continue Reducing Gun Violence in New York City
  • Governor Hochul Encourages Students to Complete Their FAFSA During April’s Financial Aid Awareness Month
  • Office of Children and Family Services Marks April as Child Abuse Prevention Month
  • Awards Announced to Improve Access to Healthcare Services for People With Developmental Disabilities
  • Funding Opportunities
  • State Register
  • Coming Up

$70 Million Available to Help Protect Community-based Organizations Vulnerable to Hate Crimes and Attacks

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that nonprofit, community-based organizations at risk of hate crimes and attacks can apply for funding through the state’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program. The FY27 Executive Budget includes $35 million to build upon the $35 million currently available from the FY26 Enacted Budget in response to heightened threats facing organizations vulnerable to hate crimes and terror-driven violence amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Administered by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the program allows eligible organizations to request a maximum of $250,000 each for physical security and cybersecurity projects at their facilities. Available funding supports New York’s public safety efforts and the state’s longstanding commitment to protecting people of all faiths, backgrounds and identities as tensions abroad continue to reverberate in communities across New York and the nation. See more in the “Funding Opportunities” section below.

Applications Open For 2026 Empire State Arts Scholarship Program

The New York State Education Department announced that applications are now open for the summer cycle of the 2026 Empire State Arts Scholarship Program. With awards of up to $2,000, the program helps remove financial barriers so high need students in grades 6–12 can participate in New York State-based summer programs in dance, music, visual arts, media arts, and theatre. By investing in young artists, NYSED is expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and fueling the next generation of creative talent.

Governor Hochul Launches New Initiative to Support Youth and Continue Reducing Gun Violence in New York City

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $5 million in funding available through the new Havens of Opportunity, Peace and Empowerment (HOPE) initiative in communities with high rates of gun violence in New York City. Awards will enable organizations to establish and enhance safe, supportive and trusted neighborhood havens with consistent, high-quality programming for youth and families in each of New York City’s five boroughs. Administered by the New York State Office of Gun Violence Prevention, the HOPE initiative is another key part of Governor Hochul’s comprehensive plan to target and reduce gun violence and strengthen communities disproportionately affected by its harmful and deadly consequences. See more in the “Funding Opportunities” section below.

Governor Hochul Encourages Students to Complete Their FAFSA During April’s Financial Aid Awareness Month

Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Financial Aid Awareness Month in New York State, reaffirming the state’s commitment to breaking down barriers to higher education. This year’s campaign, titled “You Belong,” aims to equip students and families with the tools and resources needed to navigate the financial aid process, emphasizing that there’s a college for everyone in New York State.

Office of Children and Family Services Marks April as Child Abuse Prevention Month

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) recognized April as Child Abuse Prevention Month with a presentation and “pinwheel planting” event at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center to raise awareness of the state’s prevention efforts to protect children and keep families united whenever possible. 

Awards Announced to Improve Access to Healthcare Services for People With Developmental Disabilities

Thirty awards were announced totaling $25 million to help address health equity for people with developmental disabilities who often find it difficult to find comprehensive healthcare that meets their needs. The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) prioritized awards based on projects related to expanding access to dental care, improving physical diagnostic space to better accommodate wheelchairs, creating sensory-friendly areas for neurodiverse patients, and improving access to specialty physical health services in ‘healthcare deserts.’

Funding Opportunities

The NYS Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) announced a Solicitation of Interest (SOI) for qualified entities to participate in the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL). The Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a community-based program mailing free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to registered children from birth until their 5th birthday. Due April 30, 2026

The NYS Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and the Cannabis Advisory Board (CAB) announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the FY 26 Community Grants Reinvestment Fund to promote restorative justice, strengthen community institutions, and invest in organizations that have supported resilience and healing despite the challenges of past drug laws. For the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year grant cycle, the CAB will award grants to 501(c)(3) community-based organizations serving youth, defined as individuals aged 0–24, in communities disproportionally affected by prior drug policies. This year’s funding focuses on five (5) program areas: Mental Health, Harm Reduction, Substance Use Disorder, Housing, and Workforce Development. Due May 13, 2026

The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) seeks applications through the state’s Havens of Opportunity, Peace and Empowerment in Communities Experiencing High Rates of Gun Violence (HOPE) program. Qualified nonprofit community-based organizations within a New York City borough may apply for funding to manage a neighborhood-based haven. Approximately $5 million will be made available to support five qualified organizations: one for each of the NYC boroughs. Applications will be accepted for up to $1 million, with a contract term of two years. Each eligible organization may submit only one application. This initiative aims to establish or enhance safe, supportive, and trusted neighborhood havens that provide consistent, high-quality programming for youth and families, prioritizing individuals up to age 24, during high-risk evening hours from 5-9 p.m. and on weekends. These havens will foster healing, connection, and skill-building through culturally relevant and trauma-informed programming designed to interrupt cycles of violence and promote youth well-being. Due July 1, 2026

The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCLS) seeks applications through the state’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant program, which funds safety and security projects at nonprofit organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission. DCJS expects between $35 million and $70 million will be made available to support these projects. Applications will be accepted for up to $250,000 per organization. Each eligible organization may submit one application for one or more physical security enhancements and/or cybersecurity enhancements. Due July 8, 2026

State Register

State Education Department

  • Statewide Protocols for Diapering and Toileting (Emergency)
  • Transferring of Prescriptions by Pharmacists (Emergency)
  • Comprehensive Library Board Policies (Adopted)
  • Personal Finance Education and Climate Education (Adopted)
  • Professional Learning Plans (Adopted)
  • Regulation of Complaints, Hearing Requests, and Hearing Requirements in Disciplinary Proceedings in the Professions (Proposed)
  • Registered Pharmacy Technicians’ Practice Settings (Emergency)

Office of Victim Services

  • Office of Victim Services (OVS) Victim Compensation Program and Victim Assistance Grants (Proposed)

Coming Up

2026 Regents Meeting Dates

  • May 18 – 19
  • June 15 – 16
  • July 13 – 14
  • August – Recess
  • September 14 – 15
  • October 5 – 6
  • November 9 – 10
  • December 7 – 8

Not-For-Profit Contracting Advisory Committee

  • April 28, 2026, 12 PM – 1:30 PM
  • June 9, 2026, 12 PM – 1:30 PM
  • September 15, 2026, 12 PM – 1:30 PM

Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Board (OSFAB)

  • May 13, 2026

Plugged In to Education is prepared by Hinman Straub P.C. and is intended to keep our clients informed about news and Legislative and regulatory developments that may affect or otherwise be of interest to them. The comments contained herein do not constitute legal opinion and should not be regarded as a substitute for legal advice. If you prefer not to receive these updates, please alert us so we may remove you from our distribution list. © Hinman Straub P.C. 2025. All rights reserved.