The Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services

Key initiatives include:

• Coalition Building: Through one-on-one engagements, regional stakeholder meetings, and faith-based gatherings, the Office promotes collaboration and unity among diverse groups.
• Capacity Building: Spearheaded by influential leaders like Reverend Dr. AR Bernard, this initiative focuses on interfaith dialogue and interagency collaboration to offer comprehensive support services, including mental health directories and more.  
• Grants and Funding: With a strategic allocation of funds, including the Governor Hochul’s Community Resource Room Grant, the Office ensures equitable distribution of resources across various community groups to support their missions and projects.
• Housing Initiative: This effort seeks to leverage faith-based properties to increase housing opportunities, reflecting Governor Hochul’s commitment to growth and sustainability, while addressing New York’s housing crisis.  
• Community Outreach and Guide Development: Aiming for local, regional, and statewide impact, the Office develops guides on mental health, grant application processes, housing initiatives, and creating sensory-friendly spaces, tailored specifically for the faith community.

The Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services is more than just a resource – it is a partner in progress, dedicated to building stronger communities through faith, collaboration, and innovation.

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The mission of the Interfaith Council is to empower houses of worship to fulfill their potential as pivotal centers for moral guidance and social support, enhancing their ability to serve the most vulnerable.

Executive Committee members are:

Internal Chair: NYS Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley

Walter T. Mosley serves as the 69th Secretary of State for the State of New York. Mr. Mosley was nominated to the position by Governor Kathy Hochul in May of 2024 and confirmed by the New York State Senate in May of 2024. Mr. Mosley formerly represented the New York State Assembly within the New York State Legislature. From 2013 to 2020, Mr. Mosley represented communities in central Brooklyn encompassing the neighborhoods of Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights and parts of Bedford Stuyvesant and Crown Heights. 

President: Reverend A.R. Bernard 

A.R. Bernard is one of the most influential religious leaders, and transformative visionaries in the United States. He is the Founding Senior Pastor of Christian Cultural Center (CCC) in Brooklyn, NY, with a membership of more than 37,000, and campuses in Long Island, and Orlando, Florida as well as a virtual campus that reaches thousands across the country and around the world. Bernard enjoyed a successful 10-year career in Finance before he and his wife, Karen, planted a small storefront church in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, in 1978. Next year Bernard will begin construction on a $1.2B development in East New York Brooklyn of which he is a 50% partner, bringing much needed low and middle-income affordable housing, retail, commercial, medical and mental health services, 24-hour Childcare and a Trade School for electrical, hvac, plumbing and carpentry certification.  A lifelong social reformist, Bernard often collaborates with national and global faith leaders building solid partnerships that advocate for religious freedom and social justice. Bernard previously served as the president of the Council of Churches of the City of New York and is currently the president of the New York State Interfaith Council.

Members (listed alphabetically):

Reverend Dr. Carl Washington Jr

Carolynn Barbara Sozen

Pastor Darius Pridgen

Elder David R. Marriott

Rabbi Deborah Bravo

Reverend Doyeon Park

Bishop Frank White

Reverend Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson

Guruji H.H. Dileepkumar Thankappan

Jennifer Jones Austin

Reverend John Carter

Reverend Dr. Johnnie Green

Rabbi Joseph Potasnic

Monsignor Kevin Sullivan

Reverend Kia Clyburn

Reverend Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd

Dr. Maninder Singh Gujral

Imam Mansoor Rafiq Umar

Maury Litwack

Bishop Raymond Rivera

Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum

Caura N. Richardson- Director of the Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services

Caura N. Richardson is currently serving as the Director of the Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services. She was appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul to serve as the director for the reinvigorated office. Pastor Caura Richardson has devoted her ministerial and professional careers to ensuring that every opportunity is an opportunity to make a lasting and equitable difference in the lives of all she encounters.  She is dedicated to working with faith leaders and nonprofit organizations across the state to give voice to the ever-evolving needs of every community. 

Cristian Romero- Assistant Director of the Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services

Cristian Romero serves as the Assistant Director of the Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services. He brings extensive experience working across all levels of government, including city, state, federal, and international, and is passionate about serving communities of faith and nonprofits. Cristian is committed to supporting and uplifting the invaluable work these organizations do to strengthen communities and improve lives across the State. He believes in building partnerships rooted in collaboration, trust, and constructive dialogue. 

Cloe Andrade - Programs and Initiatives Manager

Program Outreach Specialists

Dixcya Subba Jabegu

Our dedicated Program Outreach Team partners with faith leaders to share vital resources, foster collaboration, and strengthen communities through meaningful engagement and support. Contact them to learn how they can assist your congregation or organization. 

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Xamayla Rose - Grant Program Manager

Xamayla D. Rose serves as the Grant Program Manager for the Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services, where she ensures the equitable distribution of resources to community-based organizations through need-based grantmaking that uplifts New York’s most vulnerable residents. An advocacy expert, educator, and social impact strategist, she brings broad experience in government, nonprofit, and faith-based leadership to her work advancing equity and community empowerment.

Contract Management Specialists

Dara Bailey

Our contract management specialists work alongside faith and nonprofit organizations to navigate the state grants process, share timely funding opportunities, and offer personalized support every step of the way. Reach out to them to see how they can help your organization access resources and grow its impact.

NOVEMBER 2025 OFNDS WEBINAR: Answering the Call: The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, Serving All Who Served with Faith, Dignity, and Purpose

Date: Friday, November 21st, 2025 at 11:00 am (EST)

Registration Required - Registration Link: Register Here

The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) works every day to connect Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families across New York with the benefits, programs, and respect they’ve earned through honorable service. This webinar will provide an overview of DVS’s mission and the work of its accredited Veterans Benefits Advisors, who offer personalized assistance statewide. Attendees will learn about the Department’s innovative outreach efforts, including Mobile Outreach Units, 24/7 Veterans Welcome Center Digital Kiosks, and the DVS Emergency Housing Fund. The presentation will also highlight specialized programs such as the Faith in Service initiative, targeted support for Women Veterans and caregivers, and community-centered efforts like Operation Baby and Operation Backpack. The session will conclude with practical tools and strategies for helping Veterans and Military Families access the full range of services and support they deserve. Reverend Viviana M. DeCohen, a proud United States Marine Corps Veteran, is Commissioner of the New York State Department of Veterans' Services (DVS), which connects over 630,000 Veterans with the benefits, services, and support they have earned. Appointed to the leadership post in December 2021 by Governor Kathy Hochul, Commissioner DeCohen oversaw the department’s successful elevation from a division in April 2023, significantly expanding DVS’s statewide reach to serve more Veterans. Under Commissioner DeCohen’s leadership, DVS launched innovative outreach programs such as “Operation Find and Serve” which connects with Veterans in the places and spaces where they live, work, and play. Commissioner DeCohen also led DVS’s adoption of 15 Veterans Welcome Center Digital Kiosks across New York State. The digital kiosks were recognized with the prestigious Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award from the Federal VA. Commissioner DeCohen understands the critical importance of clear, concise communication and led DVS’s embracing of the term “for those who have served” for a more inclusive approach to reach individuals who served in the armed forces but did not consider themselves Veterans. She launched “Operation Baby,” which provides essential resources such as diapers, cribs, baby clothes, and more to those in need, maintaining a dignified, non-social service approach to assisting Veterans and their loved ones. Additionally, Commissioner DeCohen updated the department’s intake form to better address the specialized needs of Veterans and Military Families. Before her appointment as Commissioner, DeCohen served as Director of the Mount Vernon Veterans Service Agency, where she founded the inaugural Veterans' Closet, known as Kristyn’s Closet. This beloved community initiative garnered significant statewide media attention, serving over 3,000 Veterans within ten months, and was prominently featured in Westchester Magazine. Commissioner DeCohen has dedicated her time, talent, and spirit to ensuring that Veterans have reliable access to food, shelter, clothing, education, employment, and motivation. This commitment, compassion, and empathy earned her the affectionate title of "Mama V." She is a member of the Women Marines Association, American Legion Post 1038, National Association of Veteran Program Administrators (NAVPA), Student Veterans of America, and a Military Advisor to the Barbara Giordano Foundation and in 2021 was named a Women Veteran Trailblazer honoree by the Center for Women Veterans. Commissioner DeCohen earned her bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science and a master's degree in Health Service Management, both from Mercy College. At Mercy College, she established two inaugural Veterans Centers on the Bronx and Dobbs Ferry campuses while working as a Veterans Academic Advisor, developing programs to enhance academic and overall wellness for Veterans through scholarships, paid internships, and employment opportunities. Commissioner DeCohen is pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Gerontology at Concordia University, Chicago.

Do you have a faith-based or nonprofit event we should know about? Click HERE For our New York State Office of Nonprofit Development Service Event Submission Form

New York State Office for New Americans (ONA)

New Americans | Department of State (ny.gov)

ONA Programs

• Opportunity Centers - Civics | Department of State (ny.gov) - Offers free services including naturalization support, civics test preparation, legal consultations, and workshops.
• ONA Legal Counsels | Department of State (ny.gov) - Provide free immigration legal consultations and support to ONA Opportunity Centers as well as other legal services.
• Opportunity Centers – English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) | Department of State (ny.gov) - Offers free English language training with a workforce development component.
• Ramirez June Initiative | Department of State (ny.gov) - Connecting New Americans with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities to Vital Resources, Information, & Services.
• Golden Door Support Program | Department of State (ny.gov) - Offers mental health support groups for immigrants, supported by a licensed mental health provider.
• Cell-Ed | Department of State (ny.gov) - Free English, Life and Job Skills Courses on any Mobile Device.
• New Americans - CanCode Communities - The New York State Office for New Americans (ONA) on a new initiative, Immigrants Can Code, a Digital Literacy pilot, that will help newcomers to New York State gain digital literacy skills.
• Professional Pathways for High-Skilled Immigrants – ONA Job Coach Locations | Department of State (ny.gov) - Employment coaching, skills training, and job placements for new Americans with prior work experience and education.
• Immigrant Resource Program | Department of State (ny.gov) - With the support of immigrant volunteers, conduct outreach and provide vital information and resources to immigrants.
• Portal - Citizenshipworks – Access free citizenship assistance.
• ONA North Country Immigrant Resource Coordinator | Department of State (ny.gov) - Provides case management to immigrants, coordinates resources, conducts outreach, and builds capacity in the North Country Region to serve new Americans.
• Civic Leadership Program | Department of State (ny.gov) - Connects new Americans to local and state resources and strengthens immigrant community voices.

Regional Economic Development Councils

Regional Economic Development Councils - regionalcouncils.ny.gov - The Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) support the State’s innovative approach that empowers regional stakeholders to establish pathways to prosperity, mapped out in regional strategic plans. Through the REDCs, community, business, academic leaders, and members of the public in each region of the State put to work their unique knowledge and understanding of local priorities and assets to help direct State investment in support of job creation and economic growth.

New York State Government:

New York State Department of State (Secretary of State's Office) - www.dos.ny.gov - Organizations that want to incorporate must submit a Certificate of Incorporation to the Department of State.

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance - www.tax.ny.gov - Organizations seeking sales tax exemption need to contact the Department of Taxation and Finance.

New York State Office of Attorney General - www.charitiesnys.com/home.html - Organizations seeking to register need to contact the Office of Attorney General Charities Bureau.

New York State Racing and Wagering Board – www.gaming.ny.gov - Charities conducting raffles must apply for authority to do so.

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) - Current Funding Opportunities - NY DCJS - Administers the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program, which provides grants to nonprofit organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or missions.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services - State-Funded Programs | Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (ny.gov) - The Grants Program Administration (GPA) office administers several state-funded preparedness programs including Statewide Interoperable Communications, Public Safety Answering Points, Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes, and Recruitment and Retention grant programs.

NYS Grants Management’s Instructions on Streamlined Prequalification for Nonprofits - https://grantsmanagement.ny.gov/get-prequalified

New York State Nonprofit Unit - New York State Nonprofit Unit (ny.gov) - The New York State Nonprofit Unit works to strengthen the relationship between all aspects of State Government and the Nonprofit Sector. The Unit works with State Agencies and New York nonprofits to interpret and clarify state regulations and connect nonprofits to State decision-makers. Simultaneously, the Nonprofit Unit brings nonprofit leaders into conversation with State leadership as they deliberate policy and practice changes.

Federal Government:

Internal Revenue Service - www.irs.gov - Provides forms and instructions assisting not-for-profits in completing annual financial filings with the IRS.

Phone: (877) 829-5500 - for questions about tax-exemption and tax-exempt organizations.

US Department of Agriculture Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships - Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships | USDA - Connects government with nonprofit organizations - both secular and faith-based - to help people in need.

US Department of Housing and Urban Development Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships - Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)- Serves to ensure that Faith-Based and Community Organizations (FBCOs) have strong advocates within Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the White House and Partnership Offices throughout the Federal Government.

Legal Assistance:

Lawyers Alliance of New York (LANY) -www.lany.org - is a not-for-profit corporation whose staff attorneys and volunteer lawyers provide legal services to nonprofit organizations. It provides guidance in drafting by-laws, applying for tax-exempt status, and other aspects of nonprofit governance.

Legal Aid Society Community Development Project Legal Aid Society Community Development Project www.legalaidnyc.org/programs-projects-units/community-development-project - provides support to low-income not-for-profit organizations.

Watchdog Organizations:

Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance - www.bbb.org
The BBB publishes standards for not-for-profit organizations that are used in its evaluations of charities. The standards include governance, financial accounting, program efficiency and public disclosure. It also provides guidelines for standards implementation.

Charity Navigator - www.charitynavigator.org - rates organizations that solicit the public and provides information to potential donors.

Economic Research Institute (ERI) - Salary & Compensation Data Platform | ERI Economic Research Institute (erieri.com) - posts Internal Revenue Service reports of charitable organizations.

Candid -  https://candid.org/ - Provides comprehensive data tools on nonprofits, foundations, and grants to fund nonprofits.

Altman Foundation -  https://www.altmanfoundation.org/ - Provides grants for programs and institutions that advance opportunity and equity for individuals, families, and communities.
 

Other Resources:

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) - https://www.aicpa-cima.com/home- has information on accounting standards and procedures.

BoardStrong - www.boardstrong.org – helps strengthen the governing and management of nonprofit boards by bringing qualified leadership into boards. Its website is a resource designed to help potential board members, and nonprofit boards needing leadership find each other.

Council on Foundations -www.cof.org - is a membership organization of more than 2,000 grant making foundations worldwide. It provides leadership expertise, legal services and networking opportunities.

Independent Sector (IS) - https://independentsector.org/  - is a national coalition of nonprofit organizations and Fortune 500 corporations with commitments to community involvement.

National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO) - www.nasconet.org - Members are employees of state agencies that help regulate not-for-profit organizations and their fund raisers. Their site provides information about the registration and reporting requirements.

New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) - https://www.nycon.org/ - is a statewide association of over 3,100 charities. Its services include group purchasing and insurance options, governance, and management training and technical assistance.

Nonprofit New York (NNY) - https://www.nonprofitnewyork.org/ is a nonprofit membership corporation, and its goal is to protect the city's nonprofit sector by offering management services. It monitors the City, State, and Federal government actions and promotes the needs of nonprofits. It holds workshops and roundtables on managerial and organizational issues.

The Urban Institute - www.urban.org - is a nonprofit nonpartisan policy research established to examine the social, economic, and governance problems. It maintains extensive databases of information on the not-for-profit sector.

Unified Registration Statement - www.multistatefiling.org - contains information concerning the registration and reporting requirements of states.

SEND A MESSAGE

Contact Governor Hochul By Phone:

1-518-474-8390 | Office hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Contact Governor Hochul By Mail:

The Honorable Kathy Hochul

Governor of New York State

NYS State Capitol Building

Albany, NY 12224

If you are requesting information under the Freedom of Information Law, you will need to complete a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Request.

REQUEST CORRESPONDENCE: This form is to request a commemorative letter, citation, proclamation, or certificate from Governor Kathy Hochul. Proclamations must be requested at least six weeks in advance of your ideal deadline; all other correspondence (letters, citations, certificates) must be requested at least TWO WEEKS in advance.

Please note that if you are requesting Governor Hochul to appear and present a letter, proclamation, citation, or certificate, you must also complete the Correspondence form. If you mention your request for a presentation or correspondence on the event appearance form, it will not be recorded as a correspondence request.

REQUEST AN EVENT APPEARANCE: Due to the volume of invitations, Governor Hochul is unable to accommodate all requests - Invitations must be received THREE WEEKS in advance of the event date. A declination notice may be extended at any time without further comment or explanation. Please note that we typically do not confirm participation more than two weeks (14 days) in advance.

REQUEST A MEETING: Due to the volume of requests, Governor Hochul is unable to accommodate all within her schedule - a declination notice may be extended at any time without further comment or explanation. When a declination is extended, the issue or point of advocacy will be noted within our correspondence office as a "message to the governor". If your intention is to simply contact Governor Kathy Hochul and you are not requesting a meeting, please CLICK HERE for our contact form.