2021 Consolidated Funding Application Process Now Open, Beginning the 11 th Round of Regional Economic Development Council Initiative On May 10, 2021, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the 11 th round of the Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC) initiative with the opening of the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) process. All ten of New York State’s regions, as represented by ten Regional Councils, will compete for a share of up to $150 million in Empire State Development (ESD) capital grants and $75 million in Excelsior Tax Credits. The deadline for applications is Friday, July 30, at 4 p.m., and all CFA grants are subject to the 30 percent minority-and-women-owned business enterprises contract goals.