To access matching funds, projects must:

1.     Provide a publicly accessible benefit or small-scale physical improvement to an NYC park, playground, community garden, street tree, or green street, anywhere in the five boroughs, on NYC Parks Department property. 

2.     Not be aimed at making private profit for a specific individual, family, or business entity.

3.     Be led by or engage the residents of the neighborhood where the green space is located.

4.     Be feasible, legal, and likely to be implemented by June 2018 at latest. Projects for improvements that require NYC Parks approval should have that approval before fundraising begins, if applicable.

5.     Be specific and concrete, and not a vague request for general operating support. Please note that all ioby campaign pages must include a budget outlining how funds will be spent.

6.     Receive final approval from Partnerships for Parks.  

Eligible Expenses:

Eligible expenses will include any cost directly required to implement a specific project or initiative, including, but not limited to:

·       food and other event costs

·       event permitting fees

·       volunteer rewards such as T-shirts

·       advertising and marketing

·       materials and equipment

·       educator, performer, or intern stipends

·       staff payment, pro-rated for the time spent on the project

·       travel and transportation

·       software and hardware

·       contracted services

·       consultant fees

Some examples of eligible projects include:

·       Small-scale physical improvements to green spaces (as permitted by NYC Parks or the appropriate authority), such as: new plantings and guards for street trees; new stages, shade structures, sheds, benches, raised beds, murals, etc. in community gardens; repainting of fences, new signage, plantings, etc. in a park space.

·       Events and programs occurring in parks and community gardens, such as: cleanup and planting days, community festivals, educational workshops and training programs, arts performances, fitness events, etc.  

·       Purchases of equipment or materials that would facilitate the ongoing work of the stewardship group, such as: purchasing tables and camping stoves for garden cooking classes, purchasing tents to allow for rain or shine outdoor events.

Some examples of ineligible projects include:

·       Fundraising solely for overhead costs such as staff pay, rent, utilities or liability insurance, separate from a planned public program or specific project.

·       Major capital construction projects.

·       Fundraising to cover the cost of producing other fundraising events or to purchase materials that will be sold for profit.

·       Fundraising for an event that will not be open to the general public, or does not happen in a park or community garden-related space.

Questions

Do I need to be a past Partnerships for Parks Capacity Fund grantee to access matching funds?  

No, anyone with a project that meets the eligibility criteria can share their idea and get started fundraising. 

How is this opportunity different from the Capacity Fund Grant?  

This program provides an additional funding opportunity for many of the same sorts of projects that the Capacity Fund program supports.  It provides an alternative funding option for: projects including expenses that are ineligible under Capacity Fund criteria, groups who received a Capacity Fund grant less than a year ago and are ineligible to reapply in the October round, and groups that need funds quickly for a project to be implemented this fall.

What if I’m also planning to apply for a Capacity Fund Grant in the October round?  

You are welcome to apply for the Capacity Fund and participate in the Crowdfunding Challenge at the same time, for the same or different projects.

Other questions about project eligibility? Contact Partnerships for Parks at grants@cityparksfoundation.org