CAPACITY FUND GRANT APPLICATION

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OVERVIEW

The Partnerships for Parks Capacity Fund Grant provides small grants of up to $3,000 to strengthen the outreach, membership, and program-planning capacity of community groups who care for their neighborhood green spaces in all five boroughs of New York City.

GUIDELINES & ELIGIBILITY

Please review grant guidelines and eligibility requirements before starting the application.

We offer three types of grants:

project - funding for small scale beautification projects, programming, outreach, and/or group development [guidelines]
website - funding to have your group's website created or updated by PfP's art director [guidelines]
publication - funding to have a publication created for your group by PfP's art director [guidelines]

In order to be eligible for project funding, all proposed projects must:

Take place on NYC Parks property
Be free and open to the public
Be supported by a group with two or more members

In order to be eligible for website/publication funding, all groups must:

Be free and open to the public
Support work associated with an NYC Park property
Have a minimum of 3-5 members who meet regularly
Have an active e-newsletter system and at least one active social media outlet
Be actively working with their PfP outreach coordinator or Catalyst organizer

The Capacity Fund Grant cannot be used to support the following:

Equipment - such as computers, printers, laptops, or tablets
Fundraisers or materials that will be sold for profit
Capital improvements to parks
Local travel
Overhead costs - such as rent, general liability insurance, utilities, etc
Staff time - it is our expectation that programs we fund will be run primarily by volunteers. In cases of paid non-profit staff, salaries must come from a different source. *Exceptions are made for outside consultants such as educators or performers who provide a needed service or expertise; and intern stipends when projects provide meaningful youth employment related to parks.

COVID-19 Disclaimer:

All proposed projects must follow city, state, and CDC public health guidelines, and adhere to NYC Parks protocols.

For any questions regarding the grant guidelines, application, or issues with submitting your proposal contact: Grants@cityparksfoundation.org.

Generous private support is provided by Craig Newmark Philanthropies, the Altman Foundation, and the MJS Foundation. Public support is provided by the NYC Council under the leadership of Speaker Corey Johnson through the Parks Equity Initiative.

I have read the above grant eligibility and guidelines and am ready to start my application.

Yes

Great, let's get started...

Has your group worked with Partnerships for Parks before?

YesNo

Which application are you submitting today?

ProjectWebsitePublicationPlease note: you can only submit one type of Capacity Fund Grant application per round.

A Note about Website and Publication applications:

Website and Publication applications are specifically for working with PfP's Art Director and is not for funding an outside design consultant. If you would like to work with an outside design consultant, you must apply through the Project application.

Are you looking to work with PfP's Art Director or hire an external design consultant for your publication or website?

My group would like to work with PfP's Art Director. My group is planning to hire an external design consultant.

PLEASE NOTE: Based on your choice to engage an external design consultant, you should apply through the "Project" grant application. Please change your previous answer to Project in order to complete the correct application.

If you have any questions about this, please reach out to grants@cityparksfoundation.org.

Thank you for your interest in applying for a Capacity Fund Grant. Please complete the following information in order to submit your application.

As you work on your application, please note:

You must complete all *required* fields. You will not be allowed to submit the application if there is a missing required field.
Some sections have multiple questions in a field, please make sure to address all questions listed.
You have the option to "save and resume" your application. We recommend you save your application frequently and that you do not leave an unsaved application idle as the system will time out and your information may not be saved.
If you would like to have your application draft reviewed before final submission, save your draft and email grants@cityparksfoundation.org by October 19, 2020.
If you have any questions or issues while working on your application, please email grants@cityparksfoundation.org
Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM on November 1, 2020.

* indicates a required field

Step 1: Group Name

Name of Applying Group

Supported Park (must be NYC Parks property)

Please type the name of they park this proposal will support.

Neighborhood (s) Served

Step 2: Applicant Information

First Name

Last Name

Role/Title in Group

Street Address

City

State

Please use state abbreviation.

Zip Code

Phone Type

HomeWorkMobile

Home Phone Number

Work Phone Number

Mobile Phone Number

Email Type

PersonalWork

Personal Email Address

Work Email Address

Step 3: E-Newsletter, Social Media, and Website

Please enter all applicable media outlets your group uses.

E-newsletter platform (i.e. Constant Contact, Mail Chimp, Vertical Response)

E-newsletter frequency

# of subscribers

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Other social media

Step 3: E-Newsletter, Social Media, and Website

Please note: E-newsletter information and at least one media account must be listed.

E-newsletter platform (i.e. Constant Contact, Mail Chimp, Vertical Response)

E-newsletter frequency

# of subscribers

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Other social media

Step 4: Collaboration With Partnerships for Parks (PfP)

Please indicate your outreach coordinator or Catalyst organizer:

Who is your GreenThumb Coordinator?

Please share more information about your past collaborations with Partnerships for Parks.

250 words or less

Step 5: Group Status

Does the applying group have 501(c)(3) status?

YesNo

Please list your Employer ID number (EIN) below.

Employer ID number (EIN):

If awarded, groups with 501(c)(3) status will receive a check directly from City Parks Foundation.

No problem...

Please choose one of the group statuses listed below that best matches your group's situation. This information impacts how City Parks Foundation is able to administer funds to the group if awarded a Capacity Fund Grant.

Select the status of your group

Please provide the following information to confirm your group's status:

Employer ID number (EIN):

Proof of Group Bank Account:

Please provide the following information to confirm your external fiscal sponsorship:

Please name external fiscal sponsor

Please upload a letter from your fiscal sponsor verifying this relationship.

Please choose which evidence you would like to provide to confirm this relationship:

Fiscal Sponsor's EINFiscal Sponsor's tax determination letter from IRS

Employer ID number (EIN):

Fiscal Sponsor's Tax Determination Letter - Upload here.

Please provide your FC#

Step 6: Group Information

What is your group’s typical annual revenue budget? (please choose the range you feel your group best fits in)

How much money does your group/organization bring in during a given year, before expenditures.

About Your Group-
When was your group established? What is your mission? Tell us about your group’s achievements and challenges.

Leadership – Please list the names of individuals involved in the leadership of your group and their roles.

Step 7: Tell us about your Project

Have you spoken to your Outreach Coordinator about your proposed project?

YesNo

Proposed Project Details-
Outline the details of your group’s proposed project (frequency, structure, materials, and implementation).

Please include in the answer how you will design your programming to be safe and accessible in light of COVID-19.

Project Evaluation-
(1) What outcomes do you expect to see from your proposed project?
(2) How will you collect and measure the results of your proposed project?

Needs Assessment-
While considering your proposed project:
(1) Tell us what need(s) in the community and/or park your group is addressing.
(2) Identify your target audience – who is in need of your group’s services and describe their relevant details (e.g. age, gender, location, language, etc.).

Examples of capacity building goals for your project:

Outreach and Communications

Developing a group identity and visual brand
Increasing group visibility
Reaching diverse audiences

Group Development

Recruiting volunteers or members
Strengthening leadership
Formalizing group structure
Building skills, training
Developing strategic plan

Events and Programming

Starting new program or expanding program
Expanding audience

Resources

Recruiting donors
Increasing fundraising ability

Partnerships

Collaborating with local residents, institutions, community-based organizations, other park or garden groups, or government

Capacity Building-
[Use the categories above as your guide for selecting these goals.]
(1a) Identify your group’s top priority goal (within the grant year) and (1b) long-term goal (beyond the grant year) for your group's development.
(2) Please indicate how the proposed project supports these goals.

Outreach Plan-
How will you engage your community in your proposed project? In what ways will you get the word out?

Examples: flyering, door knocking, social media campaign, etc.

Collaboration-

What other groups or organizations do you plan to partner with on your proposed project? (This can include confirmed or potential partners.)

Examples: the adjacent school, a local church, Business Improvement District (BID), etc.

Group Sustainability-
(1) How will you ensure the long-term sustainability of your organization and your work?
(2) How will you prevent capacity issues, such as burnout?

Financial Sustainability-
(1) Would you be able to carry out this project if your request is partially funded? Please list any monetary and in-kind donations received toward the project.
(2) How will this project be funded in the future?

Examples: other grants, Materials for the Arts, business donations, etc.

Project Timeline

Indicate the timeline for tasks required to achieve your project and indicate the person(s) responsible. Grant activities should not begin until after the award date (2 months after the deadline) and must be completed one year after the grant is made.

Task	Completion Date	Person(s) Responsible
	Please provide a specific date.

Project Budget

NOTE: Keep in mind we do not fund staff time, capital improvements, transportation, overhead, or items to be sold for profit. Please refer to the grant guidelines for the complete list of restrictions.

Please list project expenses (see examples above) and specify quantity of items:

Priority	Item	Qty	Purpose	Subtotal $

Total Project Cost

This section is auto-calculated based on your budget items above.

Step 7: Tell us about your Publication Project

Proposed Publication Details-
Outline the details of your group’s proposed publication (structure, materials, and use). If you currently have a publication, what would you like to change about the current version?

Project Evaluation-
(1) What outcomes do you expect to see from your proposed project? (2) How will you collect and measure the results of your proposed project?

Examples of capacity building goals for your publication:

Outreach and Communications

Developing a group identity and visual brand
Increasing group visibility
Reaching diverse audiences

Group Development

Recruiting volunteers or members
Strengthening leadership
Formalizing group structure
Building skills, training
Developing strategic plan

Events and Programming

Starting new program or expanding program
Expanding audience

Resources

Recruiting donors
Increasing fundraising ability

Partnerships

Collaborating with local residents, institutions, community-based organizations, other park or garden groups, or government

Capacity Building-
[Use the categories above as your guide for selecting these goals.]
(1a) Identify your group’s top priority goal (within the grant year) and (1b) long-term goal (beyond the grant year) for your group's development.
(2) Please indicate how the proposed project supports these goals.

Needs Assessment-
While considering your proposed project:
(1) Tell us what need(s) in the community and/or park your group is addressing.
(2) Identify your target audience – who is in need of your group’s services and describe their relevant details (e.g. age, gender, location, language, etc.).

Outreach Plan-
How specifically will you use this proposed publication to engage your community in the work you do?

Collaboration-
Please list any potential partners/peer organizations that you would like your publication to reference.

Group Sustainability-
(1) How will you ensure the long-term sustainability of your organization and your work?
(2) How will you prevent capacity issues, such as burnout?

Financial Sustainability-
(1) Would you be able to carry out this project if your request is partially funded? Please list any monetary and in-kind donations received toward the project.
(2) How will this project be funded in the future?

Examples: other grants, Materials for the Arts, business donations, etc.

PROJECT LEADERSHIP

NOTE: To be eligible for the grant, groups must have 3 to 5 members who meet regularly. Please list the names of up to 3 individuals who will be involved in working on this project.

You will be asked to designate who will be the primary point of contact for the duration of the project. This includes

attending meetings, content sharing, and etc.

Full Name - Primary

Role in Group

Full Name

Role in Group

Full Name

Role in Group

PUBLICATION TIMELINE

What is your group's ideal date to launch your new website?

PUBLICATION BUDGET

Please answer the questions below to the best of your knowledge. We will use your answers to determine your award package.

Does your group have the funds to cover printing costs?

YesNo

Printing Costs-
Based on your proposed project, how many publications are you look to have printed?

Does your proposed publication include a map?

YesNo

Map Maker- Do you need a new map made or do you already have a map to use?

Yes, we need to have a new map made for this publication.No, we already have a map to use in the publication.

Step 7: Tell us about your Website Project

Please provide a copy of the most recent e-newsletter:

Attach e-newsletter here

Proposed Website Details-
Outline the details of your group’s proposed website (including structure, content, and use). If you currently have a website, what would you like to change about the current version?

CAPACITY BUILDING AND WEBSITE FUNCTIONALITY

Examples of capacity building goals for your project:

Outreach and Communications

Developing a group identity and visual brand
Increasing group visibility
Reaching diverse audiences

Group Development

Recruiting volunteers or members
Strengthening leadership
Formalizing group structure
Building skills, training
Developing strategic plan

Events and Programming

Starting new program or expanding program
Expanding audience

Resources

Recruiting donors
Increasing fundraising ability

Partnerships

Collaborating with local residents, institutions, community-based organizations, other park or garden groups, or government

Capacity Building-
[Use the categories above as your guide for selecting these goals.]
(1a) Identify your group’s top priority goal (within the grant year) and (1b) long-term goal (beyond the grant year) for your group's development.
(2) Please indicate how the proposed project supports these goals.

Outreach Plan-
How specifically will you use this proposed website to engage your community in the work you do?

Collaboration-
Please list potential partners/peer organizations that you would like your website to reference.

Group Sustainability-
(1) How will you ensure the long-term sustainability of your organization and your work?
(2) How will you prevent capacity issues, such as burnout?

Examples: other grants, Materials for the Arts, business donations, etc.

PROJECT LEADERSHIP

NOTE: To be eligible for the grant, groups must have 3 to 5 members who meet regularly. Please list the names of up to 3 individuals who will be involved in working on this project.

You will be asked to designate who will be the primary point of contact for the duration of the project. This includes

attending meetings, content sharing, and etc.

Full Name - Primary

Role in Group

Full Name

Role in Group

Full Name

Role in Group

WEBSITE PROJECT TIMELINE

What is your group's ideal date to launch your new website?

PROJECT BUDGET

Please answer the questions below to the best of your knowledge. We will use your answers to determine your award package.

What is your group’s annual budget?

Hosting Fees & Back-end Setup: Please choose one of the options below regarding which website hosting package you would like to use for your new website.

PfP Website Hosting Package: Host your website through ICDsoft and receive up to two years of your hosting fees covered. (Recommended)Custom Website Hosting Package: Host your website through another hosting company (Godaddy, Bluehost, Hostgater, InMotion, etc). Hosting fees vary based on the company and will impact how long your hosting fees will be covered by the grant. Other fees may also apply. I'm not sure and would like to discuss my options further.

New Postcard: Would you like to have a postcard designed and printed to promote your new website?

YesNo

Would you like to receive emails from Partnerships for Parks?

Yes

Final Review

-- Certification --

I certify that I am authorized to submit this application on behalf of my group and that the information provided on this form is true to the best of my knowledge.

I certify that my group is authorized to complete the work included in this application and will obtain all permissions necessary prior to implementation.

-- Final Review --

You are almost done! By clicking confirm below, you will get to review your application and make any corrections before submitting. Please review and ensure all of your information is complete and accurate.

All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on November 1, 2020.

Note:Your application is NOT submitted until you review it on the next page and click confirm again.

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