Partnerships for Parks’ Capacity Fund makes grants to community groups working in parks across the five boroughs of New York City. The Capacity Fund supports projects that help strengthen your group and build its capacity to care for your local park.
Grants range from $250 to $5,000, and application deadlines are February 1, June 1, and October 1. Applications must be received, not postmarked, by the deadline in order to be on time, and late applications will be reviewed in the next funding cycle. Expect to receive a letter informing you of our decision six to eight weeks after the deadline.
We hope that the Capacity Fund will serve as a springboard for groups to learn about fundraising, and we support new groups seeking funds for startup costs (setting up a post office box or voicemail, paying postage for a mailing, or starting a website). We also support established organizations taking on new projects (bulletin boards, programs or events, or outreach materials like flyers, postcards, banners, or brochures). Efforts to attract new members or volunteers and collaborations with other neighborhood organizations are also prioritized.
Capacity Fund grants cannot be used to pay for ongoing programming, staff time, or travel expenses. All funded programs and events must be free and open to the public, and projects must take place on NYC Department of Parks & Recreation property to be eligible.
Examples of potential projects include, but are not limited to:
Learn more about eligible projects by reading about past Capacity Fund Grantees.
To determine whether your group might be eligible for a Capacity Fund grant, please contact Channaly Philipp at channaly.philipp@parks.nyc.gov or (212) 676-1929.
Please download Capacity Fund application materials here:
Sign up for a consultation to learn about what kinds of projects qualify for Capacity Fund grants. We will discuss Capacity Fund guidelines and review case studies of projects that have successfully secured funding in the past. Potential grant applicants will receive tips about how to prepare a strong proposal and feedback about their project ideas. Come prepared to network with other applicants and discuss your ideas. All consultations are held at 49 Chambers Street, Room 1027, Manhattan, 10007.
Search for upcoming consultations and deadlines.
Registration is required. To register for a consultation, please contact Channaly Philipp at channaly.philipp@parks.nyc.gov or (212) 676-1929.
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