Partners for Places Matching Grants Program

Program Type: Collaborative matching grant program for local sustainability projects

Overview:
Partners for Places is a collaborative matching grant program led by The Funders Network and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network that connects local government and philanthropy to invest in sustainability projects. The program promotes environmental health, economic strength, and well-being for all residents.

Award Details:

• Recent round: $1.7 million in funding announced for 15 cities
• General grant program: $455,000 to 8 cities (matched by local funders)
• Equity Pilot Initiative: $405,000 to 7 additional cities
• To date: More than $5 million awarded across North America, leveraging over $10 million in total investments

Focus Areas:

• Urban agriculture and reforestation
• Green jobs for low-income workers
• Environmental equity and justice
• Energy efficiency and renewable energy
• Healthy homes and lead remediation
• Walkability and sustainable transportation
• Community gardens and urban farms
• Eco-friendly business practices

Geographic Scope: National (15+ cities across United States, North America-wide)

Special Initiative:
Partners for Places Equity Pilot Initiative - A two-year pilot program created to provide financial and technical support to a cohort of cities and their place-based foundation partners. Focuses on helping local efforts use an equity lens to advance sustainability and climate action. Supported by The Kendeda Fund and the Kresge Foundation.

Investor Foundations (2017 Round):

• Bloomberg Philanthropies
• The JPB Foundation
• The Kendeda Fund
• The New York Community Trust
• The Summit Foundation
• Surdna Foundation

Example Grantees (2017 Round):

• Columbia, Missouri: Urban farm and agriculture park on 10-acre site in low-income neighborhood
• Newark, New Jersey: Energy-efficient homes pilot program, lead exposure reduction for 6-year-olds
• Boulder, Colorado: Latino-owned landscaping business conversion to eco-friendly equipment, workforce training in renewable energy
• Lincoln, Nebraska: Energy-efficient street lighting, bike lanes, community gardens
• South Florida and Pacific Northwest communities

Eligibility:

• Local government agencies
• Place-based foundations and philanthropic organizations
• Projects in low-income and communities of color

Application Requirements:
Matching requirement (local funders must match grant awards)

Local government sustainability offices applying with one or more local place-based foundations that provide at least a 50% matching grant (frontline community groups can partner from Round 17).

Application Process

Matching Grant Program Structure:

• Requires partnership between local government and foundation/philanthropic organization
• Local funders must commit to matching awarded grants
• Projects selected based on sustainability focus and community benefit

Evaluation Criteria:

• Environmental health and impact
• Economic benefits and job creation
• Equity outcomes for low-income residents and people of color
• Community engagement and benefit
• Feasibility and local capacity

Reporting:

• Grantees participate in cohort learning
• Share insights and progress with other grantees
• Expected to advance equity-focused sustainability work