Partners for Places Matching Grants Program

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)