Collaborative Fundraising Pilot Program

Application deadline: By 12PM noon on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 (EXTENDED)

Parks and Open Space Partners - NYC (POSP) invites parks and open space organizations to apply for a new Collaborative Fundraising Pilot Program. The program is a year-long initiative to help advance the fundraising efforts of parks and open space organizations that raise no more than $1,000,000 annually in private contributed income. Funded by the Booth Ferris Foundation and the NYC Green Relief & Recovery Fund, the program is designed to strengthen fundraising abilities, build capacity, and create sustainable structures and systems beyond the year-long program. The program will also test ways in which smaller organizations can collaborate and partner with one another to further enhance their fundraising programs.

Overview 

The Collaborative Fundraising Pilot Program will include 6-8 NYC-based not-for-profit organizations with missions related to parks and open space. During the project, which will take place over 12 months beginning in May 2022, the selected groups will:

• Attend a half-day kick-off meeting

• Participate in regularly scheduled monthly group check-in meetings

• Participate in an assessment of their organization’s fundraising efforts

• Receive in-depth training in diverse fundraising topics, which will be based on the assessments done at the outset of the program

• In partnership with a fundraising consultant, identify a defined fundraising project that advances the organization’s capacity and puts the organization on a path toward growth

• Implement this project in partnership with Anne Townsend, a fundraising consultant at Art+Strategy, and other consultants

While consultants for this pilot will be provided to the participating organizations at no cost, there may be some fundraising expenses specific to the project that will be the responsibility of each organization. Examples may include  printing costs and mailing list purchases for a direct marketing campaign, the implementation of a CRM database, a wealth screening software subscription, etc. 

Advisory Committee 

The Collaborative Fundraising Pilot Program is being overseen on a volunteer basis by an advisory committee of fundraisers from open space organizations across NYC, including the Central Park Conservancy, City Parks Foundation, the Historic House Trust of NYC, New York Restoration Project, Prospect Park Alliance, and the Washington Square Park Conservancy. As these organizations will be part of the selection process, they will not be qualified to take part in the pilot. 

Eligibility

Organizations that meet the following criteria will be considered for the program:

• Operate within the 5 boroughs of NYC

• Mission focused on open space or parks

• Raise no more than $1 million annually in private contributed income

• Willingness of a dedicated point person to commit time every week throughout the 12-month program

Selection Criteria 

The Advisory Committee will consider the following while reviewing the applications and selecting participants for this program. Please note that this is a 12-month project that will require up to 20 hours per month from program participants.

• Commitment to Partnership: The application shows that the organization has someone who can devote time to the program and be available for communications, regular meetings, training sessions, peer engagement, and one-on-one coaching throughout the 12-month program. 

• Fundraising Challenges: The application shows that the organization can articulate its fundraising challenges. Applicants are encouraged to share if they have tried to address these challenges in the past and explain how this program may help provide new solutions.

• Ability and Commitment to Address the Challenges: The application clearly outlines goals that will help advance the organization’s fundraising efforts and how increased fundraising abilities will enhance their programs and mission.  The goals outlined are realistic based on the organization’s fundraising history and will advance the fundraising capacity of the organization beyond the timeframe of the project.

Timeline 

• April 20, 2022: Applications due by 12pm ET

• May 31, 2022 Early June 2022: Partners selected and notified 

• June 2022: Kick-off meeting for all organizations

• April 30, 2023: Program ends 

How to apply 
Submit applications via City Parks Foundation's Grants and Resources portal by 12pm ET on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. 

The application may be previewed here. 

For more information 
For more information visit CityParksFoundation.org or email Anne Townsend at anne@art-strategy.com.

For technical assistance on the application, please email outreach@cityparksfoundation.org.