The NYC Green Fund’s Pathways Program is designed to support the development of an equitable and resilient network of parks and open spaces throughout New York City. The program aims to provide sustained funding for NYC’s parks and their nonprofit partners while also investigating and implementing policies that improve systemic operations. By focusing on changes that lead to long-term sustainability and increased funding, the program seeks to empower under-resourced communities, parks, and partners. Grant funding may be used to develop coalitions, implement policy initiatives, and advance strategies for equitable access to open spaces.

Eligible applicants include individual organizations or collaborations of entities, with one lead applicant responsible for financial management. The lead applicant must have a history of advancing parks and open spaces in NYC and managing foundation and/or government funds. While organizations do not need to be exclusively focused on parks, all proposed projects must align with the program’s objectives. Government agencies cannot apply as lead applicants but may participate as project partners. Additionally, organizations with active grants from City Parks Foundation must confirm eligibility before applying, and past grantees must be up to date with reporting requirements.

The Pathways Program follows a two-part application process. The initial Letter of Inquiry (LOI) is due by 12:00 PM (noon) on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Applicants invited to proceed must submit a full proposal by 12:00 PM (noon) on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. A webinar will be hosted on March 6, 2025, to provide an overview of the program's priorities and application process.

The program will fund up to eight grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 per year for up to two years, pending funding availability. Individual applicants may request no more than 25% of their annual operating budget, while joint applicants are limited to 25% of their combined budgets. The average grant size in 2024 was $50,000, with the largest award at $60,000. Funding must be used for new initiatives that would not be possible without additional financial support.

Grant proposals will be evaluated based on strategic alignment, community impact, feasibility, and financial need. Priority will be given to projects that address systemic inequities, particularly those focusing on NYC Parks properties and led by BIPOC individuals or organizations with BIPOC leadership. Eligible expenses include staffing costs, professional fees, equipment, outreach, and coalition-building events, while ineligible expenses include maintenance work, unrelated public programming, electioneering, lobbying, and litigation.

Recipients are required to submit interim and final reports detailing project outcomes, budgets, and deliverables, including photos where applicable. Grants will be administered by City Parks Foundation on behalf of the NYC Green Fund. For further information, applicants can visit CityParksFoundation.org or email NYCGreenFund@cityparksfoundation.org.