Award amount: Up to $400,000

Deadline: 9/9/2020

Description: City parks and green spaces play a vital role in the social, economic, and physical well being of America’s cities and their residents. Research shows that a lack of green space—specifically trees—can impact academic performance, crime rates, personal health and even increased illness and death from extreme heat and poor air quality.

Yet many low-income communities and communities of color are left without access to quality parks.

RWJF is interested in funding an organization or a collaboration of up to three organizations to develop an initiative that will work to increase equitable access to parks and green spaces through influencing policy and systems change, particularly in small and midsize cities.

We seek applicants that have experience, expertise, and missions related to elevating equity in decisions, plans, and programs that affect the community conditions in which low income people and people of color live. This includes organizations with experience in community power building, community-led planning and programming, and community-driven decision-making.

Equitable Parks and Green Spaces in Small and Midsize Cities: Planning Grant