Partners for Places Grant

About this grant

Partners for Places is a matching grant program managed by The Funders Network (TFN) that builds partnerships between local government leaders, frontline community groups, and place-based funders in the United States and Canada. It funds planning and implementation of urban sustainability and green stormwater infrastructure projects, with a focus on racial equity and empowering low-income neighborhoods. Since 2012 the program has awarded more than $12 million across North America, leading to more than $25 million in investments. The program was originally launched in 2012 as the Local Sustainability Matching Fund by TFN and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network. For the latest general round, matching awards range from $45,000 to $100,000 for one-year projects or $75,000 to $150,000 for two-year projects, and require one or more local foundations to provide at least a 50% matching grant. Starting in Round 17, frontline community groups became primary partners alongside local governments and local foundations. The page states that applications for the general matching grant program are currently closed. The page also describes the Partners for Places Jobs and Inclusive Infrastructure Initiative, a pilot matching grant that funds human infrastructure such as community engagement, job creation, workforce development, and equitable contracting tied to public infrastructure projects. Its application period closed September 15, 2025, and six communities will receive $1.5 million in grants. Separate supports include Mini Grants to help partners build relationships and develop proposals, and Federal Funding Assistance of up to $30,000 for prior grantees, which does not require a local match.

Eligibility

Partnerships of local government sustainability leaders, local foundations, and (since Round 17) local frontline community-led groups in the United States and Canada. Projects must be partnership-based and focus on urban sustainability or green stormwater infrastructure, with frontline communities defined as those most impacted by systems of oppression, economic disadvantage, and environmental harm. The general matching program is currently closed; the Jobs and Inclusive Infrastructure pilot closed September 15, 2025. Prior grantee partnerships from rounds 17 to 19 were invited to apply for federal funding assistance by invitation.

Key requirements

• ✓Applicant must be a local government sustainability office or place-based foundation
• ✓Requires matching partnership between local government and foundation
• ✓Project must focus on community improvement and sustainable development
• ✓Alignment with smart growth and livable communities principles

Funder contact

The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities offer?

Partners for Places offers $45K – $150K.

Who can apply for Partners for Places?

Eligibility covers organisations in US; local-authority, nonprofit. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Climate adaptation funding helps communities, infrastructure and businesses prepare for heat, flooding, drought and sea level rise. Most of it is public and multilateral money, often targeted at vulnerable regions and delivered with local government. Calls usually ask for a climate risk assessment and evidence that local people shaped the plan.