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Who can submit a proposal?
Projects may be proposed by non-profit public advocacy or community groups that are based in or provide services to New York City. We also encourage proposals from city, state, or federal agencies concerned with New York City design policy, implementation, or review. We do not accept project proposals from individuals. View our past project partners.
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What projects are eligible?
Proposals must relate to the design or
use of public space in the five boroughs
of New York City. Projects that address issues of social justice, community development, or environmental sustainability will receive priority. Projects situated at the early stages of planning will receive preference.
Selected projects will rethink how New York City public spaces are planned or used. Proposals should outline how targeted expertise will affect fundamental policy or programming decisions. Although projects may culminate
in built work, this work should be a
demonstration of broader policy or programming
goals, not an end in itself.
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How are projects selected?
After initial written proposals are received,
we work with prospective partners to
polish their request, then submit the most promising
projects to a jury of planners, architects,
municipal staff, and other urbanists.
Prospective partners will be asked to
attend the jury and make a brief presentation
of their proposal. During each selection
cycle, our jury selects one to three
projects for Design Trust assistance.
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What happens once a project is selected?
After the project is selected, the Design Trust then works with the partner organization to create a realistic schedule, budget, and set of goals. Then, together with the project partner, we engage in project fundraising. Once project funding is secured we will award two or more fellowships to experts who are selected based on the needs of the project.
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What does the Design Trust provide?
The Design Trust is not a granting organization. The staff is substantively involved in defining project content, and function as project manager for the team of fellows and representatives from partner organization. We draw on our familiarity with city process and our experience bringing multiple stakeholders to the table to facilitate a broad-based, feasible outcome that is ready for implementation. In addition to providing fellowships, the Design Trust manages any project-related symposia, publication or exhibition, and also supports ongoing advocacy and public awareness of sponsored
projects.
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What is a typical project outcome?
Most Design Trust projects result
in a publication of
findings intended to generate a "ripple effect" of influence on long-term design
practice or public policy. Projects may also culminate in an
exhibit, a conference, or other public
event. Projects have produced built
work, but only as a demonstration
or pilot of more widely applicable
design goals. In the broadest sense,
all of our projects aim to effect
a positive shift in the way New York's
public space is created, managed,
or used.
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SUBMIT A PROPOSAL
The Design Trust undertakes research and design projects in the five boroughs of New York City. Projects are selected every 18-24 months through an open call for proposals. During each award cycle, the project jury selects one to three projects for Design Trust assistance. The deadline for the 2009 RFP was May 1, 2009.
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Download the RFP (PDF, 250kb)
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