Case Study: Irishtown Bend Park unlocks funding and unifies stakeholders with Falls & Co.

Irishtown Bend Park secures $10.8 million grant with Falls & Co.

Irishtown Bend Park, a coalition of civic and environmental organizations in Cleveland, faced the challenge of unifying dozens of stakeholders around a singular vision to transform a neglected urban riverfront. With no cohesive voice or messaging, the project risked stalling due to misalignment and a lack of funding momentum. The vendor, Falls & Co., was brought in to develop a brand identity and messaging platform.

Falls & Co. united the coalition around a values-driven narrative, positioning the park as a symbol of healing, equity, and environmental restoration. This strategy involved developing core messaging and producing a compelling case statement to frame fundraising efforts. The solution successfully secured a $10.8 million National Park Service grant, a $5 million matching grant from the Mandel Foundation, and additional major gifts, bringing the park closer to reality and serving as an example of how storytelling can drive environmental justice.

Irishtown Bend Park