The Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization under Section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations to the Foundation are tax deductible and an investment in our community’s quality of life that will pay dividends forever.
Why is a Park Foundation needed?
Fairfax County is widely recognized as having one of the best public park systems in the United States and the Fairfax County Park Authority is a two-time winner of the National Gold Medal Award for excellence in parks and recreation.
In a 2007 survey by George Mason University, 79% of county households identified themselves as park users and 80% said they considered parks “extremely” or “very important” to their quality of life.
Yet the Park Authority receives less than 1% of Fairfax County’s General Fund budget. Instead the Park Authority relies on fees for nearly 60% of its operating expenses. These fees come primarily from recreation centers, golf courses and exercise and hobby classes.
But some park facilities and programs can’t be fee-based. These include:
The Park Foundation exists to obtain funding from sources other than taxes for the improvement and expansion of parkland and services.
How is the Park Foundation managed?
The Park Foundation is a support organization to the Park Authority. The Foundation does not operate park facilities or programs. Funds raised by the Foundation are transferred to the Park Authority where specialized staff acquire parkland, build and maintain park facilities, and deliver services to the public.
The Park Authority Board and the Foundation Board of Directors meet regularly and jointly select fundraising projects. In addition, the Park Authority funds the Foundation’s staff salaries and office space and most of its operating expenses. This assures donors that contributions to the Foundation go directly to park projects and very little is used for administrative and fundraising expenses. Learn more about the Foundation’s Finances .
Does the Park Foundation grant money to citizen groups interested in improving a park?
No. The Park Foundation is not a granting organization. However, the Park Authority’s Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant Program awards grants of up to $10,000 to match volunteer services and funds for projects to improve Fairfax County parks and facilities.
Because there are many more worthwhile park projects than the Fairfax County Park Foundation can actively support with fundraising, this website provides resources and information to assist park advocates and friends groups in fundraising for their projects. Visit Fundraising Tools .
Do you have a question that is not on this list?
Email parkfoundation@fairfaxcounty.gov Thanks for your interest.