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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Northwest Parks Foundation’s purpose?

Northwest Parks Foundation is a private, charitable, non-profit corporation founded in 2002 to help address the severe lack of funding for parks and recreation facilities. Our mission is to facilitate healthy lives through active recreation parks. We do this by providing financial support and public advocacy for programs and projects that support parks, trails, playfields, and other active recreation facilities in the region that are currently underfunded by tax dollars.  

2. What is the “Park Safety Net? 

The Parks Safety Net Fund assists local community groups, cities and counties with effective fundraising for active recreation projects by acting as a 501(c)(3) partner.

3. Why do I need a 501(c)(3) partner?”

Donations made through a 501(c)(3) partnership are tax-deductible to the full extent allowable by law. Northwest Parks Foundation subsidizes projects by managing all donations, preparing monthly donation reports and sending out acknowledgement letters on your behalf to all donors with the appropriate information for the donor’s tax purposes.

4. What if I want to create my own 501(c)3?

Northwest Parks Foundation exists so that citizen groups, cities and counties don't have to go through the expense and time of securing 501(c)3 tax status of their own.  By utilizing our umbrella, you avoid the duplication of organizational costs and expenses. We serve the entire Pacific Northwest with our proven process of tracking donations, managing donor thank you letters and enabling individuals and organizations to find the resources they need to make their projects and programs successful.

5. Why would anyone give to a public park that is financed by the government?

Tax dollars barely support baseline operations and activities for public parks. Capital development and maintenance budgets are often the first funding to go during budget cuts. By raising new sources of funds and revenues, Northwest Parks Foundation helps projects get the green light that would otherwise not be funded to enhance your park experience.  Click here to learn more about some of our recent park project successes.

6.  How does Northwest Parks Foundation choose which projects to support?

All municipal park departments qualify for our Parks Safety Net. Also, established non-profit groups without 501(c)(3) status are eligible on a case by case basis. The Executive Director and Board of Directors review all projects submitted for consideration and select as many as possible that fit with the mission of the organization and could benefit from the Foundation’s involvement.

7. Who governs the Northwest Parks Foundation?

The Northwest Parks Foundation is managed by Executive Director Kristen Bush and the Board of Directors. Please visit our Staff & Directors page for detailed information. 

8. What is your relationship to Friends of King County Parks?

Northwest Parks Foundation was originally founded as “Friends of King County Parks,” which remained our registered name for many years.

9. Where can I review a copy of your current IRS Form 990?

Our current IRS Form 990 is available upon written request.

10. How can I help?

There are many ways you may choose to help this vital organization.