Have An Idea For A Parks Program Or Initiative?

Partner With MVPF

Why Work With Mount Vernon Parks Foundation?

Mount Vernon Parks Foundation serves community organizations, volunteers, and donors leading park and public space projects throughout the city.

MVPF has supported dozens of community-led park projects spanning almost every neighborhood in the city. We are guided by a commitment to service and collaboration, dedicated to earning trust in the neighborhoods where we work, and fueled by a culture of gratitude.

Services we offer to the partners we fiscally sponsor:

• 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status for grant eligibility under Mount Vernon Parks Foundation

• Online donation page on Mount Vernon Parks Foundation’s website and toolkits for special fundraising initiatives.

• Donor tax receipts

• Donor and database management

• Corporate giving and volunteer matching portals

• Revenue, expense tracking and financial statements (at least quarterly)

• Grant application review, administration and record-keeping

• Special-event compliance review

• Review of fundraising materials and online campaigns

• Communication and promotion of events through social media

• Coordination of insurance coverage and (by request) liability insurance certificate for up to $1 million per occurrence and $2 million in aggregate

• Membership to our partner network, with regular email updates and relevant opportunities and information, and Invitations to annual partner gratitude and networking events

• Annual distribution of 1099-MISC for vendors/contractors as required

• Non-legal review of contracts and agreements (to provide feedback and to support contract negotiations)

Services we do not offer to the partners we fiscally sponsor:

• Payroll services

• Web hosting

• Access to office space and facilities

• Assistance with 501(c)(3) application

• Case-specific legal advice

• Case-specific tax and/or accounting advice

Mount Vernon Parks Foundation is not a grant-funding body.

What Kinds Of Partners Does Mount Vernon Parks Foundation Support?

Mount Vernon Parks Foundation supports partners who:

• Increase park access and create connections among well-designed, welcoming, and activated parks and public spaces that serve all Mount Vernon residents

• Have shared, inclusive, and accountable community leadership with a diverse steering committee

• Are supported by the broader community (including landowners) and relevant public agencies

• Are supported by partners who will ensure ongoing and high-level stewardship

• Can attract funding from community donors, public agencies, and other funders

• Have specific goals, regular financial activity, and the capacity to deliver on commitments