People for Parks is a vital non-profit organization that welcomes everyone to actively contribute to enhancing Minneapolis parks.

People for Parks

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Read a brief history of PFP!
      Because tax dollars are not nearly
         enough to maintain and improve
             our world class park system. *

People for Parks is a non-profit organization created to stimulate financial and community support for Minneapolis Parks from citizens, businesses and organizations. We carry out special projects in cooperation with our donors and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Our purpose is to sponsor programs and projects that enhance and promote our city's park services and facilities.

Since 1977, People for Parks has identified and funded over $2 million dollars of special projects and events that improve Minneapolis and its parks. People for Parks is an independent, non-profit group whose decisions are not influenced by politics or special interests. With over 2000 members, and led by an active board of directors, People for Parks continues its growth and mission. We invite your ideas for improving Minneapolis and its park system. Painting a building. Planting flowers and trees in your local park. Organizing a music event. Sharing your ideas, time and talents.

Please tell your neighbors about People for Parks, and encourage their support! Get involved! Volunteer for a few hours a year or a few hours per month. Click here for ways to get involved.

Read donor stories here!
Donate Now
Online fundraising for People for Parks

New ideas

Communicate with us! It’s simple to get on our email mailing list (below). Express your thoughts, project ideas, get project updates, and obtain current information. Also, your tax-deductible donations to People for Parks can be made easily and securely. Become more involved in People for Parks. Our beautiful city and parks depend on you! Recent citizen led initiatives include the flight NW307 memorial, buckthorn removing tools and trees for Triangle Park by Cedar Lake.

Outstanding Stewardship Award

People for Parks was recognized by the Minneapolis Park Foundation for exceptional contributions to the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board parks and programs in June 2008 with the Charles Loring Award for Outstanding Stewardship. Thank you for helping to improve Minneapolis parks through your continued support of People for Parks. Find our 990s here.
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An interesting report by the Wallace Foundation about the impact of urban parks on quality of life.
People for Parks.
PO Box 24901
Minneapolis MN 55424.
       Ph: 612-767-6892  info@peopleforparks.net
BE SUN SMART!
Play safely in the parks.
Did you know? 1 in 5 Americans will develop Skin Cancer in their lifetime. Click here for tips and information.

NEWS
Grant Application forms now available. CLICK HERE.

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Jeff Winter
Jeff Winter was People for Parks' president from 2006-2012. He died unexpectedly on Oct 13, 2012.
Jeff's obituary.
Make a donation in Jeff's honor.

Universal Access Playground

People for Parks is delighted to collaborate with volunteer group Falls4All and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) to work toward creating a universal access playground for Upper Wabun Picnic area, east of Minnehaha Falls. Learn more about this project.

Bench and Paver Program

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Leave a Lasting Impression at Lake Harriet
Give a unique gift to the people and parks you love! Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, marriages, a favorite friend, your business - any occasion with a personalized bench or paver!
Pavers and benches at Lake Harriet are sold year round. Benches are installed as orders are received; pavers are installed twice yearly.  Mail form by August 15th for September, installation, or April 15th for May installation. Learn more!

Photo Contest

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The 2012 Picture a Park Photo award winners have been announced! See their winning entries here! The 2013 contest opens in May 2013. Stay tuned for details!

Over 300 people submitted entries for our 2011 Picture a Park photo contest.  See the winning entries here.

Volunteer! Click here. Or consider joining the board. Click here.

* About Those Tax Dollars

“Operation, upkeep and maintenance funds obtained through general taxation are insufficient and can never be sufficient to meet in full the public demands for park and recreation service. The general taxpayer does his full share in providing the grounds, equipment, and facilities for the general service of the park system. There are, however, special accommodations, facilities, and services provided which are made use of by a comparatively small percentage of the total population, as well as by thousands of non-residents. These people should be, and most likely the majority are, willing to contribute through reasonable fees the necessary funds to provide such special accommodations, services, and facilities.”
                                     Theodore Wirth, 1945
  • In 2003 the Park Board received 9 cents of every property tax dollar from Minneapolis residents
  • In 2011 the Park Board will receive 7 cents of every property tax dollar from Minneapolis residents.
If you pay $2,500 in property taxes you are paying $175 for upkeep of Minneapolis parks. That's why many people choose to supplement their tax contribution with a gift to People for Parks. Whether it's a $35 membership or a $50,000 bequest, your gift will contribute to ensuring our parks system's legacy for years to come.

Click here for more details about property taxes and MPRB. Click here to make a donation to PFP.

_Form 990s

_Do you know how much of your gift goes to support the programs you love? People for Parks relies on volunteer working board members and keeps overhead low. Click on the pictures below to see People for Parks' Form 990s for the past three years. Nonprofits publicly disclose their financial information by filing form 990 with the IRS. These Internal Revenue Service forms are filed annually and list assets, receipts, expenditures and compensation of officers (in our case no officers are compensated). They also include a list of grants made by PFP to the park board during the year. Forms for other charities can be obtained through the IRS, the charity itself, and the GuideStar website.
             2008                    2009                     2010              2011