About
Philanthropy, Stewardship & Partnership: for the Love of Our Parks
The Parks Foundation of Burlington seeks to inspire the spirit of stewardship and philanthropy for our community’s treasured parks and recreation assets for our residents and visitors.
The Foundation seeks opportunities for self-sustaining support that will not impose a burden on the City of Burlington’s Parks & Recreation Department’s annual operating budget.
The Parks Foundation of Burlington is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization formed in 2013 with the purpose to seek opportunities to enhance park assets and recreation programs in Burlington, Vermont through specific initiatives.
The Foundation
Is a separate entity, independent from the City of Burlington and the Parks & Recreation Department, formed as a tax-exempt non-profit charity governed by its Board of Directors.
Applies for grants for which government agencies are not eligible.
Solicits and accepts planned gifts that provide support for future improvements to our city’s recreational resources.
Acts as the umbrella fundraising organization for all Parks & Recreation philanthropy. This allows the great work of current friends and volunteer groups to continue to raise funds in support of their particular projects.
Prides itself on being the fiscal agent for the proper stewardship of those funds while maintaining the relationship with the City to assure the money raised is spent on appropriate projects.
Focuses on partnerships throughout the community to advance its mission.
History
Inspiration for the establishment of a dedicated parks foundation comes from many other municipalities and states across the country that have successfully accomplished the mission of increasing awareness of the importance of parks and recreational programming while at the same time increasing philanthropic support.
Board of Directors
Brooke Gillman, Chair
Paul Ode, Secretary
Gordon MacFarland, Treasurer
Kathy Davis
Lisa DeNatale
Becky Holt
Mike Kanarick
Kelly Kimball
Joe Larkin
Brian Lowe
Colleen Montgomery
Alexis Pomerleau
Kevin Veller
Hans van Wees
John Bossange, Honorary Chair
Additional Support
The City of Burlington Parks & Recreation staff, led by Director and Ex-Officio Board Member Cindi Wight, provides direct support to the Foundation.