Overview
What is Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks?
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks is a dedicated nonprofit organization based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their primary mission is to foster vibrant parks, green spaces, and trees within the community. To achieve this objective, they engage citizens in initiatives that contribute to the 2011 Green Grand Rapids amendment, aiming for a 40% tree canopy coverage in the city. The organization collaborates with the local forestry department to involve neighborhoods in expanding the urban tree canopy, offering resources, education, and grant opportunities. Their Urban Forest Project aims to lead lead abatement, stormwater management, and habitat creation for various animals by planting trees in underserved public areas. Their Parks Alive program, in collaboration with the city, reclaims and sustains neighborhood parks through volunteerism and sponsorship. The nonprofit believes in the importance of parks in improving the quality of life by providing physical, emotional, spiritual, and social benefits. By educating the community through their programs and advocacy, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks promotes the significance of parks and public spaces as essential gathering places that contribute to the health of its citizens and the economic well-being of the community. With a team of 14 dedicated individuals, they strive to empower the community to cultivate a greener and healthier environment.
Official website here: www.friendsofgrparks.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 88% (Three-Star out of Four Star Rating)
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks has earned a strong three-star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting an excellent accountability and finance score of 88%. The organization demonstrates robust governance, with a fully independent board, sound financial practices, and no reported material asset diversions. However, it is noteworthy that the organization lacks a whistleblower policy and a document retention policy, which could indicate areas for improvement in transparency and operational risk management.
User feedback highlights the significant positive impact that Friends of Grand Rapids Parks has had on the local community. Many volunteers and community members express their appreciation for the organization’s efforts in maintaining and enhancing urban parks and green spaces. Reviewers commend the organization for its effective leadership, community engagement, and the passion it generates among residents to participate in park clean-up and advocacy efforts.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive reviews, there are occasional wishes from users for the organization to have started its initiatives earlier. Overall, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks is viewed as an essential advocate for environmental stewardship in Grand Rapids, fostering community involvement and improving the quality of life through their dedicated efforts to sustain and develop public green spaces.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.
What do the Facebook reviews say about Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks?
4 individuals have shared their experiences with Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks on Facebook. A notable sentiment emerges from the limited feedback available: the organization is positively appreciated by its volunteers. One reviewer highlights their enjoyment of planting trees, expressing a sense of pride in watching the trees they helped to cultivate grow over time.
The enthusiasm conveyed in the reviews suggests that the nonprofit is making a meaningful impact in the community, particularly through its volunteer programs. Participants seem to find fulfillment in their involvement, pointing to a strong connection between the organization’s initiatives and the personal satisfaction of its supporters.
Overall, it appears that Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks is successfully engaging volunteers who are eager to contribute to environmental efforts, and their feedback reflects a commendable experience within the initiative.
This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.
Is Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks legitimate?
Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $74,858
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $269,557
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.friendsofgrparks.org
What is the mission statement of Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks?
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks' mission is centered around empowering the community to cultivate vibrant parks, green spaces, and trees. Their activities are geared towards achieving a 40% tree canopy cover goal in Grand Rapids by engaging citizens in tree planting, providing resources, and offering mini-grant opportunities. The organization aims to raise awareness of the numerous benefits trees offer, such as lead abatement, storm water management, and reduction in the urban heat island effect. Their Parks Alive program encourages volunteerism and sponsorship to reclaim and sustain parks, with the goal of having neighborhood parks represented by residents and groups. Through programs, education, and advocacy, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks promotes the importance of parks and public spaces as essential gathering places that contribute to the health of citizens and the economic well-being of the community.
Official website here: www.friendsofgrparks.org
Who is the CEO of Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks?
Anna Baeton is the Director of Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks.
Official website here: www.friendsofgrparks.org
What is the revenue of Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks?
Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks's revenue in 2022 was $799,238.
Official website here: www.friendsofgrparks.org
Who are the executives of Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks during 2022 was $24,601. There are 14 employees and 822 volunteers at Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks.
Here are 14 key members and their salaries:
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- Compensation: $72,612
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Official website here: www.friendsofgrparks.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks?
Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.friendsofgrparks.org
Learn more at the official website: www.friendsofgrparks.org
Mission Statement of Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to empowering the community to cultivate vibrant parks, green spaces, and trees. Their mission is centered around engaging citizens to contribute to the Urban Forest Project, an initiative aimed at achieving a 40% tree canopy goal in Grand Rapids. This project collaborates with the city's forestry department, encouraging neighbors to expand the urban tree canopy.
Their efforts include providing resources for tree planting in underserved public areas, promoting tree planting through education and outreach, and offering mini-grants and other tree planting opportunities. Friends of Grand Rapids Parks believes that trees offer numerous benefits, such as lead abatement, stormwater management, reduction of the urban heat island effect, and habitat creation for various animals.
In addition to their tree-centric initiatives, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks also operates the Parks Alive program, a joint venture with the city of Grand Rapids. This program focuses on reclaiming and sustaining parks through volunteerism and sponsorship, with the ultimate goal of having all neighborhood parks represented by residents and community groups. The organization recognizes the importance of community leadership in creating a robust park system with ongoing support.
Through their programs, education, and advocacy, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks aims to educate the community about the vital role of parks in enhancing quality of life. Parks provide physical, emotional, spiritual, and social elements that significantly impact our well-being. By promoting the importance of parks and public spaces as essential gathering places, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks contributes to the health of its citizens and the economic health of the community.
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Impact
October, 2024
Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks significantly enhances the community by empowering residents to actively participate in nurturing vibrant parks, green spaces, and trees. The Urban Forest Project engages citizens in achieving a key goal of establishing a 40% tree canopy in Grand Rapids, promoting collaboration between community members and the city's forestry department. By providing resources for tree planting in underserved public areas, along with educational outreach, this initiative helps inform residents about the many benefits of trees, including improved air quality, stormwater management, and habitat creation for wildlife.
The Parks Alive program further contributes to the city’s quality of life by fostering volunteerism and sponsorship to reclaim and sustain local parks. By encouraging community representation in neighborhood parks, it cultivates a sense of ownership and stewardship among residents, which is vital for a thriving park system.
Overall, these programs not only enhance green spaces but also educate the community on the importance of parks as essential gathering places that contribute to physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being, ultimately enriching the economic health of Grand Rapids.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Friends Of Grand Rapids Parks. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Program Service Revenue: $118,065
- Gross Receipts: $833,236
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $435,198
- Total Liabilities: $150,742
- Net Assets: $284,456
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
PROGRAM REVENUE
Revenue
$118,065
Organization Details
Founding Year
2008
Phone
(616) 288-7209Principal Officer
Anna Baeton
Main Address
720 CURVE STREET SW SUITE B, GRAND RAPIDS, MI, 49503
Website
www.friendsofgrparks.orgNTEE Category
Code: N12 - Recreation
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