Nonprofits Helping Parks

Funder: Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation and Bainbridge Island Metro Parks & Recreation District

Geographic Scope: Bainbridge Island, Washington

Program Overview:
A fundraising and stewardship program that enables nonprofit organizations, clubs, and teams to earn donations while improving local parks and trails. Organizations commit to stewardship work parties (invasive weed removal, native plant installation, trail maintenance, etc.) in exchange for a donation from the Parks Foundation.

Eligibility:

• Nonprofit organizations
• Clubs and youth groups
• Community teams
• Located on/serving Bainbridge Island

Award Structure:

• Donations valued at approximately $10 per service hour volunteered
• Example: 25-person team working 2 hours = $500 donation
• Typical work party lasts 2 hours

Work Party Details:

• Types of work: invasive weed removal, native plant installation, trail maintenance, gravel spreading
• Safety: only hand tools used
• Tools provided by Parks Foundation and Park District
• Park District provides onsite supervision
• Youth groups: 1 adult supervisor required per 10 students

Scheduling:

• Work parties scheduled throughout the year
• Weekday afternoons available for youth organizations during school year
• Community trail work parties: every fourth Saturday of month
• Designed around group size and park/trail needs

Past Participants:

• Bainbridge Island Swim Club (Sakai Park)
• Bainbridge Island Ultimate Frisbee (Moritani Preserve)

Program Started: 2020

Contact:

• Email: barb@biparksfoundation.org
• Phone: 206.842.4971
• Website: www.biparksfoundation.org/nhp

Application Process

1. Apply Online: Visit www.biparksfoundation.org/nhp
2. Contact: Email barb@biparksfoundation.org for more information and to express interest
3. Scheduling: Parks Foundation and Park District will work with you to schedule and plan your work party event

Application Requirements:

• Organization/group information
• Interest in specific park(s) or trail(s)
• Estimated group size and available dates
• Type of stewardship work preferred

Process After Approval:

• Parks Foundation and Park District coordinate:
  • Work project design based on group size and park needs
  • Scheduling of work party
  • Onsite supervision
  • Tool provision
  • Safety training/briefing
• Group completes 2-hour work party
• Foundation provides donation ($10/hour × number of volunteers)