FAQs
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MILWAUKEE PARKS FOUNDATION AND OTHER PARKS/RECREATION-RELATED ORGANIZATIONS?
The Milwaukee Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity that is a community foundation to support Milwaukee County Parks. Currently, the Foundation is dedicated to raising funds to get it off the ground; establishing a strategic plan, long-term vision, and initial goals. Campaigns in the future will be dedicated to fundraising for specific efforts to support Milwaukee County Parks capital needs.
As Milwaukee County Parks is a department of Milwaukee County government, it maintains recreation services, planning, and daily operations such as park rangers, maintaining facilities, and mowing turf. The Foundation, on the other hand, was established to help raise funds to supplement the work being done by Parks, particularly toward leveraging philanthropic and charitable contributions to support capital campaigns.
Partner nonprofit organizations throughout the parks system support the parks in various other ways, most notably, the Park People of Milwaukee County. Their mission is, "to preserve, support, and enhance Milwaukee County Parks while building an effective volunteer organization." They do this primarily through empowering and engaging local Friends Groups for each Milwaukee County Park.
Currently, the Foundation is not affiliated with other parks systems within the county, including the City of Milwaukee, MPS Recreation, and other systems. However, the Foundation encourages others to continue their support of these groups’ efforts, including the City of Milwaukee MKE Plays initiative, which renovates City-owned playgrounds throughout Milwaukee through collaboration, innovation, and charitable contributions.
How does my gift support the parks? What kind of expenses does Milwaukee Parks Foundation have to pay for?
Currently, the Foundation is dedicated to raising funds to get it off the ground; establishing a strategic plan, long-term vision, and initial goals. Campaigns in the future will be dedicated to fundraising for specific efforts to support Milwaukee County Parks capital needs. Your gift today supports the long-term success of Milwaukee County Parks by creating a strong Foundation to sustain the Parks now and for future generations.
The Foundation is led by a group of volunteers on the Board of Directors and a part-time consultant who is dedicating 2020 to developing a budget, staffing plan, programs, and initiatives. Consequently, the organizational expenses are very low, using efficiencies in order to dedicate all funds received to go directly to the Parks, once priorities are determined.
What are the benefits of being a “founding member”?
Pride in making what each park is and can be. The joy of supporting your community. Satisfaction in being a part of a new organization that will change the parks system for decades to come. And some pretty great thank you gifts! Including a stainless steel mug and winter hat!
The benefits program for members of the Milwaukee Parks Foundation – including founding members – will expand in time. So there’s more to come!
How do I donate? Where do I send my donation?
You can donate securely online at: https://www.mkeparksfoundation.org/donate.
If you would like to mail a check, you can make it out to the Milwaukee Parks Foundation at:
9480 W. Watertown Plank Rd.
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Can I contribute property, stocks or bonds, donate a bequest or trust, or other items to Milwaukee Parks Foundation? If so, how do I do so?
Yes!
Property may be handled by Milwaukee County Parks, otherwise stocks, bonds, bequests and other items can be managed by the Milwaukee Parks Foundation. You can do so by emailing info@mkeparksfoundation.org and someone from the Foundation will be in touch with more information on how you can make your donation.
How do I apply for funding? How does Milwaukee Parks Foundation decide which parks receive funding?
Funds from the Milwaukee Parks Foundation will be allocated to support capital projects and other needs within the County Parks system, as determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors with the direct involvement of Milwaukee County Parks leadership. Currently, Milwaukee County Parks are the sole beneficiary of these funds and outside organizations cannot apply for funding.
How is Milwaukee Parks Foundation involved in the community?
Milwaukee Parks Foundation is working to develop community engagement efforts to correspond with future projects. Community involvement in the execution of the Foundation’s projects and programs is vital, engaging residents in supporting a safe and vibrant parks system that benefits all.
Stay posted on what opportunities for community involvement are available by going to https://www.mkeparksfoundation.org and following the Foundation on Facebook and Instagram.
how can i volunteer to support Milwaukee county parks?
Milwaukee County Parks has several ways for you to volunteer and get involved. For more information, you can visit the County Parks Volunteer Webpage by clicking HERE.
You can also browse through the County Parks 2021 Volunteer Handbook to learn about the available opportunities.
Does Milwaukee Parks Foundation have any upcoming events?
Stay tuned! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all events are on hold.
How do I contact the Milwaukee Parks Foundation?
You can contact Milwaukee Parks Foundation by going to: https://www.mkeparksfoundation.org/contact
Or emailing: info@mkeparksfoundation.org
In coordination with Milwaukee County Parks, mail for the Foundation can be sent to their administrative office:
9480 W. Watertown Plank Rd.
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
