Regional Parks Foundation

“The east bay regional park district contributed (in-kind) staffing valued at $1,322,400 for the year ended december 31, 2024, which is included in the reconciliation of revenue and expenses (parts xii & xiii) on schedule d and schedule r. The organization does not intend to employ individuals directly.”

“The executive director or staff reviews the form 990 for accuracy and completeness. The return is presented to the board of directors for review, discussion and approval. Any identified issues are resolved at this time and the form 990 is finalized. The executive director signs and files the return on behalf of the board of directors.”

“Officers, directors and key employees signed a form each year acknowledging they are aware of our conflict of interest policy and are required to inform the organization if a situation arises in which they have a conflict.”

“Prior year information returns (form 990) are available for public inspection on the guidestar website located at guidestar.org as well as at www.regionalparksfoundation.org. The organization's governing documents, policies, financial statements and information returns are available upon request.”

“The regional parks foundation supports the east bay regional park district through fundraising to provide universal access, environmental stewardship, educational and recreational programs, and the acquisition of parklands. The foundation's mission is to provide broader public access to the park district's 73 regional parks, 1,330 miles of trails, and 55 miles of shoreline in alameda and contra costa counties. At the regional parks foundation, we recognize the essential role nature plays in fostering a healthy, balanced life. Our mission is to provide resources that ensure everyone in the east bay can enjoy equal access to the parks, trails, programs, and services of the east bay regional park district. By harnessing the benefits of nature, we strive to keep our communities vibrant and healthy, while inspiring future generations to cherish and safeguard our rich natural and cultural heritage. The regional parks foundation achieves its mission through our key funding support areas of youth development; health, wellness and safety; environmental stewardship; universal access; and community engagement. Each of these program areas include ways for donors and community members to get more involved with their regional parks.”

“Each year, the regional parks foundation generates support for the following ongoing programs and initiatives: youth development the foundation is committed to building confidence, resilience, and creativity in young people. Through hands-on science education and outdoor skills, we inspire the next generation of environmental leaders. The youth programs we support give local students the chance to learn about the environment and connect with nature in their own neighborhoods, helping them become the park stewards of tomorrow. Each year, more than 16,000 kids, teachers, and family members benefit from the foundation's support for programs like adventure crew, kids healthy outdoor challenge, watershed restoration apprenticeship program, and many more. Health, wellness, and safety spending time in nature boosts both mental and physical well-being. The regional parks foundation supports healthier communities by helping people get outdoors and stay active. We provide funding for everything from water safety programs and trail gear to rescue equipment, giving park visitors and staff the tools and confidence they need to safely enjoy our parks and recreational spaces. The swim lessons we support help more than 400 kids each year gain important water safety skills, and more than 1,000 community members participate in parks prescription programs each year. For more than 30 years, the regional parks foundation has also been a key fundraising partner in the annual trails challenge which attracts over 10,000 participants and finishers each year. Environmental stewardship as climate change continues to shape our world, the foundation is committed to protecting habitats and wildlife so they can thrive. We support fuels reduction and grazing projects in the wildland-urban interface to mitigate wildfire risks, helping keep both nature and nearby communities safe. The foundation also supports healthy and thriving plant and wildlife populations in the parklands by fundraising for habitat restoration projects and ecological health studies. Universal access at the foundation, we believe parks must be accessible to everyone. Our goal is to remove barriers and create a welcoming space for all by supporting programs that reach historically underserved communities and reflect the east bay's rich diversity. We provide funding for transportation for school groups and translation services for park programs. We also fund activities for youth and adults with disabilities, collaborate with local libraries on the backpacks to parks initiative, and provide over 1,000 scholarships and free memberships to those in need. These efforts help make park visits more affordable and offer meaningful experiences that create lasting connections. More than 6,000 community members receive bus transportation to programs in parks, and over 1,000 participate in all abilities day programs each year. Community engagement the regional parks foundation offers many opportunities to get involved and support the parks. The foundation operates the park district's annual membership program which boasts more than 12,200 members. Members enjoy exclusive perks that make park visits even betterall while giving back to the natural spaces we all cherish. Membership is a meaningful way to support and sustain regional parks. In addition, the foundation celebrated many milestones this past year, supporting the east bay park district's 90th anniversary and hosting lakeside laps, the foundation's first half-marathon, 10k and 5k running and walking event in support of regional parks.”

“The beginning balances of net assets with and without restrictions have been restated.”

“Contributed (in-kind) services, supplies and property are recorded at estimated fair value at the time of donation. Fair value is determined by appraisals or estimates made by the foundation. During 2023 the foundation received contributed services, supplies, and property from the east bay regional parks district with an estimated fair value of $1,452,325.”