Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation

“The 990 is reviewed by the board at the nearest scheduled board meeting from completion of the 990, or if a scheduled board meeting is more than 30 days out from completion of the 990, a conference call is scheduled.”

“We monitor and enforce the conflict of interest policy by reminding the board members of the policy at every meeting.”

“As board members in the non-profit segment, compensation information is monitored on a regular basis by reviewing comparibility data.”

“See line 15a's explanation.”

“The foundation does not make its governing documents and conflict of interest policy available to the public; however, the financial statements are available on the organization's website.”

“The blue ridge parkway foundation is the fundraising partner, 501(c)(3), for the blue ridge parkway, providing support for initiatives along the 469-mile route, including historical and cultural preservation, natural resource protection, visitor amenities, and education and outreach.”

“In 1949, the bluffs restaurant became the first dining establishment to open on the blue ridge parkway. The former coffee shop welcomed generations of diners before closing in 2010. In 2020, the stone and timber building underwent extensive renovations through funding secured by the blue ridge parkway foundation. To ensure the continued operation of the bluffs restaurant, the foundation entered into a historic lease for the national park service facility. As part of that agreement, the foundation is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the building. The nonprofit has expanded its role by operating the restaurant and offering educational and pop-up events that celebrate heritage foodways, highlight mountain culture, and build community connections. It is once again a must-visit destination for homestyle meals and hospitality in the national park. The blue ridge parkway foundation created the blue ridge rising program to unite and serve the gateway communities of the blue ridge parkway by strengthening cross-jurisdictional relationships and fostering economic development, with a particular focus on travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation. Community listening sessions in the 29 counties that neighbor the national park unit identified six themes for program activities: marketing, visitor experience, unified regional voice, resource protection, workforce education, and capacity building. After more than a year of community listening sessions and planning, followed by the production of the blue ridge rising action plan, the program is now shifting from a planning process to partnership-based efforts to implement the 51 strategies detailed in the action plan.”