Funding Our Parks: Fundraising Strategies for Conservancies and Friends Groups

Описание: From restoring trails and funding capital improvements to supporting staffing, programming and day-to-day maintenance, parks conservancies and friends groups raise critical dollars that keep our green spaces thriving. But building a sustainable fundraising program requires more than passion—it takes strategy, creativity and strong partnerships. This session will explore the many ways these groups fund their work, including major gifts, grants, membership programs, events and city partnerships. Hear from fellow professionals and volunteers about what’s working on the ground, how to align fundraising goals with public agencies and how to engage donors and funders in the shared mission of caring for our parks.

Speakers:
-Moderator: Sue Breitkopf, President, Olmsted Network (Washington, D.C.)
-Layla George, Principal, byGeorge Consultants (Louisville, KY)
-Eileen Toohey, Managing Director/Fundraising Consultant, Carter (Baltimore, MD)
-Andre Burton, Major Gifts Officer, George Washington’s Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon, VA)

This panel discussion was part of the Olmsted Network's 2025 Annual Conference— Defending Common Ground: An Olmsted Parks Intensive, which was developed for our park partners across the country.