Recently, a once-promising community foundation closed its doors after years of good work in environmental education and community engagement. The decision to dissolve came amid mounting financial pressures, unpaid tax obligations, and the sudden loss of key federal grants that had sustained much of the organization’s operations. The board, to its credit, remained through the difficult process to support staff and AmeriCorps members as the organization transitioned its programs to other nonprofits. While the circumstances are heartbreaking, they also serve as a vital learning opportunity for every nonprofit leader and board member. Grants Aren’t a Guarantee Grants are a blessing—until they’re not. Many nonprofits build their budgets around grant funding without recognizing the inherent risk that comes with it. Government and foundation grants are typically time-limited and subject to shifting political or funding priorities. When those priorities change, organizations that rely heavily on them can find themselves suddenly without the resources they need to meet payroll or maintain operations. Grants should be viewed as one piece of a diversified funding strategy, not the foundation upon which an entire organization stands. Boards Must Understand the Finances Too often, nonprofit boards focus on programs and mission while leaving financial management entirely to staff. But boards have a fiduciary duty to understand not just the numbers, but the sources of those numbers—where money comes from, what strings are attached, and what tax implications might arise. “Trust but verify” should be every board’s guiding principle. That means asking hard questions, reviewing budgets and cash flow regularly, and ensuring the organization’s financial structure can withstand the loss of any single funding source. Compliance Isn’t Optional One of the most sobering lessons from this case involves unpaid payroll taxes and other federal obligations. It’s a reminder that compliance with tax and employment laws is not simply an administrative detail. It’s a core responsibility. When those obligations go unmet, the consequences can be devastating not only to the organization but to its reputation, leadership, and beneficiaries. The Case for Annual Fundraising Ultimately, the best insurance policy against financial collapse is a robust and evolving annual fundraising plan. This includes individual giving, events, corporate partnerships, and other unrestricted revenue sources that provide flexibility and resilience. A healthy donor base offers stability that grants alone cannot match. Moving Forward While this story ends in closure, there are glimmers of hope. Other organizations have stepped in to continue parts of the mission, and many former staff members have already found new roles. The board handled a difficult situation with integrity, transparency, and compassion. If there’s one takeaway for other nonprofits, it’s this: never take financial stability for granted. Strong governance, diverse funding, and proactive oversight are not luxuries—they are lifelines. To learn more about governance and fundraising best practices in parks and recreation philanthropy, reach out to the only dedicated, national provider of parks and recreation philanthropy education and training at thenapf.org.

The National Association of Park Foundations (NAPF) is proud to once again celebrate the creativity, leadership, and impact of park foundations nationwide through the Lehman Awards, presented by Greenfields Outdoor Fitness and sponsored by the Charleston County Parks Foundation and Friends of Belfast Parks & Recreation. These annual awards recognize the very best in park philanthropy, fundraising, and community engagement. When & Where Join us for the Lehman Awards Breakfast at the 2025 NRPA Conference in Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday, September 17, at 7:30 AM. This special event includes a complimentary continental breakfast, time to network with peers, and the recognition of this year’s award winners. The Awards The Lehman Awards honor achievements in four key categories: Outstanding Capital Campaign – Celebrating major fundraising efforts that deliver significant capital improvements or new park facilities. Excellence in Annual Fundraising Strategy – Recognizing sustainable, year-round revenue programs that strengthen foundations. Emerging Star Foundation – Highlighting newer organizations that are already delivering meaningful community impact. Innovation in Community Engagement – Showcasing creative partnerships and outreach that connect parks with people in powerful ways. Why Attend The Lehman Awards Breakfast is more than a recognition ceremony — it’s a chance to learn from inspiring projects, hear directly from award recipients, and connect with colleagues from across the country. Attendees will also take part in interactive breakout discussions, sharing best practices and gathering ideas to bring back to their own communities. Registration Details This event is free to attend, but advance registration is required to secure your seat. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a celebration that uplifts the very best in park philanthropy and inspires all of us to do more for the communities we serve. Register here .

A nonprofit organization's board handbook typically contains a range of policies, documents, and information to guide and inform board members in their roles and responsibilities. While the specific contents may vary based on the organization's size, mission, and needs, here are common elements you might find in a nonprofit board handbook: 1. Mission and Vision Statements: An overview of the organization's mission, vision, and core values to provide context for board members. 2. Organizational Structure: Information about the organization's structure, including its bylaws, articles of incorporation, and governance structure. 3. Board Roles and Responsibilities: A clear description of the duties, expectations, and responsibilities of board members, including their fiduciary duties. 4. Board Meeting Procedures: Guidelines for scheduling, preparing for, and conducting board meetings, including agendas, minutes, and meeting protocols. 5. Committee Descriptions: An outline of board committees, their purposes, and the roles and responsibilities of committee members. 6. Financial Policies: Financial procedures, budgets, and guidelines for monitoring the organization's financial health. 7. Conflict of Interest Policy: A policy outlining how board members should identify, disclose, and manage conflicts of interest. 8. Code of Ethics: A statement of ethical standards and principles that board members are expected to uphold. 9. Strategic Plan: An overview of the organization's strategic goals and objectives, along with the board's role in advancing them. 10. Legal and Compliance Information: Information about the organization's legal status, including its tax-exempt status, compliance with nonprofit regulations, and any other legal requirements. 11. Fundraising and Development Policies: Guidelines for fundraising efforts, donor relations, and grant-seeking activities. 12. Board Member Contact Information: A directory of board members, staff, and key contacts within the organization. 13. Historical Documents: Archived meeting minutes, annual reports, and other historical documents that provide context and continuity. 14. Emergency and Crisis Management: Information on how the organization responds to crises and emergencies. 15. Whistleblower Policy: A mechanism for reporting and addressing unethical or illegal activities within the organization. 16. Board Member Expectations: Clear expectations for attendance, participation, and engagement by board members. 17. Succession Planning: Information about leadership succession and the process for filling board vacancies. 18. Insurance and Liability Coverage: Details regarding insurance policies and liability coverage for board members. 19. Confidentiality and Data Security: Guidelines for handling sensitive and confidential information securely. 20. Evaluation and Self-Assessment: Procedures for board self-assessment, performance evaluation, and continuous improvement. A well-organized and comprehensive board handbook can help onboard new board members effectively and provide a valuable reference for all board members in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities. It can also serve as a tool for promoting transparency and accountability within the organization.

Purpose This brief outlines how 501(c)(3) park foundations can accept gifts of publicly traded stock and why doing so is a smart and beneficial addition to any charitable giving strategy. It is intended to support internal discussions and decision-making around the adoption of stock donation capabilities. The Opportunity Gifts of appreciated stock offer a compelling alternative to traditional cash donations. When a donor gives stock that has increased in value over time, both the donor and the nonprofit benefit: • The donor avoids capital gains tax on the appreciated value of the stock. • The donor may deduct the full fair market value of the stock on their taxes if held longer than one year. • The foundation receives the full value of the asset and can convert it into usable funds. This type of giving can be especially appealing to donors looking to support your mission while managing their own tax liability. What’s Required to Accept Stock Donations To accept stock, a park foundation must have the following in place: 1. A brokerage account registered in the foundation’s name. This is where the donor’s transferred shares will be received. Many community foundations or financial institutions can help set this up at little to no cost. 2. Transfer instructions for the donor. These include: o The foundation’s brokerage name o Account number o DTC number (for electronic transfers) o A contact person at the brokerage firm 3. A policy for non-cash gifts (recommended). This internal guideline should describe how stock gifts are reviewed, when they are liquidated (typically immediately), and how they are acknowledged. Next Steps If your foundation is not yet set up to receive stock, it is well worth the time to establish the necessary infrastructure. Most brokerage accounts can be opened within a few days. Having a stock donation process in place opens the door to more significant and tax-advantaged gifts — especially at year-end or during capital campaigns. Sample Language for Donors When a potential donor inquires, the following language can be used: “Yes, our foundation accepts gifts of publicly traded stock. This is often a tax-efficient way to give and allows you to support our mission with appreciated assets. I’d be happy to provide you with the necessary transfer information.” Conclusion Accepting stock donations enhances your foundation’s fundraising capacity and aligns with common philanthropic practices among major donors. Establishing the infrastructure now ensures your organization is prepared when the opportunity arises.

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is more than just a buzzword—it's a critical skill that drives effective leadership, fosters collaboration, and enhances organizational success. The National Association of Park Foundations (NAPF) recently hosted a webinar presented by Kevin D. Korenthal, CAE, focusing on how park agencies and foundations can harness EQ to build strong partnerships and achieve their mission-driven goals. This blog explores the insights shared in the webinar, providing a comprehensive understanding of EQ, its importance in the park foundation/agency relationship, and practical steps for developing and applying EQ skills. What is Emotional Intelligence (EQ)? Emotional Intelligence is the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions effectively in oneself and others. It involves recognizing emotional cues, responding appropriately, and balancing emotional and rational thought for sound decision-making. EQ also encompasses empathy, social skills, and conflict resolution, making it essential for building meaningful relationships and navigating social complexities. For park foundations and agencies, EQ means fostering collaboration, trust, and mutual respect in partnerships. It plays a vital role in both personal and professional development, enhancing leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Key Components of EQ The foundation of Emotional Intelligence lies in five key components: Emotional Awareness: Understanding one’s own emotions and recognizing those of others, fostering deeper connections with donors, partners, and communities. Self-Regulation: Managing emotions to remain calm and focused, even in challenging situations. Empathy: Seeing things from others’ perspectives to build trust and stronger relationships. Social Skills: Communicating effectively, collaborating, and navigating complex partnerships. Motivation: Staying committed to goals and inspiring others to support the mission. Embracing these components enables park professionals to create stronger connections and achieve greater impact together. Why EQ Matters in Park Foundation/Agency Relationships The dynamic and collaborative nature of modern workplaces, especially in the nonprofit sector, makes EQ indispensable. High EQ enhances communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building with colleagues, donors, and stakeholders. It is also a cornerstone of effective leadership, fostering motivation, resilience, and adaptability. As automation increases, human-centric traits like empathy and emotional awareness become increasingly valuable. Organizations prioritize EQ for its positive impact on teamwork, job satisfaction, and overall performance. Unlike IQ, EQ can be developed, making it a critical skill for thriving in the evolving professional landscape. Korenthal shared a personal anecdote, highlighting his initial struggles with EQ early in his career. Taking criticism personally and lacking patience strained his professional relationships and cost him a promotion. However, mentorship and dedicated effort to improve his EQ transformed his career trajectory, underscoring the power of emotional intelligence. Statistics and Case Studies: The Power of EQ Research underscores the transformative impact of EQ in the workplace: EQ accounts for 58% of job performance, with 90% of top performers possessing high EQ (TalentSmart). Teams with high EQ report better collaboration, higher job satisfaction, and reduced burnout. PepsiCo leaders with high EQ achieved 10% higher productivity and 87% less turnover. High-EQ recruiters in the U.S. Air Force outperformed peers by 300%, saving $3 million annually. In healthcare, emotionally intelligent staff improved patient satisfaction, outcomes, and reduced claims. These case studies illustrate how prioritizing EQ can lead to measurable benefits across industries, enhancing individual performance, organizational success, and community trust. Developing Your EQ Skills Building Emotional Intelligence begins with self-assessment. Identifying strengths and areas for improvement sets the stage for growth. Here are practical steps to enhance your EQ: Self-Assessment: Use tools to evaluate your current EQ level. Emotional Awareness: Practice active listening and maintain eye contact to build trust. Self-Regulation: Use breathing exercises or count backward from 5 to manage emotions during high-pressure situations. Empathy: Read stories of individuals overcoming challenges to gain diverse perspectives. Social Skills: Join networking groups to refine communication and collaboration abilities. Constant evaluation and benchmarking are key to a successful EQ journey. Regular assessments help track progress and refine strategies for continuous improvement. Applying EQ to Advance Partnerships Emotional Intelligence is instrumental in advancing partnerships within parks and recreation philanthropy. Key applications of EQ include: Building Trust: Through emotional awareness and empathy. Conflict Resolution: By practicing self-regulation. Effective Communication: Using active listening and clear messaging. Adaptability: Navigating challenges with resilience. Motivation: Inspiring shared commitment to goals. The benefits of applying EQ in partnerships are profound—enhanced collaboration, stronger relationships, aligned goals, and improved project outcomes. Creating an Emotional Intelligence Development Plan Unlike IQ, EQ can be cultivated through intentional practice. A personal EQ development plan involves: Self-Assessment: Identify your current EQ level. Goal Setting: Define what you aim to achieve. Action Steps: Practice emotional awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. Timeline: Set specific timelines for improvement. Tracking Progress: Maintain a journal to document milestones and setbacks. A testimonial from the webinar highlighted Lindsey’s journey—transforming strained relationships into thriving collaborations by developing her EQ, leading to a 20% increase in funding within six months. Her story exemplifies how EQ development can drive both personal and organizational success. Tools for Assessing Emotional Intelligence Several tools can help assess and improve EQ, including: Psychology Today Emotional Intelligence Test Truity EQ Emotional Intelligence Test MindTools Emotional Intelligence Assessment These tools provide valuable insights and benchmarks for your EQ journey, enabling continuous growth and development. Conclusion Emotional Intelligence is not just an individual skill but a collective resource essential for advancing philanthropic missions in parks and recreation. By understanding, developing, and applying EQ, park agencies and foundations can foster stronger partnerships, achieve greater impact, and create lasting positive change. The journey to mastering EQ requires commitment, practice, and continuous learning. Start your EQ journey today and unlock the potential for transformative success in your organization. For more information, contact Kevin D. Korenthal, CAE, Executive Director of the National Association of Park Foundations, at execdir@the-napf.org.